fXV, 398, 3 Jan. 1900

Page 1

Advertisements

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Auctioneers, Adelaide, Kapunda, Kooringa & Broken Hill

Sandland & Co. Auctioneers, Kooringa & Jamestown

Elder, smith & Co. Ltd Auctioneers, Adelaide, Pt Adelaide, Pt Augusta, Pt Pirie, Jamestown, Gladstone, Kooringa, Kapunda, Strathalbyn, Broken Hill & London

Drew & Crewes Importers

Bath & Pearce Importers

C. & A. Fuss Timber Merchants, Aberdeen

John Pearce Timber Merchant, Kooringa

O. Bartholomæus Timber Merchant, Redruth [Advt. page 4 says Aberdeen]

A. Bartholomæus Agent for SA Fire Insurance Co., Redruth

S. Burns Blacksmith, Wheelwright etc., Commercial St

Thomas Harris Coachbuilder, Wheelwright, Shoeing & General Smith, Commercial St

[Wilkinson] Kooringa Dispensary, Books, Cards, Aerated drinks, Novelties, Spectacles

Page 2

Advertisements

W.J. Davey The Record Photographic Studio

T. O’Byrnes Burra Watch Factory, Commercial St

L.L. Wicklein Watchmaker, Commercial St, between the Record office and Walker’s Boot Shop

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Auctioneers

W.J. Davey Agent for Red Bird Bicycles

Eskell & Tattersal Dentists, monthly at Vivian’s Hotel

Herbert C. Afford Dentist, monthly at the Commercial Hotel

Annie B. Millar Burra High School [Bleak House]

Page 4

Advertisements

T.T. Shortridge General Press & Commission Agent, Commercial St

Luke Day Grocer & Fruiterer

P. Pendlebury Solicitor etc., Adelaide, attends Burra if retained

A.C. Noyes Music Teacher

W.J. Davey Commercial & General Printing

C.C. Williams Ironmonger, Tinsmith, Galvanized Iron Worker & Bicycle Repairs, Commercial St

O. Bartholomæus Carpenter & Builder, Aberdeen, in the premises known as Sara & Dunstan’s

W.J. Richards Burra Bicycle Depot, Aberdeen, Agent for Austral Cycles

XV, 398, 3 Jan. 1900, page 2

Burra High School first term begins Wednesday 24 January 1900. Annie B. Millar (Principal).

Methodist Union. A service in the interests of Methodist Union will be held at the Wesleyan Church next Sunday at 6.30 p.m. The amalgamation of the congregations will take place in April.

Burra Waterworks. The Waterworks Engineer, Mr Lapidge, has resigned and departed for Adelaide – a testimonial is being prepared.

Christmas Day was a scorcher and some days since have been very disagreeable.

Kooringa Primitive Methodist Sunday School Anniversary was held on Christmas Day with the public meeting and a supper on Wednesday.

Burra Slag Extraction Co. has installed electric light which was seen for the first time in Burra at the also Smelting Works last week.

Boer War. Collections at the various churches on Sunday 24 December 1899 raised £14 for the Transvaal Fund.

There was a Transvaal Patriotic Fund Meeting at the Institute on 22 December 1899, chaired by the Mayor, E.W. Crewes, and money is already coming in freely.

Obituary. James Martin, well-known in SA and the other colonies, and one of the promoters of the Burra Slag Extraction Co. has died. [Died 27 December 1899 aged 78]

The Wesleyan Church will hold its annual Church Parade in aid of the Samaritan Fund of the Burra Hospital on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. It is expected all the Friendly Societies and the Burra Bicycle Club will join the procession and that the Mayor and Councillors will attend.

Our Boys’ Brigade camp at World’s End on 26 December saw 23 lads attend for two days with shooting of wallabies & rabbits, crayfishing, etc.

Burra State School achieved 89.7% at the annual inspection on 18 & 21 December 1899 and silver medals for the best-conducted boy and girl went to Fred. Pearce and Olive Pearce.

XV, 398, 3 Jan. 1900, page 2-3

Boer War. E.W. Crewes presided at a meeting at the Burra Institute on 22 December whose object was to raise funds for sufferers in the South African War. No subscription lists are printed yet, but money is already coming in freely. Rev. W.G. Clarke spoke feelingly. The greatest sufferers would be those left behind and deprived of their breadwinners. Rev. Murphy seconded the motion recognising the bravery of the soldiers and calling for all efforts to augment the fund. Mr Winnall moved for the formation of a shilling fund in Burra. 2nd Mr Cox. Drs Sangster & Brummitt also spoke and T. O’Byrnes. The meeting ended with the singing of God Save the Queen & Rule Britannia.

XV, 398, 3 Jan. 1900, page 3

The Patriotic Fund. A concert in support of the fund was held on Thursday evening. The Institute Hall was patriotically decorated. [The program is reviewed.] It included items played on Mr Hiddle’s gramophone. £30 was raised and it is expected that £100 will be raised in Burra. W.J. Davey took a flash photograph of the performers and the committee for presentation to the Queen.

Christmas. Toy trumpets etc. sounded the approach of Christmas on the 24 December. The streets were thronged with people and shops did good business. Carol singers were heard in the still night.

Christmas Day was most disagreeable: with hot winds and almost unbearable heat. There were well-attended sports meetings at Booborowie, Black Springs and Waterloo.

On Boxing Day the weather was much better for the Burra Sports at Victoria Park. Picnics were also held.

New Year’s Eve passed off quietly with little or none of the damage of past years. On New Year’s Day the Kooringa Wesleyan Sunday school held its picnic at Sod Hut.

Thistle Beds’ School [sic] was examined on 19 December and every child was promoted. The school gained 82.08%.

Burra Town Council. Special Meeting 21 December re the Waterworks.

The Municipal Assoc. advised that the Council had no power to hold the poll of 1 December concerning the handing back of the Waterworks to the Government: either for the water ratepayers or for the general ratepayers.

Council resolved to retain control for the time being pending a satisfactory reduction being obtained in the capital account. MPs Holder & Rounsevell are to find out when the Commissioner of Public Works will receive a deputation. The engineer Mr Lapidge is to be given a testimonial.

Burra High School – Bleak House

Pupils held a break-up on 18 December at Bleak House. Rev. Wilfred Murphy spoke and distributed prizes. The dux was Vera Wilkinson. The prize list is printed. Numbers were down somewhat this year, but results have been excellent. During the year the departure of Arthur King was regretted as was the removal of Miss Davidson. Rev. Wilfred Murphy has been a very welcome replacement for Rev. King and his scripture lessons have been a delight. Miss Bertha Millar replaced Miss Davidson. Her dancing class on Saturday afternoons has been an unqualified success.

Annie B. Millar (Principal)

Redruth Court, 19 December

J. Morgan Local Health Inspector charged John Ford with keeping pigs in close proximity to the slaughterhouse. Ford denied it, saying the pigs had 1,000 acres to run on, but the SM pointed out that was all the more reason why they should not have been observed close to the slaughterhouse. Ford admitted not having written permission to keep pigs at all. Fined 10/- plus costs to a total of £2-6-0.

W.A. Rabbich was charged with feeding a sow on raw blood and denied the charge. John Morgan said the sties were about 100 yards from the slaughterhouse, which is situated alongside the railway line. He did not see the sow actually feeding, but did see the congealed blood in a trough the sow had access to. Mr Packard objected on the grounds that the charge related to Section 1 when the premises were on Section 2881. The SM dismissed the objection, saying the accused admitted he was the person intended by attending to defend the case. The defendant swore there was no blood in the trough and he had not killed since the Friday previous to the Monday inspection. He was supported by evidence from Richard Carpenter & W. Reynolds. The SM said he could not convict on the evidence and believed the inspector to have made a mistake. He gave a verdict against the Council for £2-11-0.

Burra United Friendly Societies’ Sports. A successful meeting was held on 26 December at Victoria Park. A shower of rain about 11 a.m. cleared the air and a day favourable for sports followed. The committee had much trouble to prepare the bicycle track this year, but with judicious expenditure they made it rideable. The gate takings of £48-8-0 were up on recent years. Secretary was H.W. Pearce, F.J. Carey was President, and the judges were W. Neville & C. Fuss. M. Rabbich was starter. The results are printed. [The day was dominated by the cycle events.]

An evening performance by the Petersburg Dramatic Co. of Broken Vows saw door takings of £15-13-6.

Burra Mutual Improvement Soc. held its first annual social in the Kooringa Wesleyan Lecture Hall on 20 December. The President Dr Brummitt presided.

J.J. Blott was given a farewell social at the Commercial Hotel on 2 January before his departure for WA.

XV, 399, 10 Jan. 1900, page 2

Obituary. Rev. T.M. Rowe, a sometime Redruth Wesleyan minister has died.

[Thomas Matthew Rowe died 6 January 1900 aged 54]

Methodist Union. There was a large attendance at the first United Methodist Service last Sunday.

The Samaritan Fund service on Sunday produced satisfactory proceeds.

Boer War. Mr Knapman, overseer at Booborowie Station and Mr Alfred Young, son of Mr Thomas Young, an old Burra resident, now of Melbourne, leave for the war in Transvaal.

Local Court. Corporal Noble has been appointed Clerk of the Local Court. The editor thought this unwise as he had a large district to attend to and could not do both duties justice. Mr Giles has been doing the job well for some months and should continue.

Salvation Army. The lady officers, Captain Stewart & Lieut. Butt, who have been in charge of the Salvation Army here for some months will be farewelled on Sunday. They will be succeeded by Captain Deeble and probably Lieut. Gullick. Captain Isabell Nicholls, who left here for the work several years ago, is visiting her native town. Mrs Melksham will also visit Kooringa this week and all her friends will be glad to know she is now in excellent health.

Dr Brummitt’s garden will again be the site for a Continental to aid the Burra Jubilee Benevolent Society. There will be songs, recitations, orchestral pieces and performance on the horizontal bar.

Mr J.J. Blott was given a social at the Commercial Hotel on 2 January on the eve of his departure for WA. 25 turned out to bid him farewell. E.W. Crewes presided. Mr Blott has been popular as a cricketer, footballer and volunteer, and was first President of the Burra Defence Rifle Club. The Mayor presented an illuminated address and a travelling bag.

XV, 399, 10 Jan. 1900, page 3

Burra Waterworks. The Mayor, Cr West, Cr Williams and Cr McLaren are to wait on the Commissioner of Public Works with F.W. Holder and W.B. Rounsevell re a reduction in the capital account for the Waterworks.

Burra Slag Extraction Co., having made a series of trials, is now fully operational with three shifts going day and night. Soon they expect to be handling 500 tons per week.

Young (& old) couples are complaining that the electric light is illuminating all those little spots a quarter of a mile away. [The lights were powerful arc lights.]

Burra Institute Meeting.

The Board of Governors of the Public Library [Adelaide] offered a cabinet of suitable mineral specimens for the area and the committee ‘resolved that the offer be excepted [sic] and arrangements made’.

The annual meeting of subscribers showed that the income was £271-9-2 (Including the balance in hand from the previous year of £71-3-6.) Expenditure had been £216-5-0.

The Corporation Room has been renovated at a cost of £9-16-7 and the Lodge room for £11-16-0. Other sundry repairs cost £4-12-10.

The balance in the bank was £55-4-2. The library began with 2,940 volumes and during the year £32 was spent acquiring 186 volumes for a present total of 3,126.

There were 92 subscribers: an increase of 17.

Mr Winnall was elected President, Mr McAloney was Vice-President and Dr Brummitt was Treasurer for 1900.

Cricket. 1 January: World’s End 139 & 106 (245) defeated Robertstown 32 & 98 (130).

The Transvaal Patriotic Fund’s Shilling Subscription List has so far raised £75-18-4.

Burra Defence Rifle Club has elected W.B. Page as President to replace Josh. J. Blott.

Court.

George Attrill was charged with stealing 23/- from the till of the Commercial Hotel and sentenced to two months in the Adelaide Gaol.

XV, 400, 17 Jan. 1900, page 2

Advt. Burra Races, Wednesday 31 January 1900. Excursion Fares available. 5/- Totalizator.

Fitzgerald Bros. Circus will provide their World Renowned Brass Band & three of their horses will perform at the races.

Cricket at Victoria Park on Saturday: Quarrymen 100 defeated Burra 98.

XV, 400, 17 Jan. 1900, page 3

W.H. Hardy writes complaining about unpatriotic sentiments expressed by some people re the Boer War – even some members of the Legislature – he is glad to see the local response to the shilling subscription.

T.S. Reynolds writes as ‘the first concentrator in Australia’. Being escorted over the Slag Extraction Works recently he was surprised at the number of gauges etc. needed to clean the copper and thinks that the Burra Mine could be working at a handsome profit given such modern equipment.

Court Unity reports a successful year with a credit balance of £1,595-19-11: an increase for the half-year of £66-9-10. Membership was 186: 183 paid up.

Fire. Phosphorus poison, used to kill rabbits, is believed to have started a 200 acre fire at E. Bowman’s estate near the Black Waterholes on Monday. There was the loss of splendid feed and some fencing.

Burra Town Council

Tenders accepted for lamp lighting: H. Tiver in North Ward for £7-14-0 and W. Geake for two lamps in Kooringa for £13. [Though the report says lamps for North Ward the sum involved suggests one.]

Burra Waterworks. The level of water in the well remains about the same. SAR is taking a considerable quantity.

Obituary. Mr Thomas Andrews, 3rd son of Mrs R. Andrews [and, according to the paper of 24 Jan. 1900, page 2, of the late Richard Andrews], was thrown from his horse and dislocated his neck. Death was instantaneous. He was 22. Only a week or two ago he narrowly escaped death when thrown from a spring wagon, the wheel of which badly bruised his arm. He was employed by the Unicorn Brewery and had to attend to and water the horses. The accident occurred in the Brewery Yard. E.W. Crewes JP deemed an inquest unnecessary.

[Born 20 May 1877: died 14 January 1900]

Obituary. Arthur Joseph Errington died on Monday [15 January] at his hotel at Farrell’s Flat, as a consequence of diseased liver and kidneys, accelerated by alcoholic poisoning. [Born 27 November 1857 Plympton.]

Boer War. The Transvaal Patriotic Fund has reached £145-3-10.

Bicycle Sports. There is a meeting tonight at the Burra Hotel about bicycle sports on Easter Monday.

XV, 401, 24 Jan. 1900, page 2

Advt. Fitzgerald’s Bros. Circus by Special Train: Circus and Menagerie, Wednesday 31 January,

Race Night – Splendid Band.

Burra Departures.

R. McAloney leaves for Petersburg: a useful worker for the Wesleyan Church, tennis club and the Mutual Improvement Society.

F. Trotter leaves for Adelaide: he took charge of the Boys’ Brigade and was a Wesleyan Church worker and member of the tennis club and Mutual Improvement Society.

Mr Fairweather will take charge of the Burra School as soon as his health allows. In the meantime Mr Kennedy will be in charge for about three months.

The Continental in Dr Brummitt’s garden on Friday was a considerable success.

XV, 401, 24 Jan. 1900, page 3

Burra Waterworks. The deputation of the Mayor, E.W. Crewes, and Councillors waited on the Commissioner of Public Works, the hon. R.W. Foster, supported by the District Members, Messrs Rounsevell and Holder. Mr Rounsevell said the position in Burra was grave. The plant was 15 years old and was originally second hand. The timbers and pipes were defective. They requested that the capital account be reduced to enable money to be spent on repairs. The corporation had paid 5% on a capital cost of £8,100 until 18 months ago when it was reduced to 4%, but still on the same capital value. The Corporation expects daily to hear that the engine has collapsed, while the mains and supply pipes constantly need repair. If the Burra Mine restarted the supply would instantly cease. The water quality was poor and really fit only for stock. His own impression was that the best thing would be for the Government to take over the scheme.

The Hon. J. Lewis said that the Burra people would probably be prepared to take over the scheme if the Government would accept £4,000 for the plant as it stood.

Hon. J. Warren thought the position dangerous for the town with supplies uncertain and of impure nature.

Hon. M.P.F. Basedow thought the Government had an obligation to ensure a safe and plentiful supply as a matter of public health and supported earlier speakers.

Rounsevell pointed out that other districts got a water supply at one quarter of the cost and Crs West and Williams endorsed the above.

The Commissioner accepted the need for reliable and good water supply and the problem posed by the possible reopening of the mine, but he could not be expected to accede to the £4,000 figure without becoming fully acquainted with the actual value of the plant. So a valuation will be made.

[Advertiser report.]

Burra Races will be held on 31 January in Dew’s Paddock. (Nominations published.)

Burra Mine. An effort to re-open the Burra Mine is being made, though the paper does not say how, or by whom.

Bicycle Sports are being arranged for Easter Monday at Victoria Park in conjunction with events at Petersburg and Broken Hill.

Boer War. The Transvaal Patriotic Fund stands at £153-10-4.

XV, 402, 31 Jan. 1900, page 2

Obituary. The wife of Mr James Bennetts has died at Broken Hill on 24 January, aged 58. She was born near Austell, Cornwall, and migrated with her parents, Mr & Mrs E. Ellery, as a young child. They settled in Burra, living for some time in a creek dugout. In 1857 she married James Bennetts and they lived in Burra (except for a brief time at Wallaroo) till 1887, when they moved to Broken Hill. She leaves a husband, four sons and one daughter: Harry, Thomas and Edward at Broken Hill and Alfred at Kooringa and Mrs A.B. Wood of Broken Hill. She was for over 40 years a member of the Bible Christian Church. [Born Mary Ellery in Cornwall]

Methodist Union. A meeting of the three Methodist branches in Burra was held on 26 January which decided that the formal union of the churches would take place on 1 April and the congregations will worship together from the first Sunday in March. Sunday schools will unite on Sunday 4 March and the first quarterly meeting of the United Church will be held on 6 April.

Boer War. SA has decided to send 50 Bushmen to the South African War and the cost is estimated at £5,000, of which Adelaide has already contributed £1,600. The balance should be raised if possible within ten days. This is revealed in a letter from the Mayor of Adelaide to the Mayor of Burra, Mr E.W. Crewes. The Mayor has agreed to receive donations and the Record to acknowledge same.

XV, 402, 31 Jan. 1900, page 3

John Melrose, of North Booborowie, has reported a man from his station is missing and he is of the opinion he has taken strychnine, from letters he left behind. M-C Jemison is investigating.

Cricket. A match is being arranged for Saturday week with Clare. Last Saturday at Victoria Park, Burra 126 defeated Mongolata 41 in the third match of the season between these two teams.

The Record reports on attitudes of the day:

‘Divorce are [sic] becoming far too sadly frequent in SA.’

‘Home life is losing its attractions in this age of feverish speculation, gambling and loose living.’

‘This climate of ours which entices people to spend so much of their time out of door [sic] is destroying the domestic hearth.’

‘The young people get out to [sic] much of evenings, and the old fashioned dictum of spending evening indoors with the family circle is getting to be regarded as an eccentricity.’

Boer War. The Transvaal Patriotic Fund has reached £166-13-2.

XV, 403, 7 Feb. 1900, page 2

Fitzgerald Bros. Circus on 31 January was a great success.

‘The lion rode on the elephant’s back and the tiger did likewise on the horse’s back, while new acts and feats were accomplished by man and beast.’

The Douglas Correspondent wrote to say that it was so dry east of Burra that even the rabbits had moved on to greener pastures.

XV, 403, 7 Feb. 1900, page 2-3

Burra Races, in F. Dew’s Paddock last Wednesday.

This was the first race meeting since 1896, but the club is now registered and in good order. Costs of establishing the event were quite high. A room had to be built for the totalizator. Excursion fares were available from Adelaide and Petersburg and Fitzgerald’s Band was an attraction. Hon. J. Lewis MLC & W.B. Rounsevell MP, club patrons, were present. 400-500 would have been judged a satisfactory turnout, but in fact about 1,000 assembled. The tote handled £357 in the day which netted £26 for the club in commission. Larry O’Brien won the tender for liquor and E. Jordan that for eatables. The prize money was not great, only £70, but a better total is hoped for the future.

The top prize money went to the Burra Handicap over 11⁄2 miles when 1st prize was £20 and 2nd £5. The winner was Mr J.T. Hill’s b. g. Scutum 5yrs, by Escutio – Lady Elizabeth, ridden by F. Hill.

Unfortunately in the Flying Handicap a young jockey, J.H. Doherty, aged 12, was killed. In a cloud of dust at the finish Doherty collided with the finishing post, fracturing his skull and never regaining consciousness. He died in hospital that night c. 11.30 p.m.

XV, 403, 7 Feb. 1900, page 3

Obituary & Inquest into the death of James H. Doherty, jockey.

[Born James Hilarian Doherty 21 October 1887: died 31 January 1900 aged 12]

E.W. Crewes JP as coroner and C. Fuss as foreman of the jury.

W.J. Richards said he saw the lad ride into the post as far as he could judge in the dust. He helped August Fuss put the lad into a trap for the hospital.

Dr Sangster operated to relieve pressure on the brain, but the damage was such as to preclude the possibility of recovery and death occurred about 11.30 p.m.

Augustine St Justin Doherty, brother of the deceased, thought his brother incapable of controlling the mare – both parents however, had consented. Deceased had been riding in races since 26 December 1898. He thought the posts [i.e. those marking the track] should have been painted or had flags on them. The turn into the straight was also too sharp, which made the running dangerous for large fields. [There had been nine horses in the race concerned.]

William Turner Thompson gave the most detailed account of the accident – seeing the horse suddenly veer right, apparently trying to avoid the post, and the jockey was leaning to the left and collided with it. The rider was thrown back onto the hindquarters and fell off on the right hand side some four yards past the post. He also considered the posts should have been painted and that the turn was unsafe.

The jury decided that death was due to accidental collision with a post on the Burra Race Course and regretted having to add that the parents were somewhat to blame for allowing a lad of ‘tender years’ to ride in the race.

James Tie, a Chinese gardener of Black Waterholes, met with a serious accident on his way home on

Saturday. He lost control of his horse and dray on an incline near his garden and the dray capsized. He was thrown into the creek where he lay unconscious for some hours. He was found by his wife who then sent for Mr Reed who conveyed him to the Burra Hospital. He remains unconscious with a concussion that seems likely to prove fatal. He is aged 40. [Note that in the report of his death in the next issue he is said to be 48.]

Boer War. The Transvaal Patriotic Fund stands at £173-18-2.

Sydney Elsborough, a young man who disappeared from the North Booborowie Station, was found in a demented state and brought to the Burra Hospital.

Court.

Thomas Kent a ‘cutter’ [i.e. a sharpener of blades] was found guilty of picking the pocket of Mr William Escott Escott of Koonoona at the recent Burra Races. He was seen by both M-C Jemison and August Fuss, but he proclaims his total innocence. He was sentenced to two months in Adelaide Gaol.

Weather. On 6 February it was 101°F in Burra.

Burra Town Council.

£356 has been allotted for main roads in 1900.

Notice boards ordering people to ‘Walk round corner’ are to be repainted.

Commercial St footpath to be tar dressed from F. Harris’s shop to Drew & Crewes’ and from Park’s shop to O’Leary’s.

The assessment is to stay at the 1899 level.

Some repairs have been effected at the Waterworks, including timbering of the well. These have increased the capital account to £8,104-10-1.

Interest to June next is £162-3-6.

The SAR has taken 75,000 gallons from 9 to 24 January.

XV, 404, 14 Feb. 1900, page 2

A Continental in Mrs H.S. Dunn’s garden at Redruth on 23 February will aid the Wesleyan Church.

(Ice cream provided.)

Boer War. The Wesleyan Church held intercessional services for the war last Sunday and a special collection in aid of the Nurses Fund raised £4.

Nurse Bidmead of the Burra hospital left for Adelaide last Saturday. She has been chosen as one of the six SA nurses to go to Transvaal. She was presented with a small purse of sovereigns.

Mr Field, of Monavea, was on the road near the Burra Mill when his horse unaccountably began kicking and continued to do so till it had smashed the front of the trap, broken the shafts and freed itself from the buggy.

Kooringa Bible Christian Church celebrated its 50th anniversary on 11 & 12 February and held the usual tea on Monday.

Obituary. James Tie died in the Burra Hospital on 9 February after the accident reported in the last issue. He was aged 48 and leaves a wife and adopted child.

[Registered as Foon Tie Chong (surname Chong) died aged 43]

Obituary. Thomas Hutchins, aged 85, died at his Aberdeen residence on 9 February. His wife, aged 79, died last June. He was born in England in 1815 and arrived in SA in the early days of the colony and settled at Bungaree and later at Iron Mine as a farmer for 13 years before coming to Aberdeen. He became a member of the Primitive Methodist Church in 1835 and was a local preacher and circuit treasurer. He leaves six adult daughters.

XV, 404, 14 Feb. 1900, page 2-3

Report of the Medical Officer of Health.

This was the first annual report, though actually only for five months as it was a new appointment.

In general the sanitary conditions in town were satisfactory, due mainly to the activities of the Inspector. The main problem in the period was an influenza outbreak in October and November of 1899.

In the six months to 31 December 1899 there were 22 deaths. Of these 8 were in the hospital, 4 the result of accident and 10 elsewhere.

The town population is estimated at 1,700-1,800, there having been no census for some time.

Recommendations:

A new slaughterhouse with sales of meat restricted to inspected meat.

A new rubbish depot as material from the present one enters the creek and thence the town. ‘Excrete which is deposited there should be better disposed of.’

The water service needs more supervision. He was most concerned about the problem of dead end pipes.

XV, 404, 14 Feb. 1900, page 3

Boer War. The Transvaal Patriotic Fund has reached £178-7-2.

A special ‘auction’ raised money for the ‘Bushman’s Contingent’ amounting to £72-16-6.

Cricket. On Saturday at Victoria Park Clare 135 & 2 for 47 defeated Burra 59 & 113.

On Wednesday at Victoria Park Mt Bryan East 92 defeated Burra 61.

XV, 405, 21 Feb. 1900, page 2

Boer War. Mr C.R. Treloar, son of Mr Frank Treloar, late popular manager of Gum Creek Station, has decided to accompany the Bushmen’s Contingent to South Africa. He is 23 and an experienced horseman.

Court.

The following were charged with disturbing the peace:

Charles Stritch Sappho Halls Morris Geoghagen

William Knevett Walter Newell Stanley Bewley

Edward Moore Alfred Bevan Thomas Rosewall

The charges against Bevan and Rosewall were later withdrawn when they were found to have arrived late at the scene. All the rest pleaded not guilty.

Bevan’s evidence. Had arrived at Welsh Place c. 11 p.m. on 3 February and found Stritch rowing and fighting and hollowing in a disturbance which had lasted c. 3⁄4 of an hour. Halls was present, but did not start it: he was looking on. Knevett was present. Bevan saw Stritch strike Knevett who tried to defend himself, but was too young. He also saw Stritch strike Bewley who did nothing. Halls took Bewley’s part. Moore was present with Rosewall and Bevan, but took no part. Newell was present and had been drinking, but was not drunk and caused no row in Bevan’s presence.

Thomas Rosewall’s evidence largely agreed with the above. He thought Stritch had caused the row.

Stritch said he had come in from McBride’s Norman Farm with a horse and trap. When he came out of the hotel someone had let the horse loose, this happened a second time and things were removed from his trap and a bottle of beer taken from his pocket. He said two or three of a group of boys were teasing him.

After hearing all the evidence the charges against Rosewall and Bevan were withdrawn. Halls, Bewley, Newell and Moore were discharged. Stritch, Knevett, and Geoghagen were fined 10/- + 13/4 costs or in lieu, 14 days.

Francis Harris Charles Schultz John Stephen Beale

Each fined 2/6 + costs for owning various straying animals.

XV, 405, 21 Feb. 1900, page 3

Thistlebeds. The Challenge Cricket Club met on Wednesday and decided to resume their weekly practices on the land near the Douglas Primitive Methodist Chapel on Saturday afternoons at 2 p.m.

Douglas Primitive Methodist Chapel held harvest thanksgiving services on 11 February and on 12 February there was a sale of fruit and a lecture from Mr S. Olley on his trip to England.

Boer War. News of the relief of Kimberley spread on Saturday morning and the town was soon decked in flags. There was a public meeting in Market Square presided over by the Mayor with patriotic speeches and thanks to God for the deliverance.

The first SA death in the war was noted: a young man from Mt Gambier.

Patriotic songs were sung. J.E.H. Winnall sang The Englishman.

W.B. Page sang Old England and the New.

Robert Warner sang Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue.

The Nurses Fund gained £3-10-0 from a collection and the meeting ended with the National Anthem and Rule Britannia.

Similar outbursts of patriotic fervour are noted from Adelaide and elsewhere.

Vandalism. M-C Jemison found two lads trying to damage the water trough in Market Square. They are to apologise to the Council at the next meeting.

Obituary. Annie Smith, widow of the late Peter Smith, residing with her 90-year-old mother, has been burnt to death. The old lady was out in the yard getting water when the daughter ran into the yard with her dress all alight. The flames were extinguished by neighbours, but Mrs Smith died shortly after Dr Brummitt arrived. [The marriage information suggests she may have been born Anne Lynch who married Peter Smith at Mintaro 19 October 1864. Her age matches this person, but the only very old Mrs Lynch registered as dying in SA was Bridget, widow of Michael, who died at Yongala aged 106 on 10 September 1905, so she doesn’t fit in with being 90 in 1900.]

Kooringa Primitive Methodist Church harvest thanksgiving was held last Sunday. Next Sunday the church will be open for the last time.

Obituary. Mrs Lane, mother of the Kooringa postmaster, has died in Glenelg. She fell victim to the recent influenza epidemic a few months ago and recently went to Glenelg in the hope of a more complete recovery, but it was not achieved. She had a large circle of friends in Burra.

[See more details next issue]

Advt. A Concert, Social and Dance will be held in the Burra Institute on 14 February in aid of the St Joseph’s School and teachers.

XV, 406, 28 Feb. 1900, page 2

Editorial on The Boer War. This is a very patriotic piece, lauding the ‘fairness which has characterised all [England’s] proceedings in the war’ whereas ‘Treachery, villainy and corruption have predominated on every conceivable point by the Boers, and this, of course, has made the war more terrible’.

Methodist Union. A Methodist conference is underway to appoint ministers to the new circuits following Union.

Mr Sieber, the popular host of the Kooringa Hotel, is seriously ill in bed.

Methodist Union. Although the union will formally come into effect on 1 April, the final services were held in the Primitive Methodist and Bible Christian Churches last Sunday.

Obituary. Emmie Turner, aged 19, employed by Mr P. McLoughlin of Paratoo, died on her way to the Burra Hospital following her dress catching alight while ironing clothes on Thursday. [Registered as Emma Turner died 23 February]

Obituary. Henry Wheare died at Broken Hill as a result of an accident in the Junction Mine. He became entangled in the ‘knocker line’ in the shaft and his neck was broken. He was aged 45 and leaves a wife and six children. He had been born in Burra and had resided here for a considerable time. [Born at Burra 5 June 1856]

Burra Waterworks. The Government has decided it cannot lower either the interest rate or the capital account on the Burra Waterworks. In the face of Mr Foster’s reply to the deputation this seems very queer.

XV, 406, 28 Feb. 1900, page 3

The Boer War. The Transvaal Patriotic Fund stands at £182-14-8.

Obituary. Mrs Mary Ann Lane was a colonist of 50 years, having arrived with her husband and four children in October of 1849. They settled in North Adelaide. Soon her husband and two eldest boys went to the Victorian gold rush where her husband caught cold and died in the Geelong Hospital. A few years later she lost first the second and then the eldest son, since when she has lived with her youngest son, the Kooringa postmaster, John Lane. She came from Hereford. In the UK she was a member of the Countess of Huntingdon’s Connection, but that not being represented here, she became a Wesleyan. She died from jaundice following influenza contracted a few months since. She died at Glenelg on 18 February, aged 84 years 10 months.

M.T. Rabbich, who is going to Boulder City, WA, was farewelled at a social at the Royal Exchange Hotel on Monday evening. T.T. Shortridge presided. Mr Rabbich had been prominent in football and cricket and was presented with an address and a travelling portmanteau. He was a resident of 36 years.

Burra Bicycle Club met on Monday when T.T. Shortridge resigned as Hon. Sec. due to pressure of time. He was replaced by Mr C. Adams of the SAR.

Mr A.J. O’Gilvie of the Posts and Telegraphs Dept. visited Burra on Monday after an absence of 20 years. He served in Burra as a youthful member of the Dept. under Mr J. Belcher.

Burra Waterworks. The Town Council on 26 February received a letter in response to the Waterworks Deputation on 17 January. The Conservator of Water says the works are in a fair condition and it has been decided that no reduction can be made in the capital cost as interest has already been reduced from 5% to 4%. The Government is quite prepared to take over the works and have the district rated in accordance with the Waterworks Act. It was resolved that the Commissioner be asked via W.B. Rounsevell by whom and when the valuation and inspection was made.

Mrs Baker of Redruth has received a maternity Licence and is now prepared to attend all cases.

XV, 406, 28 Feb. 1900, Supplement.

[The supplement was on orange coloured paper c. A5 size]

Advt. Concert and Social in Burra Institute 14 March in aid of St Joseph’s School

Advt. At Burra Institute 3 March the Theatograph [Movies] presents an evening of films, including: The Transvaal War, The Alhambra Cricketing Pictures, with Edison’s Grand Concert Phonograph and vocal and instrumental selections. 2/- and 1/-.

XV, 407, 7 Mar. 1900, page 2

Advt. Burra Institute, 8 March: The Famous and Original Lynch Family & Co.

Advt. United Methodist Church Services, 11 March. 11 a.m. at Redruth and 6.30 p.m. at Kooringa.

F.W. Holder will preach.

Methodist Union. The first united Methodist Church service was held last Sunday when Rev. J. Berry officiated. The church has been renovated for its new role.

The Theatograph was similar to the Cinematograph and the war pictures were much appreciated. The improved phonograph was the best ever heard in Burra.

Boer War. The news of the relief of Ladysmith brought great rejoicing in Burra, and a patriotic demonstration in Market Square on Saturday night with speeches and songs.

[There is an amazing and absurd article about how a family stuck miniature Union Jacks and British Ensigns in the butter, jam, sugar and bread at mealtimes as a mark of the patriotic fervour for the war.]

Salvation Army. Next Sunday the Salvation Army harvest festival services will be held at the barracks. On Tuesday the service of song Little Dot will be followed by the Children’s Demonstration on Wednesday.

Burra Jubilee Benevolent Soc. will hold a Grand Continental in E.C. Lockyer’s garden on Friday 16 March to raise funds.

A Burra Philharmonic Society? Some young men are practising with the intention of forming a local philharmonic society. We wish them well.

The Century Exhibition will be opened in Adelaide on Thursday 15 March by the Governor. There will be a display of machinery, trade processes, arts, science and industry. There will be 12 grand concerts and 16 other splendid performances.

XV, 407, 7 Mar. 1900, page 3

Editorial expressing disgust at the way the Government has treated the town over the Waterworks. No one came near the town to inspect the works. We hope the Government will take over and give a supply fit for domestic purposes and not injurious to health as it is at present.

August Miller, blacksmith, after 29 years in Burra, has decided to try the ‘Golden West’ and so leaves on Saturday week. He worked for Statton & Henderson in the early days and when that partnership dissolved, for W. Henderson. Later he took over the shop known as Hudson’s in Thames St and has worked there ever since.

Kooringa Band of Hope continues to meet monthly.

Burra Town Council.

The footpath in Market Square is to be tar dressed from Ford’s corner to Tobin’s.

Cr Hardy gave notice of a motion for the next meeting ‘That it is desirable that the control of the waterworks be referred back to the Commissioner and that the Government be requested to make arrangements to take the control as early as possible.

Boer War. The Transvaal Patriotic Fund stands at £184-0-8.

XV, 408, 14 Mar. 1900, page 2

The Lynch Family of Bellringers performed to a good audience on Thursday and the comic element brought down the house every time.

St Joseph’s: special St Patrick’s Day services will be held next Saturday.

Dr Brummitt’s sale of furniture by auction next Wednesday will see a particularly fine lot go under the hammer.

Fire. A daughter of S. Burns accidentally set fire to a lot of pampas grass in the front room of the house when she took a candle in to fetch her hat. Fortunately it was extinguished without too much damage, though the wallpaper was charred and the glass in a large case was cracked.

Obituary. Mr Samuel Pearce of Leighton died on 4 March aged 63. He was born at Bodmin, [Cornwall] on 27 August 1836 and arrived at Port Adelaide in 1848 in the Santipore. He began work as a mason with his father and arrived in Burra 45 years ago. He was married at the Mintaro Wesleyan Church 27 November 1857 and took up a farm at Leighton. He leaves four sons, six daughters and 26 grandchildren. He has been ailing for some 12 months. [Husband of Ann Maria Pearce. His death is registered as Sammuel Pearce.]

Dr Brummitt, on the eve of his departure for England, has been appointed Honorary Consulting Surgeon at Burra Hospital for life. Dr Sangster jun. has been appointed to fill the vacancy on the medical staff caused by the resignation of Dr Brummitt.

Burra Burra Lodge MUIOOF shows 262 members with funds of £5,403-16-0 invested.

Boer War. SA’s third offering for the Boer War saw the Bushmen’s Corps leave Adelaide for South Africa on Wednesday. A large patriotic demonstration was held in the city on Tuesday with thousands of people in the streets. Burra is represented by Mr Treloar and Mr Knapman and Nurse Bidmead who is head of the nurses who have gone to tend the wounded. This colony is intending to send another 200 men in the next few weeks.

Salvation Army. The harvest festival in the barracks saw the usual elaborately decorated platform, including a nice lawn of young wheat grown in the officer’s home in Kooringa.

The Methodist Conference has appointed Rev. W.G. Clarke to Kooringa and Rev. W.H. Rofe to Redruth. Rev. S. Wellington now goes to Salisbury and Rev. W.O. North to Pt Germein, though entitled to a much better circuit.

The Queen will visit Ireland in April.

Burra Defence Rifle Club: match fired 28 February & 3 March.

Winner Prize

C. Parks Celery Jar

W.B. Page 2nd Sucking pig

G. Herbert 3rd Tin of lollies

A. Walker 4th Lamp

J. Casey Wooden spoon

Another match to be fired 21 March & 24 March

When the Burra Mounted Rifles disbanded their surplus money was given to the Burra Defence Rifle Club to be fired for by those who have completed the class firing. There are now five 1st class marksmen, two 2nd class marksmen and 29 3rd class marksmen. Half will be fired for by the first two groups and half by the 3rd class group.

XV, 408, 14 Mar. 1900, page 3

Burra Institute Committee has voted Dr Brummitt a life member for his years of support for the Institute.

Ironmine & Leighton Sports were held last Wednesday in excellent weather. They were very successful. Gate money was down on last year, but subscriptions were up. Events:

Members’ Handicap Allcomers’ Handicap Bicycle Handicap over 1 mile

Sheffield Handicap Cotton Winding Sheffield Hurdles

Tossing the Caber Bicycle Handicap over 2 miles Married Men’s Race (Men > 30)

Tug-of-war Tilting Novelty Bicycle Race

High Jump

Cricket. Last Saturday at Victoria Park World’s End 105 defeated Burra 55.

Burra Slag Extraction Co. continues to work steadily at the old smelts.

W.H. Hardy writes concurring with the editor that the Government is treating the town shabbily over the Waterworks. The reply from the Minister to the latest delegation was ‘knowingly made up of untruths and nonsense’. The Council was unwilling to hand the works over to the Government without first approaching the Government for a better deal. Mr Foster spoke most favourably of the justice of our complaints and has led us to believe that something could be done, but after waiting weeks nothing has changed. Despite the Minister’s claim no inspection or valuation was made and as a result I have moved to have the works returned to the Government. It is about time people began to object to being treated so shabbily.

Dr Brummitt’s departure to visit England.

Dr Brummitt came to Burra 23 years ago and from the start strove to work for the town and its people. He has always attended to has various duties and positions unostentatiously. Much of his work has never received public acknowledgement. He is a most skilled physician and surgeon. On arriving in 1877 he began practice with the late Dr Nesbit and then by himself when the latter left the town. He was a valued member of the Wesleyan Church and an earnest local preacher and has been church treasurer and treasurer of the supernumerary fund for SA. He worked for Methodist Union and was very influential in bringing that about. He was the prime mover of the Burra Jubilee Benevolent society, President of the Burra Institute in 1878 and in 1882 became its treasurer and has remained such till now. For four years he was Chairman of the Burra School Board of Advice. He was Mayor 1894-97 and poured oil on troubled waters when the Council was in turmoil. [Actually he was Mayor Dec. 1883-Nov. 1884 and Dec. 1894 to Nov. 1897.] He was a member of Burra Burra Lodge MUIOOF and Medical Officer at Burra Hospital throughout. He intends to spend a few months at the great London Hospitals to study the latest improvements and leaves for England on 12 April. His two sons are staying in Adelaide to complete their university studies.

[His furniture sale is itemised in column 6.]

A meeting is called at the Institute on Thursday to make arrangements for Dr Brummitt’s farewell.

J. Davey announces a supply of 1st class lime from the Old Kiln known as Rawling’s which can be delivered anywhere in town.

Gum Creek Anglican Chapel Harvest Festival Service was held last Sunday.

XV, 409, 21 Mar. 1900, page 2

St Joseph’s celebrated St Patrick’s Day with a special mass last Saturday.

Rabbit numbers are presently down due to killing efforts and the scarcity of feed.

The Rt. Hon. C.C. Kingston has gone to London as a Federal Delegate and has resigned from the SA Parliament. He has been replaced by Cr Denny.

P.L. Killicoat has been presented with a magnificent silver medal for exhibiting the champion merino ewe at the recent Broken Hill Pastoral and Agricultural Assoc. Show.

Obituary. James Shakes, of Bagot, Shakes & Lewis, has died after a long illness. Mr Shakes was best known at Kapunda where he took a very active part in the advancement of the District of Light.

[Died 13 March 1900 aged 59]

Dr Brummitt’s Farewell. A meeting at the Institute in the Council Chamber on Thursday made arrangements for farewelling Dr Brummitt. A 1/- fund has been established with the aim of raising a purse of 1,500/- [£75]. This will be expended on an illuminated address and an oil painting of the Doctor to be hung in the Institute. The presentation will be made on Friday 30 March at the Institute.

Boer War. The war news condemns the cowardly and deceitful actions of Mr Steyn. The President of the Free State, who fled Bloemfontein while urging his troops to fight on. News of the fall of Bloemfontein arrived last Wednesday and immediately flags were hoisted. The city surrendered without a fight. President Kruger is still defiant.

XV, 409, 21 Mar. 1900, page 3

Burra Racing Club holds a meeting tomorrow night at the Commercial Hotel to receive the balance sheet. It starts the next year’s operations with a credit of £28.

The Continental in E.C. Lockyer’s garden on Friday night raised £9 for the Burra Jubilee Benevolent Society.

The St Joseph’s Concert at the Institute on Wednesday to raise money for the school had to contend with bad weather, threatening rain.

[It is interesting to note that the performers were not confined to the town and district’s Catholics but included others like Miss Bentley, Miss M. Pearce and Mr C. Fuss.]

Salvation Army. A Children’s Demonstration in connection with the harvest thanksgiving began with a street procession and then went on with club swinging, doll drill, flag drill and other items.

Burra Defence Rifle Club held class firing for 1st and 2nd class shots. The winner was C. Parks with R.D. Pascoe 2nd.

Obituary. G.A. Gebhardt died on Friday [16 March]. He was born at Duderstadt, Hanover, Germany in 1833 and arrived in SA in the Ohio in 1858. He proceeded to Burra and took up butchering before turning to pastoralism. He bought Mt Cone from the Crown and leased Pualka [sic] soon after he improved it and subsequently sold it. It is now known as part of the Paratoo Run. He then purchased Markaranko Station, a lease on the Murray, which he held for 19 years. He worked very hard improving his properties and fighting vermin and other odds, like bad seasons. He added to Mt Cone by purchasing land from Mr Lewis in 1871 (Wildotta), where he built his residence of Mackerode. On retiring he went to live in Glenelg. At one time he had the best flock of Lincolns in the colony, but the run was later restocked with Merinos. He recently acquired both Pareora and Corryton Park. In 1875 he and his family took a twelve month trip to Germany. He leaves a widow and seven children: Messrs Charles E., L.W., & A. Gebhardt of Mackerode and A.G. of Pareora (Pt Wakefield). He also leaves two brothers and sisters.

He was, in retirement, a member of the Lutheran Church in Flinders St, Adelaide.

[Gustav Adolph Gebhardt died 16 March 1900 aged 66]

Cricket. On Saturday at Mt Bryan Burra 168 defeated Mt Bryan East 93.

W.H. Hardy writes again on the Waterworks. [He had been criticised in Council for his previous letter: it being deemed discourteous to write it while the Council was awaiting a reply from the Government.] He affirms his former stand and complains that Cr McLaren moved ‘That the members of this Council having with regret noticed that a member of it has in the public press, discussed a matter between this Council and the government, whilst the Council was awaiting the reply from the Government to their letter, hereby pass their censure on Cr Hardy for his unbusiness-like and discourteous action’. Hardy writes ‘to show ratepayers how a section of the Council jumps, and secondly to ensure this unique proposition being handed down to posterity’.

‘Expediency’ writes protesting the appointment of the postmaster as returning officer, on the grounds that he is already fully employed and either one or other duty must be neglected.

Bubonic Plague rages in Sydney.

The Bible Christian Sunday School holds its last picnic at Princess Royal today.

The Century Exhibition opens in Adelaide.

Germany takes possession of some of the Samoan Islands.

Ida Morrison, a neglected child, aged 41⁄2, has been sent to the Industrial School till 18.

The late Mr G. Gebhardt left £500 for the Burra poor. It has been invested by the trustees and the interest paid to the Jubilee Benevolent Society and judiciously expended.

Burra Hotel Footbridge to be repaired.

Burra Waterworks. The questions put to the Government were:

When and by whom was the inspection made?

Has the special inspection and report promised by the Commissioner to the deputation been made?

The reply received was:

An inspection was made by the Conservator of Water on 24 August 1899.

Since this inspection in 1899 was so recent it was not deemed necessary to have a further special inspection.

No further concession can be made beyond the reduction of interest already granted of 5% to 4%.

The Government is quite willing to take over the Burra Waterworks.

A.W. Miller was farewelled by his friends on Thursday evening at a social at the Commercial Hotel. William Henderson presided. He was presented with a handsome silver-mounted pipe, suitably inscribed, a tobacco pouch, and a parcel of tobacco.

XV, 410, 28 Mar. 1900, page 2

Black Springs Church of the Ascension held a harvest festival last Sunday. (Anglican)

Mr Arnold’s garden has been producing some fine fruit, including some 6 oz. freestone peaches.

Marriage. Wednesday saw the marriage of Miss Maria Frances Goodridge, eldest daughter of T. Goodridge of Gum Creek, to Mr Henry Thomas Gilbert, son of the late Peter Gilbert of Black Springs.

[The day is cited on page 3.]

Bubonic Plague has broken out in Sydney, a few weeks after a suspected outbreak in Adelaide. There have so far been several deaths.

XV, 410, 28 Mar. 1900, page 3

Copper demand continues to grow.

Burra Defence Rifle Club: match fired Wednesday & Saturday. Prizes to:

G. Herbert (82) A sheep

F. Pearce (78) An umbrella

C. Parks (76) A lamb

I. Tralaggan (76) A pair of ducks

The Last Bible Christian Picnic went to Princess Royal last Wednesday, ending a tradition of about thirty years of similar outings. Mr John Snell has been Sunday School Superintendent for at least 33 years and has been connected with the Bible Christian Church for 47 years. Only Mr & Mrs William Davey have been members in Burra as long as Mr Snell. There was a great spread of poultry, hams, tongues, beef, pelony [sic], etc. with an array of tarts and cakes. Games followed, including drop handkerchief and twos-and-threes. Swings were in use and a game of cricket was played. Over 100 people attended. Thanks to Mr Dawes, the manager of the estate.

‘Observer’ writes defending the appropriateness of postmasters throughout the colony being appointed returning officers.

The Century Exhibition is being well patronised.

Dr John I. Sangster jun. has been gazetted as medical officer at Burra.

XV, 411, 4 Apr. 1900, page 2

Farmers to the East of Burra persist in sowing grain despite four or five bad seasons in succession.

Methodist Union was celebrated by the holding of three services in the Kooringa Methodist Church [formerly the Wesleyan Church] last Sunday.

Mr J.J. Duncan has been elected unopposed to the extraordinary vacancy in the North-Eastern District of the Legislative Council.

Burra Slag Extraction Co. Work at the smelts proceeds steadily. Large quantities of copper are being produced. One unusually large and heavy piece of slag was found to contain 119 lb of clean copper!

Dr Brummitt’s sale went well, but had to be concluded in the illuminated hall – continuing till 10 p.m.

XV, 411, 4 Apr. 1900, page 3

Burra Town Council

A footbridge is to be erected in St Dye St, Redruth.

The Engineer-in-Chief has asked for the new Waterworks lease forwarded in Nov. 1898 to be sealed and returned.

Boer War. The Transvaal Patriotic Fund stands now at £185.

Burra Slag Extraction Co. Mr C.A. Lott was severely injured in an accident on Monday morning. Heavy castings were being unloaded when a casting slipped over the side of the skids causing a piece of timber 6” x 4” x 18’ to fly through the air, grazing his cheek, and knocking him down, breaking his collarbone. Immediately the shifting weight of the casting caused the timber to be brought down on top of Mr Lott, breaking three ribs. Had he not fallen in a small gutter he would probably have been crushed to death. The victim was badly bruised and his face and neck were swollen almost beyond recognition. Although very painful, the injuries are now mending.

An Accident. On Wednesday evening Mrs Scott, the wife of James Scott of Iron Mine, was returning home from Burra with her sister, Miss J. Fairchild, when her horse was frightened by the train and the pair were thrown out of the trap at Cobb & Co.’s Corner. Miss Fairchild scrambled out from under the trap and struggling horse, but Mrs Scott was thrown clear and suffered concussion. She is recovering in the Burra Hospital.

An Accident. Mrs George Langsford was thrown from her trap a few days ago and received a fractured collarbone.

Indian Famine Relief Fund. A public meeting has been called for 4 April at 7.30 p.m. in the Council Chambers to arrange matters to aid the Indian famine in which thousands are starving. The Record will take charge and acknowledge the receipt of donations in the paper’s columns.

Dr Brummitt was farewelled in the Institute last Friday evening. The mayor, E.W. Crewes presided. He listed the Doctor’s activities as: Mayor for four years

Justice of the Peace

Treasurer of the Burra Institute

Member of the Agricultural Soc. [Burra Show Soc.]

Chairman of the School Board of Advice

President of the British and Foreign Bible Society

Chairman of the Burra Jubilee Benevolent Society

He also gave much time to the Burra Hospital

He was presented with an illuminated address.

P. Lane endorsed the remarks of the Mayor and added that Dr Brummitt had been foremost in the tree planting in the town.

Speeches were also given by E.C. Lockyer, Dr Sangster, R.M. Harvey, Mr Winnall, T.W. Wilkinson, S. James (who spoke as the town’s oldest resident), C.J. Pearce (on behalf of the IOR), J. Lane, and Rev. W.G. Clarke. The Doctor then responded.

Burra Slag Extraction Co. The work continues successfully despite the hardness of the slag which is wearing the rollers away rather quickly.

Princess Royal Copper Mining has again been abandoned despite the workers exposure of several excellent lodes of ore.

The Queen has left for Ireland.

The Wilson-Forbes Dramatic Co. performed in Burra last night.

The Last Primitive Methodist Sunday School Picnic was held last Wednesday.

Obituary. Captain Thomas, who settled at Port Pirie when the Burra Mine closed, died recently aged 72. [James Nicholas Thomas died 26 March aged 71]

Obituary. Robert Stevens (Bob), who was the former owner of land at Dutton’s Troughs, died in the south last week and was buried in Burra on Saturday. [Robert Stevens died 29 March 1900 aged 83]

XV, 412, 11 Apr. 1900, page 2

Boer War. Mr Charles Packard, 2nd son of F.J. Packard, solicitor and Mr Gilbert Lewis, 2nd son of the Hon. J. Lewis MLC, have been selected to go with the Imperial Contingent to South Africa.

East Lynne was produced at the Burra Institute on 3 April to a fair house. It was staged very effectively and all parts were well carried out. On their return the company will present Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

[The company is not here named, but was presumably the Wilson-Forbes Dramatic Co. referred to in issue 411.]

Court.

Sappho Halls was charged that on 31 March he wilfully and wantonly disturbed Norah McNamara by tapping on her window about 11 p.m. [The evidence suggests he was playing some sort of game by pretending to have found someone else doing the tapping, but he was seen by Mrs McNamara.]

He pleaded guilty and was fined £1 + 10/- costs or 14 days. The fine was paid.

Aboriginal Body. The remains of an Aboriginal were discovered at New Aberdeen last week. Local geologists consider he died at least 100 years ago because of the marks on the bones and their condition. It is not possible to be sure whether he was buried or the body was covered by ‘the sands of time’, though the latter seems most likely. [The following is a separate article on the same page about this discovery.]

DISCOVERED AFTER MANY YEARS

Mr A. Fuss, was engaged excavating his back yard at New Aberdeen on Thursday morning when he came across one or two bones. This raised his curiosity, because he was always under the impression that his yard was composed of virgin soil. He became interested in his somewhat strange discovery and proceeded carefully about the work. After a few drives of the pick and the application of the shovel additional bones were found, and Mr Fuss than came to the conclusion that before ‘his time in the world’ someone had been buried there. Curiosity ran very high and he called in a second party to make a full investigation. Subsequently the skeleton of an aboriginal was unearthed. The body was intact but the bones from the hips down were disarranged, still the large bone of one of the legs was complete down to the foot. The right arm when the body was placed in the hole, which is about 18 inches below the surface, was put across the face and the fingers were bent under the palm of the hand. The front teeth were much decayed, but strange to say the molars on the jaw were remarkably well preserved, the ivory on the teeth being very plainly seen. Time has, apparently, with the aid of lime, transformed the bones into petrified stone. The skeleton measured about six feet, and it is said to be that of a male aboriginal. Quite a number of persons inspected the skeleton which has been buried again. Mr W.J. Davey under instructions photographed the relic which can be inspected at the Record Studio.

Copperhouse Primitive Methodist Church was the site of a farewell social on Friday last for Rev. S. Wellington who leaves for the Salisbury Circuit.

Football. There will be two football clubs in Burra this year: Aberdeen and Burra. Preliminary meeting have been held.

Indian Famine Relief Fund stands at £1-6-6.

Mr W.H. Hardy has presented some native weapons to the Institute and Mr Fuss and Mr Hague have been appointed to see to their display.

Methodist Union. A special meeting was held on Wednesday, chaired by the Premier Mr F.W. Holder, who said he had spent 17 happy years in the town and regretted the severance that would come with the approaching federal election. He also regretted the loss of Dr Brummitt, both for the church and the town. An illuminated address was presented to Dr Brummitt who made an appropriate response. A purse of sovereigns was given to John Pearce who was for 30 years organist of the Wesleyan Church and a clock to H. Pearce, who is moving to Adelaide.

W. Lasscock is leaving Burra for the south.

Mr Fairweather has taken over as head of the Burra Public School.

Marriage. Ruth Wilson marries F. Pledge today.

XV, 413, 18 Apr. 1900, page 2

Burra Show Soc. met on Friday and decided the show this year would be on Friday 21 September.

Indian Famine Relief meeting at the Institute on Thursday resulted in placing subscription lists into circulation.

Obituary. Mrs Henrietta Eichler, mother-in-law of the Town Clerk, Mr A. Bartholomæus has died aged 88 years 7 months. She fractured her hip 11 weeks ago and never recovered. She left Clausthal, Germany, in late 1851 and arrived in SA in January 1852 and proceeded to Burra where her husband gained work in the mine. When the Victorian gold rush was on Mr Eichler went there for three years and on returning worked at the mine as a timberman until the mine closed. Mr Eichler died 11 years ago. She is survived by four sons and two daughters as well as 34 grandchildren and about 50 great-grandchildren. Rev. W.H. Rofe officiated at the funeral. [Died 12 April 1900]

Kooringa Wesleyan Sunday School held its anniversary last Sunday and Monday when scholars numbered 256 and there were 26 officers and teachers.

Mr C. A. Lott who is recovering from injuries in an accident at the Burra Slag Extraction Co. is receiving substantial help from the company which is also setting up an ‘Accident Fund’.

St Mary’s Easter services were combined with harvest thanksgiving this year and large congregations attended the services conducted by Rev. W.G.M. Murphy and his assistant curate Rev. C. Taylor.

Mt Bryan Athletic Club has been established with its first meeting planned for May.

XV, 413, 18 Apr. 1900, page 3

Burra Bicycle Club held its first meeting on Monday, but the wet weather almost saw its cancellation. Attendance was naturally poor, but £20-7-6 was taken at the gate and the evening concert in the Institute realised £12. The events were: Patriotic 1 mile Handicap

Burra Wheel Race over 2 miles

1⁄2 Mile Flying Handicap

Local Pursuit Race 3 Minutes

Victoria Handicap over 11⁄2 miles

The Indian Famine Relief Fund has raised £10-16-8.

Advt. Legislative Council Elections: candidates Russell, Pascoe, Lucas & Moody will address voters in Burra on 25 April at 7.30 p.m.

XV, 414, 25 Apr. 1900, page 2

Mrs James Scott who met with a nasty accident recently has been discharged from hospital. [Concussion when thrown from a trap.]

Mr C.A. Lott is able to leave his room and is recovering rapidly.

PM Bro. W. Lasscock was given a farewell at the Kooringa Masonic Lodge No. 6 on Friday evening, on the eve of his departure from Burra. About 16 brethren sat down to eat at the Commercial Hotel. Brother Lasscock was replying to the toast when a fire alarm was raised. [It turned out to be his own shop.]

Accident. Mr Carl Stasinowsky, farmer of Baldina, broke his collarbone about 8 miles from town near Mr F. Bagg’s residence when the wheel of his trap caught a post at a crossing and he was thrown into the creek.

Football. Mr T. Hirchausen [sic] has been chosen Captain of the Aberdeen Club with T. Vivian as Vice-Captain. For Kooringa Mr F. Pearce is Captain with James Lally as Vice-Captain.

Visiting teams will play a team comprising the best of both the town teams. Aberdeen and the combined team will play in blue and white and Kooringa will be blue and white with a red sash across the shoulder. Five local matches will be played with the first on 4 May.

Burra Mutual Improvement Society met for the first time since their recess on Wednesday in the Methodist Lecture Hall. Members number 60 and the balance in hand is £2-18-0. Rev. W.G. Clarke was elected Vice-President with J. Drew, J. McLaren and T.W. Wilkinson as Vice-Presidents.

XV, 414, 25 Apr. 1900, page 2-3

Burra Bicycle Club’s Easter sports day is described in detail with a description of each race and results.

XV, 414, 25 Apr. 1900, page 3

Wilfred G.M. Murphy writes calling for donations to replace Mr Kitson’s working tools which were lost in the fire last Friday night.

The Indian Famine Relief Fund stands at £15-13-5.

Obituary. George Forsyth, son of Mr A. Forsyth of Copperhouse, a native of Burra, was thrown from his horse on Saturday 21 April, fracturing his skull and collarbone. He died on Monday 23 April. He worked on his father’s farm for many years. [Death is registered as 21 April 1900 aged 27]

Fire. On Friday night about 10.15 p.m. the shop between the Bank of Australasia on the east and Messrs C.H. Ewins and Son on the west, owned by SAMA and occupied by Mr W. Lasscock as a saddler’s shop and book emporium was seen to be on fire. Mr Vivian of the Commercial Hotel raised the alarm. Only a few pairs of boots were saved as the building burned. Water could only be brought by bucket and people strove hard to save the adjoining buildings, both of which were saved. As usual the facilities for procuring water were disgraceful – with a water main running past the building. An inquest on Tuesday found no explanation for the fire.

XV, 415, 2 May 1900, page 2

Mr George Jeffery, Wool Instructor of the School of Mines and Industries, will deliver a lecture on Wool Classing at the Burra Institute on Monday 14 May at 8 p.m. (Sponsored by the Agricultural Bureau.)

The Indian Famine Relief Fund stands at £16-14-5.

Election Meeting at the Institute

Mr Moody: Independent.

He supported the State Bank. He probably supported household suffrage, though the report in the paper is not very clear. He supported Bundaleer and the Barossa water schemes.

[The reporting of this speech is poor as on several topics we get a statement without any indication of whether he was opposed or supportive.]

Mr Russell.

He favoured a £15 franchise and would support any bill for a reduction of the franchise for the Legislative Council. Eleven out of twenty-four Legislative Councillors were squatters! He was for a progressive taxation system, but opposed to any increase in land tax. He favoured closer settlement and for early closing in Adelaide, but not in the country.

Mr Pascoe.

He was against household suffrage for the Legislative Council. It was not a question, he said, of ability, but of stability. He thought the number of members should be reduced by at least one third. He favoured closer settlement. He opposed the Employers’ Liability Bill, was for early closing and against increased land taxes. He thought village settlements were started on the wrong lines.

Mr Lucas.

He represented the manufacturing and farming interests, and also labour. He had been Mayor of Gawler. He opposed any reduction of the Legislative Council franchise, but was for the wives of electors having the vote. He favoured water conservation and homestead blocks.

XV, 415, 2 May 1900, page 3

Inquest into Lasscock’s Fire, 20 April 1900. E.W. Crewes, coroner and W. Davey, foreman of the jury.

Lascock:

Closed the shop at 6 p.m. – went to Mr Page’s till 8 p.m. – don’t smoke and know of nothing to cause the fire. From 8 p.m. was at the Commercial Hotel – was told of the fire about 10.30 p.m. Was carrying about £255 worth of stock for the Federal boot Co. Know of no one threatening me and was giving up the agency of my own free will. Had the key with me. Lost my working tools and books. Valued the former at £30, though they would cost more to replace. Kitson repairs boots and left the place before I did. He smokes. Stocktaking was due, but was delayed at the request of Mr Bradley for the Boot Co. I always settled with the company at stocktaking

Charles Bradley.

Took stock on 21 November 1899 and called again last Wednesday, 18 April. Didn’t think there would be a deficiency of more than c. £20. The value of stock would have been £266-17-3 less £10-1-6 I received since.

Kitson.

Left the shop at 4.30 p.m. Was opposite about 10.05, but saw no fire then.

Two employees of the Commercial Hotel saw the fire and raised the alarm.

The verdict was that the origin of the fire was unknown.

Kitson Fund. 4/6 acknowledged.

August Miller has obtained a good position at one of the mining firms in WA and is doing well.

A disgusted juryman complains re the fire case, that men are kept far too long away from work over quibbles over who is paying what of the insurance money and over needless detail.

Burra Cricket Club held its last meeting of the season and ended the year in credit 7/4. Membership was 34. A concert at the Institute during the season raised £3-12-9. A complete set of tools and matting had to be purchased this year. In the season nine games were played with four won, four lost and one drawn.

Top wicket-taker was E. Hirschausen with 26 at an av. 121⁄2 runs, though C. Adams had taken 19 at an av. of 43⁄4 runs. In batting E. Hirschausen top scored with 220 at an av. of 22 over 10 innings. C. Adams scored 210 at an average of 42 over 5 innings. H. Tiver scored 200 in 10 innings for an average of 20.

Court.

E.W. Crewes was charged with allowing a cow to stray, but got off in a quibble over the identification of the animal.

Burra Defence Rifle Club, AGM.

The year closed in credit £6. 82 men subscribed and 40 completed class firing: 5 were marksman, 4 were 1st Class, 2 were 2nd Class and 29 were 3rd Class. Five matches were fired with other clubs of which four were lost.

St Mary’s Vestry Meeting, Tuesday 24 April.

A meeting was arranged for 24 April to consider the advisability of appointing a successor to Rev. A.E. Taylor. It was resolved that a pipe organ be purchased and that two thirds of the funds from the next strawberry fete be devoted to that fund. An increase in salary was devoted to the Rector.

St Mary’s Choir was entertained by Mr & Mrs W.P. Barker at Baldina on Wednesday afternoon.

Polo. On Monday the Broken Hill players were returning from a tour to Adelaide and stopped off in Burra. Broken Hill 4 defeated Burra 3 in extra time. This was Broken Hill’s first win since the club was formed.

The United Friendly Societies have now finalised their accounts from the last meeting and have £35 to carry forward.

XV, 416, 9 May 1900, page 2

Advt. Monday 28 May at the Burra Institute a Grand Concert by the Burra Orchestra with Adelaide’s finest vocalists.

[This is an advertisement of almost half a page and judging from pencilled figures on the office file copy of the paper it cost £3-0-0.]

Birth. On 13 April at Redruth, to the wife of T.R. Reynolds, a son. [Indeed! Registration says Thomas Robert Reynolds & Adelaide Reynolds nee Pearn had a daughter Roberta Florence Sarah at Redruth 13 April 1900.]

Burra School Board of Advice met at the school on 20 April. A. Harris took the chair with T.W. Pearce, S. Burns & J. Morgan. Mr C. Fuss was recommended to take the place of W. Lasscock who has moved to Adelaide. Messrs Morgan, Burns and Hogan have been re-elected to the board which heard some very original excuses for the non-compliance with compulsory attendance regulations.

Obituary. Mrs Mary Smith, wife of D. J. Smith died in Burra on Thursday, 3 May, aged 50. They went to live at Mongolata 23 years ago, being among the first to do so. Despite bad years they have made a comfortable home. She leaves a husband, three sons and a daughter.

[Ages given don’t quite match up, but marriage records suggest she was probably born Mary Crowley and married David John Smith at Mintaro 3 May 1870]

The Burra Orchestra has been in existence for some years and have freely given their services when required. They are now to put on a Grand Concert, details of which will be given later.

Burra Jubilee Benevolent Society held its AGM last Thursday: details later.

Burra Mutual Improvement Society meets tonight in the Methodist Lecture Hall.

The Kitson Appeal Fund, to aid Mr Kitson to replace his shoemaker’s tools lost in the recent fire, has enabled him to purchase a complete kit through Mr Pederson.

XV, 416, 9 May 1900, page 3

Burra Mutual Improvement Soc. met last Wednesday, 2 May, in its first ordinary meeting for the season. 60-70 people attended with Mr McLaren in the chair. There was a debate: Should England adopt compulsory military service. It ended with a convincing victory for the noes.

‘Ratepayer’ writes disgusted at E.W. Crewes’s escape from the law last issue and also complaining that he had turned Hardy St [adjacent to Drew & Crewe’s bulk store at Aberdeen] into a wood yard.

G.A. Ridgway also complains that two reliable witnesses swore to the ownership of the cow, yet E.W . Crewes got off. ‘Comment is needless.’

Another letter follows a similar line.

Another letter asks why E.W. Crewes gets all the coronial enquiry jobs.

Football. Last Saturday at Victoria Park Kooringa 4.9 defeated Aberdeen 4.8

The Mayor’s Indian Famine Relief Fund has reached £17-13-6.

Burra Town Council has undertaken to buy 200’ of fire hose.

XV, 417, 16 May 1900, page 2

Editorial urging voters not to support candidates who would allow ‘every Tom, Jack and Harry the same privilege as those who have a stake in the country, and cannot leave it at any moment’.

J.A. Watt, an old Burraite, has recently put up a record rifle score at Wallaroo, of 95. Captain Watt is as enthusiastic as ever.

Mr Bryan Athletic Club Sports today. T.P. Halls’s coach will leave Market Square at 12.30 p.m. for Mt Bryan should sufficient customers warrant it. The fare will be 2/- return.

George Jeffery’s lecture on Wool Classing at the Institute on Monday night drew a good attendance.

XV, 417, 16 May 1900, page 2-3

A Bolt. J. Tiver’s horse bolted down Morehead St on Monday about midday and in trying to turn into his yard, failed to clear the fence. The dray did a complete somersault and the boy driving was thrown clear. It was a wonder that neither horse nor boy was hurt and the dray was not much damaged.

XV, 417, 16 May 1900, page 3

Burra Literary Soc. met on Wednesday in the Methodist Lecture Hall. 42 members were present.

Another letter continues the controversy over E.W. Crewes’s cow.

Another longer letter on the same subject argues more cogently and suggests that the Inspector should have appealed to the Magistrate.

Dr Brummitt writes from Colombo, describing his journey so far.

Robbery. Mr H. Motherall reports the theft of a silver watch, a pair of blankets, an ivory-handled pocket-knife and a solid silver war medal inscribed to H.G. Robertson, from a property at King’s Well.

Burra Jubilee Benevolent Soc., AGM on 3 May.

The President Dr Sangster, Vice-President P. Lane and Treasurer J.F. Moore.

Relief has been granted to 25 aged men and widows, 11 families (of 28 members). 478 orders have been made – 340 for firewood, 120 for groceries, and 18 for drapery. £12-9-6 came from the Mackerode bequest and £13-19-6 from John Roach’s lantern entertainment. E.C. Lockyer’s and Dr Brummitt’s garden Continentals raised £13-7-9. The society greatly misses Dr Brummitt with his departure for England.

The balance in the bank is £39-3-11, but this healthy sum will be surely needed as winter’s cold increases the distress of the poor.

XV, 418, 23 May 1900, page 2

Obituary. Ida Muriel Treloar, 3rd daughter of Frank & Sarah Treloar of Kooringa, died 14 May at Unley, aged 14. [Birth registration says Ida Marvel Treloar born 28 April 1886: perhaps a victim of handwriting?]

The Kapunda Mine is reported to have been sold following an offer from England, with the purchase to be completed within two months. Working capital has been provided and directors selected with Sir Jenkin Coles, Mr David James and Mr William Bickford to act as their advisory board.

Mr C.C. Kingston has been defeated in his attempt to be elected for the Southern District of the Legislative Council, which saves the cost of another election when he becomes a candidate for the Federal Parliament.

Boer War. On Saturday the news of the relief of Mafeking was received and flags were hoisted all over town.

The Newbury-Spada Co. of famous singers will visit Burra on Tuesday next. Madam Spada, the American nightingale is included. Others include Mr Rodda Perry, Miss Appleby and Mr Archibald Scott, the Australian baritone, and Mr Philip Newbery, tenor. Edison’s latest Operaphone will be introduced.

W.G. Hawkes writes to complain of the danger of game shooters in the district using long-range rifles. He was almost hit by bullets from a sportsman who was after swans on Porter’s Lagoon.

Mt Bryan Athletic Club. The sports meeting on Wednesday passed of well with a good attendance, despite threatening weather in the morning and there was a crowded house for the evening concert.

Events: 135 yards Sheffield Hurdles 135 yards Handicap Hurdles

1 Mile Bicycle Handicap 2 Mile Bicycle Handicap

3 Mile Bicycle Handicap 1⁄2 Mile Bicycle Handicap

Burra Club Race, 2 Miles (Bicycle?) Tossing the Caber

Putting the Weight Boys’ Race (Under 18)

Boys’ Race (Under 14)

XV, 418, 23 May 1900, page 3

Boer War. When news of Mafeking’s relief was received at midday on Saturday arrangements were made for a patriotic demonstration in Market Square. About 9.30 between 300 and 400 assembled to show their loyalty to the Queen and appreciation of the gallantry displayed by Colonel Baden-Powell in the defence of the town. There were songs by Miss Pearce, Messrs Tiddy, Page and Winnall, with Mrs Winnall on the organ. The Burra Defence Rifle Club fired three volleys. Over £600 has been raised locally to assist the war effort. Children of the various schools have been granted a holiday on Wednesday and businesses will close. Sports will be provided for the children at Victoria Park. When the news reached Auburn Kruger was burnt in effigy.

Burra Town Council.

The time allowed [for E.W. Crewes] to remove wood in Hardy St has been extended.

The footpath in front of Bagot, Shakes and Lewis’s office is to be tar-dressed.

Corporation employees will get a half-holiday on Wednesday. [In recognition of the Relief of Mafeking.]

Water in the Waterworks well has risen a little since the last meeting.

Local Board of Health.

The Central Board has directed the Local Board to provide a public slaughterhouse at which all cattle within the area under the Local Board’s jurisdiction are to be slaughtered for meat intended for public consumption.

Burra Defence Rifle Club match at Clare on Wednesday saw Burra 560 defeat Clare 524. There will be a match against Kapunda at Kapunda on 28 May.

Legislative Council Election last Saturday saw the return of Messrs Lucas and Pascoe. Results:

Burra Division North-Eastern District overall

Lucas 479 2,759

Pascoe 597 2,751

Moody 281 1,508

Russell 334 1,420

(Plumpers were not significant.)

Sgt [Gilbert] Lewis writes, but so far he deals only with the voyage from Port Adelaide to Fremantle, en route to the Boer War.

XV, 419, 30 May 1900, page 2

Boer War. The relief of Mafeking was celebrated with a mock ‘attack’ on the town by some 500 children who assembled at the Public School and then marched on the town centre and thence to the hospital where they sang God Save the Queen and gave three cheers for Baden-Powell. Hey marched back to the Square where they again sang the National Anthem and cheered Baden-Powell. Then news of strangers at Victoria Park seemed to threaten the supply of saveloys and rolls which had been provided for the troops. The strains of the Boys’ Brigade Drum and Fife Band urged the troops to go forth and attack their eatables. At Victoria Park it was found advisable to fire blank volleys to give the enemies a chance to escape, but all there carried white flags and the almost inexhaustible supply of lollies and apples together with the saveloys and rolls were enough to satisfy the appetites of all. Sports followed with cash prizes. The procession was headed by a large banner painted by Mr E. Jones, featuring a lion in a chariot drawn by two kangaroos and in front Kruger on a boar with the inscription: ‘They’re after me’. While the children’s demonstration went on some older residents placed an effigy of Kruger in a coach drawn by four horses and he was taken around town during the day while patriotic songs were sung by several young men. In the evening a large demonstration was held and the principal streets were paraded. In the evening ‘Kruger’ was held up to ridicule, tried by a jury, and condemned to death. A gallows was erected behind the Commercial Hotel and the sheriff demanded the body of ‘Oum Paul’. He was promptly despatched and after a time cut down and committed to the flames while a crowd sang Soldiers of the Queen etc. Despite the enthusiasm the whole thing went off in a disciplined way and was a credit to all who took part. Respectable residents, who rarely visit the streets, put in an appearance to witness the proceedings and show their loyalty to the Queen.

[William Pearce brought scorn and derision on his head when at the Literary Soc. meeting he used the word ‘Rabble’ to describe those attending the burning of Kruger in effigy. This was so unpatriotic that he had to write to the Record to explain that he had not intended this to apply to all those present, but only to a certain segment. He had, he said, ‘put his signature to the requisition presented to the Council and otherwise helped in a small way.’]

XV, 419, 30 May 1900, page 3

The Burra Orchestra Concert

Mr G.E. Dane is to be congratulated on his work as conductor of the orchestra and the audience was delighted. The concert was in aid of the local orchestra and although the monetary reward will be slight the praise that is bound to come will in some way repay the members for their work. The Program:

The Swallows, (song) Cowen Miss Laura Carigg

Calif de Bagdad Boieldien

The Fire King, (song) Klein Mr Oscar Traeuber

The Cyclist Schottische A.C. Noyes

O Divine Redeemer, (song) Gounod Miss Lilian Davis

Melodie Romantique, (Cello solo) Leo Stern, op. ii Mr H. Gordon

An Evening Song, (song) Blumenthal Mr R. Gray

The First Primrose, (Gavotte) R. Eilenberg

Interval

The Bohemian Girl, (Overture) Balfe

When the Heart is Young, (song) Dudley Buck Miss Lilian Davis

The Cottage by the Brook, (song) Miss Lilian Davis

Rousseau’s Dream Round

A Vision, (song) H. Pontet Mr R. Gray

Sonatina No. 2, (Cello solo) Farmer Mr H. Gordon

The Carnival Song, (song) Molloy Miss Carrig

Unfurl the Flag, (song) Miss Carrig

Sweet and Low, (String Quartet) Barnby

The Yeoman’s Wedding Song, (song) Poniatowski Mr Traeuber

Soldiers of the Queen Mr Traeuber

The Honeymoon Rosey

God Save the Queen

Burra Defence Rifle Club.

On Wednesday 1st Class firing best score C. Parks 82

2nd Class firing best score E.A. Pearce 71

On Monday at Kapunda Burra was defeated by 47 points.

Dr Brummitt writes a second letter: this time on Colombo.

Mr E.C. Lockyer has been very ill, but his condition is now said to be more favourable.

Burra Show Soc. met on Friday and the next show will start with a credit of £95 and members are quite enthusiastic which augers well for its success.

Redruth Methodist Church was reopened on Sunday after thorough repair with the walls replastered and painted etc.

Boer War. In Adelaide the excited crowd celebrating the Relief of Mafeking did considerable damage to Messrs Charlick Bros. premises when the latter refused to close to join the celebrations.

Burra Brass Band. W.J. Davey calls a meeting on Saturday evening at the Record office of all those interested in forming a Burra Brass Band.

Advt. Bicycle Match at Victoria Park on 6 June 1900. J.D. Kelly (local) v. W.W. Pearce (of Gawler) over 1, 3 & 5 miles for a stake of £5. Other events will also be staged including a 5 mile scratch race. Admission 6d.

XV, 410 (2), 6 June 1900, page 2 [Re-use of a number first used in this volume 28 March 1912.]

The Boer War is said to be nearly at an end with the capture of Johannesburg and the abandonment of Pretoria when troops quickly advanced on it.

Burra Brass Band. Mr Joseph Davey presided at a well-attended meeting on Saturday to form a band in Burra. 11 playing members were enrolled; Mr T.F. Bentley was appointed secretary and treasurer, Joseph Davey, leader and W.J. Davey conductor.

Burra Literary Soc. held its fortnightly meeting on 23 May. 40 members and as many visitors attended for recitations, readings and papers.

Dr Brummitt’s third letter from abroad is printed: A Visit to Kandy.

XV, 410, 6 June 1900, page 3 [Re-use of a number first used in this volume 28 March 1912.]

Burra Defence Rifle Club went to Kapunda on 28 May, taking the train to Tarlee and then a coach. The firing took place in windy conditions and variable light and Kapunda 683 defeated Burra 636.

A simultaneous match was fired between Burra & Watervale with Burra using the score from Kapunda, but at a different contest from the one reported above. Burra 557 defeated Watervale 544.

Burra Town Council.

A letter of sympathy to be sent to the family of the late E.C. Lockyer.

Main road bridges to be painted and tarred as required.

Mayor to call a public meeting to consider the advisability of holding a demonstration on the declaration of peace.

Public Works Committee to report on the advisability of more efficient lighting in the town.

Redruth Methodist Church. A successful tea and concert was held in the German Schoolroom on Wednesday to liquidate the debt caused by renovating the Methodist Church.

Obituary. E.C. Lockyer, for several years past the managing director of the Unicorn Brewery and a resident of 21 years has died. He was a town councillor 1878-9 and Mayor [December 1881 to November 1883]. Joined the Burra Hospital Board in 1881 and was Chairman 1885-87. In 1894 he became a District Councillor for Burra and from 1895 was Chairman of Burra District Council. In 1882 he was elected to the Institute Committee and was Chairman in 1884. He was appointed a JP in 1881. He was born at Brighton, SA and was 61 last February. His wife died about 20 years ago and he is survived by four sons and one daughter. Rev. W.G. Murphy officiated at the graveside. In Burra shops closed from 1 to 2.30 p.m. out of respect, on Tuesday, the day of the funeral.

[Edward Catchlove Lockyer born 13 February 1839: died 4 June 1900 aged 61]

XV, 421, 13 June 1900, page 2

The Wilson-Forbes Dramatic Co. is soon to return with a production of Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

Kooringa Masonic Lodge will install W.M. elect Bro. A. Harris on 19 June which is his 60th birthday and the jubilee of the lodge.

Burra Lodge MUIOOF held its half-yearly finance meeting. Receipts for the death and sickness fund showed a gain of £12-10-7 and the medical and management fund gained £23-17-4. A motion was passed for sick pay to be increased to 18/- a week for full pay and 9/- for half pay. There are 261 members.

Burra Literary Soc. debated on 6 June: ‘Which is the Greater Force: Heredity or Environment?’

Boer War. Citizens met at the Council Chamber on Friday to make arrangements to celebrate the ‘declaration of peace’ when it comes. The proposal is for a monster procession, sports, provisions and gifts at Victoria Park during the day and a large bonfire and fireworks (if procurable) at night.

XV, 421, 13 June 1900, page 3

Dr Brummitt’s fourth letter from abroad [probably from Egypt] concerning shipboard sports and pastimes between Ceylon and The Middle East.

Burra Bicycle Club. The match between Kelly & Pearce saw Pearce win the 1 mile race and Kelly the 3 & 5 mile races. In the 2 mile open event Aunger, the SA champion, won with Pearce 2nd.

Football. Burra will play Peterborough at Victoria Park on 25 June.

XV, 422, 20 June 1900, page 2

Wilson-Forbes Dramatic Co. staged Uncle Tom’s Cabin at the Institute on Friday to a fair audience.

Burra Show Soc. has fixed on Wednesday afternoon before the show for the dog trial.

Entertainment. A series of 80 new and magnificent limelight views of Tasmania will be shown in the Kooringa Wesleyan Lecture Hall tomorrow evening. Silver coin admission in aid of the Boys’ Brigade.

Burra Slag Extraction Co. Crushing operations continue. The plant has been much modified since operations began. It is now the intention to erect a separate plant to process ‘outside ores’.

The Boer War continues, though it is believed the end is fast approaching.

XV, 422, 20 June 1900, page 3

Letter to the Editor complains that ladies persist in wearing large hats trimmed with foliage at entertainments to the grave detriment of those seated behind.

Letter to Editor complaining of female larrikinism in Kooringa streets when groups of women bar the way and use language which is disgraceful.

Indian Famine Relief Fund stands at £25-4-6.

Football. Petersburg has been unable to get a football team together for next Monday.

Burra Peace Day Demonstration.

The organisers have split into four committees: Catering, Demonstration, Sports and Bonfire. There are expected to be some 1,000 children in the procession. [C. Fuss was part of the Sports Committee.]

Maternity Home Licences to Mrs A. Baker and Mrs L. Woollacott.

XV, 423, 27 June 1900, page 2

Advt. A.H. Forder’s properties for sale.

Part lots 96, 106 & 107 of Redruth on which are erected six cottages known as Forder’s Row.

Part lot 90 being A3 on opposite side of street, a two-roomed cottage occupied by Mrs Tiver Sen.

Lots 81 & 91 on the road to the Reformatory.

Lot 27 of Section 2071 in Hampton.

Mr Kingston is to receive another £500 on top of the original £1,000 for his expenses as SA delegate to London in connection with the Commonwealth Bill.

Copperhouse School was examined by Inspector Plummer on Thursday. The % gained was 90.7. Elliott Pearce in the 5th Class gained his certificate without the loss of a mark.

Boer War. The Central Committee for Peace Day has donated 40 gallons of tar for the bonfire.

Salvation Army. The local corps has just held its social in aid of social work and has raised £26-14-1 to be forwarded to Adelaide. They had been set a target of £18-10-0.

Dr Brummit’s fifth letter from abroad: Aden to Pt Said.

XV, 423, 27 June 1900, page 3

Football. Monday last Aberdeen defeated Kooringa 34 to 9 at Victoria Park.

Coursing. Mr Johnson has called a meeting of coursing enthusiasts at the Kooringa Hotel Saturday evening.

Court.

John Bennetts fined £1 + £1-5-0 costs or 7 days for using indecent language. Also fined £2 + £2-15-0 costs or two months for assaulting his wife on 15 June. The fines were not paid.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. At Burra on Monday Burra 480 defeated Port Pirie 453.

Kooringa Masonic Lodge No. 6 installed Bro. A. Harris as W.M. on 19 June.

Obituary. Mr P. Sieber, aged 52, died at his home in Hanson St Adelaide. He was a former landlord of the Kooringa Hotel. [Theodor Gotthilf Paul Sieber died 25 June]

Obituary. James Prior died on 24 June due to a fall of earth at the Central Mine in Broken Hill. He was a former farmer of Mt Bryan East and a Burra identity of 30 years, a member of the AOF for 28 years. He leaves two brothers: William (Burra) and Edward (Broken Hill).

[Family history says born 5 October 1834 and died 19 June 1900]

XV, 424, 4 July 1900, page 2

Burra Waterworks. Water will be cut off from Monday 9 July to noon on Thursday 12 July to enable the cleaning of the boiler and necessary repairs.

XV, 424, 4 July 1900, page 3

Dr Brummitt’s sixth letter from abroad: The Mediterranean Sea.

St Mary’s. An entertainment on Wednesday evening in St Mary’s Schoolroom to boost the funds for the strawberry fete.

Burra Coursing Club was formed last Saturday at the Kooringa Hotel.

President, J. Martin ; Vice-Presidents, E.W. Crewes JP, P.L. Killicoat JP, D.J. O’Leary JP, E.F. Lockyer, W.J. Davey, E.W. Bowman, C. Fuss, A. Fuss; Secretary, W.H. Johnson.

Burra Town Council. The police are to be asked to suppress bicycle racing and training at Victoria Park.

Advt. The public is requested not to interfere with the tins on the golf links. The holes cannot harm livestock.

XV, 425, 11 July 1900, page 2

Obituary. George Wilmer Jordan, aged 63, husband of Ann Jordan, died on 7 July at Kooringa.

He arrived in the colony on 16 January 1854 from London on the Corromandel, aged 18 and came to Burra in 1855. He was resident here for 45 years. He contracted cancer of the cheek. He was a member of Loyal Aberdeen Lodge for over 28 years. The funeral was led by the Salvation Army in funeral regalia followed by members of the Aberdeen and Kooringa Oddfellows Lodges in regalia. The funeral service at the mortuary chapel was led by Captain Deeble. He leaves a wife and two sons: George and Harry (WA) and one daughter, Mrs Ivett (Cheltenham).

[Registered as George Willmer Jordan]

Kooringa Band of Hope held its usual monthly meeting.

The Boer War continues in South Africa and now a war has broken out in China.

[The Boxer Rebellion leading to the Siege of Peking.]

Dr Brummit’s seventh letter: Through the South of France.

Letter to Editor complains that children are being detained at school as late as 5 p.m. and at lunchtime so they do not have adequate time to get their lunch. [i.e go home to lunch.]

Burra Literary Soc. held a ‘Patriotic Evening’ last Wednesday. It opened with The Song of Australia, then Mrs Holden gave an address on The Queen which was followed by God Save the Queen and Unfurl the Flag. Next was a recitation: England Goes to Battle which was followed by Kipling’s song Absent Minded Beggar. Mr Drew then spoke on The Lion and the Kangaroo Soldiers of the Queen: an address on the bravery of the Colonial troops and their independence of action and thought. This was followed by a recitation: Britains Sons will Do or Die and the song The Englishman. A speech: The Leaders in the Field came next, followed by the song, Adieu Marie, and the National Anthem concluded the program.

XV, 425, 11 July 1900, page 3

Burra Coursing Club will have its first event on 15 August 1900.

Obituary. Mr Alexander Forsyth of Copperhouse, an old district resident, has died.

[Died 9 July 1900 aged 66]

XV, 426, 18 July 1900, page 2

Dr Brummitt’s eighth letter from abroad: Paris.

Redruth Courthouse is in need of urgent maintenance. The guttering allows water to saturate the walls and the building remains damp and cold for those compelled to sit in it for hours.

XV, 426, 18 July 1900, page 3

The Burra Orchestra & Burra Band gave a second Grand Concert last Friday evening. The program is favourably reviewed, though the weather was not favourable for a large attendance. G.E. Dane conducted the Orchestra and W.J. Davey the Brass Band.

Football. Redruth and Kooringa met for the third time on Saturday week and in a keenly fought match Redruth 3.6 defeated Kooringa 1.6.

[Redruth has not previously been mentioned in football so this may be a mistake for Aberdeen.]

Last Saturday at Booborowie in steady rain Burra played Spalding. At 3⁄4 time Burra led convincingly, but a fight back by Spalding produced an exciting finish in which Burra 1.4 defeated Spalding 1.0

XV, 427, 25 July 1900, page 2

Obituary. Michael Williams, husband of Mary Ann Williams died on 14 July, aged 85. Formerly of Cornwall, Mr Williams was a colonist of 44 years.

Obituary. Mary Ann Williams, aged 77, widow of Michael Williams, died on 20 July after a short illness. [Registered as 76]

Mr & Mrs Williams who died within a week of each other were married in Cornwall on 11 July 1846. Mr Williams had been almost blind for some years. They arrived in SA 44 years ago and Mr Williams was a foreman blacksmith at the Burra Mines for many years.

Obituary. Jenny Bowen, aged 16, died on 16 July of typhoid fever. She was the eldest daughter of E. & A. Bowen. [Born Eliza Jane Bowen 17 July 1884]

Advt. Musical Tornado at the Burra Institute, 10 august 1900: Burra Band & Burra Orchestra. 2/- & 1/-.

XV, 427, 25 July 1900, page 3

G.E. Dane writes as conductor of the Burra Orchestra, praising the Burra Brass Band and its conductor, W.J. Davey, for their role in the recent concert and saying that it received too little recognition in the subsequent review – doubtless because W.J. Davey was both the reviewer and publisher.

Salvation Army. Captain Deeble and Lieut. Gullick (who has been promoted to Captain) will conduct their farewell services at the Army Barracks next Sunday after being here for six months. It is the Salvation Army’s policy for moves to be approximately every six months. The lassies will be succeeded by male offers whose names are not yet known. The barracks reopen next Sunday after a complete renovation.

Twentieth Century Movement – Services at Kooringa Methodist Church with a public tea on Monday resulted in collection and pledges for £200.

Burra Cycling Club is holding a team race at Victoria Park over 55 miles with each rider doing 20 laps, or 51⁄2 miles. At present the leader is O. Abbott who did his laps in 13 min. 45 secs. W.J. Richards took 14 min. 30 secs in less favourable conditions the previous Saturday.

XV, 428, 1 Aug. 1900, page 2

Dr Brummitt’s Holiday Notes part VIII Continued: The Paris Exhibition.

XV, 428, 1 Aug. 1900, page 3

Obituary. S.J. Davey died in Broken Hill on 28 July, suddenly of apoplexy. He was the manager of the John Hunter Boot Co. for the past eight years. A large funeral on Sunday saw 104 traps and over 250 members of Loyal Orange, Foresters and Masonic Lodges take part. Rev. R.J. Daddow officiated. He leaves a widow and two children, also three brothers: James, & Richard (Glanville), William J. (Burra) and three sisters, Mrs George Harry (Broken Hill), Mrs Hubert (Melbourne) and Mrs Chynoweth (Kadina). [Samuel Jenkin Davey born 1867]

Obituary. John Harry of Mt Bryan died on Sunday afternoon, aged 58. A resident of 35 years, he leaves a widow and two brothers: Mr Grif Harry of Mt Bryan and Mr George Harry of Broken Hill.

[Died 29 July 1900]

St Mary’s. The second in the series of entertainments in the schoolroom drew a large attendance. The first half was miscellaneous and the second half Mrs Jarley’s (Mr Ewins’) exhibition of celebrated waxworks.

Trooper C. Packard writes from Durban, South Africa.

District Council of Hanson writes to the Education Department for details of the renting of the Council Chamber as a schoolhouse. It also wrote to the Department saying: ‘in face of greatly increased school attendance the Council consider the time has arrived for the department to make other arrangements for a school building, it being no longer convenient for school to be held in the Council Chamber.’

XV, 428 (2), 8 Aug. 1900, page 2 [Note second use of No. 428]

Salvation Army. Lieut. Munro and Lieut. Aberg were welcomed at the Barracks last Sunday.

Gerald Dow after 16 years with the post office in Kooringa has been transferred. For three years in succession he has been in charge of the Kooringa Post Office during the absences of Mr Lane.

Indian Famine Sunday has been declared for 12 august by Commandant Booth of the Salvation Army. For months the Army has been feeding 25-30,000 a week.

XV, 428 (2), 8 Aug. 1900, page 3 [Note second use of No. 428]

Dr Brummitt’s ninth holiday notes: A Visit to Cornwall.

North Ward Ratepayer writes complaining that the Council doesn’t spend money on making Victoria Park usable; that the sporting bodies have spent over £30 in the last nine months, but the Council has now refused the cyclists use of it for £2-2-0 on condition that the £2-2-0 be used on the park. This will force the Cycling Club to charge 1/- admission rather than 3d or 6d because they will need to spend their money on the park. They will ultimately turn to making their own track somewhere.

Burra Town Council

A letter from the Engineer-in-Chief’s Dept. asking for the return of the Waterworks lease duly signed and sealed. The lease will be forwarded with a copy of the resolution that the Waterworks be retained by Council to the end of the present year.

XV, 430, 15 Aug. 1900, page 2

Sheep Dog Field Trials have been arranged for 19 September in P.L. Killicoat’s paddock at Abberton Park.

Burra Coursing Club will hold a meeting at Gum Creek today.

Salvation Army raised £3 last Sunday for the Indian Famine Relief.

Burra Band Concert on Friday was not largely attended, but was very well received. They were assisted by the Burra Orchestra.

Court.

James Gully and Henry [? Unclear in paper] Wahlert were fined for not sending their children to school the required number of days in the term.

T.H. Woollacott, John Lockett, John Carpenter & William John Richards were fined for stray animals.

William Irlam was fined for driving around the usual corner in Aberdeen too fast.

Loo Bolh, a Chinese gardener of Black Water Holes was charged by Inspector Gray of having two false weights for use in trade. Luke Day interpreted. The accused pleaded guilty, but said he didn’t know they were false, having taken over the business and the weights from a countryman. He was cautioned and fined 10/- + 10/- costs. [See XV, 403, 7 Feb. 1900, page 3 and XV, 404, 14 Feb. 1900, page 2 on the death of James Tie.]

F.W. Holder has sent a bundle of spears and lances from the Northern Territory to the Burra Institute.

Boer War. Further news on the progress of the war is printed.

XV, 431, 22 Aug. 1900, page 2

Weather. There was wild weather on Wednesday and Thursday with high winds, hail, rain and some snow. Snow also fell at Mt Bryan, Hallett, World’s End and elsewhere.

Obituary. The wife of Mr W. Kellaway died on Thursday, aged 70. The couple arrived at Port Adelaide 19 August 1854 on the William Price and went straight to Burra where they have lived for 46 years. Mr Kellaway has been an invalid for several years and is aged c. 74. There are five sons and one daughter living. [Born Keziah Gerry in June 1830 and died 16 August 1900 aged 70]

British & Foreign Bible Soc. held its annual meeting at which Rev. W.G. M. Murphy presided. T.W. Wilkinson was elected President for the coming year.

XV, 431, 22 Aug. 1900, page 2-3

Burra Coursing Club held its annual meeting at Gum Creek on the estates of Hon. J.J. Duncan & Messrs Mann and Green, last Wednesday & Thursday despite the wild weather. Mr J. Berriman provided refreshments and shelter from the storm.

XV, 431, 22 Aug. 1900, page 3

Ratepayers’ Meeting last Friday considered the slaughterhouse question. The Local Board of Health proposed taking over the lease from Messrs D. & J. O’Leary of the old slaughterhouse and spending enough to make it a compliant public slaughterhouse. The present lease had four years to run. The Board has the right to purchase then or renew the lease for 5, 7 or 14 years at an annual rental of £27. The sum needed to be spent is £75. The annual expenditure would be £111 which it was proposed to recover from charging the four local butchers a licence fee of £20 p.a. for large cattle and £10 p.a. for small, plus 3/- a head for large and 3d a head for small cattle. [The article becomes hard to follow, but it appears that they expected that the revenue from cattle would be £121-5-9 and that the four butchers together would pay a £20 licence fee plus a £10 licence fee for a total income of £151-5-9 p.a.]

The costs were estimated at annual rent of £27, renovation cost spread at £19 p.a. over four years, ongoing maintenance at £15 and the wages of a caretaker of £50 for a total of £111. This suggested a credit balance of £40-5-9 p.a.

Outside butchers would not be allowed to sell in Burra.

Only meat killed in Burra and inspected by the Burra inspector could be sold in Burra.

Mr Rabbich could see no reason why butchers should not go on killing at their own slaughterhouses and have the meat inspected there.

Cr Williams moved that in the opinion of this meeting it is advisable to take over the old slaughterhouse.

Cr Cox and Cr West supported the motion.

Cr Hardy said he had been a mover for the meeting because the Council had been divided. The cost of a new slaughterhouse could be as much as £700.

The motion when put was carried unanimously.

A.C. Noyes the popular music teacher has been advised by his doctor to take a month’s rest.

XV, 432, 29 Aug. 1900, page 2

Local Court, 21 August

Thomas Kitchen was charged with obstructing a footpath in Kooringa on 28 July by allowing a vegetable basket to remain on the footpath in front of his premises longer than necessary for removing and housing the same. He had previously sent a letter pleading guilty, but the Bench demanded he attend and adjourned the case. When he attended he pleaded not guilty. The case depended on the Inspector being able to prove the basket he saw there at 3 p.m. was the same he saw there between 5 & 6 p.m. He could not do so and the case was dismissed without costs.

Robert Kewley of Hamilton was summonsed to show cause why he should not contribute to the support of his mother Eliza Kewley of Kooringa. Mrs Kewley 68 said she had received £7 in 12 years and it was three or four years since any payment. He was unmarried and she was destitute. A younger son, George, had kept her for the past 12 years, but he was now out of work in Broken Hill. She wanted 5/- a week. (Another son had not been heard of for 17 years.) Robert Kewley said his work was not constant and he got 10/- to 12/- a week on farms. The Bench ordered a payment of 3/- a week and the defendant seemed satisfied, paying six weeks’ allowance into the court.

Police Court Redruth, 22 August

Maud, Ethel, Alice, Mary, Olive and Edith Edwards all under 16, were charged by M-C Jemison with being neglected children. Their mother Ada Edwards was deemed an unfit guardian. They were ordered to the Industrial School at Edwardstown till 18 years of age.

XV, 432, 29 Aug. 1900, page 2-3

‘Australian’ writes concerning the debate about the location of the National Capital. He favoured a site near Bombala (Southern Monaro) as being [among other things] about equi-distant from Melbourne and Sydney.

XV, 432, 29 Aug. 1900, page 3

Dr Brummitt’s Tenth Letter: A Day among Scottish Lochs.

Obituary. John Casey died last Wednesday after having his leg crushed in a rock fall at Central Mine Broken Hill. [Of many John Caseys only one was born in Burra: John William Casey, son of John & Lucy nee Boreham born 23 September 1877]

Burra Rifle Club has been given a gift of a marble clock from Messrs Urwin & Sons through their popular local manager Mt Hiddle. Mr R. Gray of Broken Hill has given a pair of orthoptic glasses. [Used in taking aim] Both will be shot for by members.

XV, 433, 5 Sep. 1900, page 2

Court.

William Seitner of Baldina, aged 56, wood carter, was charged with carnal knowledge of his daughter, lice Maud, aged 15 yrs 6 months, and committed for trial. [See also XV, 436, 26 Sep. 1900, p.3 and XV, 437 (2), 10 Oct. 1900, page 3 for the results.]

XV, 433, 5 Sep. 1900, page 3

Burra Defence Rifle Club. Burra fired a match against Orroroo last Wednesday and were given a 42 point handicap because they are still using the old Martini Henry Rifles while other clubs have modern rifles. Orroroo scored 620 and Burra 452 + 42 = 494.

A match on the same day saw J.A. Pearce produce the highest score of 84, W.B. Page one of 81 and R.D. Pascoe one of 80.

Last weekend they fired a match with Pt Pirie at Pt Pirie and Pt Pirie 716 defeated Burra 695.

Football. The last match for the year was played on Saturday at Victoria Park when Aberdeen defeated Kooringa.

Burra Racing Club met at the Commercial Hotel on Friday in preparation for their next racing meeting in January 1901.

Burra Cycling Club held a sports meeting at Victoria Park on Monday. The weather was good, but there was a very small crowd of people. Since prizes totalled £12 and the rent cost £3-3-0 and incidentals £1-10-0 the cost of the enterprise was £16-3-0, but the gate brought in only £2-10-0. This makes the meeting a dismal financial failure with a deficit of £13-13-0.

The racing itself was good.

W.J. Richards won the 2 mile.

J. Bailey won the 1 mile.

C. Packard won the 1⁄2 mile.

W.J. Richards won the scratch race.

W. Barkley won the 1⁄4 mile dash.

O. Baynes won the Consolation Stakes.

Mrs M.A. Graham was farewelled on Tuesday evening with a social at the Methodist schoolroom.

Obituary. Mrs Rowe, wife of Rev. J. Rowe, died last Sunday, aged 77. Rev. Rowe was the Bible Christian Minister for some years in Burra. [Elizabeth Rowe died 2 September 1900: wife of James]

Advt. Redruth Methodist Church Khaki Fair, 7 September. Proceeds to reduce the debt on the church and parsonage.

XV, 434, 12 Sep. 1900, page 2

Redruth Methodist Church Khaki Fair raised over £60, which is an increase on last year.

Mt Bryan Methodist Church held a successful anniversary last Wednesday and Sunday.

XV, 434, 12 Sep. 1900, page 3

Burra Defence Rifle Club. There is a more complete account of the trip to Pt Pirie. They departed by train on Saturday evening, and changed to narrow gauge at Terowie. At Petersburg a sumptuous spread was provided by the President, W.B. Page. They reached Pt Pirie at 4.45 a.m. and had breakfast at Knapman’s Hotel followed by a morning tour of the smelting and refining works. In the afternoon there was boating and a drive to the hills etc. On Monday the match took from 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. and Pt Pirie defeated Burra 716 to 695. Last Wednesday the local match resulted in a win to A. Bennetts 89 from J. Reed 82 and R.D. Pascoe 80.

Boer War. C. Packard writes a letter from the front reporting the fighting and the wounding of Percy Richardson and the death of Tothill. He complains about being poorly fed.

Court.

Richard Gray, landlord of the Burra Hotel was charged with selling whisky of less than 25% strength. Ten bottles were examined and only one was underproof – by a large margin. His defence was that it was adulterated for private use and was only on the shelf by mistake. Fined 20/- with 15/- costs.

Burra Town Council.

Notice was given of a motion to tar dress the footpath from Bath & Pearce’s to the north side of the Post Office.

The motion ‘That the Council take a lease on the slaughterhouse known as O’Leary’s’ was carried.

XV, 435, 19 Sep. 1900, page 2

Boer War. Mr Beaumont Reade exhibited war pictures on the screen at Burra by aid of the cinematograph [movies] on Thursday and Friday, but lack of publicity or notice of their arrival made it a financial failure.

Burra Show Soc. will hold its show next Friday with the Burra Band engaged for the day and a grand concert with the Burra Orchestra plus singers etc. from Kapunda and Adelaide in the evening.

Burra Brass Band was prevented for the second time from going to Booborowie on Wednesday by heavy rain.

XV, 435, 19 Sep. 1900, page 2-3

Court.

Harry Joshua Williams, aged 12, stole 12/- from the Church of England offertory on 9 September and was sentenced to 10 strokes with the birch rod by the police.

XV, 435, 19 Sep. 1900, page 3

Methodist Church Concert at Baldina on Thursday, in aid of the building fund.

Burra Mine. An Adelaide syndicate is said to be negotiating with SAMA to purchase the Burra Mine. No further information or details are known.

A Catholic Fair called ‘A Grand United Australian Fair’ is being organised for 5 October at the Institute to raise funds to liquidate debt on the church, school and convent.

Burra Town Council.

The Cycling Club has asked to be allowed to give 1⁄3 of the gate instead of £2-2-0 for their recent meeting. The request was granted.

The footpath from the National Bank to the Post Office will be tar dressed.

The estimated cost of tar dressing the footpath from Tobin’s Corner to J. Pearce’s in Chapel Street was sought.

XV, 436, 26 Sep. 1900, page 2

The Season looks like being a good one.

Burra Brass Band is to give a sacred concert at Victoria Park on Sunday 7 October, to include: Hallelujah Chorus, A dream of Paradise, The Lord’s Day, Vital Spark, Onward Christian Soldiers, The Earth is the Lord’s, Jerusalem, Mystic Chime, Fill the Shining Goblet, Church Parade and God be with You Till We Meet Again. Silver Coin donation.

Burra Show, Friday 21 September.

This was a cold windy day with rain on Thursday and threatening on Friday, though none fell. The crowd was smaller than previously, but in general it was a success. The weather prevented some entries from getting to the ground. Cattle numbers compared well with last year and the Hon. J. Lewis secured the largest number of prizes. Sheep were the special attraction and the Champion Merino Ram went to E. Bowman and the Merino prize ewe to Gebhardt Bros.

There were few pigs. Flowers were better than last year.

The Burra Band played throughout the day.

The evening concert in the Institute was a success.

The gate took £51 which was down £27 on last year. The concert took £20.

Prize money amounted to £192 and the society will have a good balance for 1901.

XV, 436, 26 Sep. 1900, page 3

Burra Show Prize List is printed.

[Of personal interest:

Among professional vegetable growers Lou Pong scooped the pool.

In Flowers the Fuss family was prominent:

12 Cut Flowers A. Fuss 1st, C. Fuss 2nd 6 Antirrhinums C. Fuss 2nd (No 1st)

3 Antirrhinums C. Fuss 2nd (No 1st) 12 Annuals A. Fuss 1st, Miss L. Fuss 2nd

6 Annuals A. Fuss 1st, Miss L. Fuss 2nd 3 Annuals A. Fuss 2nd (No 1st)

3 Hyacinths Miss L. Fuss 2nd 12 Pansies C. Fuss 1st, A. Fuss 2nd

6 Pansies C. Fuss 2nd 12 Phlox A. Fuss

6 Phlox A. Fuss 3 Phlox A. Fuss

6 Pelargoniums Zonale A. Fuss 2nd (No 1st) 3 Pelargoniums Zonale A. Fuss 2nd (No 1st)

6 Ranunculi Miss L. Fuss 1st 3 Ranunculi Miss L. Fuss 2nd

6 Verbenas C. Fuss 2nd (No 1st) 3 Verbenas C. Fuss 2nd (No 1st)

Hand Bouquet Miss L. Fuss Bridal Bouquet Miss L. Fuss 2nd

Ladies Spray Miss L. Fuss 2nd

Best novelty grown under glass: A. Fuss 1st

A. = August, C. = Charles, Miss L. is a mystery

Burra Show Soc. Sheep Dog Trials: P.L. Killicoat’s paddock at Abberton Park, 19 September.

Mr Kemp’s Smoker 1st

Mr Kemp’s Young Rod 2nd

Mr Kemp’s Vi 3rd

Burra Defence Rifle Club. G. Herbert with 88 won on Wednesday.

Court.

Alice Seitner, aged 15 yrs 6 months, was charged with being a neglected child and was sent to the Redruth Reformatory till aged 18.

XV, 436 (2), 3 Oct. 1900, page 2 [Note second use of No. 436]

SAR. The morning train will in future arrive at 11.10 a.m. instead of 11.40 a.m.

Mr Percy Gottschalck, who has recently taken up duties at the Kooringa post office, has been presented with a handsome Maltese cross in gold by the ‘president of Waukaringa’ where he previously worked.

The Burra Band will present a sacred concert from a special platform in Victoria Park on Sunday at 3 p.m.

‘Burra Resident’ writes calling on the Mayor to see that Mr & Mrs A. McCulloch get a good send-off, as they are leaving the district.

XV, 436 (2), 3 Oct. 1900, page 2-3 [Note second use of No. 436]

Dr Brummitt’s Holiday Notes No. XI Edinburgh.

XV, 436 (2), 3 Oct. 1900, page 3 [Note second use of No. 436]

Burra Town Council

The Burra Band was given permission to hold a concert at Victoria Park on Sunday 7 October on condition there be a collection and not a charge.

SAMA has granted the use of magazines for the storage of explosives. £5 is needed for repairs to the magazines before use. [The use of the plural here is intriguing.]

Kooringa Magistrate’s Court, 26 September

Patrick Ford & Bernard Doran, having no visible means of support, were given half an hour to leave the town.

W. Taylor was fined 5/- for drunkenness.

Hector Benton and John Reed were fine £1-15-0 each for drunkenness and the use of ‘some Billingsgate’.

Arthur Irvine was fined 5/- for drunkenness.

Hugh Miller was fined 5/- for drunkenness.

Redruth Court, 26 September

Arthur Clode was fined 2/6 + 5/- costs for stray horses in the streets of Roach Town.

Samuel Baker was fine 2/6 + 5/- costs for a stray cow in Redruth.

T.H. Woollacott was fined 2/6 + 5/- costs for a stray horse in Redruth and asked for time to pay. Granted, but fine increased to 5/- + costs if time taken.

John Farrell was charge with having 1,900 sheep on Crown Land not bona fide travelling. Fined £5 + costs to a total of £7-8-0. For not giving the required notice of entering the Booborowie District he was further fined £1 + £1-11-0 costs.

Burra Band Concert: 7 October 1900

Hallelujah from ‘Messiah’ Handel

Church Parade Wright

The Lord’s Day Wright

Onward Christian Soldiers Sullivan

Fill the Shining Goblet Parry

The Earth is the Lord’s Smith

The Mystic Chime Round

Vital Spark Harwood

Jerusalem my Glorious Home Mason

A Dream of Paradise Gray

Toiling On Haigh

One by One Haigh

Thou Art My Soul’s Delight Handrie

God Be With You Newton

Doxology

Collection at the Gate

Conductor: W.J. Davey

XV, 437, 10 Oct. 1900, page 2

Obituary. Charles Smith was found dead one mile from Mt Cone woolshed by Mr C.E. Gebhardt of Mackerode. The inquest decided he died from intoxication and exposure.

[Died 27 September 1900 aged 62]

Burra Brass Band Sacred Concert on Sunday afternoon at Victoria Park took place despite high wind and blowing dust. The concert was a success, though some important items had to be omitted due to the threatening weather.

World’s End Creek. The annual picnic in connection with the state school took place on Wednesday. The weather was windy in the morning and then pleasant. 22 events were contested. Children’s events were run in the morning and adult in the afternoon. The whole went off very well.

XV, 437, 10 Oct. 1900, page 2-3

Dr Brummitt’s holiday notes No. XII: More About Edinburgh.

XV, 437, 10 Oct. 1900, page 3

Court.

William Seitner, wood carter of Baldina, was found not guilty of criminally assaulting his daughter.

W.H. Hardy responds to those who have complained that a band concert on a Sunday is immoral. He acknowledges the argument s in favour of keeping Sunday as a day of quiet contemplation etc. He looks on Sunday as ‘the one day of freedom, of enjoyment and recreation to those who work the week through. But at the present time anything more desolate and discouraging than Sunday is not to be conceived’. He goes on to list the forms of amusement that are closed firmly, but what are open are ‘the dreary streets and public house corners to lounge on’.

‘Half the rascality and a good deal of drunkenness can be attributed to Sunday.’

‘Sabbath was made for man, and not man to fit any theory of what ought to be, however well meant the interpretation may be. I hope to hear much more Band on Sunday afternoon . . . I await to hear other opinions.’

The Salvation Army will give a service of song on Sunday entitled The Life and Last Days of Mr Booth.

Dr Brummitt intends to leave for Adelaide by the SS. Australia on 18 October.

Burra Institute has appointed a committee to arrange a flower show on a date to be fixed, comprising Messrs Harvey, Winnall, Page and Fuss. [Probably C. Fuss, given his connections with the Institute.]

Cricket. The opening meeting of the Cricket Club was held at R.D. Pascoe’s. Subscription was set at 5/- and the first match is to be at World’s End on 20 October. Capt. M. Gurry & Vice-Capt. F. Fairweather.

The United Australian Fair was a financial success at the Institute last Friday and raised more than the expected total at over £70. Father Doyle was at the head of affairs and the Mayor, E.W. Crewes, opened it at 3 p.m. On Monday evening there was a successful concert followed by a ball with c. 30 couples dancing till the small hours.

The new Masonic Hall of the Kooringa Lodge will be opened next Tuesday evening.

[The former Kooringa Primitive Methodist church.]

Clare Show on 3 October was a great success with a gate of over £109.

Mr & Mrs McCulloch are to be farewelled and given an illuminated address at a public meeting called for 19 October at the Institute.

XV, 438, 17 Oct. 1900, page 2

Grasshoppers are a problem already at Baldina and are eating the crops.

AO Foresters membership is at 201.

Burra Brass Band will repeat their concert of 7 October on Sunday 28 October at Victoria Park at 3 p.m.

Burra Literary Soc. held their usual fortnightly meeting last Wednesday. Their next meeting will feature a mock trial for libel.

Mr W.J. Hine, the stationmaster for several years at Mt Bryan was given a farewell social on Wednesday at Mt Bryan. Miss Swannell, head teacher at the Mt Bryan School was farewelled at the same social.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. The match on Wednesday was won by T. Drennan 89 from J.A. Pearce 87.

Burra Town Council has called tenders for painting and tarring the main road bridges.

Advt. A Continental will be held Friday 9 November at Victoria Park at 8 p.m. featuring Fireworks, Gymnastics, Acrobats, bicycle Manoeuvres and a Grand Procession. Burra Band will attend.

Elder, Smith & Co. will offer 13,305 sheep on 26 October.

XV, 439, 24 Oct. 1900, page 2

Court.

S. Pearce v. J. Gully: claim for £2-17-6 for meat sold and delivered – judgement for the plaintiff.

Redruth Reformatory.

Five girls escaped from the Redruth Reformatory on the night of 14 September and have been recaptured. Two were found by John Sandland at Norman Farm east of Burra. Two turned up on The Gums Station on the Eastern Plains last Thursday in a starving condition and Mr Pearse kindly returned them in a buggy after feeding and nursing and a day’s rest. On Monday the fifth was brought back by Mr Robert McBride who found her wandering on the travelling track in Baldina District.

Antonio’s Circus. Those who did not attend missed a chance that will probably never occur again. The performing dogs and monkeys were exceptional and the parrots a feature of the show.

Kooringa Methodist Church Anniversary was conducted last Sunday by Rev. E.T. Cox of Kent Town. Monday there was tea in the schoolroom followed by a meeting in the church. W.G. Torr presided and the Torr Memorial Tablet which had been transferred from the Bible Christian Church was unveiled.

XV, 439, 24 Oct. 1900, page 3

Mr & Mrs McCulloch’s Farewell is reported in 13⁄4 columns. Owing to the disposal of Princess Royal they have decided to live in Adelaide. The Mayor, Mr E.W. Crewes, presided. Mr McCulloch had done a great many acts of kindness in the district over many years. When the property was known to be on the market many had hoped that Mr McCulloch would see his way clear to purchase it, but he had not done so. His generosity to the poor was well known. He had donated several large amounts to the Burra Benevolent Soc. An illuminated address was presented.

Mr P. Lane referred to the excellent work done in the town in the early days by Mr McCulloch Sen. and was glad to say that his son had followed to a considerable degree in his footsteps.

Dr Sangster Sen. too spoke along similar lines. Mrs McCulloch would also be missed by the children especially who received such hospitality at Princess Royal on their picnics. The [Anglican] Church was free [of debt] today due largely to Mr McCulloch’s generosity.

Rev. W.G.M. Murphy added his best wishes and referred to the large and beautiful memorial window in the church which would ever remind them of Mr & Mrs McCulloch.

Mr W. West Sen. endorsed these remarks.

Mr McCulloch said he was glad to see so many friends present. McCullochs had been associated with Burra for over 50 years – since his father had migrated. He had left Perthshire in 1838. He was offered the management of a sheep station by Mr Henry Dundas Murray, a son of Sir William Murray of Ochtertyre. They came on the ship Orliana and landed at Holdfast Bay after a voyage of five months. His father had married just before migrating. They took their household good to Adelaide on a dray with two bullocks and pitched a tent on the block where Faulding’s Chemist now stands. Mr Murray decided to go on to NSW and Tasmania before settling on a property. McCulloch decided to take up a run on the Gilbert River in about 1842 and shortly after took up Elderotrilla Run. Later they went to live at Gottlieb’s [Near Terowie] and so were in constant touch with Burra. His father represented the Burra District [in Parliament] in 1867. He, the speaker, had spent a very pleasant stay in the district as had Mrs McCulloch. He still had an interest in runs in the north and would sometimes visit the Burra Market. The new owner of Princess Royal, Mr Tennant, comes from New Zealand and intends to be a resident owner. He hoped Mr Tennant might open some of the copper lodes on the property.

The meeting ended with Auld Lang Syne and God Save the Queen.

Burra Defence Rifle Club held its half-yearly meeting at the Commercial Hotel on 22 October with the President, Mr Page, in the chair. The treasurer, Mr J.A. Pearce, reported a credit balance of £12. In the half-year six trophy matches had been fired and there were contests with Watervale, Renmark, Clare, Kapunda, Port Pirie and Orroroo which showed the energetic efforts of the President and committee. A match against Kapunda will be fired on 31 October.

XV, 440, 31 Oct. 1900, page 2

The Continental planned for Victoria Park on 9 November has been postponed.

Jimmy Governor, one of the Breelong outlaws, has been shot and captured – Jimmy and Joe Governor have been bushranging for 14 weeks. Jimmy is only 24 years old.

Mrs McCulloch sent a cheque for £50 to the Burra Benevolent Soc. on Thursday. The gift was urgently needed as funds are low.

XV, 440, 31 Oct. 1900, page 3

Dr Brummitt’s holiday notes No. XIII: The Land of Sir Walter Scott.

Court.

Harry Scott was fined 2/6 + 5/- costs for the usual offence of going too fast around the Royal Exchange corner in Aberdeen.

Tennis. Aberdeen court last Wednesday. Aberdeen defeated Kooringa by 3 sets.

XV, 441, 7 Nov. 1900, page 2

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis announce the sale of valuable household furniture and effects at Princess Royal on 14 November.

Salvation Army Self Denial Week raised £61 – last year it was £28-6-0 and this year’s target was £30-10-0.

Dr Brummit’s holiday notes No. XXV: Barmouth.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. Last Wednesday at Burra, Burra 715 defeated Kapunda 666.

A match for a marble clock was fired at the local range on 24 & 27 October. Of 23 competitors S. Moore topped the score with 89. To win the clock the contestant has to win three such contests so time will tell who gets it in the end.

Burra Town Council.

Retiring officers are: Mayor E.W. Crewes

North Ward E. Cox

East Ward M. Pederson

West Ward W.C.L. West

Auditor T.T. Shortridge

A letter to be sent to the Commissioner of Crown Lands re repairs to the Commercial St Bridge which is in a dangerous condition.

A large petition complains of the removal of a portion of the loading wharf at the railway station which has created great inconvenience. The Railway Dept. is asked to restore the same. It was decided to refer the petition to the Hon. J.J. Duncan to bring the matter to the attention of the Railway Dept.

There has been some vandalism by boys at the cemetery with broken glass and the destruction of plants.

XV, 441, 7 Nov. 1900, page 3

Guy Fawkes Day. The pyrotechnic displays this year were of unusual dimensions. One woman was alarmed to see some man trying to break into her house and summoned aid, only to find some wags had positioned ‘Guy’ to trick her. Several children received a leathering for staying out late and burning holes in their apparel. A batch of merrymakers will also visit the courts soon.

XV, 442, 14 Nov. 1900, page 2

Dr Brummitt’s holiday notes No. XVI: The Welsh Mountains.

XV, 442, 14 Nov. 1900, page 3

Burra Flower Show was held on Wednesday at the Institute. There were no money prizes, but 1st and 2nd prize tickets were awarded. The weather was not very conducive to a good display, but there were over 300 entries. Old exhibitors did well and the names of Oppermann, Baker and Fuss were frequent and a number of young competitors were also evident. Attendance was not so large as would have been liked, but was sufficient to make ends meet. Results are printed.

[Personal interest:

6 Antirrhinums C. Fuss, 2nd 3 Antirrhinums C. Fuss, 2nd

3 Gladioli Miss Fuss, 1st 3 Dianthus A. Fuss 1st

1 Dianthus A. Fuss, 1st 1 Pelargonium C. Fuss, 1st

6 Geraniums Zonale (single) A. Fuss 1st 3 Geraniums Zonale (single) A. Fuss, 1st, C. Fuss, 2nd

1 Geranium Zonale (single) A. Fuss 1st 6 Geraniums Zonale (double)C. Fuss 2nd (No 1st)

3 Geraniums Zonale (double)A. Fuss 1st & 2nd 12 Phlox drummondii C. Fuss 2nd

12 Verbenas C. Fuss 1st & 2nd 6 Verbenas C. Fuss 1st, A. Fuss 2nd

3 Verbenas C. Fuss 1st, A. Fuss 2nd 1 Verbena C. Fuss 1st

1 Seedling C. Fuss 1st 12 Pansies C. Fuss 2nd

1 Pansy C. Fuss 1st 12 Fancy Pansies C. Fuss 2nd

6 Fancy Pansies C. Fuss 2nd (J. Winnall was the main pansy exhibitor)

12 Annuals A. Fuss 1st, C. Fuss 2nd 6 Annuals A. Fuss 1st Miss Fuss 2nd

3 Annuals A. Fuss 1st, C. Fuss 2nd 12 Flowers (outdoor) Miss Fuss 1st

6 Flowers (outdoor) Miss Fuss 1st, A. Fuss 2nd 3 Flowers (outdoor) Miss Fuss 2nd

1 Flower (outdoor) Miss Fuss 1st, C. Fuss 2nd 3 Delphiniums Miss Fuss 1st

6 Stocks C. Fuss 2nd 3 Stocks C. Fuss 1st, A. Fuss 2nd

1 Stock C. Fuss 1st, A. Fuss 2nd 1 Stock (Brompton) C. Fuss 1st

6 Sweet Peas C. Fuss 1st 12 Poppies A. Fuss 1st

3 Poppies A. Fuss 1st 1 Cactus A. Fuss 1st

1 Flower, new or rare A. Fuss 2nd 6 Nasturtiums C. Fuss 1st & 2nd

3 Nasturtiums C. Fuss 1st & 2nd 1 Nasturtium C. Fuss 1st

Bouquet for Table H. Fuss 1st & 2nd Bouquet for Hand Miss Fuss 1st & 2nd

Bridal Bouquet Miss Fuss 2nd

Bouquet for Buttonhole Miss M. Fuss 1st, Miss Fuss 2nd

Hand Bouquet by child under 14 arranged on the premises Miss G. Fuss 1st

Note: A. = August, C. = Charles, M. = Muriel, G. probably = Greta (Marguerita), H. = Hilda, but Miss Fuss is a mystery. Miss L. Fuss succeeded at the Burra Show, but her identity is unknown.]

Baldina Methodist Church. The new church was opened last Sunday when Rev. W.G. Clarke preached. The public meeting on Monday was crowded. The building cost £125 in cash and labour and there is an outstanding debt of £20. [This refers to the stone building which replaced an iron building: the former was known as the Tin Pot Church and there is a reference to the new church as the Stone Jug Church by comparison.]

Douglas Methodist Church held its anniversary on 4 November with a tea meeting on Monday. The church is in a sound financial position.

Holiday Monday last, but nothing special was organised in Burra, though private picnics were popular.

Obituary. Mrs George Kewley, an old resident died at the Burra Hospital on 8 November.

[The Mrs Eliza Kewley who is registered as dying 8 November 1900 aged 68 is also registered as the wife as Robert and though the writing is said to be difficult it would be hard to confuse those two names.]

Obituary. Joseph Webb of Black springs died at the Burra Hospital on 10 November. [Aged 62]

Burra Defence Rifle Club. On Wednesday J. Smith 95 from N.J. Tiddy 92.

Grasshoppers arrived on Friday, but so far little damage has been done.

Burra Waterworks. When the water was cut off to test the boiler on Thursday a hole was discovered which required immediate repair. Water was restored on Saturday.

Ratepayer writes that the government is asking the Council to take over a seven year lease on the Waterworks. This would be reckless for such a ‘tin pot affair’. It is impossible to keep on with such a ramshackle affair any longer and impossible to get decent water from the present well. It is time to voice your concern at the ratepayers’ meeting. [This meeting was scheduled for 16 November in an advertisement on the same page.]

Burra Racing Club has been registered again and the SAJC has granted 30 June for the meeting.

Cricket. Burra was defeated at Clare on Monday by an innings and 3 runs.

XV, 443, 21 Nov. 1900, page 2

Editorial on the retiring Council which has worked well together, done what was needed and finished with a credit balance in every department! The waterworks account is in a flourishing state with a credit balance of £341. The editor feels however that the cemetery is a disgrace and the coming year should see money spent on it. The slaughterhouse question is hanging fire and this too should be attended to, though here the fault lies as much with those who framed the by-laws. The town is generally looking good and the sanitary condition is excellent.

The Mayor, E.W. Crewes, has agreed to stand again.

Mr A.C. Noyes, music teacher in the town for many years, has been told to take a trip for his health and has decided to go to England on Saturday.

The SAR. The other night on the train between Hamley Bridge and Stockport two or three ne’er-do-wells accosted M-C Jemison and teased him endlessly on the assumption he was a ‘cocky’ and ended by becoming abusive and taking undue liberties. Just before Riverton the officer telegraphed to M-C Queale and on arrival there the ringleader, named Thomas Hill, was arrested and next day fined £1 + costs.

Advt. Strawberry Fete 3- November at the Institute.

Cricket. The scores from the recent game v. Clare: Burra 73 & 132 lost to Clare 208.

Football. Meeting of the Kooringa football club at R.D. Pascoe’s on Thursday to finalise the season showed that all liabilities had been met with a credit balance remaining which was presented to the Hon. Sec. T.T. Shortridge as an honorarium for services rendered. The Burra Football Assoc. balance sheet was also presented and adopted. The absence of delegates or members from the Aberdeen Club was noted and regretted.

XV, 443, 21 Nov. 1900, page 3

Mr J.R. Gray, the Corporation Inspector, has been dangerously ill and fatal results were feared until a day or two ago when an improvement set in.

Races Scheduled in 1901: Clare 16 January

Martindale 23 January

Burra 30 January

Kapunda 6 February

Petersburg a few days later

The Annual Ratepayers’ Meeting was held last Friday, but evoked little interest and a small attendance. Mr J. Sampson presided. E.W. Crewes reported the last year.

The year started in credit £24-7-0 and the present credit is £42-4-1, but with several important works continuing little will remain by the year’s end. The assessed value for 1900 is £35-12-8 less than in 1899 (Total £8,507-9-0). North Ward lamps cost £7-14-0 and in West and East Wards the cost was £4-17-6 each. [This suggests two lamps in North Ward: one at the Royal Exchange corner, but where was the other?]

The cemetery began in credit £46-5-0 and is now £36-2-4. Vandalism has been a problem, but the names of offenders have been obtained and steps taken to prevent a recurrence.

Last year the meeting of ratepayers on the Waterworks issue resolved that the Council should continue to control the Waterworks and carry on as cheaply as possible. The approach to the Government for a reduction in the capital account and the rate of interest was rejected and now the Government wants the Council to take on a seven year lease. At present the Council is retaining possession as monthly tenants. The Council resolved some months ago to hand the works to the Government at the end of the year. Two months ago the Council asked the Government to send an expert to test the boiler as they feared its condition. Last week this was done and several defective plates needed immediate attention. Repairs were carried out in one day. While he was here the expert was asked about the small boiler and this is now being put in a state of repair to carry on while the Cornish boiler is being repaired. In the future there will not have to be a stoppage just because the large boiler requires maintenance work.

Health.

This year there were a few cases of typhoid, but it soon departed. The new Board of Health Regulations require the town to have a Public Slaughterhouse in which all meat sold in the town is slaughtered and inspected. A public meeting was called to decide on sanctioning a loan to build a new slaughterhouse or whether the old one, known as O’Leary’s, should be secured. The latter course was selected. D. & J. O’Leary consented to surrender their lease and Council is now waiting on SAMA to grant a lease on the slaughterhouse for seven years with the right of renewal for a rental of £27. The Council is anxious to have this completed.

The Slaughterhouse issue was the most troublesome for the year. Twelve months ago he had thought the Waterworks a white elephant and that they should be handed over to the Government. This year’s experience had proved them not to be in such a bad state. The water supply was adequate, though he would not comment on the quality. He was not now in favour of handing back the works. Recently the Government had bought a great deal of water and the payment for this would cover nicely the cost of boiler repairs.

Mr C. Fuss moved the adoption of the report. Carried.

Cr West said he was glad Council had gone in for tar dressing footpaths and hoped it would be continued where necessary.

Messrs J. Ford and J. Sampson said they were candidates for East Ward. Cr West will stand again for West Ward. North Ward has as yet no candidate.

J. Sampson then handed the chair to C. Fuss.

The Mayor said that though he would stand again he would be happy to stand aside if anyone would offer to stand.

J. Sampson said he would like to see further tar dressing and the road to the cemetery made and trees planted along it to the cemetery gates.

Court.

Richard Gully was charged with assaulting Thomas Rodda James Reynolds at Aberdeen on 24 October. Several witnesses, friends of Gully, told stories in which they claimed to have seen what had happened. They were generally so unbelievable that the bench clearly thought them guilty of perjury and contempt of court. Gully was fined £1-10-0 plus costs amounting in all to £5.

Burra Town Council.

There is a report from the Crown Lands Office that the decking timber on the Commercial St Bridge is all more or less decayed.

A.C. Noyes has tendered his resignation as an auditor on account of bad health, so creating an extraordinary vacancy.

Commonwealth of Australia. The SA Government has announced that nothing will be done to celebrate the birth of the Commonwealth.

Burra Slag Extraction Co. In a terrible accident on Monday night E. McCann was caught in the rollers. His left foot was caught and torn from his leg: the boot and part of his foot going between the rollers. He was at once taken to the hospital where his left foot was amputated about three inched above the ankle. He is progressing as well as can be expected. Mr McCann was only recently married.

[Probably the Edward James McCann who married Annie Allen: check the marriage.]

XV, 444, 28 Nov. 1900, page 2

Advt. C.H. Ewins & Son, Drapers & Clothiers of Kooringa are selling at greatly reduced prices, due to their removal to premises now being erected next to Messrs Elder, Smith & Co.

The sale for two weeks only begins Friday 23 November.

Mr Noyes has left Port Adelaide for England on Saturday and expects to be away about six months.

Mr R. Giles, clerk of the Local Court, Redruth, has been appointed bailiff.

Mr McCann, who was injured at the Burra Slag Extraction Co., is progressing favourably. His comrades collected £2 and a similar sum has been promised fortnightly.

Police. Since Corporal Noble’s removal to Penola M-C McCarthy of Petersburg has had charge of the Redruth Police Station, but he is not the officer who is to be permanently stationed there.

Municipal Elections: Nominations

Mayor Ernest William Crewes re-elected unopposed

East Ward John Ford

John Sampson

North Ward Henry Catchlove Lockyer

William Bentley

West Ward William Charles Leonard West re-elected unopposed

Auditor Thomas Thorman Shortridge re-elected unopposed

The elections will be held on 1 December.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. Match of 12 November: R.D. Pascoe 81 from N.J. Tiddy 78.

XV, 444, 28 Nov. 1900, page 3

Redruth Court, 20 November.

‘Ellen Saunders poundkeeper, Copperhouse, before being sworn promptly asked who was going to pay the expenses for the day.

Mr Winnall: Oh that will be alright, I will see to that.

Witness: Well, that is alright; I can’t come here for nothing.’

[Ellen Sanders: my great-grandmother.]

W.C.L. West agreed to stand for re-election to council after a requisition signed by some 50 ratepayers.

A.C. Noyes was given a farewell social at Mrs F. Treloar’s for members of the Burra Orchestra to wish him well and a happy reunion with his mother and friends in England. He was presented with a travelling rug.

Cricket. On Saturday at Farrell’s Flat Burra 134 defeated Farrell’s Flat 42.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. Second of the contests for the marble clock presented by Messrs Urwin & Sons. S. Moore won last time and this time J.E. H. Winnall, helped by English cartridges and practice got a record 101 while Moore could manage only 71!

XV, 445, 5 Dec. 1900, page 2

Mr A.J. Filmer, visiting veterinarian, has been kept busy in the last week operating on horses. He remains a few days longer.

Extraordinary Election for Auditor for Burra Town Council, caused by the resignation of A.C. Noyes. Nominations are Messrs Treloar and Pearce with the election to be on 6 December.

Municipal Election Results.

East Ward J. Ford 56

J. Sampson 34

North Ward H. Lockyer 58

W. Bentley 46

SA House of Assembly rose for the recess on Thursday and Mr Holder very briefly thanked members for the courtesy extended to him as he expected it to be the last time he would stand there. He is certain of election to the Federal Parliament.

Mr Wicklein has faith in Burra’s future and has increased his stock extensively in watches, clocks, jewellery, silver and electroplate and other Christmas, wedding and birthday gifts.

Booborowie Sports are planned for Christmas Day.

Obituary. A young son of Jabez Warner died on the way in to hospital from Faraway Hill (70 miles distant) last Wednesday. Warner had been treating rabbit skins with arsenic. His son aged 1 year 4 months handled some of them and then sucked his fingers.

[Jabez Robert Warner registered the birth of a son Jabez Joseph Warner 25 July 1899 and the death of a son Cicil Warner on 17 November 1900 aged 16 months!]

XV, 445, 5 Dec. 1900, page 3

Dr Brummitt’s holiday notes Part XVII: The Woman’s Exhibition at Earl’s Court.

Weather. Last Sunday [1 December] a heavy thunderstorm struck Burra with a great deluge of rain and much damage was dome in some parts of town. The bridge over the creek opposite the Kooringa Post Office was washed away as was the one between Mitchell’s Flat and Lower Thames St. [The Pig and Whistle crossing] Some houses were flooded. The top metal was removed from some roads. The Burra Creek ran a banker though the heavy rain lasted only 11⁄2 hours and was followed by light showers. In F. Harris’s shop the water caused bags of lime to ignite. Fortunately the fire was quickly extinguished. Water rushed into Mr Hiddle’s house Messrs Urwin & Sons had water all through the shop and damage to silks and satins from an overflowing parapet gutter. Damage was estimated at £10. The fall was 2.41”.

The flood almost covered the bridge near Reed’s at the north end of town.

Mr Allen and family were flooded out of their home [The Bushman’s Rest] and sought refuge at the Court House hotel. Mr Gully and family also fled. The footbridge near J.R. Gray’s was carried under a larger one and placed against a third near the Court House.

Market Square was generally under water. Water got into Drew & Crewe’s cellar, but the sugar had been raised on stands.

T.P. Halls went to Baldina in his cab and had to wait over three hours for the water level at Baldina Ford to drop and then only got through with a drenching.

Messrs Gray’s and Bentley’s houses were swamped.

Damage to crops was considerable and William Finch, south of Kooringa saw the total destruction of his crop. [The next issue corrects this, saying his crop was saved.]

At Hampton two dams had their banks removed and deposited in the Reformatory Paddock.

On Monday the weather was boisterous with damage to fruit trees.

Burra Town Council, 30 November.

The Railways Dept. has agreed to add 50’ to the length of the crane platform.

Commercial St Bridge to be repaired.

St Mary’s Strawberry Fete was held last Friday and raised £100 compared with £84 last year.

John Tennant advises that trespassers on Princess Royal Estate will be prosecuted.

Boer War. Last Saturday the city of Adelaide was blazing with bunting and mad with rejoicing as troops returned from Africa. There was a great crowd that waited long and with good humour. At the Exhibition Building the audience was most enthusiastic with every patriotic remark bringing cheers. The troops then marched to the Parade Ground to be dismissed. Rejoicing went on far into the night.

XV, 446, 12 Dec. 1900, page 2

Obituary. Mrs Elizabeth W. Gubbins, of Thames St, Kooringa, died on 8 December. She was the daughter of Thomas and Sophia Torr and was born in Tavistock, England on 5 November 1810. She married there in 1831 and migrated to Adelaide in 1854, coming to Burra a few weeks later. Mr Gubbins worked the mine and met with a fatal accident there on 13 August 1866. She was the oldest resident lady in Burra. The late John Torr of Redruth and James Torr of Mintaro were her brothers. She leaves two daughters: Mrs W.H. Turner of Brompton and Mrs J.T. Pryor of Broken Hill and one son, Mr James Gubbins of Broken Hill. Alderman J. Gubbins of Broken Hill has spent a few days in Burra owing to his mother’s death and has met a number of old friends. His conversation was versatile, intelligent and edifying. There are 24 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Rev. W.G. Clarke officiated at the grave with a memorial service in the evening at the Methodist Church. The deceased had been a member of the Bible Christian church for many years.

[Born Elizabeth Williams Torr 5 October (?) 1810 in Devon: died 8 December 1900 aged 90]

Obituary. Mrs M. Cousins, wife of Mr P. Cousins of Booborowie has died suddenly leaving a husband, eight sons and six daughters, all grown up. Mr A. Cousins of Spalding and Mr W. Cousins of Booborowie are married as is one daughter, Mrs Beaumont of Victoria.

[Mary Cousins, wife of Patrick, died 6 December 1900 aged 56]

Recent Flood Damage has been greater than first thought. The Council has made application to the government for £150 to repair roads, some of which remain impassable. Farmers lost hundreds of tons of fallow soil while Mr W. Finch now says he has saved his wheat crop which had been reported lost. Mr E.N. Finch lost about six tons of hay.

Burra Town Council, Election of Auditor, last Thursday.

Frank Treloar 84

James Alfred Pearce 61

Dr Brummitt has returned from England and visited Burra last week to meet old friends. A carbuncle on his upper lip gave him an uncomfortable trip home.

Miss Vivian has collected £5 to assist in replacing items lost in the £250 fire at the Adelaide Children’s Hospital.

Frank Jones aka Frank James aka Arthur Barry, was sentenced to one month’s hard labour for being unlawfully on the premises of W.J. Hayes, blacksmith of Aberdeen, last Friday night.

Burra Burra Lodge MUIOOF revealed at its finance meeting it had total funds of £5,326-12-6. Sick pay this quarter was unusually heavy at £183-3-0. In the past year 62 members have received sick pay totalling £509-8-10 for 1,201 weeks. In that time 2 members and 1 wife have died.

The Burra Orchestra gave a successful concert at the Institute last Wednesday. The hall was well filled with a fashionable audience and many had to be refused admission to the front seats. A special feature was the performance of choruses from Les Cloches de Corneville by the orchestra and a chorus of about 50 voices. Program:

Overture from the Bohemian Girl Orchestra

Waiting Miss Hosking of Adelaide

In Cellar Cool (& encore) Mr Cawthorne (Bassoon solo)

Ladybird’s Race Miss Freer [Recitation?]

Cornet solo & encore W. May

Selection from The Recruit Orchestra

Blow Blow Thou Winter Wind Mr [Peter] Dawson

Lady Gormanston (Waltz) [Orchestra]

Interval

The Legend of the Bells from Les Cloches de Corneville

Bassoon Solo & encore Mr Cawthorne

The Gleaners Slumber Song Miss Hosking

Silent Heroes & encore Chorus

The Irish Schoolmaster Miss Freer [Recitation]

The Thoughts of an American Girl in Church Miss Freer [Recitation]

The Hiring Fair Chorus

Out of the Deep Mr [Peter] Dawson*

True to the Last Orchestra

God Save the Queen Orchestra

• Mr Dawson was described by the reviewer: ‘he has a fairly strong voice with exceptionally fine range and with the necessary training under which he is about to go will place him amongst South Australia [sic] best vocalists.’

XV, 446, 12 Dec. 1900, page 3

Burra District Council has resolved to apply for £150 special grant to repair flood damaged roads and resolved to discontinue use of phosphorus to destroy rabbits.

Burra Racing Club resolved to hold the meeting on 30 January as allowed by the SAJC. There will be six events of which the main race will be the Burra Handicap for £25. The totalizator will be in use and railway excursion fares will be available from Adelaide and Petersburg. Petersburg races will be on 21 February.

Burra Cabs. In the last couple of weeks T.P Halls has had two cabs recovered and painted. Mr G. March has had his cab repaired and painted. Mr C. Grow’s is currently being painted. Courtesy and attention to business have increased.

Gladstone Local Court last week saw the final hearing re Frederick Gebhardt, butcher of Kooringa. He had liabilities of £294-14-0, assets were nil, prospects of paying were nil. A second class certificate was awarded.

Kooringa Methodist Church Bazaar last Friday raised about £70.

Thistlebeds State School was examined last Monday and results at 80% were satisfactory.

Burra Hotel will hold dances every Saturday night.

W.J. Richards leaves Burra tomorrow for about a week in Melbourne to witness the final of the Austral Wheel Race.

Adelaide gets a new railway station. Work is in progress on the school of Mines on North Terrace and on St Peter’s Cathedral. Also on new ice works in Light Square and a new Electricity Power Station on East Terrace as well as in the shopping area.

XV, 447, 19 Dec. 1900, page 2

Editorial on Christmas. The writer concludes that Burra has kept pace with other towns, but has not materially altered or advanced. The harvest for 1900 is not as successful as it showed promise of early. Follow-up rains were not forthcoming later in the growing period.

Weather. Last Wednesday was very windy and fruit trees were damaged. Sunday and Monday were also boisterous.

Sports have been arranged at Booborowie and Black Springs for Christmas Day and the United Friendly Societies’ Sports will be held on Boxing Day at Victoria Park.

The Annual Church Parade for Lodges and other public bodies will be held at 3 p.m. next Sunday preceded by a march from the Institute to the Hospital and back to St Mary’s. The offertory will aid the Hospital.

The Commonwealth Parliament.

In the House of Representative NSW has 26 seats, Victoria 23, Queensland 9, SA 7 and Tas. & WA 5 each. Each state will have six senators. A list of probable candidates is printed.

Court.

William C. Matthews was charged with breaking panes of glass in the old Bible Christian Church. Since the church has been abandoned no less than 100 panes have been broken by boys. Matthews was fined £1 + costs to a total of £3-1-0, or 14 days, and had to do the latter as he could not pay.

XV, 447, 19 Dec. 1900, page 3

Dr Brummitt’s holiday notes No. XVIII: Windsor Castle.

The Mayor, E.W. Crewes, will attend the Commonwealth Celebrations in Sydney, departing Burra on 26 December and expecting to be away 9 to 10 days.

Burra Town Council.

Street lighting will be increased in 1901. A lamp is to be fixed on Redruth Bridge and one on Lewis’s Bridge. The East Ward footbridges are to be repaired.

Tenders are called for painting the seats and mortuary at the cemetery.

Market Square pump is to be repaired.

It has been decided to continue leasing the Burra Waterworks on the same basis as now. [From the Mayor’s annual report this would mean as monthly tenants.]

Burra Show Society. A meeting revealed the financial state of the society:

Subscriptions 142- 9- 0

Government Grant 41- 5-10

Gate Takings 59-10- 3

Entries 37-16- 0

Concert 19-18- 0

Sundries 22- 5- 3

£323- 4- 4

Expenses

Prizes 195- 7- 0

Shed 22-10- 0

Sundries 128-19- 5

£346-16- 5

Given that the shed remains an asset this just about balances the books and given the inclement weather this year the result was considered satisfactory.

St Mary’s: On Sunday 23 December services at 8 a.m., 11 a.m. (Church Parade, 7 p.m.

Preacher Rt Rev. R. Harmer D.D. Bishop of Adelaide.

T. Vivian of Opie’s Hotel has acquired a volcanic aerated waters machine and will make all sorts of temperance drinks.

Characteristics of the paper in 1900.

The paper was little different from 1899.

U.X.L. continued to provide a serial.

Early in the year there was considerable padding as for example on 31 January when there was a whole column of jokes and half a column of household hints.

What were apparent stories turned out sometimes to be disguised advertisements.

‘Night’s horrid Plague’ that keeps thousands awake and made life a misery, turned out to be ‘protruding or outward piles’ for which Doan’s Ointment was the answer, as it was for eczema, hives, sores, chilblains, insect bites, etc.

In all the paper was very uneven doing well at times and on some issues, but missing on others and not following up on some.

Editorial comment was generally missing.

Page 1

Large advertisements mainly not local.

Page 2

Mixture of large and small advertisements. Some are not local. Sales and public notices and news mixed with long wordy advertisements. Serial may be here or page 3.

Page 3

Mixture of long wordy advertisements for patent cures and local news.

Page 4

Large advertisements for local businesses and patent cures with some smaller advertisements of mixed origins.

Serials for 1900

Sam Wilson’s Three Visits by U.X.L. was continued from 1899 and ran from 10 January to 14 February.

Incidents of Early Australia by ‘Wirrildah’ ran from 18 April to 25 April.

Dr Brummitt’s Holiday Notes were published as ‘by R.B.’ as follows: I, 16 May; II, 30 May; III, 6 June; IV, 13 June, V, 27 June; VI, 4 July; VII, 11 July; VIII, 18 July; VIII [sic] 1 August; IX, 8 August; X, 29, August; XI, 3 October; XII, 10 October; XIII, 31 October; [There was no number XIV]; XV, 7 November; XVI, 14 November; XVII, 5 December; XVIII, 19 December.

A Day at the Races by ‘Wirrildah’ ran from 6 June to 20 June.

A Girl’s Beauty by ‘The Admiral’ appeared on 4 July, 11 July & 20 July.

The Quality of Mercy by U.X.L. appeared on 3 October, 10 October, 17 October, 7 November, 14 November, 12 December & 19 December.

Numbering of issues in 1900

Volume XV continued for the whole year, having started 7 December 1892.

The year began with Volume XV Number 398 on 3 January 1900

And continued to Volume XV Number 447 on 19 December 1900

Numbering was fairly consistent, but there were a few anomalies.

410 was used on 28 March and also on 6 June and 419 was not used.

428 was used twice and 429 was not used.

436 was used twice.

XV, 448, 2 Jan. 1901

Page 1

Advertisements

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Auctioneers, Adelaide, Kapunda, Kooringa & Broken Hill

Sandland & Co. Auctioneers, Kooringa & Jamestown

Elder, smith & Co. Ltd Auctioneers, Adelaide, Pt Adelaide, Pt Augusta, Pt Pirie, Jamestown, Gladstone, Kooringa, Kapunda, Strathalbyn, Broken Hill & London

Drew & Crewes Importers

Bath & Pearce Importers

C. & A. Fuss Timber Merchants, Aberdeen

John Pearce Timber Merchant, Kooringa

O. Bartholomæus Timber Merchant, Redruth [Advt. page 4 says Aberdeen]

A. Bartholomæus Agent for SA Fire Insurance Co., Redruth

Agent for Norwich Union Fire Insurance Soc., Redruth

S. Burns Blacksmith, Wheelwright etc., Commercial St

Thomas Harris Coachbuilder, Wheelwright, Shoeing & General Smith,

Commercial St

[Wilkinson] Kooringa Dispensary, Books, Cards, Aerated drinks, Novelties, Spectacles

Page 2

Advertisements

C.H. Ewins & Sons Drapers & Outfitters, Commercial St, will remove their stock to new premises next to Elder, Smith during the week. [Advt. 5 December 1900 said the premises were being erected and this advt. first appeared 19 December 1900.]

L.L. Wicklein Watchmaker, Commercial St, between the Record office and Walker’s Boot Shop

Fred Eskell Dentist, late Eskell & Tattersall, represented by Mr Creswick every six weeks at Vivian’s Hotel

Herbert C. Afford Dentist, monthly at the Commercial Hotel

[Annie B. Millar] Burra High School [Bleak House]

J. Davey Kooringa Lime Kiln at the old kiln known as Rawling’s

P. Pendlebury Solicitor of Adelaide, attends Burra Courts if retained

Luke Day Grocer and Fruiterer

Page 3

Advertisements

Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd Auctioneers

Page 4

Advertisements

W.J. Davey Commercial & General Printing

C.C. Williams Ironmonger, Tinsmith, Galvanized Iron Worker & Bicycle Repairs, Commercial St

O. Bartholomæus Carpenter & Builder, Bricks for sale, Aberdeen,

W.J. Richards Burra Bicycle Depot, Aberdeen, Agent for Austral Cycles

XV, 448, 2 Jan. 1901, page 2

Redruth Reformatory. For Christmas Sir E.T. Smith and Mr C. Birks presented a swing to the Reformatory and Mr Taylor and friends gave a parcel of games and books and a parcel of surprises for the table on Christmas morning. Matron Holden remembered those in her care and her gifts were much appreciated.

St Mary’s. Five were confirmed at the service by Rt Rev. J.R. Harmer, Bishop of Adelaide, at St Mary’s on 23 December. The Church Parade in the afternoon was largely attended by the Town Corporation, the District Council, the hospital board and the various lodges. The procession to the church was led by the Burra Band and the Burra Orchestra assisted by the Choir.

Dr Brummitt’s holiday notes Number XIX: Shakespeare’s Country.

XV, 448, 2 Jan. 1901, page 3

Burra High School – Bleak House: Report of the Principal, Annie B. Millar

Miss Bertha and I will return to re-open the school on 30 January. The brightest experience this year was the successful result of Vera Wilkinson’s preliminary examination and the saddest was the passing of Miss Davidson. Rev. Wilfred Murphy continues his excellent scripture lessons. Vera Wilkinson is dux of the school with Zoe Sangster second.

The prize list and concert items are printed.

Burra Boxing Day Sports were held at Victoria Park. The day started hot and windy, but was cooler later and the gate was £41-5-0, down only £7 on last year and was regarded as very satisfactory. Cycling was the main draw.

The event of the day was the Burra Wheel Race over 2 miles. The winner got £13 with the 2nd place £4, 3rd £2 and 4th £1. Won by J. Bailey.

The pedestrian events were also well contested, though not as well as previously and the public was clearly less interested in these than in the cycling and indulged in other pastimes during them. There was a successful concert in the Institute in the evening.

Christmas in Burra.

On Christmas Eve the streets were crowded and the shops were decorated with seasonable goods. The Burra Band made proceedings lively. Music was played till about 10.15 and then the Band played carols in various parts of the town from about 11.15 to 4.30 a.m. Christmas morning. Christmas Day passed quietly without sports in Burra, but Boxing Day saw the United Friendly Societies’ Sports, and the Salvation Army’s Boat Service in the Barracks was a great success. Thursday was also a holiday, but nothing formal was arranged. On 28 December Burra cricketers went to Saddleworth where they were defeated by a few runs. [Scores not printed.]

Kooringa Methodist Church will celebrate Hospital Sunday next Sunday. The Burra Band will lead the procession and Friendly Societies will attend.

Cricket. On 22 December at Victoria Park, Burra 82 defeated Farrell’s Flat 70.

Top score was H. Tiver, 25.

Kooringa Police Court, 20 December

Joseph Marshall, a travelling hairdresser was given an hour to move on: having no lawful visible means of support.

Court.

M.A. Radford fined 2/6 + 5/- 2 chestnut ponies strayed in Redruth

James Gully fined 2/6 + 5/- a mare and foal strayed in Hardy St, New Aberdeen

Patrick O’Brien fined 2/6 + 5/- a straying strawberry cow in Hardy St

Advt. The Burra Band will play a selection of sacred music in Market Square next Sunday evening at 7.45 p.m. A collection will be made.

Obituary. Mrs Drake, widow of the late H.J. Drake, was singeing a goose about 11 a.m. when her dress caught fire. Her daughter managed to extinguish the flames by wrapping her in the covering from the sofa, but the burns resulted in her death about 3.20 p.m. She apparently ran about the room when the accident occurred because the curtains on the safe and cupboards, carpet, tablecloth, a mangle and a loaf of bread were also burnt or damaged. It is amazing the house was saved. Mrs Drake was a resident for 44 years, arriving in SA in 1850 and in 1857 marrying Mr Drake at St Luke’s Adelaide. They then came to Burra where Mr Drake died in 1871 at the age of 39. Mrs Drake then kept a boarding house. She leaves two sons; Francis Henry (married) Mayor of Port Wakefield and Robert. There is also a daughter, Emily. [Born Maria Marshall: died 25 December 1900 aged 64]

Kooringa Methodist Church held a Pleasant Sunday Afternoon on Sunday last which was well attended.

Booborowie Sports results of 25 December 1900 are published.

XV, 449, 9 Jan. 1901, page 2

Burra Band’s sacred concert on Sunday evening was largely attended and much appreciated.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School annual picnic took place on 1 January at Sod Hut and was much appreciated by the kiddies.

Hospital Sunday at Kooringa Methodist Church was very successful and proceeds were satisfactory.

First Federal Ministry is published. E. Barton is Prime Minister and Minister for External Affairs. SA’s representative is C.C. Kingston as Minister of Defence.

New Year passed without any larrikinism this year. The new year, century and month were ushered in by some with fireworks and singing etc. Watchnight services were conducted. New Year’s Day was boisterous and many intended excursions were cancelled. The Burra Defence Rifle Club defeated teams from the Medical Staff Corps, Adelaide, and from Clare.

A coupon craze was sweeping the state. Apparently you got coupons when you bought goods and could then use them to pay for goods from the Co-operative Coupon Co. Ltd.

A Strange Case. W. Highet and his wife lived in a strained marriage and when William Matthews appeared he came to live with them. He threatened Highet with violence and the latter gave over his wife and child to Matthews for a quiet life, but recently Matthews went to prison for a month for breaking the Bible Christian windows. He returned at Christmas, but was almost immediately arrested for being idle and disorderly and given another month.

Advt. Burra Races will be held on 30 January.

A New ‘Sunshine’ Harvester was given a working field trial on R. Field’s farm on Wednesday before about 55 farmers. The day was cold and the straw damp. It was also windy and the crop heavy and in places badly knocked down. The machine performed very well. It strips, winnows, screens and bags in one operation. It was here worked by four horses, though three are more common, and controlled by one man. The farmers present were most impressed by its action.

XV, 449, 9 Jan. 1901, page 2-3

Harry Hirschausen is committed for trial for false pretences. He ran up a bill for board, lodgings and refreshments at the Bon Accord Hotel totalling £4-19-6. Given the option of being dealt with summarily, he opted for a jury trial and was so committed.

XV, 449, 9 Jan. 1901, page 3

Court.

Mary Highet was charged with having no visible lawful means of support. She said she would rather go to gaol than live with her husband and so was sentenced to one month. Her daughter, Violet Lilian Highet, was sent to the Industrial School until she attained the age of 18.

Cricket. A meeting is called for Burra Cricket Club at R.D. Pascoe’s on 21 January to arrange for a slate pitch.

‘Whip’ berates the cricketers for not attending business meetings which are essential to the running of the club. Mr Lawes, as secretary, is doing his best with little support.

On 1 January at Victoria Park Burra 119 defeated the Slag Extraction Works 48.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. On 2 January Burra 857 defeated Clare 716.

Commercial Travellers’ Defence Rifle Club 711 defeated Burra D.R.C. 674.

Also on 1 January Burra 791 defeated Medical Staff Corps 587 even though the Burra boys were using old Martini-Henry rifles and the opposition had .303 rifles.

Burra Jubilee Benevolent Assoc. On 28 December Mr J. Roach arranged an entertainment at the Burra Institute for the society, bringing up people from Adelaide. The event raised c. £10. Entrance was 1/- and 6d, but few availed themselves of the 6d seats. The program is printed.

Notice. Tenders called for re-decking the Commercial St Bridge.

Burra High School reopens on 30 January.

Salvation Army. Major & Mrs Birkenshaw, leader of the S. Army in SA, will visit Burra next Saturday and Sunday with Staff Captain Hammond.

Booborowie Sports on 25 December produced a surplus of over £20 which is £10 up on last year. £2-2-0 will be forwarded to the Burra Hospital.

Burra Town Council. Tenders won:

H.W. Tiver for North Ward lamp lighting: £7-10-0.

F.J. Carey for Kooringa lamp lighting: £6-5-0.

D. Jones for painting the seats and mortuary at the cemetery: £6-10-0.

XV, 450, 16 Jan. 1901, page 2

The Mayor, E.W. Crewes, returned on 8 January from attending the Commonwealth Celebrations in Sydney.

Salvation Army. The visit of Major & Mrs Birkenshaw and Staff Captain Hammond to the Salvation Army Barracks was a great success.

Obituary. Mr Thomas Talbot of Booborowie who had been employed on the station for over 50 years has died leaving a wife and adult family. [Died 8 January 1901 aged 74]

First Federal Elections are expected in April.

XV, 450, 16 Jan. 1901, page 3

Mt Bryan Sports will be held on 13 February.

‘JUSTICE’ writes complaining that the Mt Bryan D.C. has let a contract for 12 yds3 gravel to the chain for 21 chains at 9/- per chain. This is starvation wages and prices nearly double that are quite low enough.

E.W. Crewes has a letter from Lady Tennyson to promote a Maternity Home to bear her name and soliciting support for the same. Those interested to meet at the Burra Institute on Thursday 17 June [sic]. [Presumably a misprint for January.]

Burra town Council, special meeting, 11 January.

The decision was taken to sign the draft agreement concerning the slaughterhouse of O.J. O’Leary, subject to SAMA giving road access from South Terrace. Also right of a longer term on the expiration of the present lease and a clause to be inserted by Mr O’Leary securing access for stock from the Adelaide Road.

Burra Institute. Annual meeting of subscribers was held last Monday.

The income and balance in hand at 1 January was £264-5-7 and expenditure was £195-14-9 leaving in the bank £68-10-10.

The library has 3,275 volumes: up 116 this year.

Subscribers number 88, a decrease of 6, but 5 have joined since 1 January 1901.

Rechabite Lodge annual financial meeting is reported.

There are 160 members ‘good’ and the female Lilly of the Valley Tent has 160.

The juvenile tent has 35 members.

Mr A. Bennetts has taken over the well-known grocery business of Mr Thomas Parks who has been associated with it for over 50 years. He retires due to ill health. Mr Bennetts was reared in Burra and has overseen the shop for Mr Parks for the last 4 years.

Notice. Tenders called to make and fix a new body to the night cart.

XV, 451, 23 Jan. 1901, page 2

Salvation Army. Lieut. Aberg delivered his farewell addresses on Sunday. He has been a popular worker for the last five months here and is to go to Melrose.

Weather. It was extremely hot last Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Captain J.A. Watt, who at one time carried on business in Burra, has been elected to go to South Africa with the 5th Contingent. He will get a tremendous send-off from Moonta on 30 January and receive a purse of sovereigns and field glasses. On 31 January he visits Burra to say goodbye to old friends, remaining one night. He thanks all friends for their numerous telegrams and letters of congratulations.

E.W. Crewes writes calling on those interested in arranging a social evening for Trooper C. Packard, back from the South African War, to meet in the Council chamber at 4 p.m. next Thursday.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. The first round of a match for a clock to be given to the person who wins thrice was won by J.A. Pearce 89 from C. Parks 88.

AO Foresters half-yearly financial meeting reported the funds to be in a healthy state. There were 208 members with 25 new members during the year.

XV, 451, 23 Jan. 1901, page 3

Trooper H.C. Packard joined the Imperial Contingent in 1900 and fought first in an engagement between Kroonstadt and Lindley. He was with the soldiers that surrounded General Primslow and De Wet, though De Wet eluded capture and was chased to Vredeford, again escaping. Packard reports several stories of war conditions. He was invalided home with enteric fever, but returns to active service in a few days time.

Court.

Henry Skewes of Booborowie fined 2/6 + 5/- driving an unlit vehicle in Redruth

Patrick O’Brien fined 2/6 + 5/- having a straw cow in New Aberdeen

Thomas Henry Woollacott fined 2/6 + 5/- having a stray horse

Burra Town Council, 21 January, sends a letter to the Governor regretting the illness of the Queen.

Flagging is to be put down in front of Mr Sandland’s shop and Elder, Smith’s office subject to their approval.

Lamps are to be procured for the Redruth and Commercial St Bridges.

Bon Accord Bridge to be inspected.

Queen Victoria is seriously ill, though the latest bulletin suggests an improvement. Great anxiety is however entertained as to her recovery.

XV, 452, 30 Jan. 1901, page 2

Burra Races today in Mr E.N. Finch’s paddock on the Mt Bryan Road.

Salvation Army. The Barracks were draped in white, the Salvation Army’s colour for mourning, last Sunday for a memorial service for Queen Victoria.

Court.

Bridget Jareslafsky [sic: actually Joraslafsky] was charged with using indecent language in Welch [sic] Place on 20 January on the information of M-C Jemison. The bench decided that she was guilty, though provoked and imposed fines and costs which totalled £1-1-0 or 3 days.

XV, 452, 30 Jan. 1901, page 2-3

James Gully was charged with having a bag of uncleaned wheat which might reasonably be suspected of having been stolen or unlawfully obtained. Police alleged he took it from L. Gebhardt’s paddock and placed it on or adjacent to the railway line. Gully said he ‘found’ it on the line when running the length in his work. The acting ganger said finds on the line should be taken to the station.

William Manamly, a railway packer, reported seeing the bag adjacent to the line and reported it to his foreman, but didn’t know what the latter did.

Gully said while patrolling the line on Monday he saw the bag on ‘the Queen’s highway’ and threw it over the railway fence. He said he expected to hear someone enquire about it, but nothing happened so on Friday I sent my boy (Ben) to get it. Gully claimed not to know where the boy had put it till M-C Phelan pointed it out to him. Bought it two miles towards Burra on the tricycle. He did not report it as it was not found on railway property. The bench found that though the amount was trifling the offence was serious and that Gully was guilty. They decided on a lenient fine of 5/- plus costs of 15/-. Mr Winnall said there would be an appeal and payment of the fine was deferred.

XV, 452, 30 Jan. 1901, page 3

W.H. Hardy writes saying that when ‘the rubbish heaps of some people’s lives’ are to be exposed in the court as happened lately then the court should be cleared of the public in the cause of decency.

The Masonic Hall will be draped for three months in remembrance of the late Queen.

Queen Victoria died on 22 January at 6.30 p.m. When the news reached Burra the shopkeepers put up their shutters as a mark of respect and flags were hoisted to half-mast. A citizen’s memorial service will be held on Saturday evening at 7.30 [in the Institute]. A memorial service will also be held at St Mary’s on Saturday morning next at 11 a.m.

Annual Iron Mine & Leighton Sports Meeting will be held on 27 February at Iron Mine.

XV, 453, 6 Feb. 1901, page 2

W.P. Reed & Co. joins those holding sales at the Bon Accord Yards. Mr Reed has been an auctioneer at the Hawker yards for the past 20 years.

Fire. On Sunday night Mrs P. Callahan went to bed leaving a candle burning in a box at the foot of the bed. At 11 o’clock M-C Jemison was attracted by a woman’s screams and rushed in to save a young child of three and to extinguish the flames. Some clothing was destroyed and only the constable’s swift actions saved the house.

Mr A.C. Noyes, late of Burra, writes from England to say he is well and believes the change will effect the purpose desired.

The Various District Councils express sorrow at the Queen’s death.

XV, 453, 6 Feb. 1901, page 2-3

Trooper Packard was accorded a social on Thursday evening in the Institute, presided over by the Mayor, E.W. Crewes. It was also attended by Captain Watt. The usual speeches and toasts to our ‘sovereign King Edward VII’ were made and toasts were also raised to Captain Watt [soon to leave for South Africa] and to Trooper Richardson who has returned. Three cheers were raised for Captain Watt, and Troopers Packard and Richardson and the evening ended with singing of God Save the King.

XV, 453, 6 Feb. 1901, page 3

Burra Races on 30 January were a success. The day was unpleasantly windy in the morning, but it dropped in the afternoon. There was a good attendance and every event ran on time. Mr J.C. Heinjus’s Sunbeam, ridden by A.D. Cochrane, won both the Burra Handicap [1st got £20] and The Flying Handicap [1st got £12. The value of prizes comes from paper of 23 Jan., p.2]. The course was good and the whole meeting a great success.

A Memorial Service to Queen Victoria was held on Sunday 27 January at the Bright Lutheran Chapel by Pastor J.E. Hansen.

Last Saturday was a day of mourning with all businesses closed, flags at half-mast, and services in the various churches.

In the evening a citizen’s service was held in the Institute and was jointly conducted by the Methodist ministers and the Salvation Army. The Burra Band attended.

St Joseph’s memorial service was on Saturday at 8 a.m.

A. Edwards replies to ‘Justice’ re the money paid to the Mt Bryan road contractor. The contractor has been happily working for the Council on such terms for many years.

Rev. W.G. Clarke reports that the recent memorial service raised £2-7-0 after meeting expenses and this sum has been paid to the Burra Benevolent Society.

A Wool Classing Course has been arranged for the 1st week in March to be given by Mr George Jeffrey, Wool Instructor at the SA School of Mines. 12 lessons will cost 8/- and a minimum of 8 persons are needed to form the class.

Burra Defence Rifle Club.

Match on 9 February T. Drennan 81 from H. Scott 76.

Match on 13 February R.D. Pascoe 85 from N.J. Tiddy 83.

Events in the town this week:

A hirdy-girdy [sic] was located to the rear of the Commercial Hotel.

A cheap Jack had a stand near the Burra Hotel.

Barton’s Circus was situated in Henderson’s Yard.

A Cat and Baby Show was held in the Institute.

Burra Town Council, 4 February.

The tender from Mr Greenwood for the new lamps was accepted for 21/- each.

Elders have decided to decline the flagging in front of their office. That in front of Mr Sandland’s will go ahead.

[Road metal is cited as coming from the ‘reservoir quarry’, the ‘Hospital quarry’ and the ‘oval quarry’.]

XV, 454, 13 Feb. 1901, page 2

The Local Peace Demonstration Committee decided on Thursday that though the idea of a Peace Day Demonstration had been abandoned they would give the children a picnic on the day of the opening of the Federal Parliament and any funds in hand would go to that.

Hon. J.L. Parsons was elected to the Legislative Council for the Central District on Saturday, to replace C.C. Kingston.

Edward VIII will be proclaimed king next Monday on Montefiore Hill. The whole of the state’s troops will be present – 4,000 of them.

Cricket. At World’s End on Saturday Burra 127 defeated Robertstown 39.

AO Foresters, Court Unity Lodge decided to telegraph Captain Watt its congratulations. [On being placed in charge of a squadron.]

John B. Lawes writes that a report being spread that two ladies nearly shot a man in the Burra Mine is false. One lady never shot in the direction of his house or near it and the other used a very small bore shot gun with shot. The writer then calls on the man making such statements to withdraw them.

XV, 454, 13 Feb. 1901, page 3

The Local Board of Health from the town waited on the District Council of Burra Local Board of Health to ask what arrangements could be made for the inspection of meat slaughtered in the District Council area, but intended for sale in the town without being inspected.

Advt. World’s End Sports will be held 20 March.

Burra Racing Club made a small profit from their last meeting.

Boer War. There is talk of a 6th Contingent.

The 5th Contingent left Adelaide on Saturday with Captain Watt in charge of one squadron.

Burra Methodist Church Harvest Thanksgiving last Sunday. Rev. Geddes White officiated at three services.

‘Sparks’ column supplies the following comment, which but for the letter to the editor on the previous page would have remained enigmatic.

A Resident claims he was almost shot in the head the other day.

SAR. Before the railways agreed to issue excursion tickets for the Burra Races the committee had to pay them £1-2-3!

Slaughterhouse. Arrangements for the Corporation to take over the old slaughterhouse seem to have fallen through with SAMA and so the Corporation is now talking of building a new one.

XV, 455, 20 Feb. 1901, page 2

Rev. Flood, former Bible Christian minister at Kooringa & Mrs Flood visited Burra last Friday after a pleasant trip to England.

The Agricultural Bureau Wool Sorting Classes will be held at P.L. Killicoat’s.

Crops 1900-01 Season.

On the western side of Burra where fertilizer is being used with the seed drill returns have been up to 20 bushels per acre and the average is quite 12 bushels per acre.

In Bundey the crops failed due to drought.

In Bright the average was 4 bushels per acre.

Apoinga averaged 2 bushels per acre.

At Baldina crops failed except close to the hills where they got 3 bushels per acre and grasshoppers did much damage at World’s End Creek.

Edde Collins [sic] writes a rebuttal of Mr Edward’s letter of 6 February re the price for gravelling roads at Mt Bryan.

Mr Edwards has not earned 14/- a day at this contract, as he leads people to believe. I don’t believe A.E. has made 3/6 a day (horses and dray given in). He took a contract for 10 chains at 9/- a chain gravelling and took 91⁄2 days over it. Why was the tenderer not kept up to scratch? One contract near Mr Bowman’s sheep station is a disgrace, using inferior stuff. I will work alongside A.E., same hours and earn quite as much as himself, if not more, any time he likes to mention it. All I want is a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay.

[The editor says he had to exercise considerable discretion in eliminating a considerable portion of this letter.]

Burra Defence Rifle Club. Match on 9 & 13 February, J. Drew 100 from H. Scott 86.

Mt Bryan Sports (2nd Annual) on Wednesday last were a great success. The club goes into next year with £14 in hand and the concert afterwards saw £5-4-6 taken at the door – a record for an event at the Council Chamber.

XV, 455, 20 Feb. 1901, page 3

Cricket. Last week at Victoria Park, Burra 121 and World’s End 31 & 9 for 48.

Burra Town Council. Flagging is to be re-laid in front of premises where required.

The Kooringa street lamps are being unsatisfactorily serviced.

£75 has been granted by the Crown Lands Office for repairs to Commercial St Bridge.

The railways have agreed to ensure that the whistle is sounded for the Bon Accord crossing, especially on sale days.

Obstructions in the creek in Redruth and Aberdeen have been referred to the solicitor.

Local Board of Health.

A letter from the District Council Local Board of Health saying that John Morgan has been appointed Inspector of Cattle subject to Central Board approval.

The committee appointed to get an estimate for the cost of a new slaughterhouse or for the purchase of the existing premises will report next meeting.

Proclamation of Edward VII. Imperial troops on the Britannic will arrive in Adelaide on Sunday for their part in the Proclamation of King Edward VII. Tuesday will probably be a public holiday.

St Mary’s Sunday School prize-giving was last Tuesday evening. There are 117 on the roll. The prize list is printed.

Queen Victoria Memorial. £250,000 has been subscribed for a memorial to the late Queen in Calcutta.

Burra High School. Rumours that Miss Millar is not to carry on the school are unfounded.

Commercial St Bridge. Messrs Pett & Son began repairs to the bridge on Monday.

XV, 456, 27 Feb. 1901, page 2

Redruth Methodist Church will benefit from a Harvest Festival held in the Institute last Friday.

The Federal Election for Senators for SA will be held on Saturday 30 March.

G.E. Dane has promoted a rare classical musical concert that will be performed in the Institute tonight. Some of Melbourne’s and Adelaide’s best talent will perform.

Burra Slag Extraction Co.

Thomas May, employed by the company, badly injured his right arm and hand when a dynamite cap he was handling exploded on Friday. It is amazing no worse result ensued.

‘Teddy’ McCann, who had his foot torn off at the works has now left hospital and his comrades intend getting him a cork foot and when he is fit for employment a job will be found for him at the works.

XV, 456, 27 Feb. 1901, page 3

Public Holidays will change in line with the new reign. They will be:

The King’s Birthday: 9 November.

Accession Day: 22 January.

Birthday of the Duke of Cornwall & York: 3 June.

(Queen Victoria’s Birthday on 24 May and her Accession Day on 2 June will cease to be holidays.)

Salvation Army Harvest Festival was held last Sunday.

Burra Defence Rifle Club.

Firing match Wednesday, C. Parks 93 from R.D. Pascoe 87.

R. Collins jun. writes to continue the debate over contract prices at Mt Bryan.

Obituary. Arthur Watkins, born in Burra, was drowned in the Broken Hill Baths last Saturday, aged 19. [The only Watkins the right age born in Burra was registered as Alfred Watkins born 25 March 1882]

Edward VII’s Proclamation. The imperial troops are now to arrive in Adelaide tomorrow – the king being proclaimed today!

Federal Election candidates are beginning to get around.

Messrs Solomon and Copley addressed electors at the Institute last night.

Burra Hotel. Dicky Gray left the hotel last week and has been succeeded by Mr Brown.

Miss Mincy has resigned as a pupil teacher at the Burra School.

Burra Slag Extraction Co. Manager Mr M. May: copper extraction is progressing satisfactorily.

Court.

Henry Hirchausen [Hirschausen] charged with false pretences in obtaining board, lodging and money from R. Paddock at the Bon Accord Hotel, has been discharged.

Mr Holder is in favour of:

The Commonwealth taking over the NT

A railway to Kalgoorlie from SA

A railway from Adelaide to Darwin

Boer War.

Veterinary Lieut. J.L. Burns, returning from S. Africa considers the war will continue for another 12 months.

XV, 457, 6 Mar. 1901, page 2

Edward VII’s Proclamation. Notwithstanding earlier statements reports now indicate that the king was proclaimed in Adelaide on Wednesday after the Imperial troops arrived and not on Tuesday as originally planned. It also seems to have occurred at Victoria Park rather then Montefiore Hill. About 50,000 turned out for the parade through the city.

A Continental was held at Dr Sangster jun.’s garden on Tuesday evening. Over £10 was taken at the gates with proceeds going to the Queen Victoria Maternity Home.

Boer War. The Children’s Peace Medal has been presented to them after a long delay. It is quite meaningless as the war continues and even a Sixth Contingent is being prepared.

Elections. The Hon. F.W. Holder, Hon. J.W. Downer & Hon. J.V. O’Loghlin will address electors at the Institute on Monday.

Accident. O. Abbott was thrown from his bicycle near Gum Creek and rendered unconscious.

Accident. A 19-year-old young man on Mr Skewes’s station badly fractured a leg when knocked down by a horse.

Accident. Mr Higgs, an elderly man employed by Mr Bailey at Gum Ck, was found under a scarifier after the horses became unmanageable. He was lucky to escape death and remains in hospital.

Mr Dane’s Concert was a success.

Marriage. Last week at World’s End Mr Gosden married Miss Kellock.

SA’s Population was estimated at 368,903 on 1 December 1900.

XV, 457, 6 Mar. 1901, page 2-3

Court.

Mr Crewes, the Mayor was fined 2/6 + costs for allowing a cow to stray, but it was a long time after the event and he objected to the delay.

XV, 457, 6 Mar. 1901, page 3

Mr Dane’s Concert met with several setbacks: in particular Mr P.S. Dawson was suddenly ill and unable to attend. His December visit had been so favourably received. The program is reviewed item by item. The hall was well filled and many items were so popular as to demand encores.

A. Edwards writes a letter continuing the debate over contract prices at Mt Bryan.

Leighton & Iron Mine Sports last Wednesday was a success and a list of the winners etc. is printed.

Cricket. At Victoria Park. Burra 109 & 7 for 46: Clare 131.

The Wool-sorting Class by Mr Jeffery is large and the first class will be held on Monday in P.L. Killicoat’s woolshed. 12 lessons will be given for 10/-.

Surprise arrests in town. On Saturday evening Thomas Fairchild reported a pig was missing, believed stolen. On information gathered M-Cs Jemison & Phelan went to Aaron Woodman of George St with little satisfaction and then, after further enquiries, to the house of Julius Lehman. After further investigation both men were arrested and charged with the theft of the pig. As a couple of sheepskins from McBride’s ‘Norman Farm’ were found at Lehman’s more serious charges are likely to follow. This has created a sensation in town as both were known as hard-working men. Lehman, aged 30, worked for the Unicorn Brewery and Woodman, aged 29, was a road contractor. Both are married with families.

The Boer War is getting closer to an end with the surrender of General Botha.

Elections. The nominations for the SA Senate seats and House of Representatives seats are printed.

Local Board of Health. Cr Hardy moved that the Council deem it advisable to build a public slaughterhouse, that a meeting of ratepayers be called re this and a committee get the necessary information concerning a new one and the lowest price from SAMA for the old one, together with c. 4 acres of land.

XV, 458, 13 Mar. 1901, page 2

M-C Phelan has settled in at Redruth. He was described as not officious, but firm.

Harry Vivian celebrates 20 years as a publican in Burra this month.

An Election Meeting at the Institute on Monday was addressed by F.W. Holder, Sir J.W. Downer, J.V. O’Loghlin & J. McGlynn. Tonight Messrs Burgoyne, Playford, Addison and Poynton will do the same. Next Friday A.A. Kirkpatrick & G. McGregor, E.L. Batchelor and T. Price take their turn, followed by Sir Josiah H. Symon on Saturday evening.

Sir Richard Baker’s pamphlet on the Commonwealth is discussed.

The Constitution – he discusses the meaning of Federation and considers Australia to have a ‘well designed, well thought out and highly perfected system of government.’

Redruth Court.

The place was packed to hear the case of Aaron Woodman & Julius Lehman who were charged with stealing sheep and a pig.

Lehman was charge with theft of a pig and two stud sheep the property of Robert Martin McBride.

There is lengthy evidence concerned with identifying the animals concerned and dating their disappearance.

Lehman claimed he had been much unemployed and to have taken the sheep on Woodman’s suggestion and urging, to feed his family.

Woodman was conjointly charged and also with stealing a pig, the property of Thomas Fairchild.

Woodman admitted to police he had shot the pig and had given half of it to Lehman.

As with Lehman he claimed that debts and lack of food for his family had led to this.

Both were committed for trial at the Supreme Court.

Mr Jeffrey has 20 students in his wool-sorting classes and will also give a lecture on wool at the Institute on Tuesday evening next.

Attempted Arson.

On Tuesday 5 March an attempt was made to burn down Drew & Co.’s (late Drew & Crewe’s) and Mr J. Snell’s premises. Kerosene was poured under the door of the drapery section, but so closely does the door fit with the flagged floor that little of it penetrated. The wood of the door was charred and numerous matches had been used to try to set it alight. It is thought to have been attempted between 1 & 2 a.m. on a moonlight night.

Kerosene had also been poured over the board threshold and boards leading to it, of Mr Snell’s shop. Again despite the amount of wood there the fire failed to gain a hold. M-C Jemison had been called to Clare on Tuesday night, a fact no doubt known to the arsonist.

M-C Phelan was contacted and took action to trace the arsonist. A blacktracker was sent for and arrived Wednesday morning. Tracks in the vicinity of C. Grow’s stables led to Thomas Byrne’s house in Thames St. There was at first insufficient evidence, but Byrne was arrested on Thursday morning. The case lasted from11 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. and will be reported next issue.

XV, 458, 13 Mar. 1901, page 3

Election. There is a lengthy paragraph on the merits of Sir Langdon Bonython as a candidate for the House of Representatives.

T.H. Webb, President of the Australian Free Trade Assoc., addressed electors at the Commercial Hotel on Tuesday afternoon.

Burra Slag Extraction Works

Last Monday the Premier, F.W. Holder, Sir J.W. Downer, Hon. L. O’Loughlin (Commissioner of Crown Lands), J.V. O’Loghlin MLC and several local residents visited the Burra Slag Extraction works where they were received by the Chairman of Directors, Mr Martin. Report next issue.

Eddie Collins writes a letter continuing the debate over contract prices at Mt Bryan and the quality of work resulting therefrom.

Cricket. Saturday at Victoria Park: Burra 143 defeated Hallett 46.

Boer War. On Tuesday there was a lively selection process at Victoria Park when 12 of 16 candidates were selected for the Sixth Contingent and sent down to the local range to try their skill there.

XV, 459, 20 Mar. 1901, page 2

Notice. Thomas Kitchen has sold his business to Mr George Sampson.

Advt. W.A. Gebhardt has taken over from Mr Fred. Gebhardt, Thames St, Baker. Picnic and Tea Parties Supplied

A Census will be taken on 31 March 1901. Penalty for non-compliance £5.

St Joseph’s celebrated St Patrick’s Day last Sunday.

Boer War. Burra men selected in the Sixth Contingent were:

F. Josephs (Gum Ck), S. Halls and R. Gully.

Arthur Bushell will take students in piano, organ, theory of music and singing.

Redruth Court. The Arson Case.

Evidence was given of the discovery of the damage in the morning.

E.W. Crewes said he had seen on the evening of 5 March at about 11.20 p.m. the ‘woman known as Mrs Byrne . . . standing at Luke Day’s corner.’

Then came much evidence from various witnesses about the kerosene and matches and the failure of the fire to take hold.

M-C Phelan later visited C. Grow and found that the cushions in his cab had been saturated with kerosene. Also from the cab he got an empty bottle that had held kerosene. Fresh footprints from the cab were covered up by M-C Phelan and in the evening in company with M-C Jemison, Thomas Byrne was found to have kerosene on his coat. When asked to provide the shoes he had worn on Tuesday night Byrne claimed to have thrown them away as they were hurting him. Byrne was then arrested.

Annie Morrison, who lived with the Byrnes, said Byrne had come home about 11.30 on Tuesday and then had coat and boots and no kerosene on the coat. They went to their separate beds and she did not hear him go out again, but thought she heard him come in later – did not get up. In the morning she smelt kerosene on his clothing, but received no answer to he question about the kerosene on the clothes.

When M-C Jemison asked about it he said it had been thrown by a silly fellow: Tommy Tighe.

Thomas Tighe, of Pulsford Rd, Prospect, Adelaide, said he had been in Burra, but left on the Wednesday. On Tuesday Byrne had wanted him to do a sword dance, but he would not. Byrne said get some kerosene to burn down a shop in Kooringa, but he would not. He did not throw any kerosene over Byrne.

Eliz. Jemison gave evidence that Tighe spent the night in question in the police station at Kooringa in the cell – was asleep at 10 p.m. with no kerosene on his clothes.

Thomas Halls confirmed the pair’s movements earlier in the day and generally Tighe’s evidence.

Benjamin J. Bourman, ostler at the Commercial Hotel gave evidence suggesting that the kerosene was probably taken from the hotel’s lamp room. The supply there running out four days before it should have.

Blacktracker Tommy King gave evidence of the tracks and where they led.

XV, 459, 20 Mar. 1901, page 3

Jemison then gave evidence about how the trail had been followed to Byrne. The tracks had led down Bridge St from Grow’s, across the footbridge and into Chapel St near Vivian’s stables [Commercial Hotel] and thence to Charles Park’s store opposite Drew & Crewes’ store.

Byrne blamed his lack of memory of the day in question on ‘drinking very heavy on colonial wine from Saturday till Thursday morning’. He denied any motive for such an act, but could not rightly remember much of the days in question and believed someone had poured kerosene on him. He was committed for trial at the next criminal proceedings.

Burra Slag Extraction Co.

F.W. Holder, Sir J.W. Downer, Hon. L. O’Loughlin (Commissioner of Crown Lands), Hon. J.V. O’Loughlin MLC, and forty local residents paid a visit to the Burra Slag Extraction Works to witness the operation thereof. They had been invited by J.F. Martin and were met by the manager, M. May.

Erection of the machinery began in 1899. After many difficulties the cost of the plant reached £8,000 and later modifications have added at least another £4,000 due to the unusual hardness of the slag. Although it was being successful the process was too slow and additions were needed to double the output. Now 700 to 800 tons a week is treated in three shifts of men to produce a concentrate assaying 70-80% copper and leaving between 0.125% and 0.25% copper in the tailings. About a quarter of the heap has been treated so far and it is expected work may continue for another 4 years. The works employ about 40 plus the teamsters carting wood. The plant requires about 7-8 tons daily. Trucks carrying about 4 cwt are hauled up every few minutes – about 215 a day. The lighting at night is by five electric arc lamps of 15,000 candlepower each. Copper already treated and stored in a heap is valued at £800-£900. A few pieces weighed several pounds, but most of it was in small pieces from gunshot size to pea size. A small concentrating plant is nearing completion and this will take ore from tributers who are getting too small an amount to justify sending it away for concentration. After the visit refreshments were served. There were speeches all round and toasts.

Burra Defence Rifle Club had a match on 9 & 13 March and H. Scott won from G. Herbert & A. Riggs. [But it is not clear how the handicap limit applied to affect this result.]

The Arson Case gets some further notes, but to little purpose.

Advt. At The Institute 22 & 23 March see The Royal Bioscope: the King of Cinematographs, with Roberts to Pretoria, and comic picture to amuse you. 2/- & 1/-.

Court. The case of Annie Howell, charged with attempting to unlawfully rescue certain goods seized by a bailiff, will be reported next issue.

Boer War. ‘Dick Gully has given up cycling and taken to Boer shooting.’

XV, 460, 27 Mar. 1901, page 2

Advt. Thomas Kitchen is selling his house and furniture and is leaving the district.

Federal Election. Mr J.H. Cooke 7 Hon. D.M. Charleston addressed electors in the Institute on Thursday evening.

The Bioscope played to fair audiences and was the best pictures of their kind so far seen in Burra.

Court.

James Gully, who was appealing against his conviction in the Redruth Court for stealing a bag of wheat, has had the Crown Solicitor decline to proceed and the verdict will be quashed.

World’s End Creek Sports last Wednesday were most successful with athletics, cycling, horse racing, tilting, and cotton spinning etc. at the creamery. All was well prepared, but the lack of trees was felt by visitors. Results are printed.

XV, 460, 27 Mar. 1901, page 2-3

Annie Howell’s Court Case is reported in over four columns. [Apparently mainly for its entertainment value.] Heard before T.W. Wilkinson & A. Harris JPs.

Annie Howell was charged with seeking to rescue one grey horse, one spring dray and a set of single harness, which had been seized by the bailiff – also charged was her husband, John Howell.

Mrs Howell objected to the case being heard as her witnesses were absent.

R.L. Giles, bailiff:

On 12 January went to Mongolata to execute two warrants – one for £7-16-6 and the other for 15-12-6. The Howells refused to hear the warrants or to pay up.

(Annie interrupted to say they had the Attorney General’s advice not to pay.)

On attempting to seize the horse Mrs Howell said it belongs to John Howell. The second warrant was for John Howell and he said the horse belongs to Mr Barker. The debt is in consequence of a court verdict in 1898.

Howell said he would rather go to jail than pay.

The bailiff had then seized the items as above.

The bailiff then claimed that Mrs Howell urged her husband to get a gun and shoot them and then get an axe and kill the horse – stick them with a knife.

Mrs Howell continually interrupted the evidence with dramatic gestures and exclamations of denial and was ultimately threatened with removal to the back of the court.

The bailiff offered to go to Mr Barker’s to ascertain the ownership of the horse – Mrs Howell insisted on accompanying him, riding with the two bailiffs in their buggy. Howell followed with the dray.

On the way they stopped at Mr Jones’s at Mongolata and at his invitation had dinner. Mrs Howell objected that she was left in the trap all the while. After dinner the bailiff found that the Howells had gone off in the dray. They followed the dray tracks into the hills and found Mrs Howell sitting in the dray in the ranges. Mrs Howell interrupted to say it was on a three chain road short cut to Barker’s. They went on and near Barker’s met with Howell coming back to say that Barker was not home. The bailiffs decided to go into Burra. Mrs Howell tried to eject the assistant bailiff from the dray and Howell seized the horse and tried to unfasten the reins.

Mr W. Moore, who had been picked up at Jones’s and was the son of E.A. Moore, the assistant bailiff, helped to restrain Howell who then rushed to the side of the horse and tried to unfasten the trace.

Mrs Howell suggested they go to see Mrs Barker and examine Mr Barker’s cheque book [as evidence of his ownership of the horse.]

They went to Mr Barker’s where Mr Giles ordered Mr Moore to drive the dray to Burra. Howell again tried to unfasten the reins. W. Moore then held Howell while the dray was driven off and Moore then made a run for the trap with Giles and they drive off with Howell heaving a large stone at them.

The cross examination by the Howells was dramatic and rather frenetic and in the end profitless for them.

E.A. Moore, the assistant bailiff gave evidence confirming that of Giles, the bailiff and W. Moore’s evidence was corroborative.

Mrs Howell said she was in bed very, very ill on 12 January and got up when Giles arrived.

She claimed ‘They have taken all I had . . . By burning me out and taking me to court.’

(Clarified after objection – that the ‘they’ of the burning were in fact unknown.)

She claimed that Giles had insisted on her going with them to Baker’s [whereas his evidence had her insisting on coming along.]

M-C Jemison, who was acting as court recorder complained that he couldn’t keep up with either the dramatics of Mrs Howell or the objections of Mr Winnall. ‘I don’t know who is the biggest nuisance Mr Winnall or the defendant.’

After an amusing discussion about the absent witnesses, none of whom except the Barker girls had actually seen any of the critical actions, the case ended having given four hours of entertainment for the gallery.

The bench found the Howells guilty and fined them £1 + £4-8-0 costs.

Mr Winnall – What about the non-payment of the fine?

Bench – Can you pay the money?

Mrs Howell – No we can’t.

Bench – One month to pay or 14 days in jail.

Mrs Howell – ‘Do you arrest me now; take me as I am.’

‘The crowd left the Court feeling that they had been highly entertained.’

XV, 460, 27 Mar. 1901, page 3

Advt. C.C. Kingston will address the electors in Burra tonight.

[Presumably at the Institute?]

Bruce Harvey, aged 13, eldest son of R.M. Harvey, has passed the preliminary examination held this month for the University of Adelaide. He was coached by Miss Betha [sic] Millar of Burra High School for the six weeks prior.

Cricket, at Victoria Park on Saturday: Burra 106 defeated Terowie 72.

Obituary. Mr John Hosking died on Saturday. [Died 22 March aged 82]

Obituary. Mrs F. Dew has died at her residence at Springbank. [See details next issue.]

W.H. Hardy is taking our census.

Court. The trial of Woodman & Lehman will be in Adelaide on 3 April.

Redruth Reformatory.

Seven girls have escaped in the last month, but now all are recaptured.

XV, 461, 3 Apr. 1901, page 2

Obituary. Mrs James Dew died 25 March 1901. She was a resident of Springbank for 33 years. Mr J. Dew, who died about 9 years ago ran the property first as a dairy and then as a farm. Since his death the farm has been run by trustees. She leaves seven daughters and two sons along with 33 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren:

Mrs Elliott Camp of Copperhouse

Mrs Emma Platten of Petersburg

Mrs W. Midwinter of Copperhouse

Mrs W. Bradley of Kilkenny

Mrs Maria Platten of Petersburg

Mrs W. Barkley of South Broken Hill

Mr F. Dew of Springbank

Mr W.G. Dew of South Broken Hill

[Born Fanny Dunning 10 May 1832: died 25 March 1901 aged 68]

Football. Burra Football Club met for the first time this season last week at R.D. Pascoe’s rooms with a large attendance. It was resolved that it sever its links with the Association and adopt the name of the Burra Football Club. T.T. Shortridge tendered his resignation as Hon. Sec. due to pressure of work. Mr C.J. Sangster was elected Hon. Sec. and H.A. Knevett Captain. J.T. Hartnett was elected Vice-Captain and Hon. J. Lewis MLC was elected President.

Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday Burra 121 defeated Petersburg 75.

XV, 461, 3 Apr. 1901, page 3

Criminal Sittings, Adelaide, 1 April.

Woodman & Lehman pleaded guilty and asked for mercy which was not forthcoming. They received one year each on the pig stealing charge and Lehman got two years for stealing the two sheep. [It is not stated whether the sentences were concurrent.]

Byrne has pleaded not guilty to the arson attempt at Drew & Crewes and the trial is expected today. [Correction in paper of 10 April: A. Woodman got 2years not 1 year.]

Burra Town Council.

Police have been asked to put a stop to the damage of property at Victoria Park on Sundays with the first offender caught to be prosecuted.

Correspondence with the Crown Lands Dept. continues re the extra expense in repairing the Commercial St Bridge.

Federal Elections. There was great apathy with about 2,000 on the roll and about 500 voting. Some votes are yet to be counted, but they cannot affect the results. The count so far is printed. Those elected for the House of Representatives will be Kingston, Bonython, Glynn, Holder, Batchelor, Solomon and Poynton.

The senators will be Symon, Playford, Baker, Downer, Charleston and McGregor.

Boer War. The Sixth Contingent will leave for South Africa this week.

Obituary. W.H. Johnson of the Kooringa Hotel died last week.

[William Henry Johnson died 28 March 1901 aged 41]

XV, 462, 10 Apr. 1901, page 2

Criminal Sittings, Adelaide, 1 April.

Thomas Byrne (34) was accused of arson at Drew & Crewes. The judge commended the police in their work with respect to the case, but ruled that it was a dangerous one to take to a jury. The Crown Solicitor agreed that there was no case to answer and entered a nolle prosequi and Byrne was discharged.

XV, 462, 10 Apr. 1901, page 3

Burra Rifle Defence Club. Annual meeting on Wednesday at the Commercial Hotel. W. B. Page, President, took the chair. There was a credit balance of £5-9-4. Elections for the next year resulted in: President, A.B. Hiddle; Secretary, J.A. Pearce; Treasurer, C.A. Pearce. Annual subscriptions were set at 6/- payable half-yearly.

Best average for the year 1900-01 was R.D. Pascoe with 76 over 19 matches followed by C. Parks with 74 over 19 and J.A. Pearce with 73 over 23.

There were 55 members and 37 members completed class firing for the year. This resulted in there being 5 marksmen, 2 first class shots, 3 second class shots and 27 third class shots. This is not altogether satisfactory.

There were 9 matches with outside clubs of which Burra won 6 and lost 3.

Local club matches for donated prizes were welcomed and their donors thanked.

The SADR Clubs Association was formed some time ago, but has had little benefit and membership of it seems of doubtful value. The Government’s £400 for class firing among the military forces excludes Defence Rifle Clubs which the President described as grossly unfair. The clubs were also excluded from the celebrations of the opening of the Federal Parliament. We hope for better things from the new Commonwealth.

At the rifle match on Monday at Burra the home team 687 defeated Port Pirie 589.

Federal Election. The final count has not altered the order of those elected.

Rev. W.H. Rofe, who has held the Redruth Circuit for some time moves to Parkside.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held its anniversary last Sunday with Rev. Rofe in the morning and Rev. W.G. Clarke in the evening. On Monday the children had their tea followed by the public tea and public meeting which was addressed by Rev. Rofe.

Bicycle Sports in Victoria Park on Monday with a concert in the evening. The results are printed, but the paper does not say who organised the event. [Burra Bicycle Club?]

Professor Carl plans a big fireworks display for Burra.

Polo. In Adelaide last Saturday Adelaide I defeated Burra 10 to 4 (including a two goal handicap)

World’s End Sports. Last week we said the sports paid c. £17 in prizes and banked £20, but in fact £21 was paid in prizes and £10 was banked.

Advt. Fireworks at Victoria Park on 19 April.

W.G. Clarke writes a letter calling on the district to honour F.W. Holder as his elevation to Federal Politics will sever his last links with the locality.

XV, 463, 17 Apr. 1901, page 2

Marriage. On 1 May at the residence of the bride’s aunt Mrs J.W. Duthie at Boulder City WA

Alf, 2nd son of the late S. Manicum of Mauritius married

Alice Dearlove, eldest daughter of R. Dearlove of Kooringa

W. Dolan, a young lad employed by T.H. Pearse, was accidentally shot at Caroona recently while trying to ‘brain’ a wounded wallaby with his rifle while it was loaded. He was brought into Burra Hospital on Sunday evening.

Editorial on the Alfred Stanley Lines Case

The editor comments on a recent court case in which Henry Skews was charged with beating Alfred Stanley Lines. The editor says, that without in any way condoning the actions of Skews, it is clear he was provoked sorely by the actions of a lad who is either self-willed or takes a delight in doing what is wrong and has an immovable conscience. Nevertheless, orphans and other boys in the care of masters should not be knocked about, because two wrongs do not make a right.

[Note that Alfred Stanley Lines, born 6 April 1885, was orphaned in 1855 when his father murdered his mother and then committed suicide. See VI, 449, 16 June 1885, Page 3.]

Taylor & Co.’s Munjibbie Copper Claim near Hallett has produced a splendid sample of ore that can be seen at the Commercial Hotel. Assays prove 15-20% copper.

Dr Brummitt’s life-size portrait can be seen in the Town Council Chamber. The frame measures 4’ x 3’3”. [This portrait seems to have vanished.]

Rev. Stuart Wayland is seriously ill at Mt Pleasant. He had charge of St Mary’s at Burra for a number of years.

Burra Literary Soc. held its 2nd AGM on 10 April. The President Rev. W.G. Clarke took the chair. Fifteen meetings had been held and the average attendance was 56 with a high of 108 and a low of 12. The average was 32 members and 24 visitors. There are 56 members on the roll. Income for the year was £9-13-9 + £2-12-4 from last year. Expenditure comprised £1 to the Methodist Trust for use of the hall, social expenses of £4 and a grant of £2-10-0 to a distressed family. This left £3-7-10 in hand.

Elected were President: Rev. W.G. Clarke

Vice-Presidents: John McLaren, John Drew & F. Fairweather

Sec. & Treasurer: W.G. Trotter

XV, 463, 17 Apr. 1901, page 3

Burra Town Council, 15 April

The Crown Lands Office sought more details on the extra costs of repairs to the Commercial St Bridge.

Professor Carl was given permission for a fireworks exhibition at Victoria Park.

Other routine matters were dealt with.

Redruth Court, 10 April

Thomas Rosewall & Albert May were each fined 10/- + 10/- costs for drunkenness and the use of ‘choice Billingsgate’ at the World’s End Sports.

Frederick Sellars was fined 10/- + 10/- costs for interfering with police on the same occasion.

Frederick Camp was charged on the information of his wife with having assaulted her on 4 April.

Mrs Camp claimed he was drunk and struck her knocking out two teeth. He hands were also injured in the struggle. He also assaulted their son George who had come to his mother’s aid.

Frederick Camp strongly denied all this.

George Camp’s evidence supported his mother.

Frederick Camp said his wife was drunk and had attacked him, dragging him by his whiskers and scratching his face. He was fined £2, but with court fees of 13/-, attorney fees of £1-1-0 and informant fee of 5/-[and presumably other costs] he was in total parted from £4-11-0.

Henry Skews was fined 10/- plus costs amounting in all to £3-5-6 when he was charged with assaulting Alfred Stanley Lines at Booborowie on 26 March with a pick handle. Lines claimed £5 compensation. Lines gave evidence saying Skews hit him with a pick handle and also struck him on the chin and temple with his fist tore his shirt from his back and scratched his chest. He had also caught him and dragged him by his ears. Skews said Lines had got into his house and stolen items. Lines admitted entering the house, but only to get some sugar. Lines did admit taking a bridle and then destroying another by cutting a bit out of it because ‘it looked better on the other bridle’. He then tried to repair the damaged bridle by cutting up a coupling used for the horses. When questioned, Lines admitted to a whole series of failures to carry out instructions. Each in itself was a relatively minor thing, but they clearly had a cumulative effect. Skews admitted the assault, but not the use of a pick handle.

The Bench conceded the provocation, but said it did not justify Skews taking the law into his own hands and assaulting the lad.

David Alexander Stewart was found drunk on three days within a week and as a result was sentenced to 24 hours imprisonment on Wednesday, fined 5/- on Thursday and fined £1 on the following Monday.

Advt. A Grand Display of Fireworks at Victoria Park on Friday Evening 19 April.

Notice. Meeting called at the Burra Council Chamber on 19 April at 7.30 p.m. to make arrangements for the social for F.W. Holder MP.

XV, 464, 24 Apr. 1901, page 2

Professor Carl gave an excellent fireworks display at Victoria Park on Friday evening in perfect weather, but attendance was not large.

St Mary’s. The annual Sunday school picnic was held at Koonoona on Wednesday.

AO Foresters, Court Unity Lodge No. 3015 held its usual fortnightly meeting and passed a resolution opposing the Consolidated Sick Fund.

Court.

Two men have been taken to Adelaide by M-C Phelan in the past week for being repeatedly drunk: David Maxwell Stewart, after his fourth conviction in a week, and Fred. Camp.

Mrs Howell went at the same time following her failure to pay the fine resulting from the recent case. Mr Howell has paid his fine and promises a sensational trial for false imprisonment in his wife’s case.

Kooringa Court.

Berno Frederick [sic: but probably Beno Isaac Frederick born 29 March 1882 at Copperhouse to August & Maria.] was charged with being the alleged father of the unborn child of Maud Lines, a girl at the Redruth Reformatory and under the age of 18 years. James Gray, Inspector for the State Children’s council asked for maintenance and confinement expenses. As it happened the pregnancy could not be confirmed and the case was dismissed.

William McDonald was charged with being the father of the unborn child of Charlotte Sarah Campbell, living in Kooringa with Mrs Goldsworthy. M-C Jemison said that when told that ‘Lottie Goldsworthy’ was in trouble McDonald said ‘others have been there as well as me’ and refused to sign any order for expenses. In court McDonald denied any wrong doing with the girl absolutely and denied he had admitted anything to M-C Jemison. Others gave evidence that she was frequently out with other young men and wore ‘a very short dress – nearly up to her knees’. The case was dismissed with costs against the State School Council of £3-6-6.

[The editor rather primly says that the report has been trimmed from three columns to about 2⁄3 column by deleting ‘the choicest language’.]

XV, 464, 24 Apr. 1901, page 3

St Mary’s Vestry Meeting.

The meeting heard that the Sunday school was flourishing and the parish’s Mission Churches were doing well. The church had received gifts: an eagle lectern from Mr & Mrs A. McCulloch, silver side vessels from Mr & Mrs C. Sandland, a new Bible from Mr & Mrs W.P. Barker, a velvet alms bag from Mrs J.E.H. Winnall.

The last strawberry fete raised £105 and £70 of it went to the organ fund. The rest went to lay water to the rectory and to erect a fence between the church and the Sunday school. Weekly services were conducted at the Hospital and Redruth Reformatory. This year’s strawberry fete funds are to be used as follows: £10 to the organ fund, to plaster the Sunday school room, to renovate and clean the interior of the church and the rest on a shelter shed.

Polo. A polo team from Adelaide visited on Saturday last which was rather rainy. The report is hard to follow especially given sentences like ‘In the third quarter Burra secured the second and only goal for the day’.

[Both sides had previously been credited with a goal: Adelaide in the first quarter and Burra in the second.]

The final result seems to have been that Adelaide 6 defeated Burra 2.

Entertainment. The Lady of Carthage will be presented at the Institute in costume tonight. It is the story of the Martyrdom of SS Vivia Perpetua and Felicitas. Proceeds are for a worthy object. [Both the worthy object and the producers of the effort are unnamed here, but an advertisement elsewhere on page 3 says the profits will go to St Mary’s Sunday school.]

Boer War. Soldiers are returning from South Africa.

XV, 465, 1 May 1901, page 2

The Mayor, E.W. Crewes, has accepted the invitation of the Governor of Victoria to be present in Melbourne on 9 May, the day of the opening of the Federal Parliament and to attend the reception of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. He will leave on 7 May and be back for the banquet to Mr Holder on 13 May.

Rev. W.F. James will return to Burra to take charge of the Redruth Circuit after an absence of 14 years. He was previously here in charge of the Kooringa Bible Christian Circuit and has worked hard for Methodist Union.

Obituary. Mr David Wells, a resident for 52 years, died at his residence in Redruth on Thursday aged 84. He was born in London in June 1817 and left there 26 September 1848 in the Candahar, arriving at Pt Adelaide 10 February 1849. He came direct to Burra where he worked for the Smelting Co. assisting to make the office furniture. After three months he set up his own business as a carpenter and cabinetmaker. In February 1852 he went to the Victorian goldfields where he spent a year at Forest Creek and Bendigo before returning to Burra. In 1853 he joined the Burra Lodge MUIOOF and was active in it for many years, being financial secretary for 14 years from June 1854. He then visited England. He never married and his only relative in Australia is Mr George Thomas Wells of NSW.

XV, 465, 1 May 1901, page 2-3

Boer War. James Reed of Redruth has received a letter from Mr Ben Archibald who joined the 10th Reserves at Cape Town for active service in South Africa. He tells of 61⁄2 months of active service tracking down De Wet and De Leray and other Boer Generals. He tells of the capture of over 100 prisoners at Bothevale, but also of an engagement after which 700 men did not answer the roll call. In all there is about 2⁄3 column of detail, but no indication of who Ben Archibald was.

[SA Births, Marriages & Deaths offer no suggestions either.]

XV, 465, 1 May 1901, page 3

Burra Literary Soc. last Thursday heard the eminent Adelaide elocutionist Mr Edward Reeves who rendered a variety of recitations, martial, pathetic and humorous, which were interspersed with musical items.

The Lady of Carthage, a representation of the lives of early Christians with connective readings by Rev. W.G.M. Murphy, was given in the Institute on Wednesday evening before a large and appreciative audience.

C. Hawkins, collector for the Blind, Deaf and Dumb Institution, thanks all those who provided free transport, board and lodging for the weeks he was canvassing in the district.

F.W. Holder’s Banquet. A large send-off is planned for Mr Holder, Premier of SA, in the form of a public banquet in the Burra Institute on 13 May. It is c. 13 years since he was first returned to Parliament to represent the Burra District. Various Ministers of the Crown will attend. There is a letter from the organising committee urging people to secure their seats by buying tickets by the 8 May, as by then the caterers need to know the numbers. Single ticket 3/-, Double (Lady & Gentleman) 5/- and Lady 2/6.

Obituary. Mr J. Glendenning of Watervale died on Sunday 28 April aged 89. He was born in Kelso Scotland in 1812 and came to SA in 1849 under engagement to the late G.C. Hawker and for the last 30 years has been living independently. He leaves a widow of 84, five daughters and two sons. Mrs J.R. Jemison of Burra is the youngest daughter of the deceased.

The Burra Slag Extraction Co. had to close for a day last week due to a broken chain, but is now in full swing again.

Sparks

Some of the Imperial Bushmen are returning to SA.

The Duke and Duchess of York to be asked to ascend [sic] a mine at Ballarat.

Rev. J. Chalmers is reported murdered by natives in New Guinea.

XV, 466, 8 May 1901, page 2

A Beautiful Comet was seen in the western sky for several nights past from c. 6.15 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Charles Kickebusche, eldest son of Emil Kickebusche of Baldina, leaves Burra on Thursday for a 12 month tour of Europe, visiting Berlin and Russia among other places.

A Banquet for F.W. Holder has been arranged for next Monday, 11 May, and replies are in from several prominent and representative men. Host Paddock of the Bon Accord Hotel has charge of the catering.

Burra Show Soc. committee meeting last Friday set 25 September for the next show.

Booborowie Methodist Sunday School anniversary was held on Sunday 28 April & Wednesday 1 May. Mr W.F. James preached. He is the new minister for the Redruth Circuit.

Burra Town Council, 6 May.

A letter from the Crown Lands Dept. allowing a special grant of £100 for repairs to the Commercial St Bridge.

The footpath in front of the Post Office to Market Square to be tar dressed.

XV, 466, 8 May 1901, page 3

Court.

E.H. Crewes was fined 5/- + 5/- costs for driving around the Royal Exchange corner in Aberdeen at faster than walking pace.

C.E. Drew was fined the same for the same offence.

Salvation Army. There is a report of a ‘Hallelujah Wedding’ at the Barracks when Colonel Hosking married a couple, though strangely those married are not named and the whole thing has the feel of one of those ‘fillers’ the paper used a lot.

NOTE: The paper was going through one of those phases where much of the copy comprises funny stories and jokes culled from other publications.

Mr Holder is now likely to be elected [first] Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Burra Hotel. Mr Brown left last week and the new licensee is Mr Uren.

W.P. Barker entertained members of the various societies connected with St Mary’s at his residence last Wednesday.

XV, 467, 15 May 1901, page 2

Federal Parliament was opened last week in Melbourne by the Duke of York. It is estimated that over 400,000 saw the arrival of the Duke & Duchess.

Hon. F.W. Holder has been elected unopposed to the position of first Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Dog Poisoning continues in Burra with over 20 cases in the last month. Baits have been laid not only in public streets, but in people’s back yards.

Redruth Methodist Circuit is to make a special effort to paint and repair the parsonage and to meet the furniture and removal expenses and to pay the arrears of interest on the late Primitive Methodist Church at Redruth. Over £70 is needed.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. 24 April: class firing commenced and results are printed.

In the match fired on Wednesday D.S. More 90 won from R.D. Pascoe 85.

Rev. W.F. James was welcomed with a social on Friday evening on his appointment to the circuit. There were speeches by Rev. W.G. Clarke and Messrs J. Lane, S. Burns, J. Scott, J. Fowler, H. Edwards, J. Tiver & W. Rabbich. Music, songs and duets began the evening which concluded with refreshments and social chat.

XV, 467, 15 May 1901, page 3

Charles Kickebusche has deferred his proposed trip to about August due to unforseen circumstances.

Notice. Thanks

I beg to tender my best thanks to Dr J.I. Sangster Sen., the Matron and Nurses of the Burra Hospital for kindness shown to my wife during her illness in that Institution.

An Chin [sic], Kooringa.

[Should be Ah Chin]

XV, 468, 22 May 1901, page 2

An Anti-Chinese article under ‘Current Topics’: The Alien Menace.

The point at issue is the starvation wages the Chinese will work for since if a Chinese can save 1/- a day for a year it will keep himself and a family for four years in China, but a white man who saves the same £18-5-0 has the lowest living wage for only twelve weeks.

XV, 468, 22 May 1901, page 2-3

Mr Holder’s Banquet was given at the Institute on 13 May by the electors. The Hall was decorated with flags, mottos, ferns, pot plants etc. Mottos were Advance Australia, Success to Federation and God Save the King. 150 guests were served by R. Paddock of the Bon Accord with many waiters. E.W. Crewes, Mayor, was in the chair, but his role was largely usurped innovation [or as the paper says ‘the new innovation’] of a toastmaster. The affair was ‘certainly the most brilliant ever witnessed in Burra’.

Present with the Premier were:

Mr & Mrs E.W. Crewes

Hon. W.B. Rounsevell MP

Hon. E. Lucas MLC

Captain Humphris DSO

Hon. J.G. Jenkins, Chief Secretary

J.H. Gordon, Attorney General

L. O’Loughlin, Commissioner of Crown Lands

Hon. E.L. Batchelor

Dr Sangster Sen.

Rev. W.G. Clarke

The Mayor said Mr Holder had represented Burra District for 14 years and was held in the highest esteem. He had known Mr Holder for 24 years. He remembered his entry into politics and had watched him in turn become, a private member, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Treasurer and Premier. He went on the thank him and wish him well in his new position as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

L. O’Loughlin spoke in glowing terms of Holder’s role in Australian politics.

The Minister of Education praised Mr Holder’s ‘spotless character’.

Dr Sangster gave a neat little speech in supporting the toast and others followed.

Holder in reply was visibly moved and recounted his political journey over the last 14 years and expressed his wonder at 24,000 voting for him at the Federal Convention and 37,000 for Federal Parliament. He had come to Burra 22 years ago and felt like a stranger for a very short time and was glad not to have had to change seats to stay in Parliament. His role was not to serve just the district, but to make SA prosperous and for this reason he stoutly opposed protective duties and tried to amend the land laws. He had found economics easy to talk about, but hard to achieve as the electorate favoured economy in principle, but not in practice. He was glad to have made some headway in progressive taxation. He feared the creeping power of the Federal Government at the expense of the states and hoped SA would resist.

Mr C. Fuss proposed ‘The Ministry’ and Hon. J.G. Jenkins responded, and amid other remarks said of Holder: ‘No one could point to a blemish on his character.’

Hon. J.H. Gordon said of Holder: ‘never in the stress of the fight in political battles had he heard Mr Holder’s lips towards his colleagues give one word of reproach or one word which could be construed into one of unkindness’.

He also lauded as one of Holder’s strengths his ‘unassuming modesty’.

T. Queale proposed ‘The Parliament’.

Hon. W.B. Rounsevell praised Holder’s ability, statesmanship and sweet reasonableness.

Hon. E. Lucas replied for the Legislative Council and Mr Coneybeer MP also spoke.

Mr W.G. Martin proposed: ‘The Army & Navy’, to which Captain Humphris, Mayor of Jamestown, responded.

Mr W.E. [or F?] Mounster proposed: ‘The Ladies’ and Mr West replied.

Rev. Father Redden proposed: ‘The Press’, whose representatives responded.

A vote of thanks and Auld Lang Syne concluded the proceedings.

The editor appends a paragraph bitterly resentful of the rudeness that saw the representatives of the two city dailies called on to respond rather than the local press representative. This was an infringement of common courtesy and bad because of the local editor’s close connection with Mr Holder.

XV, 468, 22 May 1901, page 3

Hon. J.G. Jenkins takes over from F.W. Holder as Premier of SA & his first ministry is printed.

Letter to Editor asking why the Burra School failed to fly the Union Jack in honour of the opening of Federal Parliament when 95 other Public Schools managed to do so.

Marriage. At Stony Gap Methodist Church on 15 May.

George Escott Stevens, son of the late George Stevens of Emu Downs and Sarah Annie Jane Jeffrey, 2nd and youngest daughter of William Jeffrey of Porter’s Lagoon and late of Burra. [There is an extended description of the dress which I think was the first of this style of reporting in the Record.]

The bridesmaid was Mary Flowers and Alfred Jeffrey the Best Man. Rev. W.F. James officiated. 60 attended the wedding breakfast at Mr Jeffrey’s and dancing continued to the early hours.

Holder Banquet Committee reported a financial statement showing a small debit balance, but when all promises were paid it is expected that all expenditure, including a £5 bonus to the caterer, would be met. Thanks were extended to all who gave support and a number of such are listed.

An Election for one member will be held on 8 June and Messrs Cooke, Hardy, Russell, Hannaford & McLachlan addressed a small gathering of electors at the Institute on Monday evening.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. At the match on Wednesday & Saturday last J. Drew 90 from J.A. Pearce 86.

Mr Holder left Adelaide on Thursday for Melbourne. His family remains in Adelaide.

XV, 469, 29 May 1901, page 2

Dust Storm last Saturday.

Obituary. Ambrose Harris has died. He was born 1 Dec. 1826 in the parish of St Nest, Cornwall and arrived in SA in the Sultana on 8 Aug. 1854. He worked in the Burra Mine and helped to build Schneider’s Engine House. In Feb. 1853 he went to the Victorian diggings and remained for 12 months. He returned to Adelaide and worked as a stonemason, returning to Burra in 1856 and worked again at the mine until 1867 after which he worked on various Government contracts until 1885. He then joined with Mr James Launder and worked around Burra till 1895, since when he has not been able to do heavy work. A severe coach accident in 1872 broke his leg and gave him other serious injuries which have affected him ever since. He resided in Kooringa for upwards of 45 years and celebrated his golden wedding on 24 April 1901. He leaves a widow and one son, B.G. Harris of Kalgoorlie, and four daughters: Mrs R.H. Steele, Mrs Charles Parks, Miss E.J. Harris of Kooringa and 11 grandchildren. He was a member of the Burra Lodge MUIOOF since 1859 and also of the Wesleyan Church. [Died 22 May 1901 aged 74]

A Mine Accident at Broken Hill South Mine killed six men on Saturday in a fall of earth.

Mr P. Pendlebury, appearing in a case at Redruth last week, gave advice to District Councils that they have no power to permit people to erect a gate across roads and anyone could remove the same without a verdict for damages.

Inspector Gray brought a strange case in attempting to get a conviction against H.J. Gurr, a marine store dealer, for not having his name on his dray. The dray was hired from Penn & Co. of Adelaide, which Gurr had stated. Since there was no case to answer J.P. Snow SM took a dim view and awarded 6/- costs for the day’s wages lost.

XV, 469, 29 May 1901, page 3

H.W. Collins sued J. Harris for travelling through his property on a stock route without notice. As Harris had been doing this for years without complaint from Collins, it was suggested the case resulted from some disagreement between the two. Mr Pendlebury, for Harris, managed to show the route was a public road and had been maintained, at least in part, by the DC. Collins was unable to prove ownership of the land and ended up having to pay £2-16-0 costs to Harris.

Burra coursing Club held a preliminary meeting at the Commercial Hotel last week. A meeting will be held on 17 & 18 July. Mr Hiddle presided and J.A. Pearce was appointed secretary pro tem. The meeting will be held at Gum Creek on the property of J.J. Duncan.

Football. A match versus Clare has been arranged for 3 June.

Methodist Boys’ Brigade members go to Petersburg today in connection with the opening of new brigade premises there.

‘Peace Day’. Next Monday children from the various schools will gather at Market Square at 9 a.m. to form a procession to Victoria Park for refreshments and games with the costs to be borne by the ‘Peace Day’ funds since that idea has fallen through. [As had the Peace!’] Mr Frank Harris will cater and he is busy preparing over 700 bags of lollies etc.

Burra Benevolent Soc. received £160-15-0 in the last year, including £50 from Mrs McCulloch and £25 from the trustees of the Mackerode Estate, £9-16-9 from a concert given by Mr J. Roach and the rest in subscriptions. The expenditure was:

Firewood £43- 7-9 (272 orders)

Groceries £13-19-8 (98 orders)

Drapery £9- 0- 0 (29 orders)

Which leaves a £91 credit.

Vaccinations will be given by the doctors on Friday afternoons.

Advt. Mrs W. Woollacott has been granted a licence for maternity cases at ‘Fair View Cottage’, Redruth.

Advt. On 28 May 1901, G. Sampson sold his business to Mr T. Hockridge.

XV, 470, 5 June 1901, page 2-3

[Burra Record was struck by a plague of ‘fillers’ from joke books and frivolous ‘news’ from the US etc. and also by articles looking like news at first, but which were actually advertising for Dr Morse’s Indian Root Pills, or Bile Beans for Piles, etc.]

XV, 470, 5 June 1901, page 3

Burra Defence Rifle Club travelled to Kapunda on Monday [train to Tarlee and thence coach] where a match was fired. Kapunda 827 defeated Burra 757.

Burra Town Council, 3 June 1901.

Children’s Demonstration Committee applied for free use of Victoria Park.

Small cemetery blocks were fixed at 30/- each.

SAMA offers the slaughterhouse for £500 – declined and a counter-offer of £350 was made.

Children’s Peace Demonstration Committee was offered 6d per head last year by the Government for those children participating in the ‘Peace Day’ to be proclaimed. But now there is no peace and the Government offer has been withdrawn. The Committee has been rather embarrassed. To keep faith the demonstration was held on Monday and was very successful. At 11 a.m. the children assembled at Market Square, from Burra, Baldina, World’s End, Thistlebeds, Leighton, Gum Creek, Hanson, Stony Gap and Copperhouse State Schools and from Miss Millar’s, Miss Bentley’s and St Joseph’s private schools – totalling almost 700 in all. There were addresses by the Mayor, E.W. Crewes, Rev. Father Reddan and Rev. W.F. James. They sang the National Anthem and then marched to Victoria Park where lunch was followed by sports. There were refreshments a little before 4 p.m. and departure shortly after.

Football. Burra was defeated at Clare on Monday. [Scores are not mentioned!]

Burra Coursing Club met last Wednesday.

Boer War. Trooper C. Treloar is expected to return to Burra from South Africa in a day or so.

Female Suffrage. V.L. Solomon has suggested in Federal Parliament that instead of adult suffrage married men should get two votes.

Burra Burra Lodge MUIOOF, Juvenile Lodge, is seeking members. At present it has c. 5 and £100.

XV, 471, 12 June 1901, page 2

Entertainment. A performance of Lady of Carthage was repeated at the Institute on Wednesday last, but bad weather reduced attendance and made financial results poor. Those who attended were well satisfied.

Rain came at last on Wednesday – so far this year 4.02” has fallen, of which 1.53” came this month.

XV, 471, 12 June 1901, page 3

Redruth Methodist Church Anniversary, 9 & 10 June 1901.

The afternoon service of song was War for Christ. Congregations were large and collections well in advance, though wet weather cut attendance at Monday’s tea meeting.

Income for the year was £81-17-0 and expenditure £84-13-6. £30 was paid off the debt and the trust debt stands at £149. There are 153 scholars at the Sunday school. Sunday congregations remain large and regular. The church had 60 members and there were a further 70 members in the 5 other places in the circuit. About £90 was needed as a special effort to renovate the parsonage, for furniture and removal expenses and for a new fence at the circuit paddock where stray cattle were stealing grass.

Boer War. Clem Treloar, son of Mr F. Treloar returned to Burra from South Africa on Saturday night. He is looking fit despite being in many battles.

House of Assembly Election, last Saturday: caused by the transfer of Mr Holder to Federal Parliament. Mr W. Russell was returned. Results:

Candidate Total Votes Votes cast in Burra

J.H. Cooke 276 113

W. Hannaford 713 194

W.H. Hardy 138 116

H.P. McLachlan 94 25

W. Russell 1004 138

Mr Hannaford was supported by the National Defence League.

The poll was declared at midday on Tuesday.

Stock Route Cases.

A letter to the editor complains that W.H. McKinlay was fined £2 plus costs to a total of £7-8-0, for failure to give notice of intent to travel across a property despite having given such notice by mail – the judge agreeing that mail was insufficient, though the Stock Diseases Act in Clause 20 clearly defines how and when such notices shall be given, but does not specify as to delivery or posting – merely that proof of delivery is sufficient. Secondly Mr Collins of Mt Bryan proceeded against Mr Harris for crossing his land without notice. The SM ruled that notice was required for the main road and not the one used by Mr Harris and dismissed the case with costs to the plaintiff. This makes a confusion of Clause 20.

Mrs F.G. Giles, nee Batchelor, will carry on the business of the late E.F. Batchelor.

XV, 472, 19 June 1901, page 2

Mr Holder seems likely to be a great success as Speaker in the House of Representatives. He is dignified, composed, prompt to keep order, courteous, but firm. It is just a shame his debating abilities are lost to the House.

XV, 472, 19 June 1901, page 3

Railway Accident, c. 3 miles north of Burra at a spot known as Forder’s on Thursday evening.

The driver and stoker of the goods train noticed they had run over something. They stopped and searched, but failed to find anything. They reported the matter at Mt Bryan and a ganger was sent out to investigate. He found the sickening remains of a man who appears to have lain down on the rails to await his doom. His head and upper torso was found about 12 yards from where the train struck him and his legs about 50 yards further on; ‘between this were found a number of pieces of flesh, etc., which had to be picked up in a bucket, filling it to the brim.’ Nothing further was found to identify the victim. A further search on Friday found a pocket knife and a couple of pieces of ivory. He was c. 5’11” tall. At the inquest on Saturday Lawrence O’Brien, hotelkeeper of Redruth, said he saw the deceased on Thursday 13 June in the hotel for dinner and he had given the name of Fitzgerald and had no relatives in SA. He came from Waterford in Ireland when he was 14 and went to California. In Australia he had worked at Oodnadatta with a boring contractor. He did not mention his first name and said he was headed for Adelaide. He had paid for his dinner and two nobblers of brandy.

Thomas Vivian saw the deceased on Thursday about 3.30 p.m. near Cobb & Co.’s Corner when he appeared to be quite sober, but had no swag. He was killed no more than 50 yards from where Vivian saw him leaning on E.N. Finch’s fence.

E.N. Finch confirmed seeing him about dusk.

M-C Phelan then described the appearance of the body parts as he had seen them on Thursday night.

Verdict: ‘Death by throwing himself in front of the engine whilst in an unsound state of mind.’

Burra Defence Rifle Club held a match for the marble clock on 29 May & 1 June. J.A. Riggs came first and thus is 5 points closer to winning the clock.

Boer War. The total death toll in the Boer War for the British side is printed.

Over 9,000 have succumbed to disease.

Killed in action 3667

Died of wounds 1230

Total 4897

The figures are then compared with the Crimean War, Waterloo, etc.

There is a report that 8 SA soldiers were killed and 6 wounded from the 5th and 6th Contingents, but on Tuesday it was confirmed that none of them were local. The casualties occurred at Reitz on 6 June. The Victorians were attacked and 60 were killed or wounded.

Letter from another drover seeking clarification of the apparent miscarriage of justice with reference to Clause 20 of the Stock Diseases Act 1888.

Football meeting at Pascoe’s rooms on Monday to pick a team to play Spalding on Saturday.

XV, 472, 19 June 1901, Supplement

This supplement to the paper took the form of photographs of the Royal Family and a very small calendar for 1901, but both these features are overwhelmed by advertisements.

XV, 472 (2), 26 June 1901, page 2 [Second use of No. 472]

Editorial on the pending negotiations for the sale of the Burra Mine.

There seems to be some prospects for the reopening of the mine which would be good news for the town. It is to be deplored that such a valuable mine has been allowed to be idle for so long: two recent bores having proved a mass of wealth under the ground. Large dumps all over the property contain valuable ore and the old slagheap tells of other carelessness. We trust the present syndicate will purchase the property and succeed in reopening the mine.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. About 40 members will visit Adelaide on 9 & 10 July to take part in the reception for their Royal Highnesses the Duke & Duchess of York. Members will receive 5/- to cover the day’s expenses and applications for passes must be sent to the local president at once.

XV, 472 (2), 26 June 1901, page 3

Extract from the Register concerning the reopening of Burra Mine.

SA would be all the richer if the Burra Burra Copper Mine, 100 miles north of Adelaide, were reopened. A strong effort is currently being made to reopen the mine. A proposal will soon be placed before the public to form a company with a nominated capital of £250,000 to purchase and work the same.

Discovered in 1845, the wealth was exploited by the SA Mining Association. In 291⁄2 years it yielded about £4,750,000 worth of copper ore. £2,241,167 was spent in wages and over £800,000 went to the fortunate shareholders. Most ore came from a rich pocket of carbonate ore between the surface and 300 feet. The other big workings, 1,000’ away, were where a shaft was sunk 600’ and two large reefs were struck. Mr W. West, who manages the property, believes ‘she will make a very deep mine’. Little was done to develop the mine at depth when it was producing well and when supplies of the oxidised ore began to fail there was insufficient money to carry on the necessary deadwork. There had been one or two suspensions previously, but the mine finally closed in 1877.

Copper prices have now risen again, machinery is now better and more economical and the cost of carriage and fuel is now much lower. A ton of copper could now be landed at Pt Adelaide from the mine for 7/4 as against 25/8 in the old days. A ton of coal delivered to the mine now for 30/- was then worth £2-10-0.

Tributers fossicking about the place have found rich ore and the waste stuff and tailings are all worth reworking by modern methods. The shares of the SAMA are now mainly in the hands of executors and trustees who cannot speculate, but it is proposed the new company buy the whole mine – a freehold of 672 acres and mining rights over 11,065 acres.

Recent bores have found copper pyrites at 813’ and continued for many feet, confirming the downwards continuation of copper bearing ground. For the past 14 years tributers varying from 5 to 30 have been making a living and 15 are presently employed. In full production the mine should employ about 1,000 men. [This effort was to result in the formation of the Burra Burra Copper Co.]

Letter to the Editor speaking against the sins of having an opera society in the town.

‘It is with pain that I have just learned that there is in Burra such a thing as an opera society.’

‘The stage has been the ruination of many a young man and woman and I look upon the local affair with much concern.’

Kooringa Lodge No. 6 of Freemasons installed Bro. T. Queale as W. Master on 18 June.

Football. Spalding was unable to play on the date fixed and a special meeting on 24 June at Mr Pascoe’s decided for a match at Booborowie on 6 July.

Next Saturday at Victoria Park a match with the Burra Slag Extraction Co. has been arranged.

Salvation Army. The local corps has just raised £28 for social work compared with £26-14-0 last year.

James Peak complains of repeated wilful cutting of his fences at Princes Town, now leased to Mr Wise.

XV, 474, 3 July 1901, page 2

Rev. W.G.M. Murphy was burgled on Sunday night last when all the eatables were stolen from the pantry. Clothing was also taken.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. About 30 members have now decided to go to Adelaide on the occasion of the visit of the Duke & Duchess of York. They will leave by special train on Tuesday morning.

Salvation Army. A farewell social was given at the Barracks on 25 June for Sister Edith Phillips who is leaving for the Salvation Army Training Home in Melbourne. She has been in the local corps for over 10 years. Captain Munro, on behalf of the soldiers and friends, presented her with a Bible.

[Johnny Green.] The Burra Mine possesses a splendid echo and on top of the engine house is a battered and weather-beaten effigy. No one knows how it came there or who it represents. It is supposed to be an image of the shepherd who found the ore. When asked what he wanted as a reward, he asked for a pound a week and a bullock team. One payday he bought a small keg of rum. Next morning his charred remains were found beneath the burnt remains of the keg and dray.

XV, 474, 3 July 1901, page 3

Marriage. At Redruth Methodist Church, 26 June.

Mr J.C. Ryan, formerly of Terowie married Miss S.E. Clode of Aberdeen. Rev. W.F. James officiated. Miss Clode has given excellent service in the Christian Endeavour and Junior Societies. The wedding breakfast was at the home of the bride’s mother.

Miss A.B. Millar, Principal of Burra High School, desires to make it clear she has no intention of leaving Burra. Some confusion has arisen over Miss B. Millar’s intention of leaving for Melbourne at the end of this year, but the school will continue as usual.

Obituary. Edward Carlisle of Hallett died a day after being admitted to Burra Hospital. He had fallen into a fire while in a fit last week and was not found till his wife returned some time later.

[Registered as Edward Carlile: died 25 June aged 37]

Obituary. Mrs Elizabeth Gillett, of Gum Creek, has died. Though ailing for some time, she only took to her bed about ten days before dying and the end was unexpected. She was born 31 March 1832 and arrived in SA in the Oriana and married Mr H.J. Thompson of Gawler, who died when thrown from his horse eight months after the wedding. They had one son, Mr Harry Thompson, who died when he fell down a well at Craddock in 1898.

Her second marriage was to G.B. Gillett of Salisbury at Trinity Church, Adelaide 28 May 1851. She lived variously at Salisbury, Clare, Hill river and Gum Creek and finally at ‘Manilla’, six miles from Kooringa, for the last 22 years. There were 15 children by the second marriage, of who four sons and four daughters survive: Mrs T. Turner (Hampton), Mrs E. Harris (Kooringa), & the Misses J. & F. Gillett who live at home. Mr George Gillett (Momba Station NSW), Mr Alf Gillett (Hampton), Mr W.G. Gillett (Donugae), & W.T. Gillett at home. Her husband died 2 July 1891.

[Born Elizabeth Wooley (sometimes Wolley) 31 March 1832 in Kent: died 28 June 1901 aged 69]

Rev. W.F. James recently gave a ‘racy lecture’ on a trip to Tasmania recently and thereby raised nearly £10 towards renovating the manse. The trip is reported in c. 1 column. [Presumably racy in the sense of ‘lively’ rather that ‘risqué’.]

Burra Defence Rifle Club held another round of firing for the marble clock presented by Messrs Urwin & Sons, on the new range. C. Parks top scored with 85.

Burra District Council. Thomas McWaters was elected for Baldina Ward and also J. Rogers. T.T. Shortridge was elected auditor.

Burra Mine.

Among the first miners arriving from Cornwall on 17 November 1845 were Josiah Stanton, Thomas Willoughby, James Williams, William Wills and Hugh Bawden. The previous month had seen the arrival of John Yelland, Richard Mitchell, Thomas Carter, Jonathan Roberts, John Prout and John Farley. The first blacksmith was James Grylls while Claudius Gaunt, William Roberts and William Hilton were the first carpenters. Also Rd. Jones Sen., Rd. Jones Jun., William Roberts, Joseph Gillard, John Lean, Matthew Teague, James Edwards, William Thomas, James Gregor, Thomas Terrell and Thomas Pedlar, who was a shoemaker and Louis & George Dreyer who were smelters. The first manager of general affairs at the mine was Dr Ferdinand von Sommer, who began on 23 October 1845 and left 5 February 1846. He was succeeded by the late Sam Stocks as Resident Director. Associated with him was Captain Ey and both lasted about six months.

Burra Town Council.

Road at Princes Town to be rubbled where required.

W.R. Ridgway & Son ask for compensation on account of water not being available during last week – letter received.

Council considers a better supply than is currently available is needed, but the Mt Horrocks scheme ought to be a national one.

XV, 475, 10 July 1901, page 2

Obituary. Carl Christian Oppermann died 4 July 1901, aged 74. [See details next page.]

Rabbits are appearing in numbers as new grass appears.

Rev. E.W. Caust gave a lecture at Redruth and Iron Mine last week on Romantic Life at Tarcoola, in connection with the Home Mission Society.

XV, 475, 10 July 1901, page 3

Theft at Rev. Murphy’s. Following the recent theft from Rev. W.G.M. Murphy of food and clothing suspicion fell on a young girl recently employed there, but she could not be found to be questioned. On returning to his home on Wednesday evening he found a bundle near the door comprising his mackintosh and other articles that had been taken. When he called his wife she heard a noise in one room and Rev. Murphy saw Olive Fox exit through the study window. She was caught near the fence. She had been hiding for some days in the Methodist Church yard at Redruth, behind a thick clump of trees, despite heavy frosts. She was not found even by the black tracker brought in. The girl had wrapped her feet in her flannel undergarment to avoid making a noise and to conceal her tracks. She was returned to the Reformatory where she had been before working for Mr Murphy. She had been sent there for being a neglected child living with Aboriginals in the SE. The police had spent five days scouring the country for Olive Fox. She might have eluded capture had she hidden her luggage instead of leaving it outside Mr Murphy’s house on her second visit.

Obituary. Mr Carl Oppermann of Llwchyr died on Thursday [4 July] aged 74.

He arrived in Burra in 1854 by the ship Johann Caesar. He was born at Claustal in the Hartz Mountains, Hanover on 21 June 1827. He worked for some time at the Burra Mine and also for the Main Roads Board and most recently with the Burra District Council. He was much respected for his straightforwardness and integrity. He was a keen floriculturalist, winning many prizes at the local flower shows. He also grew many kinds of fruit.

He was known to all as Charlie Oppermann.

Married in St Mary’s on 21 May 1855 by Rev. J.H. Ibbetson and had ten children.

Survived by 3 daughters and 4 sons:

Mrs G. Dow (Burra), Mrs Topperwein (Parkside). Of the sons only Mr W. Oppermann is married and lives in Burra. Mr M. Oppermann of Wolloway is a brother of the deceased. He joined the Burra Burra Lodge 43 years ago.

Mt Bryan District Council is allowing Rev. J.P. Reddan SJ to conduct Catholic services in the old Council Chamber.

Les Cloches de Cornville was presented by the Opera Society at the Burra Institute. The Burra Orchestra played and the proceeds, which were satisfactory, went to the Burra Jubilee Benevolent Society.

The Duke & Duchess of York arrived in Adelaide. Every street was thronged and the illuminations at night were marvellous and a spectacle of grandeur that will long live in the memory of those who saw it.

A Bolt. A pair of horses with a buggy bolted from the stables on Sunday morning. They left the trap hanging on a corner guard in Kingston St, wheels broken and body bent. The horses went along Commercial St and turned onto the hill near Mr Thomas Sandland’s, thence across to Queen St, down Stock St, into Lower Thames St and thence via Kingston St and were about to turn into the road to Victoria Park when they lost the buggy.

XV, 476, 17 July 1901, page 2

Burra Defence Rifle Club. The contingent that went to the celebrations or the Royal Visit in Adelaide returned on Wednesday & Thursday evenings and said the capital was a veritable fairyland with the illuminations for the visit.

Salvation Army. Last Sunday was a great day at the Barracks when it was announced that Captain Munro would be farewelled. He had arrived as a lieutenant, but was promoted after a couple of months. He has worked alone since February and has been a very energetic and popular leader. He goes to Strathalbyn and will be succeeded by the lady officers, Captain Keeble and Lieut. Lacy.

XV, 476, 17 July 1901, page 2-3

Burra Waterworks. The prospect of some activity at the mine suggests the town should be considering what needs to be done to secure a sure water supply. The Mt Horrocks proposal is far too costly. The present supply is of poor quality and a reopening of the mine would see it go dry.

XV, 476, 17 July 1901, page 3

The Royal Visit. The visit of the Duke & Duchess of York meant a week’s holiday for the State School children, many of whom went to the city to see the visitors. The royal couple departed on Monday for WA.

A report of the visit runs for c. 1⁄2 column.

Foxes. Last week a fox was seen on the Mt Horrocks Estate. In the SE foxes are said to be growing numerous.

XV, 477, 24 July 1901, page 2

Advertising. The posting of bills on railway buildings has been abolished and they may now only appear on hoardings especially set apart for the purpose.

Drew & Crewes’s chaff and wood mills at Aberdeen have been in operation for four years and they now find it necessary to make additions to their premises. A 6 h.p. Crossley oil engine is used to crush oats, maize, wheat, barley, linseed and peas. Additions will allow the cutting of wood and chaff and the bagging of the latter in one operation. The firm’s business extends as far as the NT.

Burra Coursing Club. The annual meet took place at Gum Creek Station on Wednesday last ob land lent by Hon. J.J. Duncan MLC. It all went very successfully. Hares were numerous and some excellent runs ensued. Beginning at 9 a.m. three runs were recorded in 3⁄4 hour. Most successful were Messrs A. Millard, Vivian and Gurry.

XV, 477, 24 July 1901, page 3

Boer War. A social will be tendered Trooper C.R. Treloar at the Burra Institute this evening at 7.30 p.m. He returned recently from active service in South Africa. The Burra Defence Rifle Club will form a guard of honour. Refreshments and music will be provided.

Trooper Sappho Halls, who is serving in South Africa with F Squadron, distinguished himself at the Reitz disaster when he led a charge of Mounted Bushmen with two or three officers to within a few yards of the enemy. Several soldiers were killed, but Sappho lives to tell the tale.

Salvation Army. Captain Keeble and Lieut. Stacy have been welcomed, having arrived on Thursday last.

The Royal Visit is reported further in a one column article.

Burra Mine. It is reported that a deposit for the purchase of the Burra Mine has been paid.

[i.e. by the syndicate about to float the Burra Burra Copper Co.]

XV, 478, 31 July 1901, page 2

Rev. W.F. James presided at a variety entertainment in the Redruth Methodist Schoolroom on Thursday evening. Proceeds were good and were in aid of the bazaar to be held on Friday 6 September.

XV, 478, 31 July 1901, page 3

Snow in Burra.

Last Sunday [28 July] ‘we witnessed the heavist [sic] fall of snow seen in South Australia.’

On Saturday afternoon light flakes fell and more in larger form towards evening, but they melted before they could be examined and about 10 p.m. the fall grew heavier and the ground covered. Despite the late hour snowballs were soon made and snowballing indulged in for a couple of hours. On Sunday morning the whole landscape was clad in whiteness some two or three inches thick: ‘scores essayed the task of climbing to the hill tops, and their presence could be seen from a much greater distance than on ordinary occasions.’

‘Every man, woman and child could be seen either snowballing or participating in the fun provided by others.’

At one time fully fifty persons were engaged in Market Square. In Redruth near the reserve Messrs Lowe, Goodwin and company produced a ball about 10’ in diameter and some 15’ high. Alongside some buildings drifts 3’ deep accumulated. Snow continued to fall at intervals – the largest flakes about midday, but from then on the ‘great and glorious sight’ commenced to fade away. Some snowballs remained till rain on Monday afternoon. The fall was widespread and the creek was flowing strongly on Saturday night. The shade temperature on Sunday was 34-40°F.

[There is another 1⁄2 column review of the snowfall by the Rev. W.F. James, but it adds little to the preceding.]

Bishop Harmer will visit Burra for a confirmation service on Tuesday 6 August.

Boer War. There was a welcome home social for Trooper Clem Treloar, to which Trooper Martin was also invited. E.W. Crewes presided at the Institute which was nicely decorated with flags etc. Present also were Troopers C. Packard (of Burra) and P. Richardson (of Saddleworth). There were speeches from the Mayor, Rev. W.G.M. Murphy, Rev. Father Reddan, Dr Sangster, W.G. Hawkes, and Rev. W.G. Clarke. Trooper Treloar responded and so did Mr H. Martin.

XV, 478 (2), 7 Aug. 1901, page 2 [Second use of No. 478]

Children’s ‘Peace Day’ Demonstration committee presented its balance sheet last Friday and it was satisfactory in that receipts met expenditure.

Mr A. Wheatley, who has been employed by Mr P. Lane as a saddler for the past 38 years, has been forced to retire due to failing health. Many of his whips are doing service in the district.

Boer War. The small surplus from the welcome home social for C.R. Treloar will be paid to the Burra Hospital Samaritan Fund.

Obituary. The long time Burra resident Mr Charles Schutz died at his residence in Kooringa on 4 August, aged 67. He came to SA in May 1853 and began work at the Burra Mine. After some years he set up a livery and bait stables which he carried on for a number of years. He has been ailing for three years and unable to take solid food for the last twelve months. He leaves six sons: Alfred (Victoria), Charles (Victoria), Ferdinand (Broken Hill), Walter (WA), Herbert (WA), Edgar (Burra). There are two daughters: Mrs Gentle (WA) and Mrs S. Hill (Broken Hill). He was a member of the Burra Burra Loyal Lodge for many years, members of which walked in procession to the cemetery.

XV, 478 (2), 7 Aug. 1901, page 3

Obituary. John Fitzpatrick died after being thrown from a horse at Farrell’s Flat.

[Born 13 June 1879: died 5 August 1901 aged 22]

Burra Band will hold a picnic on 21 August.

Eleanor Gay, an elderly woman, arrived in Kooringa last week and took one of the cottages. She had many callers and the police were informed. She was charged with having no visible lawful means of support and was sent down for one month.

Burra Literary Society. The Midwinter Conversazione was held on Thursday evening and was a great success with fully 100 in attendance. The amusements included a microscope from T.W. Wilkinson, a gramophone from Mr Crewes, bioscopes, draughts and other table games, round games, a box of curios and relics from the South African campaigns of Trooper Treloar. There were also musical items, elocution, and club swinging by Mr James Richards. Supper followed.

Burra Defence Rifle Club will be joined by the Burra Band on 30 August to aid their drilling and marching.

Another firing match for the marble clock took place on 27 & 31 July when the top scorers were J. Drew (93) & C. Parks (90).

Burra Town Council granted Messrs Fuss permission to erect a verandah in front of their workshop in Moorhead St.

The rod for the Market Square pump and the troughs there are to be repaired.

XV, 479, 14 Aug. 1901, page 2

Advt. Burra Band Picnic and Sports. Program:

1. Band Members’ Race over 135 yds

2. Three-legged Race over 75 yds

3. 1 Mile Bicycle Handicap (in heats)

4. Cigar & Umbrella Bicycle Race over 1⁄2 mile

[Light cigar, open umbrella, mount bicycle and ride past winning post with raised umbrella and smoking the cigar.]

5. Bicycle Tilting. [Sticks 4’long and the ring to be carried on the stick.]

6. Rocky Road to Dublin Potato Race [To displace 12 potatoes in the quickest time.]

7. Half Mile Rescue Race

8. Menagerie Race over 1⁄4 mile. [Goats, dogs, pigs, donkeys etc. can be entered.]

9. Champion Race over 135 yds

10. Egg & Spoon Race on Bicycles over 1⁄4 mile [Spoons to be carried in the extreme end of the mouth.]

11. Cock in the Box: 75 yds [Competitors are blindfolded, turned three times and carry a stick. The first to hit the box wins the bird.]

12. Other races to be arranged.

Aunt Sally

No dogs allowed on the ground except those entered in the Menagerie Race and those to be kept tied up before and after the event.

To be held at Princess Royal alongside the gurgling river close to huge gum trees with flags and tents at the old sporting ground. Cabs will run to and from the ground for 1/- return. [The site description from page 3.]

Kooringa Band of Hope continues to meet.

Public Meeting called by the Mayor at the request of ratepayers to consider reducing the cost of the State Government. [As a consequence of Federation.]

XV, 479, 14 Aug. 1901, page 3

Football. There is a humorous account of a meeting of the local football club entitled: An impromptu footbrawl meetin’.

Obituary. Mrs Mary Harry, the widow of John Harry of Mt Bryan has died.

[Born Mary Edwina Boye: died 9 August 1901 aged 59]

Obituary. Mrs Bowman, wife of Mr John Bowman, manager of Gum Creek Station, died suddenly last Sunday. [Born Agnes Dora Norris: died 10 August 1901 aged 37]

Mr Edward Reeves, the elocutionist, will give a recital in the Institute on 29 August – arranged by the Burra Literary Soc.

The Bishop of Adelaide, The Right Rev. Dr J.R. Harmer confirmed seven boys and five girls at St Mary’s Anglican Church on Tuesday 6 August.

Kooringa Court

9 August: John Williams fined 5/- for being drunk.

10 August: John Williams fined 10/- or 14 days for being drunk and fined 10/- or 14 days for using indecent language.

XV, 480, 21 Aug. 1901, page 2

Burra Defence Rifle Club parade has been moved from the 30th to 26th August to avoid clashing with the Literary Society entertainment. Club members will meet in Market Square at 7.30 to form a procession.

32 members fired for the marble clock last Wednesday and Saturday on the new range and first was J.A. Pearce (95) from C. Parks (92).

Burra Band Picnic today at Princess Royal.

A Bolt. A clap of thunder caused a horse of A.W. Clode to take fright last Thursday at the Reservoir Quarry. It rushed down the hill and along a couple of streets with the chains dangling about its feet. These eventually tangled it up just at the Black Bridge in Aberdeen and the horse fell and slid along the ground for 17 yards. Amazingly it was not even scratched, though the collar was a little damaged. The horse lay prostrate on the ground till released.

XV, 480, 21 Aug. 1901, page 3

Public Meeting. A meeting of taxpayers called as requested by the Mayor, E.W. Crewes, had a reduced attendance at the Institute on Friday, due to the rain: a thunderstorm producing torrents at 7 p.m. Similar meetings at other towns were forwarding requests to Parliament for a reduction in the cost of Government. Crewes strongly supported this move. As much work previously done by the State Parliament was now a federal responsibility this seemed an obvious opportunity to cut costs, but the present Government was doing nothing in this direction.

W.G. Hawkes moved and T. Best 2nd:

‘This meeting of the taxpayers of Burra and district views with alarm the serious cost of maintaining both Houses of the State Parliament at their present strength notwithstanding the reductions promised on the eve of Federation, and while not desiring to lay down the lines on which reductions should be made insists on a substantial reduction in the numerical strength of both Houses during the present session.’

Mr Radford urged a stronger resolution.

Mr Hardy moved an amendment to the effect that representation be reduced by one half in both Houses and the Ministry to four members at a salary of £800 p.a., but this failed to be 2nd. The motion was carried unanimously.

J.E.H. Winnall moved that the Mayor communicate the resolution just passed to all members representing the district and urging the necessity of dealing with these reductions in the present session. Carried.

J. McLaren moved that members be careful that any such reduction not give country districts a less proportion than at present. Carried.

Football. Burra travelled to Terowie on Wednesday, but as some members had to be back the same day it was quite a rushed trip. They took the midday train north and the 3.30 p.m. luggage train south from Terowie which left little enough time for the match which started at 1.30 p.m.

Terowie 3.4 3.4 5.7 5.7 (37)

Burra 0.0 3.3 3.4 3.4 (22)

Court.

William Reynolds avoided a fine for speeding around the corner of Kingston St and Market Square by insisting that the inspector prove his authority for summoning. There seems some doubt over whether Inspector Gray resigned or not and whether he was acting under his original or a subsequent appointment.

The dog poisoner is about again and W.J. Richards lost a greyhound on Sunday night.

Burra Town Council. SAMA has agreed to tree planting on the west side of the road from the church to the Mine Bridge.

XV, 481, 28 Aug. 1901, page 2

A Petition is being signed for the Minister of Education and Agriculture urging improvements to the Kooringa Post Office which is far too small and unsuited to the purpose.

Salvation Army. The mayor presided on Thursday night at the Barracks when W.H. Evans gave his humorous and interesting lecture John Bull in His Best Clothes. Proceeds aided the local corps and were satisfactory.

Football. Arrangements were made on 19 August for a football match today with Terowie at Victoria Park. It was also decided to arrange a match with Riverton for 2 September at Victoria Park, if possible.

XV, 481, 28 Aug. 1901, page 2-3

1st Annual Burra Band Picnic and Sports was held at Johnson’s Creek, Princess Royal, on Wednesday. It was a great success. Stores closed at 12 to let assistants get away. E.W. Crewes and C. Fuss acted as judges. J. Drew was starter. Events were well contested. Results are printed.

XV, 481, 28 Aug. 1901, page 3

Burra Rifle Defence Club

A match was fired at the local range on Tuesday 20 August in which Gawler 767 defeated Burra 734.

Reminiscences of Burra

3 April 1846 Mr Penny, a director, arrived with his brother, C.M. Penny and at 10 a.m. inspected the workings and visited the town of Kooringa.

4 April The Messrs Penny went 3 miles beyond the company boundary and claimed to have seen indications of silver ore. Dr Thompson, the newly appointed mine director, arrived at 7 a.m. with Mr Mellor and took quarters initially with Mr Boswarva, mine storekeeper. Directors Messrs Bunce and Kingston arrived.

5 April. The Messrs Penny left at 6 a.m. Messrs Bunce, Crawford and the Resident Director, S. Stocks, inspected the workings before breakfast and then the township and the land selected for a hotel. Mr Crawford is to be the first landlord and wanted a guarantee that there would be only one hotel in Kooringa. The following tenants took possession of the four company cottages: [Thames St?]

Jenkins, Francis, Carter and Phillip Mason lived in the cookhouse.

Mr Sparshott preached at 7 p.m. on Sunday.

A visit from Governor Robe was expected in a day or so said Mr Bunce.

The Governor and suite arrived the following Thursday and he was well pleased with the prospects.

By 1859 over 1,100 men and boys were at work.

Snow. Light snow fell on Tuesday morning, but melted on touching the ground.

J.C. Kirby, Hon. Sec. State Retail Liquor League writes a letter to the editor in favour of severely limiting the number of liquor outlets and using profits to compensate current licence holders who would be displaced. There would be only ‘a reasonable number of good hotels’ (with a very strictly regulated quality of liquor.)

Letter to Editor expressing strong support for the recent band picnic and suggesting that the Burra retailers should support a united picnic for their employees and others and hoping the band would attend. The editor says the Band would be only too happy to supply their services free for such a cause.

Robberies. There has been a robbery from a hut near Farrell’s Flat and another from near Clare and the items taken include a shotgun, opera glasses, watertight boots, clothing, and food. Police are investigating.

Burra Defence Rifle Club Parade cancelled due to rain.

Burra Waterworks. Tenders called for a stone or brick chimneystack.

Burra Cricket Club. A meeting called for 3 September.

Boer War. Captain J. Watt, in service in S. Africa, has had a horse roll on him and his injuries required hospitalisation at Heilbron in the Orange River Colony.

XV, 482, 4 Sep. 1901, page 2

Obituary. Mrs Henderson, wife of William Henderson, blacksmith of Kooringa, died last Saturday.

[Born Sarah Agnes Campbell Whillins: died 31 August 1901 aged 56]

Obituary. H. Pearce of Mt Bryan died on Thursday. [Henry Pearce died 28 August 1901 aged 67]

Reminiscences of Early Burra

Notice issued by the Directors of SAMA 25 March 1846.

‘Any person employed on the Burra Burra Mine will be allowed to select at the township of Kooringa a block of land, equal to half an acre, for the purpose of building thereon one or two private dwelling houses and outbuildings, subject to my approval of the plan, a lease for which will be granted by the Association for a time of 14 years, and the rate of £5 a year, with a covenant for re-entry should the land be required for mining purposes, in which case compensation will be made to the lessee for the value of any buildings he may have erected thereon.’

‘The cottages erected by the Association will be let to the first applicants, having regard to those who have been longest in the company’s employ.’

‘Small farmers will be allowed to settle on easy terms near Hallett’s Springs . . .’

[Cutting timber was forbidden.]

By Order of the Board of Directors

S. Stacks [sic: should be Stocks]

Resident Director

XV, 482, 4 Sep. 1901, page 3

Football. Last Wednesday at Victoria Park Burra 2.8 defeated Terowie 2.4

Boer War. Letter from Trooper Hinze of Spalding in which he refers to [Sappho] Halls, alias Pawney Bill of Burra, who laid out six Boers one after another, including a real duel with one at six yards.

British & Foreign Bible Society Annual Meeting. T.W. Wilkinson, President. There were addresses by the deputation, Rev. J. Bentley Reid and others. T.W. Wilkinson re-elected President with Mr Winnall as Vice-President and P. Lane as Treasurer.

Boer War. Captain J.A. Watt has recovered from his recent injuries after being thrown from his horse. In one battle his hair and whiskers were singed from cannon fire, his hat perforated by bullets, a horse shot from under him and his finger grazed by a bullet, but he survives.

Methodist Bazaar next Friday in the Institute.

Burra Literary Soc. arranged for recitals last Thursday at the Institute by Mr Edward Reeves.

XV, 483, 11 Sep. 1901, page 2

Burra Show Soc. Next show on 25 Sep. with a grand concert in the evening. Sheep Dog Field Trial on the grounds of P.L. Killicoat on Wednesday 18 Sep.

Pepper Trees have been planted along the road to Redruth.

[Johnny Green] The mine weathercock: Mr E.A.J. Muller of Spalding writes that Mr Ben Opie, foreman carpenter of the Burra Burra Mines, placed the man and shears on top of Morphett’s Shaft.

Obituary. W. Treleggan, of Stock St Kooringa, died on Thursday, aged 96. He had been blind for the last 12 years and was a widower whose wife died 14 years ago. Three daughters survive: Mrs E.A. Johnson (Clare), Mrs Montgomery (Riverton), Mrs M. James (Kooringa) and one son who has not been heard of in the last two years. [Registered as William Trallagan: died 5 September 1901]

Marriage. Mt Bryan Methodist Church, 5 Sep.

Mr Joseph Thomas, 2nd son of W.J. Thomas and

Miss Ullmann, 2nd daughter of the late C.A. W. Ullmann.

Rev. W.F. James officiated. The couple are to reside at Pt Pirie.

XV, 483, 11 Sep. 1901, page 3

Patent Medicines. There is an article on the craze for such medicines which was made more pronounced when a foreign royal family endorsed Dr William’s Pink Pills. Good society then took up the craze which has been endorsed by members of the church and stage –The article itself is an advertisement for Dr William’s Pink Pills.

Burra Town Council. £5 reward offered for information leading to the conviction of persons stealing or destroying Council trees.

Six to eight trees planted on the south side of Morehead St and Mr Fuss has promised to look after them. [Probably Mr August Fuss.]

Members for the district are to forward the petition re Kooringa Post Office to the minister of Education.

Tender of Thomas Tiver for £15 accepted for the construction of the Waterworks chimneystack – to be built in stone.

Robbery. The mail between Broken Hill and White cliffs was robbed last week. The robber escaped on a bicycle with £1,000. Subsequently a young man named Tomlinson was arrested with about £500 in his possession.

Redruth Methodist Bazaar was held last Friday at the Institute, and opened by E.W. Crewes. [The flower stall was run by the Misses L. Bartholomaeus, F. Finch, T. Fuss, M. Fuss and R. Bentley: M. Fuss could be Muriel or Myrtle but T. is a mystery. Stalls erected by C. Fuss (Charles)]

The museum stall, held in a separate room featured over 40 striking curios from the Boer War by Trooper C. Treloar and over 100 people paid another 3d to see the display. Over £71 was raised towards the annual instalments on the debts of the Redruth Church and the circuit manse and leaves about £20 towards the scheme to raise £120 to renovate the manse, provide a new fence for the circuit paddock and the arrears of interest and repairs to the late Primitive Methodist Church etc.

New Adelaide Railway Station. Article on it.

Burra Cricket Club. First meeting for the season with Father Reddan in the chair. Expenses will be heavy as a new pitch has to be laid – prices to be got for an asphalt, slate and cement pitch. Subscriptions set at 7/6 and 5/- for those under 19. Hon. John Lewis elected President.

Burra Institute Committee along with Mr Hague are to make a plan and get estimated costs for the laying on of acetylene gas.

W.G. Trotter, manager of Drew & Crewes’ grocery department for the last three years is about to leave Burra. He was associated with the Methodist Church and the mainstay of the Burra Literary Soc.

XV, 484, 18 Sep. 1901, page 2

Wheat prospects are looking good so far.

A.C. Noyes, a former resident of Burra, left England in early August and is expected in Adelaide about 1 October. He is to live in Adelaide and has much benefited by his holiday.

President McKinley of the USA died on Saturday from complications arising from two shots fired by the assassin Czolgosz last week. Mr Roosevelt becomes President.

Cricket. The club has found the cost of a new asphalt pitch will be £10 and will ask the Council to bear half the cost. The club will accept the challenge from Clare for a game on 11 November. It was resolved to co-operate with the Rifle Club to arrange a picnic and sports day to raise money for both clubs. It was decided to hold last year’s trophies over for this year provided the donors are willing.

W.F.M Davis, who is the acting tutor for Mr E. Bowman’s children at Wandillah, trod on a snake on the verandah the other night. He owes much to the assistance of 16 year old Donat Bowman who rendered first aid and went for Dr Sangster. Mr Davis has quite recovered.

XV, 484, 18 Sep. 1901, page 3

Advt. Barton Bros. Circus will perform on the Burra Show Grounds on Wednesday 25 September.

A. Dunjey, agent for Skuthorp’s Hippodrome Troupe writes suggesting that for a fee billposting be allowed on bridges and other approaches to the town.

Letter to the Editor complaining about Town Council requirements specifying stone used by tenderers come from a particular source. The required specifications cannot always be met from there and specifying such sites seems only to benefit the Mining Co. with respect to royalties.

Burra Literary Soc. has handed over £1-9-0 it received from Mr Reeves’ recital to the Burra Hospital Board to go towards the purchase of an invalid’s chair. W.G. Trotter resigned as treasurer on leaving the district. F. Pearce was elected in his place. Mr Hardy took the chair for the evening’s program of short papers.

Burra Town Council. Mr Carey’s contract for attending to the lamps in Kooringa was cancelled and applications will be invited for attending to the same for the remainder of the term.

Football. The final meeting of the club for the year showed a balance of 12/- with 4 footballs on hand along with necessary flags etc. Thanks to Mr Pascoe for use of rooms for meetings.

Burra Show Soc. The sheep Dog Trials due today have been cancelled due to circumstances beyond the control of the Show Soc.

Obituary. Former Bible Christian pioneer James Blachford, an old resident of the huts in the Burra Creek, has died and a memorial service was conducted by Rev. W.F. James at Redruth Methodist Church last Sunday. [Registered as Blatchford]

James Blachford was born at Stoke Climsland, Cornwall 2 December 1808 and began work at the age of 7 for 18d a month. His mother died when he was 13, leaving a brother aged 9 and a sister aged 11. The father left the children to care for themselves. James eventually went to live at a public house and dancing and wrestling were his favourite pastimes. At 24 he married Eliza Skinner. He never went to school, but learned to read and write. At 26 he converted to the Bible Christian Church at Tinhay in Devon. A few years later he was widowed with two small boys and subsequently married Charity Jury who survives him. He began to preach and soon a chapel to seat 200 was built. Early in 1847 he spoke to James Torr, an uncle of Dr Torr of Way College and they decided to go to SA which was much talked of in England on account of the Burra Mine. Torr went first and Blachford followed in May 1847. He preached on the ship with revivalist fervour. The ship arrived in September 1847. His family shared a building with the Torr family for three months before starting out for Burra in a bullock dray: a journey that took six days. They lived in a large room at the mine shared by many families for many weeks before Blachford dug a hut in the bank on the north side of Welsh Creek near the Smelting Works. There were then some 4,000 in Burra and two churches: a Wesleyan and an Anglican. The Primitive Methodists held services, but lacked a parson and a church. Blachford met John Stephens whom he had known in England and they decided to hold prayer meetings at Stephen’s home near Redruth where it seems there were then no services. Before this could happen Thomas & John Pellew, John Halse, and many other Bible Christians arrived from England. Thomas Pellew was appointed Class Leader and 15 persons attended the first Sunday morning. James Blachford preached his first sermon in the open air about 52 years ago. John Halse, John Pellew and Blachford preached in turn. After vainly trying to get land at Redruth and Aberdeen, a site near the present Kingston St Bridge was obtained from the mine Directors at a peppercorn rent. After difficulties a church to seat 200 was built. Mrs Blachford sewed the calico ceiling. All bills were paid as due. A Sunday school was established and a choir formed. There were many conversions and 47 members. All this was accomplished before the first two Bible Christian ministers arrived in December 1850. They found a large congregation, a church worth £400 with a debt of only £30 that did not bear interest. Rev. James Row settled in Burra and succeeded well till the Victorian gold rush which took almost all the men to the diggings. James Blachford went twice, where he did well briefly and preached too. On returning to Burra he was a butcher near the Primitive Methodist Church in Kooringa before moving to Upper Wakefield. Here he slowly built a congregation and a church was built and a Sunday school conducted by him for over ten years. From Wakefield he moved to Watervale and kept a store where he gave good service to the church and contributions to the circuit rose from £20 to £80 p.a. 23 years ago he went to Adelaide and stayed there the rest of his life. In his 86th year he would preach three times a Sunday, walking to his appointments. He continued to attend Class Meetings in Gilbert St after his 92nd birthday. His son Henry was his sole support and he died tragically in January. James Blachford died on 10 September in his 93rd year.

XV, 485, 25 Sep. 1901, page 2

Advt. Next Saturday evening 28 September the Lynch Family Bellringers will perform at the Institute: Glassophonists and Vocalists with New English Specialty Co. from Principal English Theatres.

Mining:

A Burra syndicate is being formed to send men to Arltunga (near Alice Springs).

Another is to prospect a claim near Hallett’s known as “Kelly’s”.

Mr Joseph Ford continues to work on the old mine property.

Burra Mine.

An attempt is being made to float a company to buy this property. The mine closed in 1877 due to the low price of copper, but now operations would be cheaper, fuel is cheaper and so is cartage, so it is believed the mine would be profitable. On closure in 1877 the company had just proved the existence of rich sulphide ore some 300’ below the deepest point at which oxidised ore was found, but there was no capital for the dead work. It is estimated a working capital of at least £60,000 would be needed. The tailings and ore material are estimated at from 170,000 to 440,000 tons and assay at 0.86 to 2.72% copper. Mr Greenway, manager of Broken Hill Propriety Block 14 Co. says some of these may yield a profit of 2/- to 3/- a ton and other 4/- to 5/- per ton. Capital of the new company will comprise £120,000 in £1 shares. T.B. Gall has a sample of carbonate ore said to come from tributers to the east of the old open cut at 60’ and estimated to assay at 40-50% copper. Sulphides have been got from Morphett’s Shaft and carbonate ore at 3% is exposed around the open cut and this can be treated the same way as the tailings. (From an article in The Advertiser.) [This new company was to become the Burra Burra Copper Co.]

XV, 485, 25 Sep. 1901, page 3

Court Unity AOF was visited by District Officers on 12 September and they found it to be in a sound state with the books in good order.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School and Endeavour Society gave a farewell social to Mr & Mrs W.G. Trotter on Friday evening with Rev. W.G. Clarke in the chair. Several people spoke of Mr Trotter’s great contribution to many aspects of the church in Burra. The Burra Literary Soc. also took this occasion to make a presentation along with the expressions from the church. Rev. Clarke presented a Gladstone bag with a silver plate suitably inscribed. A musical presentation followed with tea and coffee and refreshments.

Burra Show today.

Grasshoppers are beginning to be troublesome.

Burra Defence Rifle Club & Cricket Club will hold a joint picnic and sports meeting on 16 October, weather permitting, at Johnson’s creek on Princess Royal Estate, courtesy of the manager Mr J.H. Dawes. Judges to be Messrs Crewes, C. Fuss & Fairweather and starter, J. Drew.

St Joseph’s will close a very successful mission in Kooringa this evening. Sunday services were by Rev. Father Francis CP and on following days Rev. Father John CP continued the mission.

Burra Coursing Club. Two good days sport has been had recently: an 8 dog all-aged stake and an eight dog puppy stake. Hares were plentiful. A 12 dog stake will be run on 2 October.

XV, 486, 2 Oct. 1901, page 2

Burra Mine.

A prospectus has now been issued for the new company [to be known as the Burra Burra Copper Co.] The nominal capital will be £120,000 in £1 shares. 50,000 will be offered to the public, 5/- on application, 5/- on allotment, and the balance when required in calls not exceeding 6d per month, though it is thought calls will not be needed on account of the profits to be made from the waste heaps and ore on or near the surface. The company to be registered under the no-liability clause of the Companies Act 1892. All capital to be paid will be available for prospecting and development except for about £7,000 to purchase the site.

XV, 486, 2 Oct. 1901, page 3

Boer War. The Mayor called a meeting for 26 September at which a committee was formed with Rev. W.F. James as secretary to decide how to aid the National Memorial Fund. On 19 October there is to be a lecture and musical program in aid of the fund. Local shops will be asked to close at 8 p.m. to allow assistants and themselves to attend. The Editor of the Burra Record has been asked to open a 1/- subscription list and has agreed. The fund aims to provide a suitable memento to the heroism of the many South Australians who fought in the South African War and to keep in remembrance those who lost their lives.

Burra Show, last Wednesday at Victoria Park was a great success with fine weather. Much was due to the energy of the secretary Mr J. McLaren and the committee. Attendance was the largest on record and the gate takings at £70 were and increase of £10 on 1900. A full report is printed with a list of prize winners.

[Personal interest: Flowers

12 Cut Flowers A Fuss 2nd 6 Cut Flowers A Fuss 1st

6 Antirrhinums C. Fuss 1st & 2nd 3 Antirrhinums C. Fuss 1st

12 Annuals A. Fuss 1st, C. Fuss 2nd 6 Annuals A. Fuss 1st, C. Fuss 2nd

3 Annuals A. Fuss 1st 12 Carnations C. Fuss 1st & 2nd

6 Carnations C. Fuss 1st & 2nd 3 Carnations C. Fuss 1st & 2nd

3 Hyacinths C. Fuss 1st 12 Pansies A. Fuss 2nd

6 Pansies A. Fuss 2nd 3 Pansies A. Fuss 2nd

12 Phlox drummondii A. Fuss 1st & 2nd 6 Phlox drummondii A. Fuss 1st & 2nd

3 Phlox drummondii A. Fuss 1st & 2nd 6 Zonale (double) A. Fuss 1st & 2nd

3 Zonale (double) A. Fuss 1st & 2nd 6 Zonale (single) A. Fuss 1st & 2nd

3 Zonale (single) A. Fuss 1st & 2nd 6 Ranunculi A. Fuss 1st

3 Ranunculi A. Fuss 1st 12 ten week Stocks C. Fuss 1st

6 Verbenas C. Fuss 2nd 6 Wallflowers (single) C. Fuss 2nd

3 Wallflowers (single) C. Fuss 1st Hand Bouquet C. Fuss 1st

Bridal Bouquet L. Fuss 2nd Buttonhole H. Fuss 1st, Miss Fuss 2nd

Ladies’ Spray H. Fuss 2nd]

Burra Literary Soc. met in the Methodist Lecture Hall on Thursday evening for a ‘Question Box’. It was very successful, though there was only a moderate attendance.

The Century Melodists gave a performance on Monday evening which was appreciatively received.

[Presumably at the Institute.]

Redruth Reformatory. Two girls absconded from the reformatory on 21 September: Agnes Dyke and Maud Daniels and have not been seen since. Some months ago the same pair escaped, but turned up at The Gums Station. On 26 September two more escaped about 7 p.m.: Elsie Weaver and Maud Thompson, but they returned the next night, cold and hungry.

XV, 487, 9 Oct. 1901, page 2

Gebhardt Bros. have bought Mr Griffith Harry’s Mt Bryan property for £4 an acre.

Obituary. Mrs W.A. Rabbich died at Aberdeen on 3 October.

[Ann/Annie born Carpenter: died 3 October 1901 aged 63]

Redruth Methodist quarterly meeting. There are 125 members: a fall of four for the year. Income was £49-17-6 and expenditure £77-11-4, including last quarter’s deficiency. The present quarter’s deficiency was £23-13-0. Trust debts have been reduced by c. £40 and c. £50 has been raised towards the £100 needed for manse renovations.

The Redruth Reformatory.

Agnes Dyke (16) and Maud Daniels (17), who escaped about a fortnight ago, have eluded the police search in a unique manner. Before leaving they provided themselves with food and clothing and took a shawl of Mrs Holden’s valued at £4-£5. They made this into two boys’ caps to deceive observers. They also cut their hair and donned breeches. The breeches were made from costumes used in concerts and they managed to pass as boys for at least 10 days. They arrived near Morgan after three days, staying at Mrs Shell’s one night as boys looking for work. Mistaking the road, they found themselves the next day at Florieton and then went on to Mr Kickebusche’s in the Hd King. He deduced they were girls and advised them to surrender rather than be taken by the police who were on their track. M-C Phelan was not far away, but admits he would have passed them as boys. They travelled at night mostly and if seen in the day pretended to be boys out rabbiting. They are now again located at Redruth Reformatory.

XV, 487, 9 Oct. 1901, page 3

Burra Amateur Photographic Society was formed at a meeting at Mr Parks’s refreshment rooms last Thursday. President is E.W. Crewes and Secretary is O. Walker. For the next meeting members are asked to bring two landscape views with details of exposure and developer used. They will be placed in an album donated by Mr G.E. Dane. Photographic trips are planned and a section in the Burra Show will be sought.

Kooringa Police Court, 7 October

Morris Geoghan was fined £3 for assaulting police and 5/- for being drunk.

8 October

John Shannon was fined 2/6 for drunkenness and 10/- for indecent language.

St Joseph’s Bazaar was held at the Institute last Friday & Saturday. It raised a record sum in excess of £100.

Burra Defence Rifle Club: half-yearly meeting was held on Monday at the Commercial Hotel.

The Treasurer E.A. Pearce reported a satisfactory state of funds with a credit of c. £7. There were 65 members and the new range and targets were satisfactory.

Burra Town Council, 7 October

A Government subsidy on rates of £68-16-7 has been credited to Council.

It was decided to sell the Council’s interest in the road roller to the DC for £15.

The footpath from the post office to beyond Mr McLaren’s to be tar-dressed.

The motion to cancel the contract for attending to Kooringa lamps was rescinded.

Council agreed to pay half the cost of the cricket pitch to a maximum of £5 and to retain 2⁄3 of the gate at any match at which admission is charged until the sum is repaid.

Obituary. Mr W.P. Long died at Hill Farm, Skilly (Auburn). He came to SA in 1849 and went first to Burra where he was among the first lot of teamsters to cart ore from the Burra Mine. [If he came in 1849 he would not have been among the first, as the mine started in 1845.] Later he went to Auburn and took land at Skilly, where he resided for c. 50 years. He had been a Councillor for Upper Wakefield DC and was connected with the Northern Agricultural Society.

[William Poole Long died 18 September 1901 aged 73]

Obituary. Mr J.H. Field a resident of the Auburn District for c. 40 years died on 2 October.

[James Henry Field died 2 October 1901 aged 75]

South African War. British casualty figures are printed.

XV, 488, 16 Oct. 1901, page 2

Burra Literary Soc. on 10 October heard papers on Julius Caesar and Napoleon Bonaparte.

Miss E. Bowman of Wandillah will hold a bazaar in Burra on Wednesday 23 October in the schoolroom of Hon. J. Lewis in aid of ‘Minda Home’ for weak minded children, established in December 1897.

Burra District Council has accepted the offer from the Town council to sell their interest in the road roller for £15.

Cricket. Burra Cricket Club met on Tuesday 8 October. The Town Council has agreed to pay £5 towards the new cricket pitch, but will retain 2⁄3 of the gate money until repaid. This offer was accepted. A match v. Gum Creek Station hands to be played at Gum Creek on 19 October. A match with Manoora will be arranged for 2 November if possible. Weather prevented the Gum Creek match last Saturday.

Burra Institute. It has been decided to delay the laying on of acetylene gas until the funds are available.

XV, 488, 16 Oct. 1901, page 3

Municipal Elections. E.W. Crewes has indicated he will not stand again for Mayor. We understand that Mr Winnall will be approached to fill the position.

Rain. 1.17” has fallen in the past week and been useful for the crops.

Boer War. The National Memorial lecture by Trooper A.S. Bates next Saturday evening will be illustrated by over 100 photographic pictures of scenes and events in South Africa. Trooper J. Petrie will operate a powerful oxy-calcium Bioscope to show the pictures and there will be musical selections too. E.W. Crewes will preside. War relics will be on view and the soldiers’ dog Nelson will appear in town during the day.

St Mary’s. Rev. W.G.M. Murphy will deliver a special sermon to men and boys next Sunday.

Dan Barry’s Dramatic Co. will stage the sensational drama The Kelly Gang at the Institute next Monday 21 October. It comes from a very successful extended Melbourne season. Stirring bushranging scenes are relieved by amusing events. Dan Barry plays Ned Kelly. Prices 3/-, 2/- & 1/-.

Rev. W.G.M. Murphy gave an interesting lecture on Old and New England at the Burra Hospital last Friday evening – illustrated with lantern views.

He also gave the lecture to the Mothers’ Union and the Girls’ Friendly Soc. on Monday evening.

Advt. Fighting Mac – The Scottish Hero, or The Romance of Soldiership

A lecture by W.H. Evans in the Redruth Schoolroom on Tuesday 22 October at 8 p.m.

Advt. St Mary’s Schoolroom, Thursday 17 October.

Concert and farce directed by Mr Dane. 6d. (12 items ending with the farce: Fast and Slow.)

Sheep Sales continue to be quite large. Elder, Smith & Co. offer 4,601 sheep on 18 October.

XV, 486 (2), 23 Oct. 1901, page 2 [Second use of No. 486: as a misprint for 489.]

Municipal Elections. Mr Winnall has declined to stand for Mayor.

Court.

J.C. Sandland sued Harry Long, shearers’ cook, for breach of contract and was awarded 20/- damages, 30/- counsel’s fee and 15/- court fees – in all £3-5-0.

Burra Defence Rifle Club & Cricket Club’s combined picnic and sports began inauspiciously with drizzling rain till about 9 a.m. on Wednesday last, but then the sun came out and attendance was reasonable. In the end a credit balance of £4 resulted. The events were keenly contested. The novelty bicycle race involved riding a lap, dismounting, running to the centre of the ring for an umbrella, then riding another 1⁄4 mile, then a third lap pushing the bike backwards with both wheels on the ground and then a fourth lap ridden. The Burra Band played during the day and cabs ran to and fro. Results are printed.

XV, 486 (2), 23 Oct. 1901, page 3 [Second use of No. 486: as a misprint for 489.]

Dan Barry’s Dramatic Co.’s production of The Kelly Gang was greatly approved with excellent acting from Mr Barry and a realistic portrayal of characters throughout. The scenery was also effective.

E.B. Solomon, a deaf mute, is presently collecting in the district for the Sa Deaf & Dumb Mission, which hopes to equip a farm near Adelaide to employ deaf mutes.

Burra Burra Copper Co. The share list for the new company closed on Monday.

Obituary. Mr James Stagg, aged 75, an old Burra identity and a founding member of the local Salvation Army corps has died. He lost an eye in an accident at the Aberdeen Quarry and has since failed in health. [Died 18 October 1901 aged 83 as registered]

Boer War. The National Memorial Fund meeting raised £9 at the door and the dog ‘Nelson’ collected another 10/6 in the street.

Cricket. Burra 7 for 137 declared defeated Gum Creek 30. For Burra Richardson got a hat trick and ended the innings with 7 for 6 runs.

Kooringa Methodist Church Anniversary services last Sunday with Mr J. Delehanty of Adelaide preaching. Tea meeting on Monday. The balance sheet presented by Mr T.W. Wilkinson was especially good as £930 had been raised during the year and an additional £325 came from the sale of the Primitive Methodist Church, bringing receipts to £1,255. £805 had been paid off church debts, leaving a liability of £135, including a balance of £56 owed on the £75 organ bought this year. £10 had been given to the Hallett Circuit.

Burra Town Council. Use of Victoria Park was granted to the Burra United Friendly Societies for their sports on 26 December.

£15 was received from the District Council for the sale of interest in the road roller.

The footpath from the Post Office to Mr McLaren’s is to be tar dressed.

Sales. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will offer 6,255 sheep on 1 November.

Elder, Smith & Co. will offer 3,700 sheep on 1 November.

XV, 487 (2), 30 Oct. 1901, page 2

Methodist Lectures by Mr Evans, Redruth 22 October, Ironmine 23 October & Hanson 24 October were all well attended and enjoyed. He will lecture at:

Redruth on 18 November on John Wesley

Booborowie on 19 November on Peter Mackenzie

Ironmine on 20 November on Spurgeon

Hanson on 21 November on Billy Bray

World’s End Methodist Church held its anniversary on 20 October. Rev. W.G. Clarke officiated and there were large congregations. The tea and public meeting were held on the following Wednesday and both were also crowded. Proceeds will meet the £5-6-0 needed for building improvement and leave a surplus of £2-8-10.

The Young Bicycle Thief who escaped from police at Kooringa last week was recaptured at Pt Adelaide on Thursday. He apparently walked to Gawler and then took a horse and rode to Adelaide. He then went on to Pt Adelaide. M-C Phelan knocked out three horses following him. He was sentenced to three months at Pt Adelaide for the larceny of a horse and after serving that will face the bicycle charge.

M-C Jemison was assaulted last week by a young man named Hornhardt, when the former tried to break up a sparring match between Hornhardt and another young fellow on private property. The charge of assaulting police was adjourned till today, when we understand it will be withdrawn.

Salvation Army. Captain Keeble and Lieut. Lacy conducted an In Memoriam service for the late James Stagg on Sunday evening.

XV, 487 (2), 30 Oct. 1901, page 3

Burra Defence Rifle Club. After a suspension due to staff office running out of ammunition, shooting will soon begin again. A good supply of trophies has been obtained.

Redruth Court, 22 October

SM Stow was welcomed back after being away for some months with a severe illness.

W. Allen ordered to pay Drew & Crewes 3/- owing on goods + £1 costs.

Richard Cousins was sued for £9-19-0 for entering James O’Dea’s property on or about 24 July for the purpose of assaulting James O’Dea. The case was non-suited because of the way in which it was presented as a mixture of civil and criminal matters.

Mrs E. Bowman of Wandillah and her family gave a bazaar at J. Lewis’s schoolroom on Wednesday last in aid of ‘Minda’. Results were exceedingly satisfactory.

Obituary. William Kellaway Sen. died on Tuesday morning after an illness of several years. He was 76. He was a resident of Burra for 47 years having been born at Tinney in Devonshire, England [Probably Tinhay] on 26 December 1825 and left England with his wife on the William Price and arrived at Pt Adelaide 19 August 1854. He came to Burra and worked as a miner until operations were suspended. He then went briefly to the Barossa gold fields and following that to Moonta, where he suffered an accident. He then returned to Burra. He was a member of the Burra Burra Oddfellows Lodge for 35 years and of the Bible Christian Church before arriving in SA. His wife died c. 14 months ago. He is survived by one daughter in Adelaide and five sons: William (Callington), Thomas & Joseph (Burra) and John & James (Broken Hill).

[Registered as dying 29 October 1901 aged 75]

Burra Literary Soc. met at the Methodist Lecture Hall on Thursday and the Rev. Brian Wibberley of Adelaide lectured on The Signs of the Times. Dr Sangster presided.

Cricket. General Meeting of the Burra Cricket Club at the Institute 25 October.

Father Redden took the chair. Dunstan & Sons of Adelaide have finished a new pitch ready for play in about two weeks. A Married v. Singles match will open it. A match v. Manoora has been arranged for next Saturday.

Advt. E.J. Harris, late of W.E. Jordan, has started business as a General Storekeeper in the shop next to Mr J. Ford, butcher in Market Square.

Booborowie Methodist Church: 10th Anniversary, 20 October

Rev. W.F. James preached and at the tea meeting on Monday lectured on President Garfield and gave a sketch of the Church’s history.

Nearly 13 years ago spare land near Booborowie Station was thrown open as workingmen’s blocks and many settled in the district. Methodist services were commenced in Mr Wall’s Dining Room and held there for about 21⁄2 years. Attendance was good and income about £1-10-2 per quarter. A Blockers’ Picnic on Christmas Day 1890 raised £8-9-0 to start a building fund for the church that might also serve as a day school. Two allotments were bought for £10-10-0. A meeting on 1 September 1891 at Mr Tohl’s house decided to erect a stone building 25’ x 15’ and in time voluntary labour placed all material on the site. Mr Giles was treasurer, later succeeded by Mr Reynolds. C. & A. Fuss began work in mid September 1891 and finished within two months. The cost including land was £194. Subscriptions were £23, picnic raised £8, and donated labour was worth £53. £100 was borrowed at 7% and £10 was raised at the opening.

The Sunday school began with 23 scholars in February 1892. Trees were planted through the kindness of James Loudon. The church is being used by the Education Department as a day school with almost 50 scholars. Within four years £50 of debt was paid off and in the fifth year the remainder was paid due to the generosity of Messrs Brown, owners of Booborowie Station. Membership began with 2 and gradually rose to 5. The church has also been used for some months by an unsectarian Literary Society and many Band of Hope meetings have been held.

[Further details are provided.]

XV, 488 (2), 6 Nov. 1901, page 2 [Second use of No. 488]

St Joseph’s. Social evening in the schoolroom on Friday for the Art Union drawing of the £27 Massey-Harris bicycle which was won by Mr John McMahon of Tarcowie. There was also singing, music and refreshments.

Salvation Army Self-Denial effort this year raised £67-10-0, topping last year’s £61 which is excellent for a small local corps.

Cricket. On Saturday at Manoora, Burra made 6 for 136 declared and at stumps Manoora was 5 for 69 and the match was drawn. A much delayed 1.40 goods train made for a late start. Burra goes to Clare on Monday.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. Shooting for the marble clock resumed on Wednesday and Saturday. Members have been idle for some time due to the lack of cartridges. 23 competitors took part and Top scorer was T. Bentley 90 from J. Casey 89 and S. Burns 88.

Obituary. Miss Gertrude Isabel Lehman, aged 21, died at her parents’ residence on Wednesday 30 October after a long illness following rheumatic fever some five years ago. [Born Gertrude Isabella Lehman 15 September 1880: died Gertrude Isabel Lehmann 30 October 1900 aged 21]

President McKinley’s assassin, Leon Czolgosz, has been executed.

XV, 488 (2), 6 Nov. 1901, page 3 [Second use of No. 488]

Ping-pong seems all the rage now – if you can’t play the game you are not up to date.

Burra Orchestra’s Fifth Grand Concert in the Institute drew a fashionable audience on Wednesday evening. The program:

Valse Brilliante Chopin Miss Edith Ward (Piano)

Rapsodie Liszt Miss Edith Ward (Piano)

Scene de Ballet De Beriot Mr W. Cade (Violin)

Die Blüme & Mazurka Weinewiski [sic] [Wieniawski?] Mr W. Cade (Violin)

The Last Rose of Summer [encore] Mr W. Cade (Violin)

Silent March A. Vardon*

Off to Philadelphia A. Vardon

Vainka’s Song Whishaw Miss Lilian Davis

Quand tu Chantes Gounod Miss Lilian Davis

Promise of Life Miss Ethel Lohrmann

Daddy Miss Ethel Lohrmann

March Militaire Schubert Misses Edith Ward & Muriel Pearce

(Piano duet)

Listen to my Tale of Woe Cawthorne Mr Cawthorne (Bassoon)

La Moisson Orchestra

Intermezzo from Irene Orchestra

• Standing in for an ill Peter Dawson

There is a very favourable review.

Obituary and inquest. Mrs R. Field reported on Friday that her servant Mary Quinn had given birth to a child at her residence ‘Monavea’, four miles from Burra. The girl had collapsed in a critical state, having concealed both the pregnancy and the birth. The child died and was hidden in a box on the Wednesday night. Mary is now in the Burra Hospital and the inquest which opened on Saturday was adjourned to 16 November to allow the girl time to recover.

[The unnamed female child was registered as being born and dying on 30 October 1901 aged 1 hour]

Burra Town Council.

All ex-Mayors are to be communicated with in order to ask them to favour the Council with a photo for hanging in the Council Chamber.

The United friendly Societies will be allowed a rebate of £3-3-0 for the hire of Victoria Park on Boxing Day if they spend a like sum in improvements to the ground to the satisfaction of the Council.

Redruth Methodist Sunday School Anniversary will be held on 10, 11 & 12 November. The service of song in the afternoon will be Dick’s Charge. The picnic will be on Monday.

Advt. Edwin J. Harris, late of W.E. Jordan, has started business as a general storekeeper in the shop next to Mr J. Ford, butcher, in Market Square. Fresh fruit and vegetables three times a week.

Shearing is nearing completion in the district.

Boer War. Fighting continues and additional troops are to be sent to the scene of action.

Obituary. The late William Kellaway was buried on Wednesday afternoon.

XV, 489, 13 Nov. 1901, page 2

Mary Quinn is progressing satisfactorily.

Burra Literary Soc. debated the topic Should Capital Punishment be Abolished? There was a good attendance. There was a general discussion after three speakers on each side. Messrs Hardy, Clarke and Drew spoke for the affirmative and Messrs Fairweather, Holden and Treloar spoke against. The negative side was the better prepared and eventually won by 12 votes. Mr C. Fuss was an efficient chairman.

Cricket. At a practice match on Saturday Burra 144 defeated Allcomers 70.

XV, 489, 13 Nov. 1901, page 3

Cricket. On Monday at Clare: Clare 211 defeated Burra 169 & 39 (208)

St Mary’s. There was a public service at St Mary’s on Tuesday 5 November in connection with the Quiet Day for the clergy of the three Rural Deaneries of Gawler, Clare and Petersburg.

Fire destroyed an outbuilding and farming implements at Mr Humphries at Hanson last Friday.

Stock Sales: Elder, Smith offer 7,390 sheep on 15 November.

Advt. Strawberry Fete, Friday 29 November at the Burra Institute.

Obituary. John Stagg, farmer of Booborowie, has died leaving a widow, but no family. He was an old member of Kapunda’s Forester’s court. [Died 9 November 1901 aged 52]

XV, 490, 20 Nov. 1901, page 2

Municipal Elections. Alex Harris has agreed to stand for the Mayoralty for 1902.

Burra Literary Society will meet on Thursday when the trial scene from The Merchant of Venice will be presented.

A Bolt. A spring dray of J.C. Sandland’s was involved in a bolt from Flagstaff into town. One wheel was smashed on a post, but the horse was not stopped until it reached Kingston St.

Cricket. At Farrell’s Flat on Saturday Burra 192 defeated Farrell’s Flat 27 & 4 for 24.

[Presumably a decision on the first innings.]

P. Richardson scored the season’s first century, with 104.

Annual Ratepayers’ Meeting: Friday at the Institute. It was a very tame affair and only 4 or 5 people were present at 7.30 and by 8.10 a mere 8. A few more appeared later. Not one candidate came forward for the vacancies that are about to occur.

Those to retire are Crs J. McLaren, C.C Williams & W.H. Hardy.

In 1901 the Council continued to asphalt footpaths and it is to be hoped this will continue. A heavy flood early in the year damaged roads and bridges, especially in the north end of town.

For better lighting a lamp has been placed on the Commercial St Bridge in West Ward and on the Black Bridge in Redruth. Both were much needed.

We began the year with a debit of £21-18-8 and at the last meeting there was a credit of £85-12-4.

£219-6-9 has been spent on public works. The general rate is up from 8d to 9d, but the health rate is down from 4d to 3d. The park lands rate will remain at 1d and the assessment for 1902 is £117-5-0 more than for last year.

A detailed financial statement follows.

Many trees have been damaged or destroyed by a person or persons unknown. Pepper trees have been planted from St Mary’s to the Mine Bridge.

At Victoria Park a new cricket pitch has been laid and the bicycle track is about to receive attention.

The cemetery is in good order and its account in credit £42-14-1.

A £100 special grant was received to effect repairs to the Commercial St Bridge.

Waterworks.

Two years ago they were in a bad way – reliant on one boiler which was in a bad state and the engine was struggling to keep going. Today the boiler and engine are in thorough order and can be relied on. The Cornish engine has been repaired. The smaller boiler has been re-tubed and refitted and the engine thoroughly overhauled and several worn parts replaced. The worn out iron chimney has been replaced by a new stone one and a cement floor laid in the boiler house. Close to £200 has been expended and after paying working expenses we have £176-18-3 in hand. The day is not far off when we will have to provide a larger reservoir as out population will be on the increase. [This estimate was at least in part based on the reopening of the mine.] The present reservoir holds only 33,000 gallons. I would suggest one of 200,000 gallons. A quarry near the old one could be utilized and the whole done for about £300. This could store several days’ supply. William Pryor, in charge of the works, has proved a painstaking and capable officer.

The slaughterhouse.

Despite several attempts to get over this question the Council has not been able to achieve a result, but at least now all meat sold in Burra is inspected. A site for a new rubbish depot has been selected.

The Mayor thanked the Town Clerk, Mr O. Bartholomaeus for his careful attention.

Mr J. Jenkins appeared to object to the planting of trees on the road to the Mine Bridge as it was ‘beautifying private property’, but the Mayor thought it a credit to Council.

Mr Jenkins was also annoyed that the Council had acted against public opinion in the slaughterhouse issue, but the Mayor said it had been impossible to proceed on the lines resolved upon. The Burra Council was not the only one not to have a public slaughterhouse – even Adelaide did not have one. Cr McLaren said that the authorities seem to have realised that the Health Act as presently constituted was unworkable. He regretted the apparent apathy of businessmen with regards to municipal matters.

Cr hardy supported the Mayor’s speech. The £4 the North Ward was overdrawn was due to the flood early in the year. He said the slaughterhouse question would have been settled if SAMA had not asked an exorbitant price – Mr Jenkins said: ‘They wanted £220.’

Cr Hardy: ‘They asked £500 for it.’

Burra Town Council, 18 November.

The matter of poison baits laid around the town has been referred to the police.

Gravel to be laid on the Victoria Park bicycle track.

Annual Hallett Sports, held on 11 November, are reported. They were a success and were followed by a successful evening concert. Results are printed.

XV, 491, 27 Nov. 1901, page 2

Rev. E.J. Piper is about to visit Burra. He is the son of the Rev. T. Piper, President of the United Methodist Conference of SA. He has spent about seven years in missionary work in China. He will preach at Redruth on Sunday morning and at Kooringa in the evening.

Crops around Burra are good, though there will be little return in the eastern country.

Boer War. T.P. Halls has received a letter from his brother Sappho telling of some interesting incidents in the war in South Africa. Though in the thickest of some of the fights, Sappho has so far escaped injury. He thinks it will be some time yet before the conflict ends.

Mr Alex Harris is reported to be ill and compelled to keep to his bed, but he is said to be making favourable progress.

Obituary and inquest.

On 2 November at the Burra Hospital an inquest was held into the death of the baby found in a box at ‘Monovea’, the residence of Mr R. Field. E.W. Crewes as coroner and C. Fuss as foreman of the jury.

Amelia Mary Theresa Field said she had hired Mary Quinn from Mrs Phillips’s office as a general servant about 3 August and she had begun on 7 August. She did not know she was pregnant. When she had spoken about her peculiar figure the girl had said she had undergone two operations at the Adelaide Hospital. She could easily have summoned assistance in the night if she required it. The box marked A was the property of Mary Quinn. On 30 October in the afternoon Mary complained of feeling ill. She retired as usual about 8 p.m. When Mrs Field saw her in her room at 7.30 a.m. on the 31st she said she felt better and would get up. She went on with her duties, but about 4.30 went to her room and a little later her door was found to be locked. She retired at 7 o’clock Thursday evening and got up at 6 a.m. on 1 November and brought tea to Mrs Field. She then washed some blankets. Later Mrs Field noticed Mary’s bed was in a bad state and on going into the bedroom opened the box and found a newborn child. She then sent for the doctor and the police while Mary continued to do household duties.

Mrs Field, who was 75, said she was much upset.

When Dr Sangster arrived he was given all the information and he ordered Mary’s removal to the Burra Hospital. She left in the company of the police who also took the body of the child.

Dr Sangster confirmed the above and said he thought the birth occurred on Wednesday night 30 October. Mary was slightly feverish for about a week, but showed no signs of mental aberration.

Mary told Dr Sangster she had not expected her confinement for two months and had hoped to go to her mother’s before then. She said the child was born in the dark and fell to the floor and when she tried to light the candle to pick it up the pillow fell on it. That is all she had to say.

The jury decided that the baby’s death was due to neglect on the part of its mother.

M-C Jemison told the prisoner the charge and the coroner committed her to trial at the Supreme Court in Adelaide.

XV, 491, 27 Nov. 1901, page 3

Burra Flower Show was held in the Institute on 13 November. There were fewer exhibits than last year, but some nice flowers were shown and it was fairly well patronised.

[Personal interest:

1 Rose C. Fuss 1st 6 Antirrhinums C. Fuss 1st

1 Gladiolus C. Fuss 1st 12 Carnations A. Fuss 1st, C. Fuss 2nd

6 Carnations A. Fuss 2nd 1 Carnation A. Fuss 1st

6 Sweet Williams A. Fuss 1st, C. Fuss 2nd 3 Sweet Williams A. Fuss 1st, C. Fuss 2nd

1 sweet William C. Fuss 1st, A. Fuss 2nd 6 Double Dianthus C. Fuss 1st & 2nd

3 Double Dianthus C. Fuss 1st, A. Fuss 2nd 1 Double Dianthus A. Fuss 1st, C. Fuss 2nd

6 Single Dianthus A. Fuss 1st, C. Fuss 2nd 3 Single Dianthus A. Fuss 1st, C. Fuss 2nd

1 Single Dianthus A. Fuss 1st, C. Fuss 2nd 6 Single Pelargoniums A. Fuss 1st & 2nd

1 Single Pelargonium C. Fuss 1st 6 Large Flowering Pelargoniums A. Fuss 1st & 2nd

1 Large Flowering Pelargonium A. Fuss 1st 6 Single Zonales A. Fuss 1st

3 Single Zonales A. Fuss 1st 1 Single Zonales A. Fuss 1st

6 Double Zonales A. Fuss 1st 3 Double Zonales A. Fuss 1st

1 Double Zonales A. Fuss 1st 12 Phlox C. Fuss 1st

12 Verbenas C. Fuss 1st 6 Verbenas C. Fuss 1st & 2nd

3 Verbenas C. Fuss 2nd 1 Verbena C. Fuss 1st & 2nd

6 Single Petunias A. Fuss 1st 3 Single Petunias A. Fuss 1st

1 Single Petunia A. Fuss 1st 3 show Pansies C. Fuss 1st

12 Fancy Pansies C. Fuss 1st 6 Hollyhocks A. Fuss 1st

3 Hollyhocks C. Fuss 1st, A. Fuss 2nd 1 Hollyhock C. Fuss 1st, A. Fuss 2nd

6 Annuals A. Fuss 1st 3 Annuals A. Fuss 1st

1 Annual A. Fuss 1st 12 Any Outdoor Flowers C. Fuss 1st, A. Fuss 2nd

6 Any Outdoor Flowers C. Fuss 2nd 1 Any Outdoor Flower A. Fuss 1st, C. Fuss 2nd

Larkspurs C. Fuss 1st 1 Penstemon C. Fuss 1st

12 Sweet Peas C. Fuss 1st, A. Fuss 2nd 6 Sweet Peas A. Fuss 1st

3 Sweet Peas A. Fuss 2nd 1 Sweet Pea C. Fuss 1st, A. Fuss 2nd

12 Poppies A. Fuss 1st 6 Poppies A. Fuss 1st

1 Poppy C. Fuss 1st 3 Begonias A. Fuss 1st

1 Begonia A. Fuss 1st 6 Nasturtiums C. Fuss 2nd

3 Nasturtiums C. Fuss 1st & 2nd 1 Nasturtium C. Fuss 1st & 2nd

Buttonhole Miss Fuss 1st, C. Fuss 2nd 3 Ranunculi C. Fuss 1st

Bridal Bouquet Miss Fuss 2nd Plate of Pears Ah Chin 1st

Turnips Ah Chin 1st

Hand Bouquet arranged by children V. Fuss (aged 12) 2nd]

Burra Defence Rifle Club. Firing match for the marble clock, 16 & 20 November:

A. Bevan 99 from E.A. Pearce 89.

Redruth Sunday School Anniversary, 12 November. Services conducted by Rev. W.F. James. In the afternoon he gave the connective readings for the pathetic and instructive series of songs entitled Dick’s Charge, compiled by Mr R. Cook of Aberdeen. The afternoon and evening services saw nearly 400 crowded into the building. The Monday picnic was at Koonoona where games were enjoyed. Tea and supper on Tuesday were not largely patronised, though the public meeting was well attended. There were 177 scholars with an average attendance in the morning of37 and afternoon of 96. There were 24 teachers. There was a largely attended teachers’ social on Thursday to round off the anniversary.

S. Barker writes to the editor complaining of the lack of action to his protest that some of the fruit shown at the Burra show was of a type or class not grown anywhere in the district, so flouting the rules of the show.

Burra Racing Club held a meeting at the Commercial Hotel at 8 p.m. on Thursday.

Burra Literary Soc. met last Thursday and discussed the trial scene from The Merchant of Venice. Rev. Clarke gave a character sketch of Shylock. (The bond scene preceded the trial scene.)

XV, 492, 4 Dec. 1901, page 2

Broken Hill. About 2,400 men have been thrown out of work in the last 12 months. In 1900 7,260 were employed and at present 4,860.

Red Rust has appeared in wheat crops in the last two weeks and many crops will have to be cut for hay. The yield is now estimated at about 7 bushels, but we doubt if it will reach this.

The Telephone. An effort is being made to induce the Government to arrange telephonic communication between Kooringa, Redruth and Aberdeen and to the Burra Railway Station. It is to be hoped this effort will succeed. Almost every businessman in town has signed the memorial to be forwarded to the Government.

Salvation Army. Ensign Melksham, who some time ago conducted the Salvation Army operations in Burra, visited the town last week and preached in the Barracks on Sunday evening. He is presently stationed at Unley.

Burra Town Council served refreshments after the meeting on Friday evening as it was the last meeting over which the retiring Mayor would preside.

Burra Burra Mine. Those who have taken shares in the Burra Burra Copper Co. are reminded that if they surrender their allotment notice they will receive in return the necessary scrip. A meeting of shareholders will be held as soon as possible.

XV, 492, 4 Dec. 1901, page 3

Municipal Elections. Great apathy was displayed.

Mayor: Mr A. Harris was returned unopposed.

West Ward: Dr J.I. Sangster jun. was returned unopposed.

East Ward: C.A. Lott 41 elected

J.A. Henderson 37

North Ward: R. Cook 50 elected

W.H. Hardy 38

Auditor: F. Treloar 143 elected

F. Martin 65

St Mary’s Strawberry Fete was held last Friday at the Institute. Attendance was good all day and the hall was full in the evening. It was opened by Hon. J. Lewis MLC.

Professor Nicolas Senn, University of Chicago, says a war between Russia and Japan is inevitable.

Cricket. At Douglas on Wednesday Burra 4 for 109 defeated Mongolata 105.

Kooringa Methodist Church held the annual Foreign Missionary services last Sunday. Rev. W.G. Clarke and Rev. E.J. Piper preached and on Monday Rev. Piper gave a thrilling lecture on The strange ways of a strange people. (On his years in China.)

Douglas Methodist Church, held anniversary services last Sunday week. Rev. W.G. Clarke preached. On Wednesday the annual tea meeting was well attended and raised over £6. C.C. Williams presided. £6 has been paid off the debt in the year. Proceeds of the anniversary were £10.

XV, 493, 11 Dec. 1901, page 2

The Mayor A. Harris is now convalescent, but it will be two or three weeks before he can attend to Mayoral duties.

Burra Literary Soc. will hold its annual social tomorrow evening.

Grasshoppers are making their presence felt in town, but not as badly as last year.

Rev. W.F. James writes concerning the recent election for North Ward. On 26 November he received a letter form W.H. Hardy soliciting his support in the election, to which he made no reply.

[The text of Hardy’s letter is printed.]

On 3 December he received a second letter from Hardy:

‘I beg to congratulate you on your untiring efforts in re recent municipal elections for North Ward, and thank you accordingly, your success I am sure being worthy of your task.

I am, sir, etc. W.H. Hardy.’

This was such a sarcastic tone that Rev. James demanded an apology, failing which he would publish both of Hardy’s letters.

There was a defiant response dated 5 December 1901 instead of an apology and so Rev. James sends Hardy’s letters for publication. He explains that in fact he asked no one to support either candidate in the election.

Ernest Crewes writes to the editor, drawing attention to the plight of Mr Ah Chin, who lost all his household effects, two tons of chaff, harness etc. through a fire on Monday. He is utterly destitute with a wife and family to maintain. As an ‘honest straightforward and hard-working man’ he is ‘worthy of all the help and support we can give him at this juncture.’

The editor indicates his willingness to receive and acknowledge all contributions sent in.

Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday the South End of Town 197 defeated North End of Town 144.

Burra School observed visiting day on Friday. The children displayed their skills in singing, mental arithmetic, geography, callisthenics and other subjects. Papers and other works were spread out for inspection. 357 children are on the roll, up 7 on 1900. In Class IV 18 Compulsory Certificates were gained and in Class V 19 Honour Certificates.

XV, 493, 11 Dec. 1901, page 3

Obituary. William Albert Murray, noted sheep breeder of Cappeedee, aged 37 was taken ill on 27 November and removed to the Burra Hospital. Peritonitis following an internal blockage resulted in his death on 3 December. He was the youngest son of Mr John Murray of Mt Crawford and was devoted to maintaining the reputation of the famous Murray Merinos. He was renowned as an emblem of honour, his name synonymous with straightness. He is well remembered here from playing polo on the local ground with the brothers Bowman.

[The birth is registered as William Albert Murray 31 July 1862 and the death as William Arthur Murray 3 December 1901 aged 39]

Burra Town Council, 4 December.

Cr West took the chair in the absence of the Mayor, A. Harris, who was granted a month’s leave of absence on account of bad health.

The sports committee thanks the Council for the gift of 10 loads of gravel.

The new Councillors took their seats and were welcomed by Councillor West. The 1902 meetings will be held on 1st and 3rd Mondays in the month at 7.30 p.m.

Cr Ford gave notice on a motion for the next meeting, that the Mayor be given an allowance of £20 for the year.

Fire. Kingston St was alarmed on Monday afternoon when it became known the premises of Mr Ah Chin were ablaze. It was a hot day and the roof, mainly of palings, burnt rapidly. Only a washstand was saved so rapid and fierce was the fire. Ah Chin was digging a well when his adopted son, aged three or four, found some matches. Mrs Chin had a day’s engagement at the hospital. The young boy began in the chaff-house. Ah Chin found the boy and a companion in the smoke-filled room and saved them. All household furniture was lost. Nothing was insured. An adjoining house to the east narrowly escaped. The house itself of eight rooms and owned by SAMA was insured for £50. Ah Chin is much respected as a fruit hawker. His losses amount to about £75.

Kooringa Methodist Church Fete was held last Friday in the Institute. It was a great success and was opened by Dr Sangster Jun. The object was to raise the balance of the sum of £130 promised towards the connexional fund concerned with the Twentieth Century Movement. Last year £700 was raised, but in the interest of local trust funds. The church has now raised £830 towards this fund. The takings on Friday amounted to £79-10-0.

XV, 494, 18 Dec. 1901, page 2

Cricket. On Wednesday Single Men 114 defeated Married Men 68 and 5 for 86.

[Winning on the first innings.]

XV, 494, 18 Dec. 1901, page 3

Burra Literary Soc. held their annual social at the Kooringa Methodist Hall. It was an evening of toasts, music, elocution and a dramatic scene. Refreshments began at 8 p.m. After the National Anthem and Loyal Toast there was a performance of the trial scene from The Merchant of Venice. There were 52 members of the society and they were soon to lose two good members in Rev. W.G. Clarke & Mrs Clarke who are likely to move before the next session. Mr Clarke has been President since the society started three years ago.

Court Pride, Lodge celebrated their annual picnic at Mr W. Barker’s estate at Baldina on Wednesday. Dinner was followed by sports. The very hot day induced many to drink too much water and about 21 came home unwell as a result of too much water combined with bananas, cherries, lollies and the like.

Burra Town Council.

The lowest tenders for streetlights were from W.G. Neville in North Ward and W. Geake for Kooringa.

The Mayor Mr A. Harris is not as well this week, owing to the severity of the complaint and the disagreeable weather.

XV, 495, 25 Dec. 1901, page 2

Editorial on general Christmas sentiments.

The editor looks to the opening of the Burra Mine with hope, as it has been ‘purchased by an enterprising syndicate’.

In farming the season has been a failure for the 7th successive year due to rust and unfavourable weather.

Wool prices are only half what they were 12 months ago, but the overall two-year average is still good.

Mr Frank & Mrs Margaret Fisk, former residents of Burra, returned last week and set up in Paxton Square. They drank and were merry and attracted a group of children. Police broke up the gathering, but later they were again disturbed by police in Thames St and run in for the night and later fined 10/- each.

Redruth Court, 21 December

James Knevitt, William Knevitt & Frank Hornhardt were each fined £1 + 10/- costs (or 7 days) for indecent language.

They were also charged with disturbing the peace on the licensed premises of F.J. Uren. James Knevitt was fined 10/- and the other two 15/- each. Costs amounted to £4-9-0.

Supreme Court, Adelaide, 19 December 1901

Griffith Harry sought probate for the will of Mary Edwina Harry, who died 9 December 1901. Jane Frederica Motley claimed the will was not duly executed and at the time the deceased was not of sound mind, memory or understanding and did not know of and approve the contents of the will.

The ruling was that the testatrix was not of a sound mind, memory and understanding and the will was declared invalid and void. The plaintiff was not awarded costs. The defendants’ costs to be drawn from the estate.

Characteristics of the paper in 1901.

Page 1 was as usual full of larger advertisements, but most were now not local.

Pages 2 and 3 carried smaller business advertisements. There were no editorials, and the local news tended to come in small items which were annoyingly interspersed with long small print articles that look at first like news, but turn out to be advertisements for such things as: Dr Morse’s Indian Root Pills, Dr Williams’ Pink Pills (for Pale People), Bile Beans, Doan’s Backache Kidney Pills, Ayer’s Cherry Pectoral, Ayer’s cherry Pectoral Plasters and Clement’s Tonic.

Page 4 continues with advertisements dominated by patent medicines including: Vitadatio (a cure for hydatids), Holloway’s Pills & Beecham’s Pills.

There is a serial: The Quality of Mercy, by U.X.L. (Author of Carl‘s Old Rug, Cabbage Tree Man, etc.) on page 3. There is some padding with jokes etc, but it is minimal most weeks. These became more noticeable by May when the serials ceased, but their quantity was erratic. Towards the end of the year a serial returned with Marie by U.X.L. Which ran from 13 November to 18 December (missing out 20 November).

‘Sparks’ are less cryptic than when they first appeared with one word comments.

The news has to be sought amid the advertisements which appear in similar style and print, though some of the latter are distinguished with illustrations.

Numbering of issues in 1901

Volume XV continued for the whole year, having started 7 December 1892.

The year began with Volume XV Number 448 on 2 January 1901

And continued to Volume XV Number 495 on 25 December 1901

Numbering was fairly consistent, but there were a few anomalies.

472 was used twice and 473 was not used.

478 was used twice.

486 was used a second time in error for 489 which lead to a second use also of 487 & 488 before 489 restored the correct sequence.

XV, 496, 1 Jan. 1902

Page 1

Advertisements

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd Auctioneers

Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd Auctioneers

W.P. Reed & Co. Auctioneers

Drew & Crewes Importers, Kooringa

Bath & Pearce Importers, Kooringa

C. & A. Fuss Timber Merchants, Aberdeen

John Pearce Timber Merchant, Kooringa

O. Bartholomaeus Timber Merchant, Redruth

T.T. Shortridge Estate and Commission Agent, Accountant, Auditor, Secretary

A. Bartholomaeus Agent for Norwich Union Fire Insurance Co.

S. Burns Blacksmith, Wheelwright etc., Commercial St

Thomas Harris Coach Builder, Wheelwright, Shoeing & General Smith, Commercial St

T. Wilkinson Kooringa Dispensary

Page 2

Advertisements

Herbert C. Afford Dentist visits Burra monthly

Fred. Eskell Dentist at Vivian’s Commercial Hotel every six weeks

J. Davey Kooringa Lime Kiln

Luke Day Groceries, Fruit & Vegetables

Page 3

Advertisements

Annie B. Millar Principal of Burra High School

Page 4

Advertisements

C.C. Williams Ironmonger, Tinsmith, Galvanized Iron Worker, Commercial St

O. Bartholomaeus Carpenter, Builder etc., Aberdeen, has removed to the premises known as Sara & Dunstan’s

W.J. Richards Burra Bicycle Depot, Aberdeen, Showroom next to Wesleyan Church, Redruth

XV, 496, 1 Jan. 1902, page 2

The Holidays. Christmas Day was quiet, but there were sports at Victoria Park on Boxing Day. The weather was favourable for sports and the many picnic parties organised.

On Boxing Day members of the lodges assembled at the Institute and marched to Victoria Park led by the Burra Band. This was hardly a success due to the small number of members who marched. The sports themselves were successful, though gate takings were down on last year. The track, though improved, needs asphalting. Until this is done money will be wasted annually as even after spending on it, rain and other factors destroy the surface. This year saw £10 outlaid for only a partial success. Entries in the Sheffield, hurdles and 440 yards did not meet the prizes given and so they were cancelled. Bicycle events remained the most popular. Takings at the concert were up on last year by several pounds and the Gawler Dramatic Co.’s sensational drama A wife’s Peril was staged very creditably.

XV, 496, 1 Jan. 1902, page 3

The Salvation Army. Lieut. Lacy, who has been in Burra for six months is about to leave for White Cliffs and will be followed by Captain Chapman.

Cricket. On Saturday at Victoria Park, Burra 99 & 3 for 139 defeated Stockbreeders 97 & 79.

Burra won, making the 77 needed for the loss of one wicket.

On Christmas afternoon there was a match at Victoria Park in which Burra 172 defeated Visitors 76.

On Saturday 21 December at Victoria Park Burra 170 drew with Farrell’s Flat 7 for 119.

Court.

26 December. Stanley Lines, aged 20 was sentenced to 1 month in Adelaide Gaol for stealing a pair of shoes valued at 6/11 from Philip Phyliss, the ‘boots’ at the Burra Hotel.

28 December. Thomas Byrnes was charged with using indecent language in Market Square on Christmas Eve. He failed to appear. M-C Jemison said he was at Boolcoomatta Station and a warrant for his arrest would cost him his job to the disadvantage of his wife and family. He asked for the case to be heard ex parte and the bench agreed. The fine was £1-12-0 with court fees of 15/- and witness fee of 7/- for a total of £1-12-0. [This doesn’t make sense so either the total was £2-14-0 or the original fine was 10/- and the total as stated. A month was allowed to pay or 1 month in jail.]

Obituary. Alex. Harris died on 25 December 1901, aged 62. He was born in the parish of Kenwyn near Truro in Wales in June 1840. In March 1849 he left England for SA, arriving in Adelaide on 1 June 1849. The family then proceeded to Burra. He worked in the Burra Mine for several years, but when the Wallaroo Mines opened he went to Kadina and opened a store as a produce merchant. Later he returned to Burra and traded as a storekeeper and a wood and chaff merchant. He was Chairman of the Burra School Board of Advice, a Councillor for the Burra Corporation and one of the town’s JPs. He was an energetic worker for the church, being a superintendent of the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School. He was elected Mayor, unopposed on 1 December 1901, but was taken ill before being sworn in and did not preside at any meetings. He was a member of Kooringa Lodge of Freemasons and had just completed a term as W.M. For about 30 years he had been a member of the Kadina Lodge MUIOOF. The funeral on Thursday was very largely attended. He leaves a wife, one son and one daughter.

J. Ford, who is working the Burra Mine, met with an accident last Saturday. While paying his men on the Burra Mine property he slipped down a shaft some 15’ and was badly shaken, though no more serious effects are expected.

XV, 496 (2), 8 Jan. 1902, page 2 [Second use of No. 496]

Obituary. John Samuel Voumard, husband of Anna Elise Voumard, aged 62, died at Kooringa 29 December 1901.

New Year’s Eve passed with only minor pranks. One or two footbridges were upset and articles removed from out-houses, but the police had little to do. Watchnight services were held in the churches and at midnight old tins were rattled and guns fired.

Burra town Council, 6 January.

News of the death of the Mayor, Mr A. Harris was formally received and arrangements made to fill the vacancy.

The Lamps which grace Henderson’s Bridge, Market Square and the Commercial St Bridge were removed a few nights ago as Mr W. Geake, the new contractor, found when he went to take up his duties. A night or two later the Market Square lamp was placed in the glass enclosure on the Commercial St Bridge with a new wick. The lamps have now been recovered and no further action will be taken.

The Burra Mine. The question of the mine’s reopening has gone as dead as a doornail. Shareholders of the Burra Burra Copper Co. are anxious to know what is going on. When Shares were on the market it was stated that work would commence at once. We understand a meeting of shareholders will be held soon.

Burra Slag Extraction Co. has been hit by low copper prices and a discouraging return of copper from operations in the past month or two and it has ceased operations for one month, throwing 30-40 men and boys out of work.

XV, 496 (2), 8 Jan. 1902, page 3 [Second use of No. 496]

Burra High School. The report from the principal and the prize list is printed. The prizes were distributed and the report read at Bleak House on 27 December.

Kooringa Methodist Church on Sunday last held a special service for the Burra Hospital Samaritan Fund. Financial returns were satisfactory.

Foley’s Circus performed in Burra last Saturday and Monday to fair houses.

Booborowie Sports were held on Christmas Day and drew a large attendance. Results are printed.

Cricket. There was an excursion for the holidays. The team tool the 11.20 a.m. train north on Monday, took lunch at 2 p.m. at Terowie and then played a game. Burra 180 defeated Terowie 113.

They then took the Broken Hill Express north to Petersburg, arriving about midnight. On Tuesday they played another game in which Petersburg 133 defeated Burra 105 & 6 for 138, on the first innings. The game began at 11 a.m. and the Petersburg club entertained the visitors at dinner in the evening. At 4 a.m. on Wednesday they got up to catch the Broken Hill express south, getting off at Hallett for another match in which Burra 108 & 6 for 86 declared defeated Hallett 92 & 28. They then caught the 5 p.m. luggage train to Burra.

Burra Defence Rifle Club visited Clare on 30 December 1901 when Clare 743 defeated Burra 717.

New Year Day’s Sports. A few townspeople held a collection and held sports for children in the paddock behind Vivian’s Commercial Hotel. Prizes from 2/6 to 3d were well distributed and the children enjoyed themselves greatly.

Salvation Army. Edith Phillips, who left Burra six months ago for the Salvation Army Training Home in Melbourne, has been promoted to Lieutenant and will take up a position at Tapanui in New Zealand, assisting Captain Thomas there.

XV, 497, 15 Jan. 1902, page 2

E.W. Crewes was elected mayor on Monday to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr A. Harris Sen.

XV, 497, 15 Jan. 1902, page 3

IO Rechabites annual finance meeting showed that income exceeded expenses for the year by £169-5-11. Members were 161, an increase of 1.

Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday the North End of Town 141 defeated South End of Town 129. Manoora will visit next Saturday. A series of concerts is being arranged to provide the necessary income for the club to continue.

Burra Institute. President, Mr Winnall presided at the annual meeting last Monday. For the coming year Mr Hague was elected President with Dr Sangster jun. as Vice-President. Mr Wilkinson is Treasurer and Mr Drew is Hon. Sec. The year had started in credit £68-10-0 and ended £85-15-6 in credit. There were 3,406 volumes in the library. The piano had been renovated at a cost of £18-13-4. The cost of laying on acetylene gas has been estimated by the special committee as c. £90 and £50 has been placed in a Savings Bank fund towards this end.

Leighton Sports will be held on 5 February.

Fitzgerald’s Circus is probably coming to Burra soon.

Boer War. The Commonwealth Contingent is going to South Africa in the next few days.

C. Packard has returned to camp to prepare for the journey to South Africa.

Obituary. George Mitchell, keeper of Redruth Gaol for many years, died at Wallaroo last week.

[Died 9 January 1902 aged 68]

Booborowie Sports Meeting donated £1-1-0 to the Burra Hospital Samaritan Fund.

XV, 498, 22 Jan. 1902, page 2

Redruth Reformatory. Two girls escaped from the reformatory one night last week, but were seen travelling along the brow of the Brewery Hill. Mrs Holden caught up with them near the cemetery and they returned.

Burra Hospital 1901.

Admitted 318 Recovered/relieved 249

Unimproved 12 To Lunatic Asylum 1

To Police 1 Died 25

Operations 83 Average No. of Patients 30

Causes of Death

Premature birth 2 Cerebral haemorrhage 2

All other causes listed accounted for one death each:

Inflammatory diarrhoea, purpura, carcinoma of pylorus, sarcoma of the brain, carcinoma of the heart, carcinoma of the rectum, uraemia, pneumonia, pleurisy, fibroid phthisis, empyema, cerebo-spinal meningitis, endocarditis, malignant endocarditis, suppurative peritonitis, intestinal obstruction, septicaemia, burns, senile decay.

Burra Town Council declared the rates for 1902 as:

General 9d, Health 3d and Park Lands 1d in the £.

The water troughs to be cleaned and tarred and that at the Railway Gate to be enlarged.

XV, 498, 22 Jan. 1902, page 3

AO Foresters half-yearly finance meeting. Membership at 210.

Receipts for the year £518-12-2. Expenditure for year £517-12-6, of which sick pay was £205-2-6.

The Ah Chin Relief Fund is printed. It lists over 230 contributors and raised a total of £37-0-3, including 16/3 from the Xmas Service at Redruth Methodist Church and £1-14-0 from an open-air concert by May’s Band.

[Leaving aside these two larger contributions, this would mean an average donation of about 3/-.]

Mrs Chin thanked all for their practical assistance and says by their united efforts she has been able to re-establish a home that was destroyed by fire.

Cricket. A novel cricket concert will be held on Friday evening in the Methodist Lecture Hall.

XV, 499, 29 Jan. 1902, page 2

Weather. A violent storm burst over Burra on 14 January. There was high wind with blown dust which removed roofs from a number of outhouses and flattened fences.

The Bushman’s Home lost its roof which landed many yards away. ‘Mrs Allen having a marvellous escape from death.’ [Mrs Alfred Allen (Mary): my great-grandmother.]

Much damage was done to the east of the town where bushes used as stock feed were covered with dust and grass paddocks reduced to dustbins. Trees were uprooted and wagons etc. overturned. Fire broke out at the Waterworks yard, but it was fortunately extinguished before it had much hold as Mrs Anderson, who lives nearby, noticed it early. It burnt through the wood under a galvanized fence and just reached the grass. The firewood for the boiler was saved.

Ah Chin Relief Fund: some minor corrections are printed.

XV, 499, 29 Jan. 1902, page 3

Yongala land will be allotted on 5 March. Most allotments range from 150 to 500 acres, though there will be 21 homestead blocks of 20 acres and one block of grazing country that runs to 2,312 acres.

Cricket Club. The concert in the Methodist Lecture Hall last Wednesday produced a good program of songs, recitations, instrumental music and club swinging. It raised a creditable £4-5-0, which was good at 6d admission.

Cricket. At Victoria Park on Monday: Outsiders 191 defeated Office Men 106.

Court.

There is a 21⁄2 column report on a case in which Develaing sued Kelly for £6-8-0 for agistment of stock and £10 damages for breaking and entering his paddock and damage to fencing by cattle.

Kelly counter-sued for £19-19-0 for libel following a notice in the Burra Record which he claimed implied that he was unable and unwilling to pay his just debts. In the end Develaing won £4-1-0, but had to pay costs and the counterclaim was dismissed.

Methodist Sunday school picnic last Monday.

M-C Jemison has returned to Kooringa after his holiday at ‘Munter’ [Moonta].

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will offer 4,140 sheep on 7 February.

Mrs Ker, who was admitted to Burra Hospital a few days ago, suffering from poisoning, is recovering.

[A report in the following issue indicates this was an attempted suicide.]

XV, 500, 5 Feb. 1902, page 2

Weather: last Friday was excessively hot.

Court.

Mrs Ker, widow of W. Ker of Pt Pirie, was charged that on 14 January 1902 she took mouse poison with the intent of killing herself. She entered into a surety of £5 to keep the peace for three months.

Fitzgerald Bros. Circus arrived in Burra on Saturday and Mr Hedley Harris drove up to see it. On seeing the elephant Mr Harris’s horse became alarmed and dropped dead.

XV, 500, 5 Feb. 1902, page 3

Fitzgerald Bros. Circus performed Saturday evening to good crowds.

Boer War. The British now have 237,800 men in South Africa.

Cricket. On Saturday at Victoria Park Burra 3 for 122 declared, defeated Manoora 53 & 8 for 42.

Unemployed Men in Burra have petitioned for the re-opening of the Aberdeen Ballast Quarry.

Redruth Methodist Church has an enlarged group of trustees and they have agreed to take over the late Primitive Methodist Church which has been declared unsafe. The Jubilee of Methodism in Redruth will be celebrated early in June and a sketch of the history of Methodism in the place is to be prepared. A scheme for enlarging the Primitive Methodist building will be worked with the celebrations and the said building will then be called the Methodist Jubilee Hall.

Harvest thanksgiving will be held at the church on 9 February.

XV, 501, 12 Feb. 1902, page 2

Boer War. Captain Watt, after a long and arduous campaign under General De Leslie, has been sent to the Cape as a drill instructor. After a time he will return to the front, and then return with his contingent homewards.

XV, 501, 12 Feb. 1902, page 2-3

Marriage. On Thursday at World’s End Miss Johanna Louisa Martha Rooke married Frederick William Duldig. These are the children of some of the most enthusiastic toilers of the soil in the eastern country and their farms are models of ingenuity and hard work. Machinery, horses, cows, pigs and fowls are all cared for meticulously.

The marriage was carried out in true German style. A large number of traps assembled at Mr Rooke’s at about 12 o’clock where the festive part of the ceremony took place. A start was then made for the Baldina Church. Horses, traps and whips were decorated with yards of ribbon, with green the favourite colour. An hour and ten minutes drive got the party to church. The church was handsomely decorated reflecting to the credit of Miss C. Kickebusche. The ceremony was performed by Rev. T. W. Leidig. The eight mile return trip, as is the general rule, saw drivers attempt to pass each other and the journey took only half an hour before the traps passed under a large arch made at the gate. The pedestrian entrance to the celebration was also arched and in true German style no one was admitted by five little girls dressed in white with blue sashes, until they had placed something in the hat. The seventy to eighty guests then partook of a sumptuous spread in a tent some 50-60 feet long. Singing and music followed with games and then tea, after which there was an evening of singing, recitation, music and choruses, all nicely rendered. Mr Duldig amused the gathering with his comic recitation of The Baker and Mr R. Pfitzner also entertained with his German and English recitations.

The bride was dressed in a beautiful black lustre nicely trimmed while on the crown of her head was an orange blossom wreath and a long fall almost touched the ground. At 11.30 p.m. a large spread that would have done credit to any banquet in the state was provided – the tables laden with every kind of eatable. The interior of the tent had the appearance of a magic cave. Custom places the couple under the care of their respective parents until the bride exchanges her orange blossom for a hat and the groom puts on a cap. The rest of the night passed pleasantly with refreshments constantly served, and on Friday morning visitors began to return to their homes, though some remained to complete the third day’s ceremony.

XV, 501, 12 Feb. 1902, page 3

Gypsies appeared last week and camped near Gilbert’s old well. While showing no great liking for cleanliness, they attracted a number of visitors seeking to have their fortune told, before they moved on north in a day or two.

Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Smokers 151 defeated Non-Smokers 89.

Golden Wedding. Mr & Mrs John Jenkin celebrated their golden wedding on 10 February. James Lauder acted as MC. Mr Jenkin was born in Panzibilla, Cornwall in January 1832 and Mrs Jenkin was born in Redruth, Cornwall in February 1828. They arrived at Port Adelaide on 27 July 1851 in the Omega. They were married at St Mary’s, Burra by Rev. J. Pollitt on 10 February 1852. Mr Jenkin visited the Victorian goldfields and also worked for some years at the Burra Mine. He was overseer for the Burra Town Council for 23 years, but gave it up eventually due to failing eyesight. There are five daughters: Mrs J. Barratt, Mrs W.G. Batchelor (Hindmarsh), Mrs William Geake (Kooringa), Mrs B.T. Hancock (Petersburg) and Miss E.L. Jenkin (Kooringa). They with the four sons-in-law and eight grandchildren all attended the celebrations. The many presents included a purse of sovereigns.

Burra Slag Extraction Co. resumes operation today, though employment is offered at reduced wages until the copper price rises. It is expected 30-40 men and boys will be employed. It is believed six months will see the completion of the work.

Hon. W.B. Rounsevell was in Burra on Friday.

Boer War. Some peace proposals are being made to terminate the war in South Africa.

XV, 502, 19 Feb. 1902, page 2

Thomas McWaters of World’s End has been losing sheep and Mr Needham the Govt. Stock Inspector was in town on Friday and dissected one of the affected sheep. He found it had impaction of omasium – a non-infectious disease. [Omasum? The third stomach of a ruminant.]

Accident. On Thursday night, between the Court House Hotel and the Black Bridge in Aberdeen, the mail cart collided with one of Halls’ cabs. The mail cart driver, the lad P. Carey, expected the cab to turn towards the hotel, but instead it turned up the road beside the Methodist Church and the mail cart crashed into the horses of the cab throwing out A. Ockenden and P. Carey. The former was scratched and cut and received a sprained wrist and the latter a cut on the head which was not serious.

‘Carey is a most reckless driver . . . and to prevent a fatal accident it will be well for him to be careful in the future.’

Legislative Council Election. The Mayor, E.W. Crewes, and others on Friday presented a requisition to the Hon. J. Lewis MLC asking him to allow himself to be nominated for a seat in the Legislative Council at the coming elections. He agreed to stand. The new district extends from Renmark to Eucla and from Saddleworth to Port Darwin.

XV, 502, 19 Feb. 1902, page 3

Mr George Jeffreys, of the School of Mines, will conduct a wool class at P.L. Killicoat’s woolshed at the end of the month.

Telephone Service. A party assembled at Drew & Crewes on Monday afternoon to witness the opening of the newly erected telephone service from their shop in Kooringa to the bulk store in Aberdeen and to take the opportunity to wish success to the firm of Drew & Crewes. Refreshments were served. The line will save much time and wear and tear on horses and traps. Within 15 minutes of opening the service its use was demonstrated when an order to send chaff by the goods train was received. It could never have been delivered in time, but for the telephone service, as the train was almost ready to depart.

Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Burra 259 defeated Clare 176.

A School of Mines Class, associated with the SA School of Mines in Adelaide, opens today in the former Bible Christian Schoolroom. The particular branch here is dress-making. This branch in future will offer an opportunity for young men and boys to be taught any occupation they wish to take up.

Yongala Land. Some of the farmers from the eastern country are applying for the new release of land at Yongala.

St Mary’s Schoolroom was the site for a concert on Tuesday evening.

Boer War. Selectors seeking horses for the Commonwealth Contingent arrive in Burra today.

Over 400 men applied to the Staff-office in Adelaide last week in response to a call for 40 for the 8th Contingent.

W.B. Rounsevell will stand for the Burra Burra District in the forthcoming elections for the House of Assembly.

XV, 503, 26 Feb. 1902, page 3

Court.

Thomas Henry Woollacott was charged with allowing a cow to stray in the Redruth Streets.

Fined 2/6 + 5/- costs.

J. Ford’s butchering business has been sold to Mr Ward, who comes from Watervale and he intends running the business on a larger scale, including smallgoods and other dainties.

Cricket. On Saturday at Victoria Park: Burra 133 defeated Hallett 110.

Advt. Madame Luela, scientific palmist, phrenologist and futurist, may be consulted at Miss Tobin’s Rooms opposite Drew & Crewes, for a short season only.

The Burra Choral Society and Orchestra performed Handel’s Messiah at the Institute on Wednesday evening to a full house. With the aid of several ladies and gentlemen from the city, the piece was well rendered.

Boer War. Only one Burra horse was selected for war service on Wednesday.

Including the last contingent, SA has sent 1,219 men, 1,264 horses and 75 officers to the war in South Africa.

Bubonic Plague is still spreading in Sydney.

Burra Town Council. The slaughterhouse question will be revived by the Council in 1902.

XV, 504, 5 Mar. 1902, page 2

SA Election will be held on 3 May.

Mr George Jeffrey visited Burra on Thursday to complete arrangements for his wool class – the first lesson is to be on Wednesday 12 March at 11.30 a.m.

Mt Bryan Sports were successfully held last Wednesday. Results are printed.

Supreme Court, Adelaide 25 February.

Mary Quinn appeared before the Chief Justice charged with murdering her baby and concealing the birth. The evidence was essentially the same as that given at the inquest in Burra. The judge ruled there was no case to answer as it could not definitely be proved that the child had been born alive. He instructed the jury to find her not guilty on the murder charge. The jury found her not guilty of concealing the birth.

XV, 504, 5 Mar. 1902, page 3

Martindale Races: results printed.

M-C Jemison will be tendered a farewell social at the Commercial Hotel this evening and a presentation will be made to the departing constable.

He is going to Wallaroo and will be succeeded by Constable Grosser from Gawler.

Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Burra 130 defeated Saddleworth 92.

Salvation Army Harvest Thanksgiving services were well attended at the Barracks last Sunday.

Burra Waterworks. The committee recommends an excavation to the southwest of the present reservoir and within the present enclosure, with a capacity of 80,000 gallons. The committee is to report back next meeting concerning the insuring of the stock and plant.

W.R. Ridgway writes expressing concern over the great silence from the new Burra Burra Copper Co. The money was subscribed and the company was expected to make an early start on work. What have the directors done since? Where is Snow’s machinery? Who do the present tributers work for? Do the directors ever meet? If so what do they decide? Etc., etc.

The editor comments that he knows no more than the writer.

Boer War. The British forces had a great victory on 27 February, capturing or killing 800 Boers and capturing 2,000 horses, 28,000 cattle, 250 wagons, 6,000 sheep, 600 rifles, and 54,000 rounds of ammunition.

Advt. World’s End Sports will be held Wednesday 12 March in Mr Duldig’s Paddock.

Mr A. McCulloch has taken a trip to Europe.

Meat prices have been reduced in Burra.

Mr Stow, our respected SM, does not seem to recover from his illness and remains very weak.

John Ford is going to live at the Black Waterholes.

Mr Trescowthick gave an exhibition of acetylene gas light at the Commercial Hotel on Saturday and witnesses were well pleased with it.

XV, 505, 12 Mar. 1902, page 2

Leighton & Iron Mine Athletic Club annual sports meeting was held in Mr Sleeman’s paddock on Wednesday and it was a great success, though the absence of shade trees meant that the only shade was under canvas. Results are printed.

The Drought. The eastern country is very dry with no grass to be seen. On large sheep station has been almost completely destocked. In the Hundred of King every house has been abandoned. Not a single person currently resides in the Hundred of King and the houses are banked with sand and the fences in many places almost buried.

XV, 505, 12 Mar. 1902, page 3

‘Booborowie’ writes to the editor asking that if a private company is to ‘put through’ a large heap of stuff at the old mine, wouldn’t it be wise for the new company to do the work?

Obituary. Mrs Johanna F.C. Lehman, nee Leunig, wife of Joseph Lehman of Burra, died while on holiday at Broken Hill on 4 March. Mrs Lehman was born at Clausthal, Hanover, and arrived in SA on 1 January 1855 in the Johann Caesar. She leaves a husband, four daughters and three sons: Frederick, Julius & Joseph and Mrs N. McLeod (Burra), Mrs D. McLeod (Pt Pirie) and two daughters who reside at home. There is also a foster daughter, Mrs W. Brandford (Pt Pirie)

[Another Burra connection was that, Mrs W. Branford was Hester Day’s sister.

Johanne Caroline Wilhelmina Lehman born Leunig was born c. 1844.]

Cricket. On Saturday at Victoria Park: Burra 202 defeated Stockbreeders 136.

Boer War. Sappho Halls is laid up with enteric fever in at Kroonstadt in South Africa.

Petersburg replaces Burra as the chief polling place for the new electorate.

Methodist Church. Rev. Anguin succeeds Rev. W.G. Clarke in the Kooringa Circuit.

Rev. W.F. James remains in the Redruth Circuit.

Obituary. Miss Rush, daughter of Mr B. Rush, of Mt Bryan, has died after a long period of ill health.

[Evelyn Jane Rush born 24 August 1882; died 5 March 1902.]

M-C Jemison was given a silver-mounted pipe at his farewell social on Wednesday evening.

XV, 506, 19 Mar. 1902, page 2

A Cheap Jack appeared in Market Square on Thursday and Friday evening. On Thursday he gave an open air concert, but on Friday he sold jewellery for high and low prices – at least one person paid £1 each for four chains that were sold afterwards for 6d each. It is said he took £60 in one night.

M-C Grosser arrived on Friday to take charge of the Kooringa police station.

World’s End Sports were run very successfully last Wednesday in the creamery paddock. The results are printed.

XV, 506, 19 Mar. 1902, page 3

Boer War. Letter from Lance-Corporal Dick Gully to his mother from South Africa, dated 10 February 1902, when he was in Kroonstadt. He recounts the adventures of chasing after De Wet and living rather hard at times, on a solitary biscuit a day. He says Captain Watt and Trooper Cecil Sangster wish to be remembered to all their friends.

Rev. W.G. Clarke will preach his farewell sermon on Sunday before his removal to Clarendon and a farewell social will be tendered him on Monday evening.

Accident. The dress of W. March’s youngest son, aged 1 year 10 months, caught alight on Tuesday morning when the youngster apparently played with the fire outside. His arm and face were burned, though fortunately not seriously. Dr Sangster attended.

Cricket. Last Saturday at Clare: Burra 202 defeated Clare 185.

An Accident. Mr T.P. Halls was giving a colt a drink at the pump on Saturday evening when a useless dog rushed up to its hindquarters and bit it. The colt dashed off, tripped on a kerbstone and dashed out its brains against the stable wall, a bullet subsequently finishing its career.

Bubonic Plague still rages in Sydney, with some cases also reported in Melbourne.

Obituary. Mr Basedow, a Member of Parliament for Burra, until a year or so ago, died suddenly last Thursday. [Martin Peter Friedrich Basedow died 12 March 1902 aged 72.]

XV, 507, 26 Mar. 1902, page 2

Cricket. At Mt Bryan on Wednesday: Mt Bryan East 91 defeated Burra 70.

In the evening a concert in aid of the Burra Cricket Club was held in the Mt Bryan Council Chamber and from the proceeds of £3-15-7 the club expects to clear £3-3-0.

At Victoria Park on Saturday: the South End of Town 206 defeated the North End of Town 116.

Also on Saturday on the School Flat a team of Kooringa Lads 40 & 50 defeated a team of Redruth Lads 36 & 53, by the margin of one run.

XV, 507, 26 Mar. 1902, page 3

Rev. W.G. Clarke was presented with a purse of sovereigns at his valedictory social last Monday at the Kooringa Methodist Lecture Hall.

Yongala Estate. Results of applications for allotments are printed.

Obituary. The wife of James Thomas of Redruth died last week. [Mary Ann Thomas born Ross died 17 March 1902 aged 61.]

Advt. On Friday 4 April at 7.30 p.m. the following candidates will address electors at Burra:

Lawrence O’Loughlin Clement Giles

William B. Rounsevell William Russell

William Miller

XV, 508, 2 Apr. 1902, page 2

Boer War. Report on the execution in South Africa of Lieut. Morant and Lieut. Handcock.

Cricket. Wednesday 19 March at Mt Bryan. There is more detail of the match reported in the previous issue, though Mt Bryan East is credited here with one more run (92).

Rev. W.G. Clarke’s Farewell is reported in more detail. He was an inspiring preacher, revived the Burra Literary Soc., established a Sunshine Band and a Junior Society Class and a Ladies’ Visiting Assoc. He also saw that the Band of Hope, the Christian Endeavour Soc. and two tennis courts were kept going well. A Boys’ Brigade was started and a new church built at Baldina. The trust debts at Kooringa were reduced from £1,070 to £135. He was also General School Secretary of the Methodist Connexion and Treasurer of the Ministers’ Supernumerary Fund.

Iron Mine Methodist Church held its Anniversary and Harvest Thanksgiving Services on Sunday 23 March and Friday 28 March.

XV, 508, 2 Apr. 1902, page 2-3

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School celebrated its anniversary on 30 & 31 March. Services were by Rev. Thomas Lloyd, who had been resident minister 42 years ago. The afternoon service of song was The Brave Covenanters: the Burra Orchestra, under Mr G. Dane, assisted.

XV, 508, 2 Apr. 1902, page 3

Accident & Obituary. Last Saturday John Heinrich of World’s End, aged 56 was fatally injured when driving home from Burra with a load of two tons of chaff. He fell from the shaft in front of the wheels and was run over. Dr J.I. Sangster jun. was summoned and the victim was transferred to the Burra Hospital, but died there on Monday night. He leaves a wife and family.

[Johann Gottleib Heinrich died 31 March 1902 aged 59.]

Cricket. On Friday at Saddleworth: Burra 294 defeated Saddleworth 73.

J. Drew made 141, but early in his innings one big hit went through a shop window, breaking a pane of glass values at £2-10-0 and breaking about 6/- worth of fancy glass dishes. Using more care with the next stroke, he landed the ball on the back roof of the same shop.

On Easter Monday Kooringa Lads 74 defeated Redruth Lads 19 & 42.

At Victoria Park on Monday: Burra defeated Terowie.

Burra Footballs Club has called a general meeting for next Friday in R.D. Pascoe’s shop.

Bubonic Plague continues in Sydney with cases in Brisbane as well.

Boer War. Captain J.A. Watt is expected to leave South Africa for home in a day or two and some of the Burra boys will be coming with him.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. In a match fired at Gawler on 31 March, Gawler 603 defeated Burra 552.

Burra Mine. The Burra Burra Copper Co. says that an instalment of Snow’s plant is now on the way from Germany and expected to be on the mine property soon. The company will treat tailings and spoil heaps, but any other operations are on hold pending a rise in the price of copper.

XV, 509, 9 Apr. 1902, page 2

Obituary. There are further details of the death of John Heinrich, correcting some earlier statements and revealing that he leaves ‘a wife and family of about 14, most of whom are grown up.’

Obituary. Mrs John Herbert of Kooringa died on Thursday at Burra Hospital. The deceased was a native of Burra and was 30 on the day she died, leaving Mr Herbert with four young children.

[Louisa Herbert born Seaford died 3 April 1902.]

XV, 509, 9 Apr. 1902, page 2-3

Rev. W.F. James was ordered a complete holiday and he now reports on his trip to Melbourne. He boarded his ship at Largs Bay, apparently taking a launch out to the India. He went to Brighton (Melbourne) for a week, where he stayed with 82 year-old Mr Quick who had served at a mission in Sierra Leone 60 years before. He also spent time with Rev. E.H. Sugden at Queen’s College, Melbourne. He attended the First United Methodist Conference in Melbourne and spent five days with Rev. D. Daly, Secretary of the Federal Council.

XV, 509, 9 Apr. 1902, page 3

Redruth Methodist Circuit quarterly meeting. Report that the income had met expenditure and the deficiency and also that £95 had been raised towards renovating the manse, fencing the circuit paddock and paying arrears of interest on the Primitive Methodist Church. The meeting sanctioned the enlargement of the Primitive Methodist Church which will in future be known as Jubilee Hall. Gratitude was expressed for the improved health of the pastor, Rev. W.F. James on his return from his change and rest.

Methodist Jubilee Hall Redruth.

The old Primitive Methodist Church is unsafe and too small, so the trustees of the Redruth Methodist Church have agreed to take it over, repair it, and extend it by ten feet. Tenders were called last week and on Monday the tender of Launder, Griffiths & Pearce was accepted.

Cricket. In an unfinished match Burra 161 defeated Terowie 70 & 142: on the first innings.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. The annual meeting on 2 April elected A.B. Hiddle as President, E.A. Pearce as Treasurer and P.A. Roach as Hon. Secretary.

This year improvements were made on the range. A group of three canvas targets and a shelter house have been provided, resulting in only a small credit balance remaining. There are presently 45 members. Class firing results: 6 marksmen, 2 First-class, 4 Second-class and 19 Third-class. There was a successful carnival at Princess Royal in conjunction with the Cricket Club and a visit to Adelaide during the Royal Visit.

SA Elections. Messrs O’Loughlin, Rounsevell, Giles, Millar and Russell addressed electors at the Burra Institute on Friday evening and were each attentively listened to.

XV, 510, 16 Apr. 1902, page 2

Burra Show Soc. Next show to be on 24 September.

Football. A meeting of the Burra footballers is again called for tonight at Mr Pascoe’s.

Court.

William Lock, farmer of Hundred of Hanson, was fined £3 reduced to 10/- + costs to a total of £2-6-0, for burning stubble without giving neighbours 24 hours notice. Neither had he ploughed around the paddock and the fire destroyed c. 60 acres of grass.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. There has been no news of its doings and stockholders are becoming very uneasy.

Typhoid epidemic at Port Pirie.

XV, 510, 16 Apr. 1902, page 2-3

Theft. Mr Albert Ward’s butcher went to Booborowie on 7 April and bought a pig weighing about 130 lb from one Jenson and got it into the cart for home. There it was slaughtered, hung and then later transported to the Market Square shop. The door was left open to allow the pig to get a ‘fresh breeze’. In the morning it was gone. No other meat was taken. The matter was discovered at 5 a.m., but was not reported to police till 2 p.m. as Mr Ward thought a practical joker was responsible.

XV, 510, 16 Apr. 1902, page 3

Burra Literary Soc. The annual general meeting will be held in the Methodist Lecture Hall tomorrow.

Defence Rifle Clubs. The Federal Minister of Defence gave figures in the House of Representatives for money going to Defence Rifle Clubs. Victoria £35,000, SA £4,000, NSW £2,900, Queensland £2,400, WA & Tasmania, Nil. In Victoria there are 357 clubs and 23,000 riflemen.

‘Disgusted’ writes re ‘a disgraceful disturbance’ in the main street of Aberdeen recently involving language ‘something disgusting and filthy’.

Rev. W.G. M. Murphy entertained the church wardens, sidesmen, auditors, lay-readers and adult choirmen, at the rectory, Redruth, on Wednesday.

Salvation Army. Major Cumming and Staff-Captain Flatman are visiting the local Salvation Army corps and are energetic in stimulating both open air and inside meetings.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. Rifle shooting for the clock continues and this time J.A. Pearce was first with 93. At present both J.A. Pearce and A. Riggs have 22 points and 25 points will win the cup.

Boer War. Lieut.-Col. Dean visited Burra on Tuesday as part of the examination of candidates for two squadrons to be raised in SA as part of the 8th Battalion of the Australian Commonwealth Horse, for service in South Africa.

Elder, Smith & Co. will offer 6,125 sheep for sale on 18 April.

Mr Steyn is reported to be going blind.

XV, 511, 23 Apr. 1902, page 2

Theft. There is no news of the stolen pork.

The Burra Mine seems as dead as Julius Caesar.

Boer War. The Burra component of the Australian Commonwealth Horse went into camp in Adelaide on Monday: viz. Frederick Hornhardt, John Lines and William Knevett.

[Later reports suggest they are likely to have left for South Africa, but that the peace treaty to end the war was signed before they arrived there.]

St Joseph’s. Rev. Father Reddan presided over a social at St Joseph’s on Friday which raised £10.

Drought. The eastern country is presently in so distressed a state that the Parcoola Vermin Board has been abolished.

Rev. T.B. Anguin was given a welcome social in the Kooringa Methodist Lecture Hall on Monday: he had preached his first sermon on Sunday.

Rev. W.F. James gave an address at the Redruth Methodist Church last Thursday evening looking back over the 12 months of his ministry there. He had travelled some 5,000 miles in the circuit. Trust debts had been reduced about £50. An organ had been purchased for Hanson and about £4 added to the account for a new church there. Over £3 was banked towards a new organ for Booborowie. £100 was raised for new furniture and renovation of the manse and to pay three year’s interest on £100 for the late Primitive Methodist Church as well as a new fence for the circuit paddock. Two years’ interest had been paid on the £50 debt at Westbury and £6-10-0 spent on repairs there and in the Copperhouse building and there was £3 in hand towards renovating the Westbury building. [Note the Copperhouse building was the old Primitive Methodist Chapel which was later bought by the Education Department for the school.]

Quite 50 years had passed since Methodism came to Redruth and its Jubilee would be celebrated on 15 June and the following days and it was hoped a genuine revival would emanate from it. The old Primitive Methodist Church building was unsafe and it had been decided to take down the west wall and lengthen the building by ten feet. The cost would be at least £130. A special effort will be made to raise the money rather than borrow it. The restored building will be known as the Methodist Jubilee Hall.

Rain is badly needed.

Obituary. George Stagg, brother of the late John Stagg, died on 16 April. He was struck by flying timber when a wagon he was riding in was struck by a train at the Goodwood crossing. He was previously of Burra, having been a member of the Defence Corps when Capt. Watt was in charge. He was for many years a farm labourer and a member of Court Unity Lodge No. 3015 for 18 years. Brother of John (deceased), Joseph and William. [Registered as 18 April 1902 aged 38.]

Obituary. Mrs Margaret O’ Leary, wife of John O’Leary Sen. died aged 78. With her husband, who is an invalid, she arrived in Burra at the end of 1855. Rev. Father Reddan officiated at St Joseph’s and the cemetery. She leaves five sons and two daughters and one daughter-in-law: all resident in Burra. [Margaret O’Leary born Callaghan died 17 April 1902.]

Thomas Queale, foreman of the railway in Burra Division, is transferring to Gawler after 11 years. Mr Harvey replaces him. Mr Queale has been courteous, hard working and reliable. He has just completed a term as W.M. of the Kooringa Masonic Lodge.

St Mary’s Annual Vestry Meeting. The district was large, extending from Waterloo to Hallett with Mission Churches at Black Springs, Gum Creek and Hallett. Services were regularly given at the Hospital and visits made to a number of sheep stations and scripture lessons given at Miss Millar’s School [Burra High School at Bleak House] and at Redruth Reformatory. Sunday school work was also encouraging. Income for the year was £337 and expenditure £362.

XV, 511, 23 Apr. 1902, page 3

Poem entitled Burra Mines: Then and Now. April 1902 by ‘Cynthus’

Court.

There is a long report of a case against Henry Goodwin, baker, charged with selling underweight bread. The inspector found an average 1⁄2 oz shortage in 12 loaves he weighed. Goodwin’s driver, the lad Arthur Woollacott, was charged with not carrying scales and weights. Goodwin was fined £1 and the costs in both cases: the costs being £3-11-6.

Burra Town Council. The footpath near Mr Luke Day’s is to be tar dressed and also that in Chapel St.

Waterworks. A letter has been received from the Engineer-in-Chief re a proposal to use the Wandillah Spring for a water supply. The estimated cost would be £17,000 including 10% for interest and contingencies during construction. The SAR agrees to pay £625 p.a. for 10 million gallons if the water is suitable for locomotives. The Council thanks the Commissioner of Public Works and will consider the proposal.

Notice. Lucy Gully makes a public apology to Charles G. Tiver for abusive language and insinuations made which she acknowledges to be not true in substance or fact.

St Joseph’s. There was a successful social in the schoolroom on Friday night.

Mr Hawkins of the Brighton Blind Deaf and Dumb Institution is in the area to help raise £2,000 for a new wing for the building. He thanks all contributors in the district.

Inquest. The coroner inquiring into the Goodwood crossing accident that resulted in the death of George Stagg has found that the driver of the team galloped his horses to beat the train despite a warning from the crossing caretaker. He, Creek by name, has been charged with manslaughter.

Rain. There has been a nice fall in the last week.

Burra Cricket Club held a concert in the Institute in Friday last which was very good. The sum of £3-5-0 was cleared which will enable the club to finish the season in credit.

Burra Mine. The first balance sheet for the Burra Burra Copper Co. is reported. Elder, Smith and F.H. Snow have an agreement to erect a plant to treat the tailings and the waste heaps. A six ton sample has been successfully treated in Germany, having been sent last November. A Mechernich plant will shortly be sent from Germany and the boilers and driving plant will be bought in Australia. Until this plant is in operation no other work will be undertaken by the company which has placed £5,000 on fixed deposit. Current expenditure will be more than covered by the interest and receipts from tributers and rents.

XV, 512, 30 Apr. 1902, page 2

Methodist Jubilee Hall. In connection with the enlargement of the Methodist Jubilee Hall at Redruth on 7 May at 3.30 p.m. seven memorial stones will be laid. £130 is to be raised to complete the building. Tea and public meetings will follow the ceremony. Rev. W.F. James saw £187 raised by memorial stone services at a church in Cardiff. The trustees hope as much as £70 might be raised at Redruth.

XV, 512, 30 Apr. 1902, page 3

Advt. The stones to be laid on 7 May at the Methodist Jubilee Hall:

For Redruth Church by Mr W.A. Rabbich

For Redruth Sunday School by Mr B. Preece

For Other churches in the Circuit by Mr J. Flower

For Kooringa Methodist Church by Mr J.M. McBride

For the Church of England by Mr J.E.H. Winnall

For the Salvation Army by Mr F. Harris

For the Town and District by the Mayor, Mr E.W. Crewes

Kooringa Freemasons laid a wreath on the grave of Mr A. Harris on Wednesday afternoon. Mr Harris had just completed a term as W.M. when he died.

Court.

James Stephens, an Aboriginal, was charged with having no visible lawful means of support on Monday and was given half an hour to leave the town or two months in jail.

John Jones was found to be drunk on Tuesday and was given an hour to leave the town.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. Targets have been moved to a better site. R.D. Pascoe put up the best score of 96 at the match on 19 & 23 April and has won the clock and a medal.

Boer War. Last Sunday the 5th and 6th Contingents from the South African War returned to Adelaide after 12 months service. They were in the charge of Captain Watt and received a splendid reception. Among them were Lance Corporal Gully and Trooper Sangster.

A social is being prepared for the returned soldiers.

Football. There was a good meeting of footballers at Mr Pascoe’s room on 22 April and it was resolved to form a club called ‘The Ramblers’. Their colours will be red, white and blue. President, W. P. Barker; Captain, B. Wheatley; Vice-Captain, C.N. Burns.

Cycling. Local enthusiasts B.W. Pearse, J.A.S. Bagg and P. Sawers will go to Broken Hill for the sports in June.

Flowers: our chrysanthemum fanciers do not go in for growing those fine blooms now.

Obituary. Edward Gallagher slipped on a banana skin while drunk, fractured his skull, and died.

[But there is no further indication of who this Edward Gallagher was or where he lived. SA death registrations show no Gallagher dying in 1902. The closest name is William Galagher who died 4 May 1902 at Avon Downs in the NT.]

Rev. W.F. James has been selected to write a short history of the Methodist Union in Australasia.

Obituary. Master George Miles, formerly an employee of the Burra Record died in Kalgoorlie last week of typhoid fever.

Court.

August Brandt (c. 12), George Hardy, Arthur Bowen and Murdock Morison were each charged with the theft of pigeons from E.W. Crewes and fined 10/- each or 3 days.

Vacuum Cleaner. There is a description of a vacuum cleaning system with a long hose from the house leading to a van in the street. [American of course.]

XV, 513, 7 May 1902, page 2

Burra Literary Soc. met in the Lodge Room on Tuesday 29 April. There was only a moderate attendance. The President is Mr F. Fairweather; Vice-Presidents are Messrs F. Treloar, T. Ryan & J.E.H. Winnall.

Boer War. Cpl R. Gully & Trooper C. Sangster returned home on Tuesday 29 April and were met at the station by a large crowd and a band. They were carried on the shoulders of friends to waiting vehicles and will be entertained at a social at the Institute tomorrow night.

Cricket. The club met on Thursday evening at the Institute to wind up the season. The best batsman for the season was J.P. Richardson with an av. 39.9 over 22 innings. Best bowler was N.D. Keats and best fielding was by W. Tiver and J.P. Richardson, the latter was also best all-rounder. Financially the year started badly with a deficit of £3-0-3, old matting and an unsafe pitch. Now the club has a new pitch, good string matting and a good supply of tools in reasonable order. 20 matches have been played against outside teams of which 14 were won and 3 lost with 3 drawn. Finances have been difficult, but after expending £41-2-10 the club ended with a credit of 13/1. Concerts brought in £10-8-3 profit for the season.

XV, 513, 7 May 1902, page 3

Rev. W.F. James writes a long letter explaining his disappointment at the withdrawal of J.E.H. Winnall from the stone laying at Jubilee Hall, and a shorter one from J.E.H. Winnall on the same subject. Mr Winnall had agreed initially on the understanding he was acting in a personal manner and felt he was unable to take part as a representative of the Anglican Church.

Actors! There is an article deploring the arrogant way in which theatrical people take over carriages in trains, barring others from them when the rest of the train is crowded, despite being allowed to travel first class on second class fares.

Theft. Thomas Burns (5), Willie Henderson (6) and Norman Hammer (6) were found by M-C Grosser to have stolen two gold chains and a brooch from Mrs F. Carey’s bedroom on Thursday. On account of their ages she has declined to prosecute, but the boys say they fought over the spoils and in the scramble lost everything. It is felt unlikely that they will repeat the offence, having been suitable frightened by M-C Grosser.

Thefts. A group of four travellers was found camped at the back of the Bon Accord Hotel on Tuesday with a broken sherry bottle stolen from the bar nearby. One of their mates called Noble had earlier been caught stealing a pair of boots from J.T. Walker’s. Two others had prevailed upon someone to buy them a pair of boots each from T. Harvey’s in Aberdeen – only to turn around and try to sell the same for drinking money. The group will appear before the bench shortly.

W. Batchelor is visiting Burra for a few days.

XV, 514, 14 May 1902, page 2

Obituary. Sarah Bruse, relict of the late W.L.H. Bruse of Kooringa, died on 10 May at Gawler, aged 70. [Born Sarah Roach.]

Obituary. J.G. Przibilla drowned in a waterhole on Gum Creek Station on Sunday.

[Inquest on page 3.]

Jubilee Hall: Memorial Stone Laying, 7 May.

The children collected £10-0-3 towards the target.

It was a bleak afternoon for the ceremony which was conducted by Rev. W.F. James. When Methodist Union was decided upon some seven years ago, it was also decided that the Primitive Methodist Church should become the Sunday school for the Redruth Methodists. Six months notice has been given to vacate the German Church in which the Methodist [Wesleyan] Sunday School has operated for about 20 years. It had been decided to take down the west wall and extend the building by ten feet and to lay six memorial stones. The mallet employed had been used to lay the foundation stone of the Church of England Hall and the Kooringa Bible Christian Manse. Stones were laid by:

For Redruth Church by Mr W.A. Rabbich

For Redruth Sunday School by Mr B. Preece

For Other churches in the Circuit by Mr J. Flower

For Kooringa Methodist Church by Mr J. Lane acting for Mr J.M. McBride

For the Salvation Army by Mr F. Harris

For the Town and District by the Mayor, Mr E.W. Crewes

Half the provisions for the tea were donated by W.R. Ridgway and the rest by subscription.

The proceedings throughout the afternoon and evening were affected by the wet weather, but still in all £50-13-3 was raised. A further £80 is needed as the trustees are determined not to increase the £200 debt on the building.

XV, 514, 14 May 1902, page 3

Inquest into the death of Johann Gottlieb Przibilla who was found drowned in a waterhole on Gum Creek Station on 11 May 1902. The deceased was aged 57 and was identified by his son Henry Christian Przibilla. On 9 May they were taking a team from Farrell’s Flat to Yongala and the deceased took a short cut while the informant and his brother took the team around by the road. He had taken this short cut before. He reported his father missing when he did not turn up at Canowie, 23 miles from Gum Creek, where they camped for the night. The police dragged the waterhole after finding his hat by it. Evidence from Martin William Przibilla – son of the deceased of Yongala and Christian Julius Przibilla of Farrell’s Flat attested to their father’s state of mind. Police evidence also supported accidental falling into the creek and drowning, which was the jury’s verdict.

[Registered as Johan Gottleib Przibilla died 9 May 1902 aged 57.]

Letter to Editor drawing attention to the request to the Town Council from the Burra Football Club that it have exclusive right to use Victoria Park unless the other local football clubs would help with the expense of new goal posts.

[The Town Council did not grant this request.]

Boer War. There was a social at the Institute on Thursday last to welcome home Cpl Gully and Trooper Sangster. It was a great success with May’s Brass band playing outside the hall and the Burra Defence Rifle Club forming a guard of honour. The Mayor, E.W. Crewes presided and gave a stirring address on The Australian Soldier. Various others spoke and the guests then graphically described some of their adventures. Others responding were F. Edwards from Petersburg & L-Cpl Harry from Adelaide. There were songs and then refreshments.

William Creek, who had been arrested for manslaughter following the death of George Stagg at the Goodwood railway crossing accident, has been released as the Crown Solicitor has declined to go on with the case.

State Election. For the House of Assembly seat of Burra Burra three members were needed and Elected were Mr L. O’Loughlin

Mr W. Miller

Mr W.B. Rounsevell

For the Legislative Council for the Northern District four members were required and those Elected were

Messrs Howe, Addison, Bice and Lewis.

Court, 8 May.

Charles Noble was charged with stealing a pair of boots from John Thomas Walker, valued at 6/9. He was sentenced to two months in jail.

George Thompson, Thomas Moore, John Riley, James McNamara were charged with stealing a bottle of sherry from the Bon Accord Hotel, valued at 3/-, but the case failed due to insufficient evidence.

The same group was charged with being idle and disorderly and all except McNamara got 14 days in jail. McNamara had about £4 on him when he met the others and was not part of the push. They did not leave him till the money was exhausted.

Obituary. Mr Richard Dearlove, an old colonist of the town has died. He arrived in SA in 1849 and was a Burra resident for 36 years, having previously worked in the sheep stations of Messrs Chewings, Hiles and Stewart. He was the eldest brother of William Dearlove of Ketchowla. And leaves a widow and seven children: Mrs Manicum, Mrs Wilson, Miss B. Dearlove, Mr R.C. Dearlove of WA, Mr Alfred Dearlove of Broken Hill and Arthur and Miss Leslie Dearlove of Burra.

[The death notice in the next issue gives his age as 72 and the widow’s name as Jane Ann Dearlove.

Died 11 May 1902.]

Elder, Smith & Co. will offer 4,950 sheep on Friday 16 May.

XV, 514 (2), 21 May 1902, page 2 [Second use of No. 514]

Obituary. William Clement Sleeman died 14 May at Redruth: the only son of W. Sleeman, aged 6 years 11 months. (Peritonitis) [Born 4 June 1895.]

Obituary. Lena Kuchenmeister. [Helena Christine Kuchenmeister was born 26 November 1890 and died 28 April 1902.]

Editorial on the resignation of Lord Hopetoun as Governor General on the grounds that he couldn’t live on £10,000 p.a. The editor thought his resignation was good riddance. The President of the USA, with 67 million people gets only £11,000 p.a. and the President of Switzerland with 31⁄2 million, close to Australia’s population gets by with just £600 p.a.

Obituary. Mrs Mary Rawling, a resident of Burra for over 50 years, died on 14 May, aged 87. Mrs Rawling and her husband the late Charles Rawling came from Ponsanooth, Cornwall, on the Omega, leaving Plymouth on 19 April 1851 and arriving at Pt Adelaide 27 July. Mr Rawling worked at the Burra Mine and also carried on dairying and lime burning until his death 21 years ago. Two children have since died: John Rawling, the eldest son, and a daughter, Mary Cock, the wife of Francis Cock of Moonta Mines. Two children survive: Mr Charles Rawling of Broken Hill and Mrs Louisa Davey, the wife of Joseph Davey of Burra. There are 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Mr & Mrs Rawling were long time members of the Primitive Methodist Church. [Born Mary Martin.]

Obituary. George Hiles died at an advanced age at Petherton House last week and was interred in the family vault in Adelaide. [Died 15 May 1902 aged 84.]

Redruth Methodist Jubilee will begin to be celebrated on 16 June and will be attended by the President and Secretary of the Conference and will embrace the opening of Jubilee Hall, a convention for deepening spiritual life, a banquet, a tea and historic and platform meetings.

The hymns being learnt for the occasion by the choir, led by Mr N.J. Tiddy, are:

All people that on earth do dwell.

Blow ye the trumpet, blow.

The Church’s one foundation.

How charming is the place.

For the beauty of the earth.

Jesu, lover of my soul.

Was there ever kindest shepherd

Onward Christian soldiers.

Rejoice the Lord is King.

Through the night of doubt and sorrow.

See how great a flame aspires.

Rock of Ages, cleft for me.

Give me the faith which can remove

Forward! Be our watchword.

G.G. Ridgway writes complaining that the Mayor left his horse and trap on the road unattended for 10 minutes, causing an obstruction and inconvenience to the general public. He hopes the Mayor will remember this when a case for similar offences is brought before him as a JP.

The Greenwood Dramatic & Musical Comedy Co. will be in Burra next week to present plays.

Advt. for the Greenwood Dramatic and Musical Comedy Co. On the first night, 26 May, they will present My Sweet Heart, including all the latest songs, duets and comicalities. There will be a change of program for the second night.

Goats found straying on footpaths or roads are liable to be shot.

Kooringa Methodist Church trustees announce the sale by tender of the former Kooringa Bible Christian Manse and Schoolroom.

XV, 515, 28 May 1902, page 2

Burra Slag Extraction Co. has ceased operations to a date to be fixed, due to the low price of copper and the poor returns from the remaining portion of the slagheap. It is somewhat surprising that the whole heap was not processed as only about a month or two of supply remained. The machinery will remain as it is thought some use might be made of it in the event of something being done with the Burra Mine property.

W. Geake was dumping some refuse into the creek [near Paradise, judging from the ‘Sparks column, page 3.] on Friday, when the horse gave one shove too many and refuse, cart, horse and all fell into the creek. Amazingly both the cart and horse were extricated without damage.

Rev. J.A.S. Williams writes a letter re the old Primitive Methodist Church in Redruth: now the Jubilee Hall. He recalls the evangelistic fervour of the late Rev. W. Jenkin and the Revs Father Wright, J.J. Salmon, A.J. Birt, S. Gray & R.J. Daddow.

Also the old veteran John Prior, Father Hutchins, Father Birt & Sam East.

The work of repairing and enlarging the hall goes on satisfactorily. Last week the extended wall and roof were finished and anxiety over the western wall and the exposed roof from a westerly gale was ended. Half the cost has been subscribed and trustees expect a speedy response and hope to finish without increasing the £200 debt on the building.

Rev. T.B. Angwin gave a lecture on Cornwall with music and lantern slides at the Methodist Lecture Hall on Wednesday. Miss A. Pearce sang Dear Old Cornwall, Mr Fuss recited Lord Grenville and Mrs Angwin was at the piano and the Band played several selections.

Jubilee Hall. The extended roof and wall were finished last week.

XV, 515, 28 May 1902, page 3

Les Cloches de Cornville was produced in the Institute on Friday and passed off nicely with satisfactory proceeds.

Burra Defence Rifle Club fired a ladies nomination match on 21 & 24 May. 41 were nominated and 39 fired on the day. The winner was Miss Maud Riggs who nominated Mr E. Riggs with a score of 93 and 2nd was Mrs Herbert who nominated Mr G. Herbert who scored 88.

Boer War. The SA Squadrons of the Commonwealth Horse left for S. Africa on Monday, 26 May.

[The war ended with a peace treaty signed on 31 May 1902.]

Burra Slag Extraction Co. The closure of operations has placed about 35 men and boys out of work.

Anthrax has broken out for the first time in SA, in the Kapunda district.

Burra Town Council. The mayor presented an oil painting of himself to be hung in the Council Chamber.

A deputation from Council comprising the Mayor & Cr Sangster with members from both Houses of Parliament will wit on the Commissioner of Public Works to ask the Government to carry out the scheme to get water for Burra from the Black Waterholes.

The Greenwood Dramatic Co. presented My Sweetheart on Monday and East Lynne on Tuesday. Their productions were well staged, though the article implies that the houses were rather small due to the depression.

Kooringa Court

Rose Ann O’Connell (16) was sent to Kapunda Reformatory School till 18 as an uncontrollable child on the information of her mother.

XV, 516, 4 June 1902, page 2

Foxes. Last week two foxes were seen in the Koonoona paddocks: one was captured, but the other escaped. Though not the first appearance of foxes in the district, it re-affirms the probability of the establishment of yet another pest to stockowners and farmers in the district.

Coronation Day. The Government has announced that it will give 6d for every child entertained to celebrate Coronation Day. A big effort will be made to get the district’s children together at Victoria Park on the day for festivities similar to those for the jubilee.

Burra Slag Extraction Co. The whistle blew at 5 o’clock last Thursday to mark the cessation of work and unemployment for 25-30 men and boys. Work has since been resumed.

Volcanism!! The recent volcanic eruption in the West Indies caused people to rush up to a fire on one of the hills near the town the other night and commence to douse it, much to the annoyance of a traveller who was trying to avoid perishing from cold by virtue of his campfire!

[Mount Pelée, in Martinique, erupted in May 1902, destroying Saint Pierre and killing c. 30,000.]

An Unemployment Meeting was held about 8 p.m. on Saturday night in Market Square. About 100 men and boys are currently out of work in the town.

XV, 516, 4 June 1902, page 3

The Unemployment Meeting in Market Square on Saturday night was presided over by the Mayor. Rev. Murphy moved: ‘That this meeting wishes to express its sincere regret upon the suffering among working men and their families in this district on account of lack of employment, and is of the opinion that the matter should be placed before the Government with a view of something being done immediately to relieve the distress.’

Mr Hardy moved: ‘That a deputation be appointed from this meeting to wait upon the Mayor and Council at their meeting on Monday night with a view of inducing the Council to ley the cause of the unemployed of Burra before the Government with a request that some public works be started immediately to relieve the distress throughout the town and district. [Page 2 reports that both motions were passed unanimously, though this is not said in the page 3 report.]

Mr Hardy was appointed to obtain the names of the unemployed.

Burra Town Council, 2 June.

When a deputation of the unemployed waited on the Council they were informed that the Council was sending a deputation to the Government to urge them to carry out the proposed water scheme at the Black Waterholes and to re-open the Aberdeen Ballast Quarry. Rev. W.G.M. Murphy invited the Council to attend the Peace service next Sunday afternoon at St Mary’s and this was accepted.

Football. A series of matches between Rambler, Burra and Aberdeen clubs has been prepared and the first was played on Saturday between Burra & Aberdeen. At half-time Aberdeen 2.5 led Burra 1.2 and at full-time Aberdeen 4.9 (33) had defeated Burra 3.5 (23).

A Petition is circulating for the release from prison of Julius Lehman who was sentenced to three years some fifteen months ago for killing a pig on Mr Fairchild’s property. Woodman, who received two years for the same offence, was released after fourteen months. It is hoped the festivities on the conclusion of the war and the coronation will combine with the petition to make the authorities view the matter favourably.

Boer War. News reached Burra on Monday that a peace treaty had been signed in Pretoria. [On Saturday 31 May.] Flags were hoisted from housetops and other elevations and the school children were given a half-holiday. A public meeting was held in Market Square in the evening and the band ‘discoursed appropriate music’.

A Peace Thanksgiving Service will be held in Redruth Methodist Church next Sunday at 6.30 p.m.

There will be a Peace Thanksgiving Service at St Mary’s at 3 p.m. on Sunday 8 June preceded by a procession from the Burra Institute led by the band.

Burra Coursing Club has arranged a 24 dog stake for Gum Creek Estate on 25 & 26 June. It is to be regretted that many dogs have been poisoned in Redruth of late.

The Jubilee of Methodism in Redruth will be celebrated on 15 June and the following days. The President of Conference will preach morning and evening and the Secretary of Conference will preach at the opening of Jubilee Hall in the afternoon.

Tuesday and Thursday will see a President’s Convention for deepening spiritual life.

On Wednesday at 1.30 p.m. there will be a banquet in Jubilee Hall and at 3.30 p.m. an historic meeting in the church.

There will be a knife and fork tea in the hall at 5.30 p.m. and a public meeting in the church at 7.30 p.m.

Wilfred G.M. Murphy writes urging would be employers to drop a card to himself or Rev. W.F. James or to Mr Hardy, as they have the names of the unemployed and the card will receive immediate attention.

Black Waterholes Supply Scheme. The Commissioner gave the deputation a cordial reception and said the scheme would proceed at once provided the water proved suitable for railway purposes. He regretted the distress of the unemployed, but the water supply scheme was the only way at present out of the difficulty. A 1,000 gallon sample has been taken for testing for railway purposes.

Madame Luella will remain in town for a few days longer.

The Coronation. A meeting to arrange the children’s Demonstration in celebration of the coronation will be held in the Council Chamber on Friday 6 June at 7.30 p.m.

XV, 516 (2), 11 June 1902, page 2 [Second use of No. 516]

Sheep are dying on Mr Collins’s Mt Bryan property. He says it is due to their having been on dry feed for so long.

Rain fell on Saturday, Sunday and Monday and the hills are green.

Methodist Jubilee. The President’s Convention for the Redruth Methodist Jubilee will be led by the Rev. J. Cowperthwaite BA and assisted by Rev. H.J. Pope, the Secretary and President-elect of the United Conference.

Coronation Night. A united church service has been arranged for the Institute on Coronation Night, 26 June at 8 p.m. Special hymns and addresses will be given by the heads of denominations. The Burra Band will play the Coronation March and the collection will be devoted to the winter comfort fund of the Burra poor via the Burra Benevolent Soc. Arrangements are in the hands of Rev. T.B. Anguin.

Burra Slag Extraction Co. decided, after reconsideration, to restart and to continue till the exhaustion of the wood already on the site, which should be 8 to 10 weeks. Men thoroughly versed in the work were getting through 1,000 tons of slag a week, but before training only about half that. The editor hopes the directors will again reconsider and continue to the end of the slagheap.

XV, 516 (2), 11 June 1902, page 3 [Second use of No. 516]

Children’s [Coronation] Demonstration meeting decided on a procession from the Institute to Victoria Park and the circulation of subscription lists to raise money for prizes and to remember the poor on this occasion.

Madame Luella has been compelled to stay on till the end of this week due to the many calls upon her time.

Boer War. A social for Corporal Halls will be held at the Burra Institute on Thursday 12 June, presided over by the Mayor. The public are invited.

The Burra Literary Soc. and the Tarlee Literary Society held a debate in St Mary’s Schoolroom on Monday on the topic: Which is the greatest force in determining a person, heredity or environment? The leaders spoke for 20 minutes and the others for 10 each with a 10 minute reply to conclude. Burra spoke for heredity and was finally the winner.

Redruth Methodist Jubilee.

Fifty years have passed since Methodism came to Redruth. The program:

Sunday 15 June: 9.00 a.m. Class Meeting

10.00 a.m. Prayer Meeting: Rev. W.F. James

11.00 a.m. Service by Rev. J. Cowperthwaite, President of Conference

Afternoon opening of Jubilee hall

2.15 p.m. Children’s Service by Rev. H.J. Pope, Secretary of Conference

3.00 p.m. Adult Service by Rev. H.J. Pope

6.30 p.m. Service by Rev. J. Cowperthwaite

8.00 p.m. Love Feast

Monday 16 June President’s Convention

3.00 p.m. Meeting in Kooringa Methodist Church

7.00 p.m. Meeting in Kooringa Methodist Church

Tuesday 17 June President’s Convention

3.00 p.m. Meeting in Redruth Methodist Church

7.00 p.m. Meeting in Redruth Methodist Church

Wednesday 18 June 1.30 p.m. Banquet in Jubilee Hall Rev. J. Cowperthwaite to preside

3.30 p.m. Historic Meeting in Redruth Church

Rev. W.F. James sketches the history of Redruth Methodism

Others in attendance will give their reminiscences.

[5.30 p.m.] Knife and Fork Tea in Jubilee Hall

7.30 p.m. Platform Meeting Redruth Methodist Church

(Coincidentally the Anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo.)

Football. Monday at Riverton: Burra Ramblers 2.4 tied with Riverton 2.4.

Wednesday: half-time Ramblers 3.7 led Aberdeen 2.0 and at full-time Ramblers 7.19 defeated Aberdeen 3.0

Monday at Victoria Park: Burra 5.6 defeated Clare 2.7

After the game the Clare team started for home in foul weather, but the night was so dark and the lamps so poor that they had trouble keeping to the road and eventually returned to Vivian’s Hotel for the night – reaching it only after midnight. Tuesday morning was sunny and a more congenial return trip was then completed.

Rev. W.G. M. Murphy’s Peace Sermon will be published by the Burra Record.

Fox. There has been no further news of the Koonoona fox.

XV, 518, 18 June 1902, page 2 [No. 517 not used.]

A Ratepayers’ Meeting has been called for Monday evening next to consider the Black Waterholes Scheme.

Boer War. Captain Watt visited Burra last week and attended the social at the Institute. He recently returned from South Africa where he had command of the 5th SA Contingent. While here he looked up a number of old friends.

Rev. W.F. James’s Peace Sermon is summarised in a one column report. (Redruth Methodist church 8 June 1902.)

XV, 518, 18 June 1902, page 2-3

Rev. W.G.M. Murphy’s Peace Sermon as delivered at St Mary’s on 8 June 1902 is printed in almost two columns.

XV, 518, 18 June 1902, page 3

Mrs Holbrook, living with her daughter Mrs Dixon, near Hanson, was born the day of the Battle of Waterloo and is therefore 87 today. Her father-in-law and her brother-in-law took part in the battle, though her father reached the field only after the fight was over.

Court.

W.J. Davey, printer, sued the Greenwood Dramatic Co. in the person of Marie Greenwood, for printing debts, but she failed to appear. The bench sentenced her to 7 days in Gladstone Gaol.

Boer War. A social at the Institute on Thursday welcome home Cpl S. [Sappho] Halls. E.W. Crewes welcomed the corporal’s safe return, saying he had proved himself a daring and dashing soldier. Dr Sangster Sen. echoed these sentiments and various others spoke in support. Trooper Heinrich was also welcomed. He was from SA, though he had enlisted from Queensland.

[Adolph Frederick Heinrich 1874-1923, who later served in WWI as Fred. Hanley.]

Cpl Halls responded briefly. Capt. J.A. Watt arrived then from Adelaide and was warmly welcomed as the leader of the 5th and 6th Contingents. He responded to the welcome as did Trooper Heinrich. Songs and refreshments completed the event.

Rain. There has been a good fall in the last few weeks amounting to 1.03”.

Obituary. John Hinchcliffe, aged 74, and an old servant of W.P. Barker, died at the Burra Hospital last week. He had no relatives in SA. [Registered as Joah Hinchliffe; died 11 June aged 74.]

Burra Defence Rifle Club. Each match on the new range has seen some fine shooting. D.S. Moore broke the record by getting 95 on Saturday with 11 bulls and 10 inners. The club has declined an offer from Renmark to fire a home and home match with their second team.

XV, 519, 25 June 1902, page 2

Rain has now thoroughly soaked the ground after falling for a week.

Children’s Coronation Demonstration. The children are looking forward to the Victoria Park festivities tomorrow and arrangements have been completed for a good time.

Black Waterholes Scheme. The proposed meeting over the Wandillah Water Scheme was not held Monday evening due to circumstances over which the Council had no control.

The Wilson-Forbes Co. performed Parted Lives to a small audience on Friday evening due at least in part to the short notice of the performance.

Rigg’s Gawler Band played at the Institute and at Victoria Park on Sunday afternoon. Attendance was large both times and thanks to Mr J.F. Martin for defraying the expenses of the band’s visit to Burra. Proceeds went to the Burra Jubilee Benevolent Soc. and reached £22.

XV, 519, 25 June 1902, page 3

Redruth Methodist Jubilee Celebrations.

The jubilee should really have been celebrated in 1901 as the work of Methodism in Redruth began in 1851. It was resolved in preparation for the event that a history of the church be prepared and an earnest effort be made to have a genuine revival at his time and that the plan for enlarging the former Primitive Methodist Church be worked in with it.

The class meeting at 9 a.m. and the prayer meeting at 10 a.m. were marked with great fervour. The President of Conference, Rev. J. Cowperthwaite, preached at the 11 a.m. service. At 2 p.m. the keys were given to Miss Reed as Secretary of the United Methodist Sunday School to open the door to Jubilee Hall. The President and secretary of the Conference then entered with J. Tiver, Superintendent of the Sunday school and then the teachers and scholars. Rev. H.J. Pope then preached the first service to the children who were also addressed by the President. An adult service followed at 3 p.m. The evening service by Rev. Cowperthwaite was followed by a Love Feast when many testified to the saving power of the Gospel.

E.W. Crewes was unavoidably unable to preside at the banquet on Wednesday and his place was taken by the President of the Conference. At 3.30 he also presided at the Historic Meeting. Rev. W.F. James gave an historical sketch of Redruth Methodism. Rev. H.J. Pope, who laboured in the Primitive Methodist Circuit some 30 years ago also gave some reminiscences as did Mr Rabbich and N. Coombe. May’s brass band played before the tea meeting at 5.30. The enforced absence of Rev. T.B. Anguin was regretted.

Historic Sketch by W.F. James.

Rev. D.J. Draper opened the first Wesleyan Church at Kooringa in 1847 when there was no other place of worship within 70 miles. There were three Wesleyan and one or two Primitive Methodist ministers in the colony and the first two Bible Christian ministers arrived three years later. The work was done chiefly by local preachers and about 60 members were reported. Rev. John Harcourt came in 1848 and took in Princess Royal, Tothill Scrub, Kapunda and Angaston. The primitive Methodist and Bible Christian ministers later had a similar area.

Redruth first appeared in the quarterly minute book on 24 June 1851. No members are listed and the income was 5/4. Three months later there were 4 members and the circuit income was £1-6-6. In February 1851 the Kooringa trustees had begun to build a church opposite the police station and £1-17-10 was collected at the laying of the corner stone. The church cost £228. £98 was raised by subscription and the Government gave £130. Soon almost all the men went to the Victorian gold fields and for a while services continued for the women and children, but in 1854 the church was dismantled and the roof, floor, windows, doors, pulpit and seats were used for the Spring Farm Church in the Clare District. Redruth disappeared from the Burra Circuit.

In 1857 the Kooringa trustees restored the Redruth Church. Their own church had been enlarged and they utilised the old windows, pulpit and part of the roof in the new church at Redruth. £20 was raised and £130 borrowed at 10%. By 1863 the debt stood at £108. In 1865 £40 was spent on renovation and in 1874 the debt was £84. In that year the present church was erected. The old church was then sold for £5 and not a vestige of it remains.

The Sunday school began in a stable near Mr Austin’s store. Mr B. Preece, who is still alive, was the first Superintendent and Willie Torr, now Dr Torr of Way College, was one of the early scholars. The Band of Hope was a great success. Personal reminiscences mention the following people: Miss Torr (now Mrs Dale of Penzance, Cornwall), Mr Sampson of Hampton, Sammy Goss, William Torr, John & Mrs Pascoe, Mr & Mrs Goodrich, George Shirter (a Negro), Mr Davey, Charles Oldham, California Taylor, Dr Stephens, John Boddiner, Mrs Handford, George Sara, William West, A. Bartholomaeus and Rev. J.H. Goss.

31 July 1873 saw a new trust formed. The church block was bought for £100 and on 4 August it was decided to build a church to seat c. 200 and to cost c. £400. R. Rees was chosen to draw the plans and J. Tiver to supervise the work. On 3 March 1874 the tender of J. Pearce was accepted for £600. Stone laying services yielded £57 and donations totalled £150. A July bazaar yielded £102 and one in September £40 and the opening service in September £34, to total almost £400 in one year. The schoolroom, now the transept, cost £265, the seats nearly £100, so that the total was £1,340 of which £900 was borrowed at 7%. In 1879 the wall between the church and the schoolroom was taken down to make the church its present size, at a cost of £65. The debt was reduced to £360 in nine years.

For 23 years the Sunday school was held in the German Chapel.

In 1882 the corner allotment east of the church was bought for a new schoolroom at a cost of £200. £170 of this was raised by donations and a bazaar.

New seats and other expenditure brought the debt to £530 in 1884. Reduction of the debt began again and at present it stands at £122 and it is hoped to lessen it by £22 this year. Twelve years ago £616 was paid for the manse and land for the stable. £374 has been raised leaving this debt at £242. Altogether Wesleyan property at Redruth and Aberdeen has cost almost £3,000 and the total debt is £564.

A.H. Forder was treasurer for 25 years and did much to further the successful operation of the trust. A. Batholomaeus followed in his path for four years. Thirteen years ago the Burra Wesleyan Circuit was divided and Redruth became a separate circuit. The Revs T.M. Rowe, J. Hopkins, D.S. Wylie, W.A. Langsford & W.H. Rofe preceded the present minister. When the circuit was formed there were 98 members and a similar number on union, but the great number of removals has masked much good work done.

Rev. J.G. Write began Primitive Methodist services in the open air at Redruth c. 44 years ago and the church was built soon after. Its cost was £670 and when it opened £97 had been raised and £570 borrowed. (£150 at 12% and £420 at 121⁄2% to total £78 p.a.) The following June in a series of efforts to raise money £72 was collected in 5 days. In 1862 [? The 2 is unclear] the debt was £374 and for many years between £70 & £80 was raised for the trust. Few churches have been so changed without being altered in size. About 30 years ago the back and front walls had to be rebuilt at a cost of £86 and subsequently the slate roof had to be replaced with one of iron. The debt was reduced to £200 where it has remained. Some years ago the land at the corner of the street was bought for £50, but the proposed larger church was never built. The Sunday school once had 17 officers and teachers and 100 scholars and there were strong Mutual Improvement and Temperance Societies, but the church was weakened by removals. Including improvements the Methodist property at Redruth cost nearly £4,000 and its present debt is £564.

On Methodist Union in 1900 the Primitive Methodist Church in Redruth was closed. The Union involved some reluctance and it has taken the Jubilee celebrations to complete it in people’s hearts. The addition of Iron Mine and Copperhouse Primitive Methodist Churches to the circuit has strengthened it. In the 11 years before the Union the Wesleyan Circuit had a deficiency of £267 of which the Home Mission fund made up £142 and ministers salaries fell short by £125. The circuit since Union has been in credit. After Union the Primitive Methodist Church was to be the Sunday school, but this was not at once done and disrepair and interest owed both grew. Action last January saw new trustees take action and the west wall was taken down as unsafe and the building extended 10 feet to accommodate the Sunday school and it was renamed Jubilee Hall. A tender by Messrs Launder, Griffiths & Pearce was accepted. On 7 April not 1d was on hand and it was seen undesirable to increase the debt of £200 on the building. On 7 May six memorial stones were laid and £52 was raised. Since then £30 more has been raised and the trustees are anxious to receive the balance speedily.

Salvation Army. Captain Keeble, who has been in charge of the local corps for 12 months, says farewell to her Burra friends next Sunday. Her replacement is presently unknown.

Burra Coursing Club meeting is today at Gum Creek estate.

XV, 520, 2 July 1902, page 2

Court.

John McCarthy (48) & Leo Keathley (37) were charged with being idle and disorderly and given 30 minutes to leave the town.

XV, 520, 2 July 1902, page 3

The Coronation & the King’s Illness.

News was received the day before the coronation that the King was seriously ill and required an operation which was successful. [Or as the paper said so far successful] The coronation was postponed indefinitely, but expected in a few weeks if the King continued to improve in health. [It was appendicitis.]

The King’s illness caused some changes to the Children’s Demonstration, but news arrived too late to cancel it. The special addresses and hymns to be sung at the Institute had to be abandoned. The morning was cold with drizzling rain, but nothing could discourage the children on such a day, so they wound their way to the Burra School ‘with light hearts and cold feet’. Several schools held their own celebrations, but in all some 800 children assembled and marched to the Institute amid numerous flags.

The Mayor, E.W. Crewes, addressed them at Market Square and told of the changes to the program due to the illness of the King. They sang the National Anthem. They then marched to Victoria Park where various games were enthusiastically entered into. A saveloy and a roll for each child were well received. Rev. T.B. Anguin gave the address for the day. A stall had been arranged to provide refreshments for the public at everyday rates to the benefit of the Burra Jubilee Benevolent Soc. Some £10-5-0 was raised. The sun drove off the fog about lunch time and the afternoon was delightful. At about 4 p.m. the final bag of treats was handed to each child. In the evening an intercessory meeting was held and prayers offered for the King’s speedy recovery. Amusements planned were abandoned.

The Burra Jubilee benevolent Soc. benefited by £22 raised by the Band concerts and by £10 [from the Children’s Demonstration] and this money will be much needed as there is much poverty presently in the town.

At Mt Bryan East Coronation Day saw a school picnic and the children each received a coronation mug. There was a concert in the evening.

Burra Literary Soc. met on 24 June and was well attended. There was a discussion of four short papers:

The Coronation Ceremonies Miss A. Phillips

Will the Empire Wane? Miss Moffat

Culture P. Roach

The Transcontinental Railway Mr Hardy

Football. On Thursday at Clare: at half-time Clare 3.6 led Burra 3.5 and at full time they had won with 7.13 to Burra’s 6.8.

On Saturday at Victoria Park Burra tied with Manoora. [Scores not given.]

Employment. M-C Grosser, as agent for the Government Labour Bureau, received notice on Saturday last to supply Bundaleer Waterworks with 20 men and on Monday 22 unemployed came forward, but yesterday he was advised that only those 21 or older could be accepted which reduced the number going to Bundaleer this morning to 15.

Burra Coursing Club. The annual meet at Gum Creek on 25 & 26 June saw some good courses run. Hares were plentiful and the club ended the day in credit £2-10-0. Full results are printed.

Kooringa Masonic Lodge installed Bro. W.G. Martin as Master, last Friday evening. A social at the Burra Hotel followed.

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will offer 4,360 sheep for sale on 4 July.

The Hon. F.W. Holder, Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives has been made a KCMG.

XV, 521, 9 July 1902, page 2

Madame Luella departed for Saddleworth without paying her hotel bill, but arrangements are in hand to rectify the matter.

XV, 521, 9 July 1902, page 2-3

Theft. For some time Mr Crewes of Drew & Crewes, who has oversight of the chaff works has suspected that someone was stealing hay from the large stack at the Aberdeen chaff store. On Wednesday he and M-C Grosser set out to watch the stacks. Before they could get prepared a man was seen getting onto the haystack. He was seen to take hay and descend from the stack. M-C Grosser tried to intercept his, but he evidently saw something and fled. M-C Grosser called on him to stand in the Kin’s name, but he did not and a shot was fired by the policeman. The police followed and another shot was fired. The thief got away in the deep shadows around the railway bridge across the creek to the ballast quarry. The chase was continued and a man seen in a back yard, evidently trying to transfer suspicion to the owner of the premises, but when disturbed he ran off and was seen making for the Redruth Post Office. Tommy King, a black-tracker, was wired for. He did some clever work and is said to have confirmed a theory the police had. The habit has clearly been to drop the hay over the fence for horses to feed and they arrived before their master on this night too, ready for a feed.

XV, 521, 9 July 1902, page 3

Obituary. Mrs John Beal, a former Burra resident, died at Moonta on 7 July. She was the mother of Mrs R. Dearlove and Mr J.S. Beal of Burra. [Ann Beal was born Ann Sanders on 3 October 1829 and died 7 July 1902.]

J.P. Richardson was given a farewell social at the Commercial Hotel on Thursday night by the cricket club. He is leaving Burra and has been of great service to the club during his time here.

Printers’ Troubles. There is a two column satirical account of how advance agents of touring companies deal with country printers – it follows the trouble the paper recently had with the Greenwood Co.

Boer War.

Casualties from the Boer War are now stated for the period 11 October 1899 to 31 May 1902.

Killed in action 5,256 men

518 officers

Died from wounds 1,836 men

183 officers

Died from disease 12,911 men

339 officers

Wounded 20,978 men

1,851 officers

Employment. A further 4 boys and 2 men from Burra have gained work at Bundaleer.

Population of SA is said to be 359,708.

Football. At Booborowie on Saturday: Burra 5.4 defeated Spalding 2.3.

XV, 522, 16 July 1902, page 2

The King’s health improves and the coronation is now expected in late August.

A Bolt. Last week 50 sheep bolted in Rundle St and passed through the drapery shop of Wilson Brice & Co.

Weather. Recently a woodcutter in the eastern scrub reports it has been so cold overnight that a bucket of water outside the wagon froze almost solid and a waterbag slung on the wagon was solid.

In Burra lately it has been as cold as or colder than any can recall. A number of sheep and lambs have been killed by the weather.

Burra Institute. The half-yearly meeting of subscribers showed receipts of £180-15-2 with expenditure of £127-12-6. The library holds 3,488 volumes. There are 87 subscribers. The laying on of acetylene gas was discussed, but a decision allowed to stand over.

Football. On Wednesday at Victoria Park Ramblers beat Aberdeen by 9 points. [Actual scores not given.]

Salvation Army. Lieut. Jaggers goes from Burra to Jamestown after a stay of only 10 weeks. She was farewelled from the barracks on Sunday night.

XV, 522, 16 July 1902, page 3

SAR has cancelled one train per week to Broken Hill and as a result meetings are being held to protest against this action. Calls are being made for a line from Cobar.

Court.

The following were fined for not sending their children to school for the required number of days in the quarter ending 31 March. 1902.

Frederick John Carey for Lionel and Frederick Allan Carey.

Thomas Kellaway for Leslie Kellaway.

Frederick Gebhardt for Myrtle Gebhardt.

Salvation Army. Ob Friday Adjutant & Mrs Elder will arrive from Quorn to take over the local corps of the Army. Mrs Elder was at one time secretary to Mrs Booth.

Irrigation. World’s End farmers are petitioning the Government for the damming of the Burra Creek near World’s End to establish a supply for irrigation purposes. Costs would seem to be against them as a 12” main costs about £2,000 per mile. It is impossible for the eastern farmers to survive without irrigation.

Madame Luella has been charged with ‘imposition’ as well as facing a civil suit.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. has called tenders for the erection of an ore dressing plant at the Burra Mine.

The site has been pegged out.

Theft. The police continue to collect evidence and to prepare a case against the robber of the hay from Drew & Crewes’ store at Aberdeen.

George Jeffrey, wool instructor at the School of Mines and Industries will conduct wool-classing lessons on Wednesday 23 July and the following two days. The fee is 10/-.

Obituary. Mrs John Snell, an old Burra resident, died last Saturday. [Jane Snell was born Jane Matthews on 17 April 1834 and died 12 July 1902.]

Leo Keathley, who was found on bank premises at Kooringa and ordered to leave the town, has been sentenced to seven days at Gladstone for being idle and disorderly.

Notice. Burra Girl’s High School – Bleak House. Third term begins 22 July 1902.

Annie B. Millar, Principal.

Employment. Three of six stonebreakers sent to Bundaleer to work have refused the job after looking around for an hour or two. This has inconvenienced authorities and an investigation is likely.

XV, 523, 23 July 1902, page 2

Measles. There is an outbreak of measles at present and as family members are kept home if one of them has it, there were only64 out of 370 children at school on Monday.

Irrigation. The deputation about a dam at World’s End met the Commissioner last week and he promised to obtain a report.

Madame Luella failed to appear at Redruth Court last Friday and a warrant was issued for her arrest.

Frederick James Uren, licensed victualler of Kooringa, sued Madame Luella for £6 for board and lodging. She came on 28 May and arranged board and lodging for 30/- a week and after two weeks the arrangements continued at £1 a week. After five weeks she suddenly disappeared. She apparently walked to Hanson to get the train to avoid drawing attention to her departure.

Burra Defence Rifle Club fired a home & home match with Renmark on Wednesday at which Burra 596 defeated Renmark 498.

D.S. Moore for Burra scored a record 100, using a Martini-Henry rifle.

After a series of matches extending over 21 months the clock has at last gone to J.A. Pearce. In the 25 matches 5 points were awarded for 1st, 3 for 2nd, 1 for 3rd. J. A. Pearce 26, D.S. Moore 23, J.A. Riggs 23 and C. Parks 20.

Obituary. Thomas Lines died, aged 44 after a lingering and painful illness, leaving a wife and several children. [Born 29 November 1857; died 17 July 1902.]

Obituary. Alfred Wheatley, an old resident of Burra, died at Wallaroo on a visit there, aged 60. He was long employed by Mr P. Lane as a saddler and harness maker. An enthusiastic musician, he was bandmaster of the Burra Band for many years. [Died 21 July 1902 aged 61.]

XV, 523, 23 July 1902, page 3

Salvation Army. Adjutant Elder arrived in Burra on Friday, having ridden130 miles on a bicycle to reach here. He plays the concertina.

AOF Court Unity Lodge No. 3015 held its half-yearly finance meeting on 11 July. Retiring C.R. Bro. H.W. Preece in the chair and 35 members present. There are 211 members. Details of the financial position are printed. New C.R. is O.J. Joraslafsky.

Burra Show Soc. Next Burra Show to be on 24 September.

A variety concert in Jubilee Hall on Wednesday 16 July was well attended. The Burra Orchestra played and proceeds went to the fund for enlarging the hall.

Redruth Methodist Circuit Paddock comprises 20 acres and was newly fenced last year and was then practically without trees. Four enclosures have been made: Elm, Jubilee Square, Union Corner and Shady Nook. On 19 July Remarkable and Aleppo Pines, Sugar Gums and Pepper Trees were planted in the enclosures.

Redruth Band of Hope met on 21 July when 70 attended and 3 signed the total abstinence pledge.

Broken Hill people persist in their efforts to get a railway to Menindee.

XV, 524, 30 July 1902, page 2

Boer War. The Burra boys who went away with the last contingent returned home on Friday.

[This presumably refers to Frederick Hornhardt, John Lines and William Knevett.]

Obituary. W.A. Blanche (Dollie) Dearlove, twin daughter of the late Richard Dearlove, died 22 July at Mt Leonora, WA, aged 26 years 8 months. [Born Blanche Dearlove 29 November 1875.]

A Broken Hill public meeting has called for the [NSW] Government to construct a railway from Menindee.

St Joseph’s. A successful social concert and dance was held in St Joseph’s schoolroom last week to raise funds for the coming bazaar. The yearly interest on the church debt is large and requires a special effort. The proceeds were about £8.

XV, 524, 30 July 1902, page 3

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co.

Work has begun on the plant to treat the mine tailings etc. It is expected to take a month or two to complete.

Madame Luella’s warrant has been withdrawn for some reason.

Obituary. Mrs George Attrill died at Kooringa last Sunday morning of cancer, leaving a husband, four sons and three daughters. The youngest child is only two. [Christina Attrill was born Christina McDonald on 26 January 1860 and married James Knevett 5 February 1876. She married George Attrill 25 November 1890 and died 26 July 1902. Of six children registered as Knevett only one is registered as dying in SA by this date and three were married between 1902 and 1911.]

Obituary. Miss Blanche (Dollie) Dearlove, twin daughter of Mrs R. Dearlove of Burra died on 22 July at Mt Leonora WA, aged almost 27. Mrs Dearlove has now lost a brother, husband, mother and daughter in a few months, besides three other relatives. [Born 29 November 1875.]

Obituary. Master C.F. Bentley, aged c. 7 died Sunday morning. [Cyril Friend Bentley was born 14 February 1895 and died 26 July 1902.]

Obituary. John Richard died at Alberton on Thursday evening. He arrived in SA in 1853 and went directly to Burra where he was connected with the Mines for several years. He was aged 84 and was buried in the Kooringa cemetery. [John Richards died 24 July 1902 aged 83.]

Football. [A scheduled Kooringa v. Ramblers game on 16 July seems not to have been reported in the paper of either 23 or 30 July.]

Aberdeen 27 defeated Kooringa 7 on an unstated date.

Last Wednesday: Aberdeen 58 defeated Ramblers 8.

St Mary’s. The Bishop of Adelaide confirmed a number of young people at St Mary’s on 22 July.

Burra Coursing Club will hold its final meet on 13 August when a 16 dog stake will be run off at Gum Creek Estate.

Snow fell lightly in Burra on Wednesday.

XV, 525, 6 Aug. 1902, page 2

The Drew & Crewes’s hay case will not proceed further.

Black Waterholes Scheme. A second sample of Wandillah water is to be sent to Adelaide as the first sample was too muddy.

XV, 525, 6 Aug. 1902, page 3

Rev. Murphy arranged a concert at the Burra Hospital on Wednesday evening.

A Social at Jubilee Hall on Wednesday with Rev. W.F. James presiding drew quite a good attendance considering the weather and the prevailing sickness. Proceeds were in aid of Jubilee Fair to reduce the church and manse debts next month.

P.L. Killicoat lost a number of sheep to marauding dogs on Saturday evening and offers £10 reward for the conviction of the owner or owners of the dogs. Four fine ewes were destroyed together with lambs and others may yet succumb.

Obituary. Walter Rosewall, aged 27, the fourth son of Thomas Rosewall died on Monday evening after an accident at the Horseshoe Mine, Boulder City WA, where he was engaged as a miner. The accident broke his back and inflicted other severe injuries. About two years ago he married Miss E. Hornhardt of Burra who survives with one young child. [Born 25 January 1875.]

Football. On Wednesday: Kooringa 15 defeated Ramblers 14.

Mr C. Pressick is compelled to remain in his room owing to an illness which will have to be carefully watched. For some time his eyesight has been affected and other complications have set in. He has been the manager of Messrs Bath & Pearce drapery department for over 11 years and has been a particularly good salesman.

XV, 526, 13 Aug. 1902, page 2

The Coronation finally took place on Saturday 9 August, but there were no celebrations locally and it was not a public holiday. The Band played the Coronation March in the evening.

A Public Meeting of those interested in the building of the Transcontinental Railway was held at the Institute on Thursday evening. The idea is to complete the line from Oodnadatta to Pine Creek on the land grant system. It was resolved to form a branch of the Transcontinental Land Grant Railway League in Burra. President E.W. Crewes, Vice-President F. Treloar, Hon. Sec. J. Drew, Treasurer A. Bartholomaeus. Executive Committee Hon. J. Lewis & Messrs Fuss, Hawkes, Field, Barker & Thomas Sandland. [The Fuss was probably C.A.]

Obituary. John White, aged 77, died on Wednesday. He arrived in SA in 1855 in the Frenchman and came to Burra where he was employed on Koonoona Station and spent 40 years in there employ. He leaves a widow and three daughters: Mrs T. Selby (Yongala), Mrs R. Speckman (Koonoona), Mrs R. Hill (Burra) and three sons: James & John (Koonoona) and William (Mintaro). [Died 6 August ]

Redruth Court, 7 August.

Peter Daly was charged with using indecent language, disturbing the peace at the Bon Accord Hotel and resisting M-C Phelan; for which he was sentenced to 7 days, 14 days and 1 month respectively.

Kooringa Court, 9 August.

Albert May was charged with using obscene language at the Kooringa sale yards. After considerable evidence and a lot of legal quibbling he was fined £1 plus costs to total £2-6-0.

Rev. W.F. James contributes an article of 13⁄4 columns on Memories of a Cornish Village. The village was Chacewater, some 5 miles west of Truro and also about Salem, a little to the west of Chacewater. Chacewater had a population of about 1,800 and possessed a brewery and eight hotels.

P.L. Killicoat reports that several more of his sheep have succumbed to their injuries from the dog attack.

A Bazaar promoted by the family of Mr E. Bowman will be held in the Hon. J. Lewis’s schoolroom next Friday in aid of Minda.

Football. Last Wednesday: Aberdeen 21 defeated Ramblers 17.

On Saturday at Victoria Park: Kooringa 24 defeated Aberdeen 18.

XV, 527, 20 Aug. 1902, page 2

Football. In the local competition the test matches for supremacy will soon mark the end of the season. At present Aberdeen on 8 points leads Ramblers and Kooringa with 6 each.

World’s End Rainfall: F. Duldig supplies figures for 1892 to 1902. Only 1892-93 & 94 have been satisfactory for grain.

1892 16.80 1897 9.32

1893 17.10 1898 9.31

1894 16.75 1899 8.90

1895 6.35 1900 9.68

1896 8.31 1901 8.22

1897 9.32 1902 (so far ) 2.50

(Previous years 4-5” by now.)

XV, 527, 20 Aug. 1902, page 3

The Poor Season has seen chaff prices rise from £2-5-0 to £6-10-0 per ton.

The Eastern Country is in a very bad way.

Salvation Army is conducting cottage meetings every Monday night.

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will hold a special sale of 5,000 wethers on 22 August.

XV, 528, 27 Aug. 1902, page 2

Editorial on the recent death at the Burra Hospital. [See report of the inquest]

On 18 August John Stoddart who had been for some time a rabbiter at Gumbowie was brought to the hospital. He was in Petersburg for two days before being picked up by the police unconscious and locked up and charged with drunkenness. The officer admitted the deceased was very weak. He was subsequently fined 5/- which he paid. On saying he was ill he was allowed to spend a couple of hours in a cell, but was sent on his way as night approached. A couple of hours later he was found lying in the back yard of a private house and this time arrested for lunacy. He was discharged and ordered to the Burra Hospital for treatment. He died a few hours after being admitted. The post mortem showed he had a fractured skull. The vague evidence given at the inquest does not account for his movements in his last day or two at Petersburg and this needs investigation. The police do not know where he got the drink or if anyone had seen him at Petersburg. They say anyone could be beaten up at Petersburg without the police knowing. It is a thousand pities he was sent away from the police cell, for the next time the police saw him he was practically dead. This pitiable case needs to have its circumstances ventilated. [The editor clearly felt the police had acted very poorly in writing the deceased off as just another drunk without noticing any injury or concerning themselves that he might be suffering from an illness.]

Kooringa Court, 21 August.

Walter Villis charged with using indecent language in Kingston St on 18 Aug. Fined 10/- + 10/- costs.

XV, 528, 27 Aug. 1902, page 2-3

Obituary & Inquest. Concerning the death of John Stoddart (58), sent from Petersburg on 18 August and died the same evening.

Alfred Henry Whitters, Foot-Constable:

On August 18 at about 8 p.m. found a man lying in the Petersburg subway. He smelled of drink and I arrested him and placed him in the cells. At 10 p.m. he said he felt alright and wanted a cup of tea and at 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. he seemed alright and in the morning was much better and was in court and fined 5/-. He felt weak and asked if he could lie in the cell for a couple of hours. At 5 p.m. I drew Sgt Phelan’s attention to his still being there. He was told to leave, but 30 minutes later was found lying in the backyard of a house near the police station. As he was not making sense he was again placed in the cells and at about 6 p.m. a doctor was sent for. The doctor at 6.30 said his mind was temporarily deranged by drink. On Monday [18 Aug.] he was charged with lunacy and discharged, the magistrate ordering his removal to the Burra Hospital. On the journey he seemed to improve. I handed him over to the matron and returned to Petersburg. He was not a local man and said he had no wife or relatives in Burra. He was a rabbiter selling rabbits in Petersburg and then returning to camp. There were no signs of blood and he made no complaints about being knocked about.

Several other witnesses then gave corroborative evidence.

Dr J.I. Sangster:

After John Stoddart was admitted on the order of Dr Stephenson, I received a message from matron that he was in a fit and I visited and gave instructions. An hour later I visited and convulsions again occurred and I was at his bedside when he became unconscious and died about 9 p.m.

A post mortem showed various signs of abrasions etc. and a fractured skull with bleeding in the brain. Death was due to fracture of the skull with haemorrhage on the brain and laceration of the same. The cause may have been a fall down the steps.

The jury decided it was an accidental death through falling down the steps at the Petersburg sub-by way.

XV, 528, 27 Aug. 1902, page 3

Rev. W.A. Millikan gave a lecture on the Northern Territory last week in Jubilee hall, illustrated with lantern slides. It was repeated at Booborowie shearing shed, Iron Mine Church and the Hanson Council Chamber. Audiences were good and proceeds go to the Methodist Home Mission.

Golden Wedding.

Mr & Mrs Richard Snell celebrated their golden wedding in their Quarry St home yesterday. Mr Snell arrived in SA by the Santipore in October 1848 and his wife, then Miss Bishop, in the Mary Ann in April 1849. They were married in Burra by Rev. James Pollitt in the old St Mary’s on 26 August 1852. Soon after they went to Victoria and lived in Castlemaine for many years, returning to Burra in 1877. Both remain in good health. There are four daughters and two sons living with 17 grandchildren, mostly in SA.

The Boys’ Club held its annual meeting on Friday 22 august in the Band Room in Thames St. Membership is presently 20. The nights of meeting to be Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7 to 9 p.m.

Cyclists. Voumard, Dick Gully, Richards, Heinrich & A. Bagg form a contingent of local cyclists to try their luck at Booleroo Centre Sports next Saturday. A. Bagg has recently been training in the city.

British & Foreign Bible Society, Burra Branch, annual meeting was held in St Mary’s schoolroom on Monday evening. Vice-President Mr Winnall presided and there was an address by the deputation, Rev. H.E. Hughes of Gawler. Of the £13 income for the year £10 went to the parent society. T.W. Wilkinson was elected President for the ensuing year.

Football. For the fourth of the five matches arranged for the year Kooringa met Aberdeen on Saturday and Aberdeen 16 defeated Kooringa 14.

St Mary’s Church Funds benefited from a concert held in the Institute on Thursday evening.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Contractors erecting the plant at the mine are making rapid headway.

XV, 529, 3 Sep. 1902, page 2

Kooringa Methodist Church: evangelistic meetings continue this week.

Burra Defence Rifle Club and Cricket Club held a meeting on Thursday to arrange their second annual picnic and sports meeting. It was decided to ask the manager of Princess Royal Estate, Mr J.H. Dawes, for permission to stage it there again on 22 October. A program was drawn up for pedestrians and cycle races and for events for children.

Burra Cricket Club has called a meeting for 7.30 at the Institute tomorrow.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Picnic has been moved this year from New Year’s Day to 1 September. About 9 a.m. a start was made for Koonoona and various games were there indulged in. A concert was given by the children in the schoolroom in the evening which raised £5-12-6.

Redruth Court, 29 August.

Thomas Kelly, aged 21, was charged with having no lawful visible means of support. A few days ago he arrived in Burra with his wife, formerly Miss Edith Bullen and has been staying with her parents in Kooringa, from where they had to leave yesterday. He was given till 9 a.m. the following day to leave town.

Kooringa Court, 30 August.

John Lines was charged on the information of Charles Ullmann, baker, with being unlawfully on the latter’s premises on the night of 29 August. John Lines and James Knevitt entered Ullmann’s bakehouse in Kingston St and asked for a loaf of bread. Ullmann said he didn’t have a loaf, but would give them a piece. They then entered his bedroom and bread and a candle were thrown at him and one of the two then assaulted him. Panes of his window were broken and later he noticed some buns and a white pudding were missing.

Lines was given 2 months plus 1 month for hindering police in their duty.

James Knevitt was similarly charged and was sentenced to 1 month for being unlawfully on premises, 10/- or 7 days for being drunk, £1 + 15/- costs or 14 days for indecent language and £3 or 1 month for assaulting police.

1 September.

Frederick Hornhardt was sentenced to 3 months for assaulting M-C Grosser and 14 days for indecent language.

Edward Winders was fined £5 for assaulting M-C Grosser on 30 August and a series of costs amounting in all to £6-14-6 or 2 months in prison. [Page 3 column 3: the fine was paid.]

XV, 529, 3 Sep. 1902, page 3

The Attack on Ullmann is given a more detailed account covering just over two columns.

In the case of Lines and Knevitt: Lines tried to prevent Knevitt’s arrest and had to be restrained by threat of a revolver and the constable was struck and kicked and hit over the eye and on the nose. The last mentioned blow doing considerable damage.

These two were part of a gang of youths or a ‘push’ and Hornhardt was another member who, with Winders, asked to see Knevitt the evening after he had been sentenced. When denied access Winders attacked Grosser and Hornhardt interfered. With difficulty Hornhardt was arrested and Edward Winders was later arrested in his room at the Kooringa Hotel. Hornhardt had been before the court previously which accounts for his more severe sentence.

XV, 530, 10 Sep. 1902, page 2

Bundaleer Waterworks are written up in an article which concentrates on sharp practices in paying the workers. They were initially given 6/- a day and only after serving probation got 6/6. The concrete board workers were supposed to get 7/-, but had to serve a probationary period on 6/6, but there were also clearly irregularities and single men seemed to have got to the higher rates more easily because married men were less likely to leave!

Counterfeit half-crowns are in circulation in Burra.

XV, 530, 10 Sep. 1902, page 3

Recent disturbances in Burra have led the Commissioner to locate a second man in Kooringa.

Annie Ellis (15) has been charged with being a neglected child as Mrs Perkins, with whom she has been staying, can no longer maintain her. She was sent to Kapunda Reformatory School till 18.

Redruth Methodist Jubilee Fair was held in the Institute last Friday. It was opened by Dr Sangster Jun. and despite the depressed times the proceeds exceeded £50.

Football. Wednesday saw the fifth and final Aberdeen v. Ramblers match for the season and Aberdeen 30 defeated Ramblers 15.

In the premiership match on Saturday: Aberdeen 50 defeated Kooringa 25.

Ramblers will play Kooringa today.

Measles. There are still several serious cases of the after effects of the measles in the town.

Burra Cricket Club meeting on Thursday fell through when only the secretary and two others turned up.

Joe Ford has not been in Burra for several months: he met with an accident and is now unable to walk.

XV, 531, 17 Sep. 1902, page 2

Advt. Warning to Smokers!

Since free trade between states large amounts of cheap twist and plug from Victoria have flooded in therefore we advise smokers to buy only well known brands: American Eagle, My Pet, Conqueror, Yankee Doodle.

Obituary. Thomas Connell died in the Burra Hospital on Wednesday, aged 62, from cancer. He was at one time ranger to the Mt Bryan DC. He leaves four daughters: Mrs Hopkins (near Hallett), Mary Ann, Norah, and Kate, and one son, Thomas. [Thomas O’Connell died 10 September 1902 aged 62.]

Copper prices are up £1-12-6 a ton in a week. Predictions are it will go higher as electrification of railways and tramways extends.

XV, 531, 17 Sep. 1902, page 3

Burra Town Council. Tar dressing to be done from Commercial St to Bath St and in Queen St from Commercial St to Church St.

Salvation Army. Adjutant and Mrs Melksham will assist their comrades at the Barracks on Show Day.

The Transcontinental Railway Committee met on Thursday evening.

Police. A Young man qualifying himself as a policeman arrived in Kooringa yesterday.

Clare Dramatic Club will stage Our Regiment at the Institute on Show Night.

Football. The final meeting of the Ramblers was held at R.D. Pascoe’s rooms on Wednesday last with 15 members present. They had a successful first season in which they played 11 games, won 4, lost 6 and tied 1. They came second in the Association contest. A.D. Wilkinson was the best player for the year. A picnic will be held today at Princess Royal.

On Wednesday at Victoria Park: Ramblers 24 defeated Kooringa 9 and so the season ended with Aberdeen as premiers on 12 points with Kooringa and Ramblers on 8 points each.

[Next issue corrected Aberdeen’s points to 14.]

Rain fell splendidly in the last week, totalling 1.37” locally, but not extending far to the east where falls were light and patchy.

Elder, Smith & Co. will offer 4,385 sheep on 19 September.

XV, 532, 24 Sep. 1902, page 2

Transcontinental Railway. We have received a plan of the proposed Transcontinental Railway prepared by the Hon. V.L. Solomon MP. The population of Pt Darwin is 4,320 comprising 1,620 Europeans, 2,180 Chinese and Asiatics and 520 others. Imports in 1899 were £129,488 and exports £156,052.

[The paper actually prints imports as £129, 4888.]

Football. Wednesday dawned cold with threatening rain, but it cleared by noon and the Ramblers’ picnic then headed for Princess Royal on two trollies. In the afternoon various games were played and eatables disposed of. They made for home about 11.30 p.m. (Rather noisily apparently.)

Burra Mine. The Electro-Magnetic Separation Co. has contracted to treat the mine mullock and tailings under a royalty agreement with the Burra Burra Copper Co. The building is now ready to house the Mechernich Plant which has reached Pt Adelaide from Germany. A ball mill from Melbourne and a driving engine from Broken Hill are daily expected. Work should be in full swing by the end of October.

Obituary. J.R Gray died at Redruth on Sunday afternoon [21 September] aged 74. For about 30 years he was the inspector for the Burra Corporation. [This cannot be correct as the Corporation only dates from 1876 and I don’t think he was the only person to hold the position, but he was a very long-serving inspector.] He carried out his duties in an eminently satisfactory manner. He was quite impartial treating all owners of stock alike whether Mayors or Councillors. He is known to have paid the fines of some poor residents from his own pocket. The excellent sanitary condition of the town is in great measure due to his insistence on his notices being carried out. In former years the inspector got part of the fines, but more recently all have gone to the Council, lest people get the idea that the inspector was discovering stray stock for personal profit. Mr Gray was well till last Wednesday, though a little pale and complaining of a slight cold. He took to his bed on Thursday. He leaves a wife and three young children, the eldest of them 4 years old. [This obituary is notable for what it omits. John Robinson Gray’s first wife was born Sarah Ann Lenton and she died in 1897. They had two children. The first was Martha Lenton Gray, well known in Burra as Nurse Woollacott who married Alexander Feltus later in life. The second was Alfred David Gray. The second marriage to Fanny Elizabeth Tohl was in 1898 when she was 23 and there were three children as stated above: John Robinson Gray (1898), Emily Helena Gray (1900) & George Hensman William (1900). Not mentioned of course was Charles Allan Gray who came along in 1903.]

Reprint from Bradshaw’s Guide to SA, 1868.

The article lists coach times, ministers of religion, and other services.

The Catholic Church was serviced on the first Sunday in the month from Sevenhills College.

The hotels listed were: Burra Hotel, Miners’ Arms, and Pig & Whistle (Kooringa)

Courthouse Hotel (Redruth)

Aberdeen Hotel, Smelters’ Home, and White Hart Hotel (Aberdeen)

Racecourse Hotel (Copperhouse)

Mt Bryan Hotel (Mt Bryan Flat)

Cross Roads Inn (Cross Roads)

Sod Hut Inn (Sod Hut Ranges)

The Masonic Lodge meets at the Burra Hotel.

Burra Oddfellows Lodge meets at the Burra Hotel.

Aberdeen Oddfellows Lodge meets at the Aberdeen Hotel.

There is also a Foresters Lodge.

Coaches run from Kooringa to Kapunda daily departing at 5.30 a.m.

Coaches leave Kapunda for Burra daily except Sundays at 10.45 a.m.

Coaches leave Kooringa for Blinman Fridays at 5.30 p.m.

Coaches leave Kooringa for Oulnina Saturdays at 5.30 a.m.

L-Cpl William Smith is in charge of police.

David Macnamara [sic] is in charge of the pound.

Thomas Perry is in charge of the Gaol.

Isaac Killicoat is Superintendent of the Copper Works.

Percy W. Dyer is Secretary of the Institute.

Ministers of Religion:

Anglican: Rev. L.W. Stanton

Wesleyan: Rev. D.S. Wylie

Primitive Methodist: Rev. J. Pitthouse

Bible Christian: Rev. James Trewin

Roman Catholic: Served from Sevenhills College 1st Sunday in the month.

XV, 532, 24 Sep. 1902, page 3

Burra Show, Today: Adults 1/-, Children 6d.

Iron Mine Methodist Sunday School Anniversary 14 & 15 September. Rev. W.A. Dunn preached. Attendances were large and proceeds the highest for some years.

An Earth Tremor struck Burra on Thursday at 6.45 a.m. and rattled stuff on shelves. On Friday at 8.15 p.m. a second and more serious earthquake shook the town and seemed worse at Kooringa than in Redruth. Some crockery was broken in falling from shelves and a large pane in one window shattered. People ran into the streets and some stayed outside all night. Part of a ceiling collapsed where a woman had been sitting till a moment before. At the Institute a performance of Marionettes was not interrupted, apparently the audience was so rapt in the performance. There was a sound like thunder which seemed to travel from west to east. There was a third slight tremor on Sunday afternoon.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. The shooting match on 10 & 20 September resulted in a win for N. Pearce with 91.

Football. A return match between Gum Creek and Aberdeen was played on Saturday. Aberdeen could only muster 18, including supporters and some of them were ‘small fry’ and all had to take part. Aberdeen seemed out for a holiday rather than a game and at half-time Gum Creek 33 led Aberdeen 1 and at the end of play Gum creek 43 had defeated Aberdeen 15.

D’arc’s Marionettes performed at the Institute on Friday and Saturday nights and gave a matinee on Saturday afternoon.

Mr Ullmann, the baker, has been so upset by the assault on him that if he can dispose of his business he will return to Germany.

XV, 533, 1 Oct. 1902, page 2

The Season. Despite some sparing quantities of rain the season looks like being the worst for seven years. This follows three or four very distressing failures.

Salvation Army. The sumptuous spread at the Barracks on Show Night did good business, but not up to last year’s transaction. Adjutant Melksham organised an impromptu band which was truly creditable.

Annual Ram Sale at Burra on Friday.

Redruth Methodist Church: memorial service for John Robinson Gray last Sunday.

Salvation Army. The promised visit of Brigadier Birkenshaw and Mrs Birkenshaw to Burra took place on Saturday last. The night was cold for an open-air meeting yet a happy hour was spent in the main street. On Sunday there were excellent attendances and the Brigadier gave a powerful address. Monday saw a social meeting at which the Mayor presided and the Brigadier gave an address on the Salvation Army’s social work.

SAR. There is a petition, largely signed, urging the Commissioner of Public Works to extend the present wharf at he Burra railway Station a distance of 60’. The present wharf being quite inadequate for the goods often placed on it: often not even enough for wheat, let alone other items.

Obituary. Mr John Kelly of Booborowie, who had returned home after working at Bundaleer died on Sunday. He was quite well on Saturday, but felt unwell later in the evening. He leaves a father, mother, ten brothers and one sister. [Died 29 September 1902 aged 32]

XV, 533, 1 Oct. 1902, page 2-3

Burra Show on 24 September was a great success, though the morning was windy and dusty. The afternoon was somewhat better. Attendance was good with a gate of £63, down £3 on last year. Side shows and Cheap Jacks were more numerous. Not so much agricultural produce was entered, but good dairy produce. Poultry numbers were down because young birds were omitted this year. Draught stock was well represented as were ponies. Cattle were not plentiful and dogs about the same as last year. Mr Duncan’s Berkshire boar was an attraction and the largest ever seen in the town at about 550 lb. It had also got first prize at the recent Adelaide Show. Implements and vehicles were well shown; especially notable were the vehicles of Mr Maxwell of Manoora. C. & W. Oppermann had their own way in vegetables. Flowers were poor: no doubt due to the bad season.

XV, 533, 1 Oct. 1902, page 3

Burra Show Results are printed.

[Personal interest:

No Chinese winners in fruit and vegetables this year.

Flowers:

Hand bouquet E. Fuss (?) 1st

Bridal bouquet Miss L. Fuss (?) 2nd

Buttonhole C. Fuss 2nd

Design in Flowers C. Fuss 1st]

Burra Hospital benefited from a bazaar arranged in the late Mr Batchelor’s shop on Saturday by eight little girls. It raised £6-7-0.

Hanson Methodist Church.

After worshipping in the Council Chamber for many years Methodists in Hanson have formed a trust to prepare for the building of a church on two allotments of land at the corner of West and South Terraces. Two-thirds of the outlay is to be secured in cash, promised subscriptions, or labour and materials before tenders are let. At present the fund stands at £25-11-0. The first money raising venture will be on Wednesday at 4 p.m. with a dinner and lecture at 6.30 p.m. by Rev. T.B. Anguin The Triumphs of Methodism. This will be followed by a supper at 8.30 p.m. and the Broken Hill express will make a special stop to enable Burra visitors to go down by the afternoon train and return after the lecture.

Burra Town Council calls for applications for the position of Inspector following the death of J.R. Gray.

Court.

M-C Phelan arrested six ‘Weary Willies’ for being drunk and having no lawful visible means of support: John Riley, Edward Casey, Michael Malone, Andrew McCarthy, Lawrence McGrath and Cosmo Goodman. On the charge of drunkenness they were each fined 5/- or 3 days. McGrath and Goodman were given 14 days to pay. On the second charge they were sentenced to 14 days except for McGrath & Goodman who claimed they had work to go to and were ordered out of town.

(Riley had been implicated in the wine robbery at the Bon Accord some months earlier.)

Theft. Clothes, boots, shoes and silverware were stolen from Mr Przibilla’s home at Mt Bryan while he was at the Burra Show. Four tramps were seen in the area, but no trace of them has been found.

‘Little Jack’ Elder, the son of Adjutant and Mrs Elder is severely ill with inflammation of the lungs and bronchitis.

Jack Kelly borrowed or hired a horse to try the jumps at the Burra Show. The condition was he had to pay £10 if he killed the horse. The horse fell and had to be destroyed.

Advt. Methodist Church effort at Hanson on Wednesday 8 October.

Dinner, Lecture and Supper 2/-

Dinner only 1/-

Supper only 1/-

Lecture only 6d

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will offer 8,110 sheep on 3 October.

Notice. Burra High School third term begins 7 October. Annie B. Millar, Principal.

XV, 534, 8 Oct. 1902, page 2

M-C Phelan has arrested John Foster for the robbery recently at Charles Przibilla’s at Mt Bryan.

C. Morgan, who carried on a bakery business for many years in Burra, has purchased the goodwill of Mr W. Ullmann’s business and intends to carry on the business in his own name.

Obituary. ‘Little Jacky’ Elder, the son of Adjutant and Mrs Elder died on Wednesday afternoon last of inflammation of the lungs and bronchitis. The funeral on Thursday afternoon was conducted by Ensign Giles. Rev. T.B. Anguin offered prayers and Sister Ward and Brother C. Morgan spoke. The Salvation Army marched under its flag to the cemetery. A memorial service will be conducted at the Barracks on Sunday evening. [John Gordon Fuller Elder was born 8 December 1901 and died 1 October 1902.]

Burra Defence Rifle Club. With rifle shooting coming to the fore again Messrs Urwin & Sons have presented another clock, L. Gebhardt a silver cup, and Capt. J.A. Watt a rifle. The club would be second to none if the Government supplied better rifles and ammunition.

Cricket. Burra Cricket Club met last week with a fair attendance and elected Hon. J. Lewis as Patron, P.R. Scott as Secretary, J. Drew as captain and Rev. Reddan as Vice-Captain. Subscription set at 7/6.

Burra Town Council has received tenders for the Inspectorship ranging from £70 to £150.

Tar dressing has been ordered in Best Place from Neville’s corner to south of Harvey’s.

Rowland Thomas Wilkinson, third son of T.W. Wilkinson, has secured a master’s certificate to take charge of any vessel. He has been away from Burra for about 12 years and has made trips to North and South America, the Baltic and South Africa.

Redruth Methodist Jubilee Fair: the committee revealed on 2 October that they had raised £52-13-0.

Mr Przibilla swore that 12 articles found with John Foster when he was arrested were those stolen from him. Such a recovery of stolen items does not often occur.

Rain is still desperately needed. The drying north winds have caused the surface to become very hard. Some farmers will not even recover seed wheat for next year.

Mr Ullmann has been completely shattered by the recent assault and having lived alone in the baking business for over 33 years, has not had a complete night’s rest since. He is going to Pt Pirie for a few weeks and then on to Germany via Sydney.

XV, 534, 8 Oct. 1902, page 3

Itinerants. An article complains about an influx of ‘Weary Willies’ and the consequent drunkenness and use of bad language in the town.

The bakery recently bought by C. Morgan has been run by a bachelor for a long time. Mr Slime had no wife and was also subject to an assault before returning to Germany. Mr Ullmann never married and now Charley Morgan, another bachelor, has the premises.

The Clare Dramatic Club production of Our Regiment on Show Night was done remarkably well and the door taking was £28.

E.A. Ward writes a memorial poem to ‘Little Jack’ which is published in column 2.

Burra Slag Extraction Co. has knocked off one shift involving 12 men and boys. It is thought the machinery will be kept going until Christmas now, with the remaining workers.

St Joseph’s Church & School benefited by £70 from a bazaar held at the Institute on Friday & Saturday last.

Redruth Court, 5 October.

John Foster’s case was heard and receives half a column of detail. He was committed for trial at the next criminal sittings in Adelaide.

XV, 535, 15 Oct. 1902, page 2

Boer War. New figures for losses are published.

Total forces 448,435 officers and men

Killed 5,774

Died of wounds or disease 16,169

Wounded 22,829

Rain. Some late falls have helped farmers somewhat with over 68 points at the Kooringa Post Office.

‘Little Jack’: photographic memoriam cards have been produced by The Record at the request of the local corps of the Salvation Army as a tribute to show their sympathy.

Burra Defence Rifle Club

Firing match rules have been established.

Points for the clock, 25, for the cup 20 and for the rifle 15.

Points for places in matches to be 1st 5, 2nd 4, 3rd 3.

When a competitor reaches 15 he must decide either to take the rifle or go on for the next trophy, forfeiting rights to the rifle and any points, and so forth.

In the first match: P.A. Roach 90, J.E. Pearce 88, C. Parks 90*, J.F. Martin 87.

• C. Parks’ score was reduced by three because he used a .303 rifle.

The Rifle Club and the Cricket Club met at Vivian’s Hotel on Thursday and finalised arrangements for the picnic and sports meeting at Princess Royal next Wednesday. (Which will be observed as a holiday by 13 storekeepers.)

Dogs have attacked and killed sheep on Princess Royal in the last day or so.

Obituary. Mrs Theresa Symes, a long time resident of Burra, has died at the home of her daughter, Mrs Neville, aged 68. [Died 9 October 1902]

Redruth Methodist Circuit Quarterly Meeting revealed that over £300 has been raised in the last 18 months for new work, repairs and debt reduction. A loan of £110 from the Loan Fund was approved for Jubilee Hall.

Hanson Methodist Church. The opening effort to raise money for a church building produced almost £10-10-0 on 8 October.

Booborowie Methodist Church. The 11th Anniversary was held on Sunday & Monday last.

‘Rev. W.F. James preached the sermons, and gave an Olla Podrida Monday evening.’* Proceeds from the services and the tea meeting were the largest for ten years.

• An Olla Podrida is a medley or hotch potch.

XV, 535, 15 Oct. 1902, page 3

Foxes are becoming plentiful in the South East of SA and are occasionally seen in the North. Some contend they do more good than harm by destroying rabbits.

A Motor Cycle. An article reports the arrival of a motorcycle in Burra on Thursday. A young lady reported seeing a bicycle that had bolted. [There is no indication of who was either the owner or rider.]

Kooringa Methodist Church Anniversary will be honoured on Sunday 19 October with the presence of Sir F.W. Holder and Rev. W. Jeffries. Sir Frederick will also preside at Monday’s tea meeting. Rev. Jeffries will give a lecture on Wednesday 22 October on Character. This was billed as ‘A real Elocutionary Treat’ which has attracted crowds elsewhere.

Elder, Smith will offer 8,400 sheep on 17 October.

XV, 536, 22 Oct. 1902, page 2

Obituary. Theresa Symes, aged 68, mother of Mrs William Neville, died leaving three daughters and two sons.

The John Foster arrested for breaking into Mr Przibilla’s at Mt Bryan, turns out actually to have been Charles Chapman, formerly a bookkeeping teacher.

The season. The prospects in the Hundreds of Schumburg [sic] and Lindley are particularly bad with so little rain there is virtually no wheat up and little more grass. Some farmers have lost all their horses and around Morgan things are worse if anything.

[These are the two most easterly Hundreds in the County of Burra and lie towards Morgan. The Hundred of Schomburgk has since 1918 been called Maude.]

The Inspectorship. Since the death of J.R. Gray the overseer has been doing his work, but since he goes where cows and horses don’t, he has found no strays.

Court.

There were a series of cases in 1902 involving men not giving proper notice of moving stock or of not moving their stock the required distance.

One trick was to take sheep to market and not be successful at selling them and then walk them back. One could also arrange to sell them to another family member with like results. The lack of feed in a bad season no doubt encouraged such ruses. The lawyers were also involved in finding technical flaws in the documents drawn up etc.

A Motor Vehicle? It was rumoured that a motorcar would arrive at the Burra Station on Friday night so a number of people went to see it. One young couple talked so intently that they almost got to Copperhouse before turning back and a drover’s turn-out passed them with a clatter of pots and pans dangling about. They identified this as the motor, but their friends back in town had seen nothing.

XV, 536, 22 Oct. 1902, page 3

Burra United Friendly Societies’ Sports Committee has begun making plans for the sports day at Christmas.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. Results of the match on 15 & 18 October: J. Drew 87, C. Parks 86, & S. Walker 86.

Kooringa Methodist Church Anniversary passed off very successfully both with respect to attendance and finances. Sir F.W. Holder preached the afternoon service and the Rev. W. Jeffries took the other two.

Another Motor Vehicle? There is an obscure article about a locally made vehicle of some sort which is described as a motorised wheat truck or wheelbarrow. It is obviously a joke, but the basis of it is unclear.

A concert to benefit Mr C. Pressick was given at the Institute last night.

The old Princess Royal Mine was offered for sale in Adelaide yesterday.

Sir F.W. Holder is spending a few days at Mongolata with Mr H.S. Stevens. [More likely with Horace Steele Stephens – his brother-in-law.]

Burra Town Council considered the 29 applications for the Inspectorship on Monday, and appointed J.F. Martin: effective at once.

XV, 537, 29 Oct. 1902, page 2

Editorial congratulating J.F. Martin on being appointed Inspector and offering some advice on the carrying out of his duties.

Burra Defence Rifle Club & Burra Cricket Club’s picnic and sports went off on Wednesday, but for some reason the attendance was not large and the takings were therefore disappointing. The shops and public school closed for the occasion and the Burra Band played during the day. The results are printed.

[In the Old Buffer’s Race over 100 yds C. Fuss was 2nd off scratch behind W.J. Ewins off 26 yds.]

Dogs continue to ravage flocks in the area and Mr Dew is the latest victim.

XV, 537, 29 Oct. 1902, page 2-3

Court, 21 October.

Stewart McWaters v. Messrs Kubale Long & Co. over a contract for the sale of chaff. The verdict was for the defendant. [Report extends just over 1 column.]

XV, 537, 29 Oct. 1902, page 3

Court.

John Lewis proceeded against Elliot Camp on the grounds of trespass for £1, but as the defendant was not actually seen on the property and had witnesses to say he had not been there, the case collapsed.

Ettie Walhert was charged on the information of Carrie Jones with the theft of a gold ring valued at 15/-. The defendant said she found the ring near the Church of England. Mrs Jones alleged it was taken from her house, but in her evidence revealed that the ring had been found by her little boy some two months before. The case was dismissed and the ring held with a view to finding its rightful owner.

Theft. There is a complicated story concerning the theft of a bicycle from Mr Richards’ shop by a young man giving the name of H. Wyman. The police eventually recovered the bicycle, but to this date had not got their man.

Burra Slag Extraction Co. Work has now ceased with all the slag treated. Most men have been dismissed and the works almost abandoned. A few are dismantling minor structures that will not be needed again. It is said every particle of copper has been taken from the finings now left.

Black Waterholes Scheme. 1,500 gallons of water are being sent from Wandillah to the city for testing for boiler use.

XV, 538, 5 Nov. 1902, page 2

Guy Fawkes Night. The kiddies have prepared a number of Guys as up-to-date effigies, but the editor thinks ‘Guy Fawkes Day however, like St Valentine’s Day, is fast becoming extinct as far as interest in it is concerned.’

Burra Defence Rifle Club. Rifle shooting for the clock, cup and rifle continued on 29 Oct. & 1 Nov. with the first three being: J. Drew 98, J.A. Pearce 89 and A. Bennetts 88.

The Pressick Fund Treasurer, R.M. Harvey, is desirous of getting in all subscription lists by next Friday.

Mrs Jones’s gold ring referred to in court last week, has turned out to be instead one of Isaac Newton’s – the American auctioneer – who sold them at 1/- each and which turned black after wearing.

Redruth Methodist Sunday School Anniversary next Sunday, Monday & Wednesday. Rev. Alfred H. Carne of Terowie will preach and the service of song Only a Waif will be rendered.

The annual picnic at Koonoona will be held on Monday. No fires or dogs permitted.

Rain has finally fallen in the eastern country, but a month too late for crops. It was the best fall for 13 years.

XV, 538, 5 Nov. 1902, page 2-3

Court. The case of Francis Thomas is reported in over three columns of detail. He robbed the Farrell’s Flat Hotel of £1-0-3. He was notable in defending himself with skill and was almost successful, but was ultimately convicted and sentenced to one month hard labour.

XV, 538, 5 Nov. 1902, page 3

The Walhert & Jones ring saga is gone over again in exhaustive detail in rather more than a column.

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will offer 6,520 sheep on 7 November.

Court.

‘Joseph Ford was charged on the information of J. Morgan with unlawfully depasturing sheep on Crown Lands. Plea not guilty. Francis Ford said he gave instructions to Ah Shang to drive sheep from the station to Wandillah paddock, but the sheep got boxed with others. Ah Shang, who didn’t know the Bible from any other book, and didn’t seem to display any anxiety about being sworn, said – I go along a road, see, sheep get em mix, see, doon no ’ow get em box long other sheep, see. Sheep go away from Misr. Ford’s 8 or 10 clock, cum back by-and-by 4 or 5 o’clock.

The Bench thought they had enough evidence from Ah Shang to inflict a penalty of £1 and costs.

Salvation Army. Major Cummings, Divisional Officer for the North, visited Burra on Sunday and conducted services. On Monday evening he lectured on Java and Its People.

XV, 539, 12 Nov. 1902, page 2

Cricket. On the King’s Birthday holiday (Monday) at Victoria Park Burra played Clare. [No results!]

Court.

There is a one column account of a case over the theft of 1/9 worth of rope involving E.J. Burns alias James Brown and a lad called John Willis. Burns/Brown was fined 30/- or 7 days. Willis, who was only a young lad, had actually taken the rope, but the JPs decided that Burns/Brown was the responsible party in a case of conspiracy. Willis was let off with a warning.

XV, 539, 12 Nov. 1902, page 3

Redruth Court.

A few hours after the McWaters v. Kubale case had been heard about three yards of the court house ceiling fell down. The building needs urgent repairs. Large cracks in the wall admit water and make the wall damp for yards. The windows are unworkable, the furniture needs attention and the general interior condition is disagreeable.

A Choral Competition was held in the Institute on Monday, organised by G.E. Dane. The attendance was good. First prize went to Miss C. Killicoat and Mr N. Pearce in the choral competition. Mr N.J. Tiddy and Mr J. Davey’s quartette tied for 2nd with Mr M. Collins’s quartette 3rd.

Obituary. The death is announced of Mr John McDonald. [Corrected in the next issue to Mr Donald McDonald.] The deceased was returning from delivering a message to The Gums Station and called at the residence of Mr W. Hills to get some furniture. He could not then ride in the cart and so walked along side. He got food at O’Brien’s on Sunday 26 October about 6.30 p.m. and then apparently fell over an embankment in the dark. Search parties set out on Sunday, but failed to find him. [Apparently this was on 2 November.] On Monday Mr J.C. Sandland found the body, much decomposed after one week. He is believed to have been washed about 100 yards down the creek by recent rain. His horse travelled on about a further 11⁄2 miles with a dog before coming to grief in Baldina Creek, where it may have lived until drowned in heavy rains on Friday night. The flow from which half covered it with sand. McDonald was aged c. 58 and was well known in the district, having worked on both Caroona and The Gums and been employed on several holdings as a boundary rider and general hand.

[See next issue for comments re other deaths along this stretch of road.]

[Note: it is evident that he was returning via the eastern road and not the main Burra-Morgan Road as would be more usual – at least now. The death was registered for 2 November and the aged given as 55.]

Only a Waif was sung to a crowded church on Sunday afternoon last and will be repeated by request next Sunday.

Obituary. Mrs [H.C.W.] Fuss, aged 85, and a resident of Burra for over 50 years, has died, leaving 1 daughter, Mrs Greenwood (Umberalana) and six sons, Herman (Moonta), Albert (Orroroo), Frederick (Broken Hill), William (Goodwood) and Charles & August (Burra). [Born Lutz 16 or 18 June 1817 and registered as Johanne Christiana Friedericke Fuss at death on 4 November 1902.]

Guy Fawkes was effectively burnt in effigy on Wednesday last with the addition of rockets and crackers.

Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, 29 October.

James Boneham of Boulder City WA married Miss Annie A. Phillips, youngest daughter of the late James Phillips of Ayers St.

Marriage. At the residence of Mr E. Boulton on Monday Mr Frederick Kemble married Miss Clarissa (Dolly) Knevitt.

Advt. Strawberry Fete at Institute 21 November, in aid of St Mary’s building fund.

XV, 540, 19 Nov. 1902, page 2

Baldina Creek has become notorious for deaths: Donald McDonald’s, reported last week, was the fifth. Others were Messrs John Dolman, McNeil and O’Brien, while a traveller hung himself not far away.

[Daniel O’Brien died in a capsize of a spring cart at Baldina Creek, see XV, 258, 23 Aug. 1893, Page 3.

John Dolman fell off Baldina Ford; see XI, 1004, 31 Oct. 1890, page 3.

Dugald McNeil fell under the wheels of a wagon; see X, 827, 15 Feb. 1889, page 3

Unidentified man found hanging in a hut at the Township of Douglas; see VII, 497, 1 December 1885 Page 2.]

Redruth Reformatory.

Observations on the Reformatory. On entering the gate we noticed the grounds are laid out with fruit and olive trees and on the southern side a vegetable garden is cultivated where a large number of cabbages etc. are grown. Flowers are also conspicuous so the approach to the building is pleasing. We entered through the small ‘cut-out door’. Inside all was scrupulously clean and tidy. The rooms are commodious and well ventilated and all goes to show the inmates are zealous and industrious.

A Severe Dust Storm struck the town last Wednesday and from morning till night the visibility was minimal and at times it was impossible to see more than a yard. The dust permeated every house however tightly closed up.

XV, 540, 19 Nov. 1902, page 3

Booborowie Sports will be held this time on New Year’s Day rather than Christmas Day.

Mr J. Linkson has, through failing eyesight, had to give up his business after c. 15 years in the Redruth Store. He will undergo a course of treatment in the city which we hope will be successful.

Burra School held its visiting day on Monday and ‘the children were put through their facings’ [?] by the headmaster, Mr F. Fairweather, and acquitted themselves very well. The modern system seems to induce the students to study their lessons with much interest. Unfortunately the school is short staffed due to economic circumstances. The school was addressed by Rev. T.B. Anguin and Dr Sangster, Chairman of the School Board of Advice, distributed certificates.

Redruth Methodist Sunday School Anniversary. The Rev. Alfred H. Carne of Terowie preached and gave the connective readings for the service of song, Only a Waif. The picnic at Koonoona on Monday 10 November was largely attended. The amusements were efficiently directed by Mr C. Fuss who has rendered a like service for several years. The dust storm on Wednesday 12 November seriously reduced attendance at the tea and public meeting where J. Tiver JP presided. Scholars number 92 boys and 81 girls (173) with an average attendance of 39 in the mornings and 109 in the afternoon. The annual teachers’ social took place in Jubilee Hall on 13 November.

Redruth Reformatory Fires. Fire broke out in the reformatory laundry last Wednesday morning and destroyed the wood and iron building. In the afternoon a second fire started in ‘Hope Dormitory’ which burned all the girls’ clothes and the contents of five or six kerosene boxes used as a sort of cupboard. There is no doubt the first fire started accidentally from the old German Ironing Box [i.e. a box-iron]. The iron was left on the floor with the coals black and apparently dead. Hettie Garrad had been using it and said she had known fire to fall out of the box onto the clothes while ironing. The wind had opened the door several times on the morning in question. The fire in the dormitory in the afternoon is more mysterious. The girls eventually put it out by removing a ventilator and sheet of iron from the roof and using a hose.

The inquest as reported says strangely little about the second fire and seems to assume it was from a spark of the first fire, though about five hours later in appearing.

The full report runs to a little over 1 column.

Elder, Smith & Co. will offer 6,410 sheep on 21 November.

Municipal Elections. Councillors retiring 1 December:

Mayor: E.W. Crewes

North Ward Henry Catchlove Lockyer

East Ward John Ford

West Ward William Charles Leonard West

Auditor Thomas Thorman Shortridge

XV, 541, 26 Nov. 1902, page 2

Mrs Holden thanks Messrs Thomas Woollacott, W.J. Richards and R. Gully and others whom she did not know, for their timely assistance in extinguishing the fire at the reformatory.

Municipal Elections.

Mayor John Sampson elected unopposed

West Ward W.C.L. West elected unopposed

Auditor T.T. Shortridge elected unopposed

North Ward T.P. Halls

H.C. Lockyer

East Ward W.J. Davey

H. Walker

Burra Defence Rifle Club. Fourth round for the clock, cup and rifle, 19 & 22 November:

J.A. Pearce 83, A. Ward 82, J.A. Riggs 81.

The Bisley targets were used for the first time and seem to have reduced the scores. Many complained that the bull’s eye was hard to see at long range.

The Pressick Fund. The philanthropic friends of Mr C. Pressick have donated various amounts to total about £50 of which £23 will go to pay the premiums on a life policy due to mature in 1906. The balance will be paid in a weekly allowance. Mr C. Pressick thanks all friends for coming to his aid in his present affliction.

E.W. Crewes, the Mayor, has been quite ill and confined to bed for a couple of days, but is now getting about again for a short time each day.

Reminiscences of the District Synod. By J.B. [This, I presume, stands for Rev. J. Blacket.]

He recounts early Burra history and says he left Angaston on top of Hill & Co.’s coach and drove on good roads to Nuriootpa, changed horses at Greenock and then went on to Roseworthy via Freeling. The northern express then took him to Burra. At the station he got a cab with various others and set off. They went to the Reformatory and then on to the Methodist parsonage. He was supposed to get off at a friend’s place in Redruth, but ended up staying the night with T.W. Wilkinson. In the morning he climbed the hill for a view of the town.

‘The wisdom of those who encouraged tree planting on so large a scale is to be commeded. [sic] What a desolate looking place the town would be without its trees!’

He was then eventually transferred to his host, Mr R. Reed of Redruth.

One morning before synod work started he went over the old mine.

‘What a busy scene Burra must have presented! Where all is now death (with the exception of a few men delving in the soil.)’

‘By the way, a few lamps along the street in which the Institute stands would be of service. The darkness in places was such that a careful “lookout” had to be kept to avoid collision with other pedestrians.’

Obituary. Mrs Phelan, wife of M-C Phelan of Redruth has died leaving a husband and seven children, the eldest of whom is 16 years old. [Born Bridget Ellen Quirk, died 21 November 1902 aged 47.]

Obituary. Mr John O’Leary Senior has died aged 82. His wife died in April. Rev. Father Haendl officiated. He leaves five sons and two daughters. [Died 20 November 1902 aged 82.]

Rev. W.F. James preached a sermon at Redruth on 16 November, taking as his text, James III.5 ‘Behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth.’ He was inspired by the Reformatory fire. The core idea was how great is the power of the tongue, for good or evil. It is reported in 3⁄4 column.

XV, 541, 26 Nov. 1902, page 3

Court.

Among others Thomas Woollacott was fined £1-2-6 for allowing his cow and horse to stray.

[This is an unusually large amount: but then he was a frequent visitor to court for this offence.]

Thomas Bewley reported to M-C Grosser on Monday that two of his horses had been stabbed. One was dead and the other not so badly cut and will probably survive. An investigation showed that they had in fact rolled on broken glass.

Offence. Two mischievous little girls visited the Redruth Reformatory fowl house the other day and smashed a number of valuable eggs on which ducks were setting. Prosecution of Clara Carpenter and Florrie Jones is being considered.

St Mary’s Annual Strawberry Fete at the Institute last Friday was opened by Hon J. Lewis who was congratulated by Rev. W.G.M. Murphy on his election to the Legislative Council. The nett proceeds of c. £70 will benefit the Building Fund.

XV, 542, 3 Dec. 1902, page 2

Harvest is now underway, but wheat yields will be low and the haymaking has finished with but poor results.

Annual Ratepayers’ Meeting was held in the Institute on Wednesday evening last.

The Mayor’s Report.

Mr Crewes expressed regret at the death of the late Mayor, Mr Alex. Harris and of the late Inspector, J.R. Gray, who had been replaced by Mr J.F.N. Martin, selected from 28 candidates. The council had worked well and amicably in the last year.

Major Works:

East Ward: considerable kerbing and path forming in Kingston, Ayers and Bridge Sts and the bridges had been painted. The trough in Market Square had been tarred and painted. The pump had been repaired. Footpaths in Kingston and Chapel Sts had been tar dressed etc. etc.

West Ward: considerable amount of tar dressing has been done in Chapel St, Queen St, & Commercial St. The bridge in Church St was put in order etc. etc.

North Ward: footpath work in Truro and Ludgvan Sts and kerbing in Ludgvan and St Dye Sts. A culvert at Roach Town was repaired as was a bridge in Sancreed St. The Young St Ford was lowered to better carry floods and to drain stagnant water. Footpath in Best Place was tar dressed. Water trough opposite the Exchange Hotel was raised on new stands, tarred and painted etc. etc.

The Council began the year with a debit of £8-14-5 and at the last meeting was in credit £54-4-9. The rates for the year had brought in £300-4-11.

North Ward lamps had cost £7-14-0 and those in East Ward £9-9-0 and West Ward lamps also cost £9-9-0.

In the parklands dead trees have been removed and replaced, but numbers of young trees have been deliberately pulled up and taken away by person or persons unknown. Some trees have died due to the dry season. Pepper trees planted opposite Jubilee Avenue have done well. Altogether over 300 trees were planted during the year.

In the cemetery shrubs have been planted and the wall repaired.

Burra Waterworks.

The plant remains in good order with no breakdowns this year. Much is due to the spare boiler and good work of the engineer, Mr Prior. The present reservoir of 33,000 gallons is however, too small. A larger one was considered this year, but deferred pending a Government response on the Black Waterholes supply. The second lot of water for testing from that source has been condemned as unsuited for locomotives and so the scheme has had to be given up. A new reservoir of 200,000 gallons would cost about £300 which would last the town several days and save on extra labour being needed in summer and could be financed without increasing the rates. In the year Council tried to get the capital account and rates reduced, but were unsuccessful. The plant is now valued at £8,104-11-10 and the rate is 4%. Mr William Pryor is still in charge. [Note: it was Prior earlier in the report.] The balance in the bank is currently £74-3-11.

Health

The town remains healthy with only a few cases of typhoid this year. We were unable to get a new site for a rubbish depot as desired as the owners would neither sell nor rent.

XV, 542, 3 Dec. 1902, page 3

W.J. Davey gave a long speech in support of his candidacy for East Ward, but much of it was little to the point. He did however, favour economy and commonsense and other motherhood issues. He was also in favour of kerbing and further tar dressing, if it were done better, as the present process was a waste of money. He was strongly against the rule that work in a ward was only available to men that lived in that ward. West Ward had only 2 or 3 out of work ever and had the most money to spend. East Ward had 10 or 12 men out of work who could not get work in West Ward!

Using rubble instead of road metal was penny wise and pound foolish. The title to the cemetery road was needed and it needed improving. The path to the Post Office was badly lit and if the cost was not too great he would like to see two lamps placed along it. The cemetery needed to be made more presentable. He thought the slaughterhouse question, which had been sleeping all year, needed to be resolved. He favoured trees in parklands etc. He congratulated the Mayor on three successful terms and would have liked him to have had a fourth. He also congratulated the Mayor-elect and was sure he would do his duties satisfactorily with his 14 years experience of Council. He was the nominee of no party and would vote independently.

The paper reports suggest that no other candidate spoke much to the point.

Municipal Election Results.

East Ward H. Walker 68

W.J. Davey 37

North Ward H.C. Lockyer 57

T.P. Halls 33

Methodist Sunshine Band will have a juvenile bazaar on 19 December in aid of the Burra Hospital.

Obituary. James McNamara died at Burra Hospital on Saturday. He was a farmer near Hanson for many years. [Died 29 November 1902 aged 67]

Advt. The eight-roomed house at Redruth and the furniture and effects of the late H.C.W. Fuss will be sold at auction: the house on Friday 5 December and the effects on Wednesday 10 December.

XV, 543, 10 Dec. 1902, page 2

Burra Electro-Magnetic Separation Works. Trial runs have begun. So far the machinery has run satisfactorily, though some adjustments are being made. It is expected only 12 men will be employed to work the three shifts and it should be going before Christmas.

The Unicorn Brewery, run for many years by Mr Banks and then by Mr E.C. Lockyer, has amalgamated with the Walkerville Brewery. Local hotels will now be served from Walkerville.

Burra Town Council has decided rates will have to rise, but the exact figure is yet to be decided.

Duty Stamp Warning. Receipts for sums of £2 and upwards now attract a 1d duty stamp. People are entitled to demand a receipt and one will not be deemed valid as proof of payment without the duty stamp. Postage stamps must not be used.

Kooringa Methodist Church will stage a Limelight Evening in lieu of a bazaar in the Lecture Hall on Thursday night. The plates have taken 12 years to collect by Mr Anguin and use an expensive toning system now discontinued due to its cost. [Advt. on next page gives price as 1/- or a few chairs at 2/-.]

Cr Lockyer said at the declaration of the poll that he should have had 100 votes, but not if his knowledge of North Ward finances is any criterion. He said that North Ward was slightly overdrawn by c. 30/-. In fact the amount is £9-13-9!

‘Beer & Oysters for Two’ writes expressing his dismay that the town has elected two brewers to the Town Council.

XV, 543, 10 Dec. 1902, page 3

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will sell on 11 December all of the stock in trade of James Linkson, Redruth, comprising groceries, crockery, ironmongery, brushware, patent and homœopathic medicines, also Avery’s scale, a spring dray, horse, harness and sundries.

XV, 544, 17 Dec. 1902, page 2

North Ward Finances. An article asks Cr Lott of East Ward how, if the ward was allotted £80-14-1 and spent £80-10-1, it ended up £2-12-8 in credit and how was the credit balance of £9-13-1 from the previous year spent?

[The editor seems to have suddenly grown much more alert about Council matters since losing the election!]

Thomas Burns, presently working on the Bundaleer Waterworks, got poisoned recently from tinned fish. He vomited copiously, body and limbs swelled largely and red spots and blotches appeared on his body. He was sent to the Burra Hospital, but recovered quickly.

W.H. March, also working at Bundaleer, is in Burra Hospital suffering from a haemorrhage of the lungs and was very ill, but hopes are entertained of his recovery.

Salvation Army. The annual demonstration in connection with Junior Soldiers took place at the Barracks last Sunday and on Monday evening the prizes for good behaviour and attendance were distributed.

XV, 544, 17 Dec. 1902, page 3

Cricket. The first half of a match between North and South ends of the town began last Saturday at Victoria Park. So far: South 294 and North 2 for 77.

Rev. T.B. Anguin’s Limelight Evening last Thursday proved an unqualified success. The pictures were the best ever seen here: each one was brilliantly clear.

The Sunshine Bazaar & Xmas Tree will be held in the Methodist Lecture Hall on Friday and will be opened by Dr Sangster jun. at 3 p.m. Afternoon tea 6d and a musical program in the evening. Admission 3d and children 1d. Proceeds to the Burra Hospital.

Booborowie DC has decided to donate all fines recovered from drovers for not bona fide travelling over Crown Lands – amounting to £18-19-0 – to the distressed farmers’ seed wheat fund. The past six or seven seasons have been much against farmers both from rain and other causes.

Burra Town Council accepted an invitation from Rev. T.B. Anguin to attend church next Sunday.

W. Geake’s tender for the lamp lighting in Kooringa was accepted.

Mr Neville’s tender for lamp lighting in North Ward was accepted.

The main road grant has been cut the coming year to £273. [In 1902 £306 and 1901 £373.]

Burra DC has had its main road grant cut to £506.

E.C. & H.C. Lockyer complain that the Unicorn Brewery is not dead as stated last week and that:

‘As a matter of fact negotiations are pending.’

‘You need not say the Walkerville wants to come in with us, but merely state we have been approached.’

Later J.E.H. Winnall sent a solicitor’s letter demanding a retraction and contradiction of the story – a totally unnecessary letter as we had already agreed to do so with the Lockyers.

Weather. Monday was dusty and windy. At 12 o’clock on Tuesday a thunderstorm dropped over 1” in half an hour. In Market Square water could not get away and flooded the footpath at F. Harris’s shop. Thunder and lightning continued and some roads and footpaths were damaged. The creeks came down and standing wheat was damaged.

Redruth can boast a band now.

Mr Midwinter bought the property of the late Mrs [H.C.W.] Fuss.

Salvation Army. Adjutant & Mrs Elder are on holiday and Lieut. Dawson fills the gap.

J. Linkson has gone to Adelaide for treatment for his eyes.

Burra School. It is really too much to expect the head teacher with two or three assistants to attend satisfactorily to the needs of between 300 and 400 children.

XV, 545, 24 Dec. 1902, page 2

Editorial on Xmas.

Not much is said of substance. He has hopes for the Electro-magnetic Works and for the mine itself and some hopes that farming might pick up now that the seven year drought has broken.

Church Parade last Sunday. The Corporation and Friendly Societies attended and Rev. T.B. Anguin officiated. The Burra Band led the march from the Institute to the Kooringa Methodist church where the Burra Orchestra assisted in the service.

An Incident with a Cow.

Following the recent rains a cow got into the yard at the rear of Hunter’s Boot Palace and venturing too close to a ‘Private building’ caused a collapse, trapping itself there overnight. It was extricated with some difficulty and had to exit the premises through the shop.

XV, 545, 24 Dec. 1902, page 3

Messrs Luxmore, R.J. Coombes & Co. have sent a letter with some useful sketches showing the correct way to stretch rabbit skins for sale. In addition there are illustrations showing the correct methods for kangaroo, opossum, hare and sheepskins. See the sketches at this office.

The Bazaar organised by Miss Moffitt’s Class and the Sunshine Workers’ Band was held in the Kooringa Methodist Lecture Hall on Friday. Mr Dawes of Princess Royal sent a Christmas tree. The bazaar raised £15-7-4 for the Hospital and the children decided to spend it on an armchair with sedan-like handles for conveying patients up the hospital steps and on other items.

Cricket. Last Saturday, junior teams on the school flat:

Kooringa 29 & 79 (108)

Aberdeen 16 & 71 (87)

The match between North and South was concluded on 20 December:

South 294 defeated North 232.

The Storm of 16 December: Further Reports.

The water rushing down the creek near Dr Sangster’s flowed over the Commercial St bridge and then down the street to flood Market Square. The thunder continued to roll and the lightning was the most vivid for years. Footpaths on Market Square were flooded and mud covered the flagstones. Some houses in the lower part of the town were flooded. A washaway on the train line at Yunta delayed the Broken Hill train until late on Wednesday evening. Over 3” of rain fell at Springbank.

At Leighton one resident had about 30 turkeys drown and another lost a number of fowls and several settings of eggs. Dead rabbits were left along Burra Creek.

House gutters overflowed into rooms in several places.

A farmer at the west of town lost 20-30 bags of wheat down the creek and another lost several pigs. Around the district the loss of sheep is considerable. Mr Duldig at World’s End had left a plough and scoop in the nearby creek after dam work and the former was swept 600 yards and the latter a mile. He lost 6 chains of fencing to rushing water. Over 2” fell in the afternoon and another 1” at night.

A good crop of mushrooms has followed the rain on Flagstaff.

Fuss’s house of eight rooms at Redruth is to let.

XV, 546, 31 Dec. 1902, page 2

W. Martin’s condition has deteriorated and he has been moved from home to the hospital. The haemorrhage from the lungs continues.

Salvation Army. Adjutant Elder, Mr James Chynoweth (an old Burra Boy on a visit) and Brother White, another visitor, provided entertainment on Saturday and Sunday at Army gatherings.

Christmas Holidays.

Christmas Eve began by being windy and dusty, but towards evening grew calmer and cool. The streets were filled with the usual Christmas crowds. The Burra Band played around the shops as usual. Christmas Day was fine and passed off quietly. Boxing Day was more exciting with sports in the Park which attracted a crowd. Various cricket matches were played and picnics organised.

Obituary. Mr Townsend, an old Burra identity, died last week in Burra Hospital.

[George Townsend died 19 December aged 78.]

XV, 546, 31 Dec. 1902, page 3

The Burra Branch of the Dressmaking Class went into recess on Friday afternoon. There are 86 members on the roll and Mrs Ainley from the School of Mines was present to examine the work which reflects well on the teacher, Miss Summerton. The students have done well over the twelve months, but Mrs Ainley was sorry to see no equivalent class for boys.

Annual United Friendly Societies’ Sports were held at Victoria Park on Boxing Day in excellent weather and a great many people in consequence turned out. The Burra Band led a procession of the lodge members from the Institute to the Park at about 10 o’clock. The gate takings were c. £40; the highest for several years. The results are printed.

In the evening the Gawler Dramatic Society staged Parted from Life in the Institute before a good house.

Salvation Army. Adjutant and Mrs Elder will bid farewell to the Burra corps on 8 January. They have endeared themselves to a large circle of friends. The Adjutant is an expert at the much despised concertina, but also a good singer. He leaves the local corps in splendid order.

Hanson Methodist Sunday School Anniversary 21 & 25 December. Rev. W.F. James and Mr E.W. Crewes preached to crowded congregations.

Nearly 200 attended the tea meeting on Christmas Day which was followed by supper. The entire proceeds were about £11, of which £6 will go to the building fund which has now raised £74, including £14 worth of promised labour.

Booborowie Sports tomorrow.

Obituary. Captain J.W. White died in his home in East St on Monday. He had worked for the Burra Mines for some years. Aged 77, he leaves a wife and grown-up family. [James Williams White died 29 December n1902 aged 77.]

Characteristics of the 1902 Paper

The paper began much as it had been in 1901.

Page 1.

Large advertisements: larger not local in origin.

Page 4.

Large advertisements and, as for 1901, patent medicines were a common subject.

There seems to have been a great demand for constipation pills and a concern for itchy piles.

There are smaller, but sustained, advertisements for Chamberlain’s Colic and Cholera and Diarrhoea Remedy. One must feel for Mr C.B. Wingfield of Fair Play Mo. USA, who suffered chronic dysentery for 35 years before finding this cure!

Pages 2 & 3

Here we get the usual smaller advertisements, Council notices and stock sales advertising and the like. Then comes the news, but this is increasingly interspersed with small print adverts and humorous stories and jokes which in some issues extend for over one column.

‘Sparks’ continues and is less cryptic than in some earlier years.

Even under ‘Current Topics’, which had traditionally been the heading for local news, it is annoying to find articles that turn into jokes or even advertisements. By July the heading was gone and the mixture of other items more than ever intruded on news. But this is quite inconsistent and in most issues news still had the dominant role.

There was much less news from other district correspondents than had been common earlier.

Serials continued to be a feature of the paper.

Any sign of an editorial point of view was hard to find and editorials were rare. Even the Mayor’s report on the year’s activity by Council was published without editorial comment.

Numbering of issues in 1902

Volume XV continued for the whole year, having started 7 December 1892.

The year began with Volume XV Number 496 on 1 January 1902

And continued to Volume XV Number 546 on 31December 1902

Numbering was fairly consistent, but there were a few anomalies.

496, 514 & 516 were used twice and 517 was not used.

XV, 547, 7 Jan. 1903

Page 1

Advertisements

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Auctioneers

Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd Auctioneers

W.P. Reed & Co. Auctioneers

Drew & Crewes Importers, Kooringa

C. & A. Fuss Timber Merchants, Aberdeen

John Pearce Timber Merchant, Kooringa

O. Bartholomaeus Timber Merchant, Redruth

T.T. Shortridge Estate & Commission Agent, Commercial St

A. Bartholomaeus Agent for Norwich Union Fire Insurance

S. Burns Blacksmith, Wheelwright, etc. Commercial St.

Thomas Harris Coachbuilder, Wheelwright, Shoeing & General Smith, Commercial St

[T.W. Wilkinson] Kooringa Dispensary – books, Cards, Spectacles, Aerated Drinks, Novelties

Page 2

Advertisements

Fred. Eskell Dentist: representative, Mr Creswell, visits Burra every six weeks at Vivian’s Hotel, Extractions 2/6 – Gas 10/- extra

W.J. Davey Agent for Hammond Typewriters

Page 4

Advertisements

Burra High School Annie B. Millar, Principal. [Bleak House]

C.C. Williams Ironmonger, Tinsmith, Galvanised Iron Worker, Commercial St

O. Bartholomaeus Carpenter, Builder, Bricks for sale

(Former premises of Sara & Dunstan, Aberdeen)

XV, 547, 7 Jan. 1903, page 2

New Year’s Pranks.

Some of the lads who in earlier years indulged in New Year’s Eve larks were asked why they refrained this year and why a footbridge or the like was not displaced replied: ‘Oh! The bloomin’ Council didn’t appoint any ‘Specials’ to have a bit of fun with.’

The Council seems to have learnt that such appointments were looked on as something of a farce and realised there are better ways of spending £3.

‘Whip’ reports that at the Terowie Sports on 1 January ‘Dick’ Gully won the three mile bicycle handicap and A.F. Heinrich was 2nd with O. Baynes 3rd. Baynes won the one mile event and came second in the two mile with Heinrich second and ‘Dick’ Gully third.

Weather for the holidays was pleasant and many went to the Booborowie Sports or to the World’s End Races on 1 January.

World’s End Races on 1 January were very successful and six events were contested. The Maidens and The Handicap were won by T. O’Dea’s The Norman, though some people are saying he was ineligible for the former given his striking resemblance to old Trentalto! Results are printed.

XV, 547, 7 Jan. 1903, page 3

Booborowie Sports saw a record gate and proved an immense success. The gate was over £21. Even the old time tug-of-war proved very exciting with the knot in the rope stationary for 1 minute 50 seconds. The results are printed. Apart from pedestrian and cycle races there was tilting, pick-a-back race, cotton winding contest, three-legged race, putting the weight and tossing the caber. A ball followed.

Westbury Methodist Church Anniversary was held on 28 December & 1 January. Proceeds exceeded £13. In the last 18 months over £26 has been spent on repairs and interest. The interior of the church will be renovated immediately.

F.J. Martin, Inspector since the death of J.R. Gray, has resigned, having secured the management of Moralina Station 200 miles from Burra. He was one of the firm of auctioneers, W.P. Reed & Co, and was identified with sports and the Burra Defence Rifle Club. Elias Wilks has been appointed Inspector for one month.

J.H. Dawes, who has had oversight of Princess Royal Estate for 24 years, has left the station. The continuing drought has compelled Mr J. Tennant to curtail expenses.

The Holiday Period has been remarkably free of over-indulgence or other activities occasioning police action.

Departures in the near future: Messrs F.J. Martin, M. May, W.P. Reed and F. Uren.

Salvation Army. Adjutant and Mrs Elder will farewell Burra people tomorrow. They are going to Unley.

A Burra contingent for Bundaleer Waterworks leaves for there during the week.

XV, 548, 14 Jan. 1903, page 2

The Boys’ Club lads have been meeting in a room in Thames St. Recently they amused themselves by destroying the toilet and threw the material all over the place. M-C Grosser collected the ‘gang’. The boys were properly scared, but were not prosecuted on condition they collect all the debris into a heap and filled in the hole. ‘Those 14 boys perspired more on Thursday than ever before.’

Cricket. The third match between North and South was played at Victoria Park on Saturday 10 January and resulted in: North 172 defeating South 151.

Salvation Army. Adjutant and Mrs Dodd took over on Thursday.

SAR. The recent rise in train fares saw only 358 passengers booked for the north on Xmas Day compared with 1,017 last year and 196 New Year’s Day compared with 1,175 last year. Does this make sense?

Main Roads are badly damaged by recent rains and we can’t see how they can be repaired without a special grant.

XV, 548, 14 Jan. 1903, page 3

Burra High School. [Bleak House] Principal’s Report for 1902.

Epidemics of measles and pneumonia made attendance sadly irregular for two quarters. Dorothy Roach is Dux for 1902.

In Class IV Mollie Stafford is ahead of all others as she was the only pupil present for all four quarterly exams. In the junior class Joy Sangster has the highest exam average. Rev. W. Murphy has done excellent volunteer work. There were so many absences at the end of 1902 that it was decided to postpone prize giving till Easter 1903. The prize list is printed.

Salvation Army. Adjutant and Mrs Dodd were welcomed at the Barracks on Thursday by Sgt-Maj. C. Morgan on behalf of the local corps. Ensign Nicholls, an old soldier of the Burra Corps was also present.

Seed Wheat Fund. A call is made to aid the fund which provides seed wheat to distressed farmers. 2/6 will buy 1⁄2 bushel of wheat to sow 1 acre and with the Government subsidy will serve 2 acres.

Mt Bryan Sports will be held 11 March with 16 events, both pedestrian and cycle.

Spurious coins are in circulation.

The Burra Electro-Magnetic Works are not yet in full swing.

The Howard Vernon Co. performed in Burra last Saturday.

Jimmy Harry, and old identity, visited Burra last week.

F. Fairweather, who has been in charge of the Burra School, has been transferred to Kadina.

Princess Royal. Mr Black is the new manager and ‘Jimmy’ Dawes is at present living on his block adjoining.

No more picnics are to be allowed at Princess Royal: cutting out the best picnic place in the neighbourhood.

Burra Mine has about 7 miners.

Sir Frederick Holder will preach at Redruth and Kooringa Methodist Churches on Sunday week.

Advt. Charles Morgan takes over the Kingston St Bakery from W. Ullmann after the latter’s 33 years in business.

XV, 549, 21 Jan. 1903, page 2

Harvest Festivals:

Booborowie Methodist and Stony Gap Methodist, 11, 12 & 13 January.

Redruth next Sunday when F.W. Holder will preach and at 3 p.m. there will be a pleasant Sunday afternoon with a social in the Jubilee hall on Monday evening.

Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church 14 January.

Henry Tiver married Miss M.J. Bentley. The trustees presented a mantelpiece clock to Mrs Tiver after the ceremony, in appreciation for her work as organist for the last 41⁄2 years.

Dr John I. Sangster Sen. writes calling on the public to aid the Burra Hospital which it is intended to light with acetylene gas.

C.C. Heinrich, late of Morgan, Blumberg (Birdwood), and Brighton, has taken over the Burra Hotel.

John Jenkins, whose sight is failing, is going to Adelaide for treatment. He was overseer for the Town Council for many years and is the expert on the survey of the town. He resigned some years ago, but his counsel is still sought.

Clare Races were held last Wednesday. Results are printed.

A Bolt. John Ford was at the old slaughterhouse one day last week on his way to the Black Waterholes and he left his six-year-old daughter in the cart. The horse bolted and dashed along the Baldina Road, the cart swerving onto one wheel for about ten yards, but the young girl managed to bring the horse to a stop and by the time the pursuers had caught up she had succeeded, though she lost some skin from her hands in the process and all he joints were stiff from the exertion.

[This reads like the slaughterhouse at the junction of the roads east from Kooringa and Redruth, and not O’Leary’s old slaughterhouse near the cemetery.]

XV, 549, 21 Jan. 1903, page 3

Vermin Boards. A conference of the Vermin Boards of Braemar, Murkaby and Old Koomooloo was held on Friday at the Institute and is reported.

Mr Scott, from Wallaroo Mines, has been appointed the new headmaster at Burra School.

Redruth Reformatory inmates held a picnic at Princess Royal on Thursday by permission of Mr Black, the manager, and returned home about 7 p.m.

Cricket. Burra cricketers went to Farrell’s Flat by train on Saturday and after a very hot afternoon’s cricket Burra 143 defeated Farrell’s Flat 59 & 56.

Redruth Court, 21 January.

Mrs Gully was fined for not sending a daughter to school as required.

XV, 550, 28 Jan. 1903, page 2

A water snake was discovered in a tank at the northern end of town last week.

Edward Oates, of Iron Mine, is selling up.

Mr Swann, a Bush Missionary, is in town and gives an entertainment at the Kooringa Methodist Hall tonight.

Burra District Council’s inspection of roads has shown that the late rains did a lot of damage and it is doubtful even with economy whether local funds will be adequate. The road east of Burra has been cut up over the last two years by teams carting wood to the Burra Slag Extraction Works.

James Linkson, who went to Adelaide six weeks ago for eye treatment, has returned and his eyes are much improved.

Sam Burns is using a new means of tightening a steel tyre on a wheel without heat.

A Bolt. Cyril McBride, a young lad working for Drew & Crewes, was lucky to escape serious injury when the carthorse bolted from near the Salvation Army Barracks to Drew & Crewes’ yard. The lad was holding the reins and taking off the chain when it started and he was dragged about a quarter of a mile before letting go.

A Trip to Clare: Part 1: an extended article.

XV, 550, 28 Jan. 1903, page 3

Cricket. At Victoria Park Monday last: Burra 168 defeated Saddleworth 129.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. was floated some time ago under what was thought to be favourable circumstances, but since then almost nothing has been done, though a plant to treat the dumps on the surface has been erected. Difficulty in drying the stuff on the surface has resulted in considerable alterations and so delayed the start of operations. Messrs Martin & Co. of Gawler have made certain proposals. They propose to take over the mine and work it on tribute, but negotiations are not finalised.

Sir F.W. Holder gave an address on Twenty-seven Years as a Local Preacher, in Jubilee hall on Monday evening.

J. Dunstan is selling lease No. 129 Book 420 of a piece of land 375links x 133links on which is the valuable residence occupied by W.P. Reed, adjoining the town of Redruth.

[This would seem to be the substantial old house on the south side of St Just St in Graham.]

XV, 561, 4 Feb. 1903, page 2 [Note the sudden leap from No. 550 to 561]

Advt. World’s End Sports, Wednesday 4 March.

E.F. Lockyer thanks those who helped prevent a fire on his property last week from reaching the house.

SAR – Few are travelling now. On Thursday morning the Broken Hill express carried only four passengers.

Burra Show Soc. The Show of 1902 produced a surplus of c. £30.

Fire was discovered in a shed at E.F. Lockyer’s residence in the old mine stores one evening last week at about 6.30. The shed was lost, but the fire was contained.

Farrell’s Flat Races last week are reported.

XV, 561, 4 Feb. 1903, page 3

A Trip to Clare: Part 2.

Kooringa Methodist Church Harvest Thanksgiving, 8 & 9 February.

Advt. 11 February, Handel Festival: Messiah

Burra Choral Society, Clare Choral Society, Burra Orchestra with Ten Adelaide Professionals.

A total of 150 performers. 2/6 with reserved seats at 3/-.

XV, 562, 11 Feb. 1903, page 2

Wirth’s Circus will arrive in Burra by special train next week and open on Thursday 19 February. Since its last visit it has been expanded. They bring five lions, three tigers, bears, elephants, camels, dingoes, ourang outangs, monkeys etc. 4/-, 3/-, 2/-.

Burra Waterworks.

For some time a breakdown of the pump has been feared. On Monday the engine failed, and though attempts were made to keep going using three of the six pumps it eventually had to be given up. The engine is not powerful enough at 6 h.p. when some 14 h.p. is needed. The cost of keeping it in repair is enormous. About 12 months ago the Council paid £150 for repairs to the boiler and engine and now another expense is incurred. The Waterworks account is already overdrawn £64 and as there is no way to increase income the rate will have to be raised. It costs the Council more to pump water than they can get for it. Repeated calls on the Government to reduce the capital account have had little effect. We pay much more for water than anyone else in the state and constant expense to keep the old boiler in repair is sufficient reason for the Government to listen to reasonable requests. It is absurd to assert that the value of the plant has not depreciated and in any event the original capital was far too high by some £2,000 to £3,000 and the rate of interest is exorbitant. The Government must get the works into a good state of repair and put the financial side on a more satisfactory basis. A few years ago there were wells in the town and a few days stoppage was not noticed, but now wells have been filled in and residents depend solely upon the supply. Residents are perplexed to find water which will have to be carted to the Hospital and Reformatory and stock must be driven some distance. Council at its meeting on Monday decided to take the engine out and send it to Adelaide for temporary repairs and get it back as soon as possible. We must get a new engine.

XV, 562, 11 Feb. 1903, page 3

Phosphate has allegedly been discovered near the old Black hills Silver Mine some 18 miles east of Burra. A shaft is to be put down to test the spot.

Elections in SA. A petition is to be sent to Parliament asking that elections in SA be held no later than March as currently we have used April and May when farmers are busy.

Iron Mine Sports will be on 18 February.

A Trip to Clare: Part 3.

Central Methodist Mission held a fete and continental at Sir Frederick Holder’s residence, Wavertree, on Saturday. The Mission Band played and there was a fair attendance.

Burra Mine. Nothing more has been heard of the prospect of working the Burra Mine on tribute.

Farmers in the East are busy prospecting in the hope of finding something useful.

XV, 563, 18 Feb. 1903, page 2

Messiah on Wednesday was a real treat. Mr G.E. Dane is to be commended for producing such a difficult piece under adverse conditions. The local stage was too small and additions had to be made.

Wirth Bros. Circus appears tomorrow night at the north end of town.

Weather. In the past week very hot weather led up to Saturday when at 9 p.m. a very severe thunderstorm struck with severe hail which covered the ground 2”-3” thick. Vegetation was stripped of leaves and flowers were destroyed. Grapes were reduced to pulp. Spoutings were blocked and water overflowed into ceilings. Scores of sparrows were killed. Two horses attached to vehicles carrying children bolted, but they ran into each other after 100 yards and so a more serious result was averted.

Martindale Races ran last Wednesday and attracted 5,000 to 6,000 people. Sideshows were numerous, but did relatively little business. Results are printed.

A Trip to Clare: Part 4. (Final)

‘Archie’ McLagan was well known in Burra, having entered the banking service here four years ago. Here he was secretary to several clubs and a member of the Burra Orchestra and PCR in the Foresters Lodge. He left Burra 18 months ago to fill a position in the Perth Bank. He was entrusted to take £2,000 of the Bank of Australasia’s from Pert to Kalgoorlie and went missing. He and two associates have now been charged with the theft of the money.

XV, 563, 18 Feb. 1903, page 3

Archie McLagan was brought to Burra as a child and being the only one in the family received great attention from both parents. He was a clever scholar and received a college education. He was noted for his geniality, courtesy and general good conduct. Both parents are dead and his aged aunts most shocked.

[He must have been the child of the architect Mr George McLagan and his wife was the principal of Burra High School, conducted at ‘Bleak House’. The principal of Burra High School in 1902 was one of the shocked aunts, Miss Annie B. Millar.]

Messiah. A flash photograph of Messiah performers is available from the Record.

Nurse Harry is leaving the Burra Hospital after 5 years.

Burra Waterworks. The engine is expected back today. The town water cart has been filling in. A new engine will have to be got as this patch up job will not last.

Foxes are becoming numerous along the Murray River.

Mr J. Jenkins has returned from Adelaide. His eyesight is not better yet, but he is hopeful.

E.F. Lockyer offers 10/- reward for information re jewellery stolen from his residence during the recent fire.

Earthquake. A small earthquake struck Burra last Saturday evening.

XV, 564, 25 Feb. 1903, page 2

Burra Waterworks. The engine returned last Wednesday and was at once placed in position.

The McLagan Robbery. There has been another arrest in the Perth bank-note robbery.

XV, 564, 25 Feb. 1903, page 3

Obituary. Steve Sanderson died at Braemar suddenly while helping a fellow teamster over a creek. He was aged 58 and a resident of Baldina for 20 years. He leaves a wife and grown-up family.

[Further details of the incident are given.] [Stephen Sanderson died 19 February 1903]

Obituary. Rev. James Rowe died 14 February 1903 [Aged 78]. Notes from a sermon preached in his memory by Rev. W.F. James at Redruth Methodist Church 22 February.

J. Rowe preached his first sermon aged 18 and entered the Bible Christian ministry three years later. After five years he and Rev. James Way, father of SA’s Chief Justice, were sent to SA as the first Bible Christian ministers in Australia, arriving in 1850. Mr Way settled in Adelaide and Mr Rowe in Kooringa, where there was a church to seat 200 and three local preachers. After a month he walked most of the way to Adelaide, preaching by the way. On the return journey he almost died of an illness at Kapunda, but survived another 52 years. For some time he and his wife lived in a hut in the Burra Creek with a household of eight members. Then a friend allowed them a room in his house. The church prospered till the Victorian gold rush. Mrs Rowe supplemented their income with needlework, often 16 hours a day to provide the necessities. After the men returned a manse was built and the size of the church doubled. For a time the circuit was fifty miles long, but then Kapunda was attached to Gawler. Mr Rowe opened services at Riverton, auburn and Watervale. After six years in Burra Mr Rowe began work in Adelaide. After a struggle £1,000 was raised before the opening of the church which is now the social hall of the Central Mission. In 1859 Mr Rowe went to superintend the Mission in Victoria, where he spent 18 years. The circuit at Geelong was 140 miles long. The term at Ballarat was hard and in Melbourne he managed a book room. One day he left Melbourne by coach and travelled 60 miles before breakfast and the road being too hard for the coach, then rode 60 miles to reach his destination by 8 p.m. that day. Mr Rowe returned to SA in 1877 and for six years worked at Moonta and Auburn. He was president of the Conference in 1881 and returned to England two years later where he superintended the erection of the beautiful church at Forest Hill in London and visited widely. He returned to SA and spent a further six years in the circuit before being superannuated. Later a purse of sovereigns and an illuminated address were presented him in Franklin St Church. His strong willpower made him a formidable opponent. Mrs Rowe died two years ago.

Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Manoora 88 & 6 for 72, Burra 148.

A win to Burra on the first innings.

An Entertainment at the Burra Institute on 6 March will raise money towards gas light for the Burra Hospital.

Wirth’s Circus played on Thursday night to a very large and appreciative audience. It was a show that has not been excelled in this town. The appreciative review runs almost 2⁄3 column.

XV, 565, 4 Mar. 1903, page 2

Editorial on The Burra Mine.

Those who recently invested were assured that action would quickly be taken to get the mine producing. It is months since the bargain was closed and there has been silence. Copper prices are up and the market outlook is good. Shareholders need to bestir themselves or the ores will never be disturbed. The Snow process to treat the ‘dumps’ is not yet a success and it will be some time (if ever) before there is a dividend from that scheme. Something must be done to foster the mining industry. The town is becoming poorer every day. It is only the small capital that prevents action, but that will not grow and we might as well make the best of a bad job and develop the mine as far as possible with the money on hand. The shareholders will then be content, though perhaps not satisfied that they have got something for their money.

Court.

There was a family dispute over two lots of wandering fowls that has resulted in George and Frank Ford not talking to one another.

[A court case was reported with a lengthy explanation of an essentially trivial matter in the paper of 25 February 1903]

A second court case arising out of the incidents is reported in this issue.

The Phosphate discovery at Black Hills has turned out quite well. Test samples have shown 651⁄4% and the body of stone is quite large. A bulk sample of 31⁄2 tons has been sent to Adelaide Chemical Works for treatment.

John I. Sangster Sen. writes a letter on the Burra Burra Mine.

Some time ago when the town was pointed out as being in decline, the mining company was floated and many, wishing to show their confidence in the venture and the town, put their money into it. So far little has been done and the experiment to extract copper from the dump does not look promising. Since then more families have left the town, the brewery has closed and the status of the hospital is reduced. The Eastern Plains are again a failure and more of the surrounding country has passed into the hands of large land-owners. Unless some new industry is forthcoming the drift will continue. The closing of the Smelting Works has thrown a number out of employment. The coming winter will be hard for many. The mine is the only clear option and should be undertaken, even if little or no profit comes to shareholders. There are, according to old miners, thousands of tons of payable ore close to hand in the open cut and if the water was lowered and a reasonable tribute exacted there would be work for a number of men. Why not? Someone competent should give a reliable opinion. It seems the directors are happy to leave it to posterity.

XV, 565, 4 Mar. 1903, page 3

Mr James Linkson, who is being treated by Dr Hamilton, has returned and his eyes are much better with much improved sight.

W.H. March, who has been in hospital for 11 weeks with haemorrhage of the lungs, is now convalescent.

The New School of Mines and Industries on North Terrace, Adelaide, was opened on 24 February by Lieut. Governor Sir Samuel Way in a long and tedious ceremony including a speech for the better part of an hour by Sir Samuel. The Premier, J. Jenkins proposed a vote of thanks, seconded by Sir Frederick Holder. Sir Frederick is appearing very little in social life at present.

Cricket. At Victoria Park on Wednesday: Burra 288 defeated Stockbreeders 108.

On Saturday Burra 155 defeated Gum Creek 55 & 6 for 96: on the first innings.

Advt. The annual Social for the Australasian National League will be held in the Institute 17 March.

XV, 566, 11 Mar. 1903, page 2

The Child Vera Edwards, on the way home from school, scrambled onto a scarifier being towed behind a wagon. She then fell and was caught by one of the tines and dragged over 20 yards before her screams and those of bystanders were heard by the driver. Her clothes were damaged and it is a miracle she was not badly injured or killed.

Straying Animals continue to comprise many of the court cases being heard.

Ah Chin however, drove around the Best Place corner at more than walking speed and was fined 2/6 plus 5/- costs.

The Entertainment in aid of gas lighting at the Hospital produced a satisfactory result.

XV, 566, 11 Mar. 1903, page 3

Mr F. Fairweather, who was abruptly transferred to Kadina from Burra School, will receive a beautiful pictorial book, subscribed for by the students.

World’s End Sports results from last Wednesday’s meeting are printed.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. The match fired on 21 & 25 February showed that more practice is needed. A. Bennetts and A. Ward were equal first on 79, though Bennetts has the lower handicap. For the match fired on 4 & 7 March G. Herbert 71 led D.S. Moore 67.

Burra Burra Copper Mining Co. has called a meeting for Friday evening 13 March.

Salvation Army Harvest Festival was held last Sunday. The wet day reduced both attendance and donations. On Monday a musical evening was held.

XV, 566 (2), 18 Mar. 1903, page 2 [Second use of No. 566]

Bt Bryan Athletics Club, 4th Annual Meeting on Wednesday last. Results printed.

A concert and dance followed the sports.

Football. Ramblers met last night for the first time this season.

Aberdeens are to meet on Thursday.

Kooringa seems a doubtful starter for this season.

XV, 566 (2), 18 Mar. 1903, page 3

Burra Burra Copper Co. shareholders met at the Institute on Friday. There was a large attendance requiring extra seating. E.W. Crewes presided. The chairman said that 18 months ago there was a move to float the Burra Mine, but not a lot of capital was forthcoming. It was thought that the mine would end the trouble and distress of the town. We were then given to think that the mine would be developed systematically and that work would commence soon. The meeting was not called to dictate to the directors, but to discuss the matter in a friendly manner. Complications had arisen, but were being overcome and he hoped the property would be active soon.

Dr J.I. Sangster moved the meeting request information from the directors re the prospects of the mine starting work. Shareholders had a right to know at least when it was intended to develop the property. 2nd W.E. Jordan and carried.

W.J. Davey moved that considering the present price of copper the meeting feels that valuable time is being lost. Nothing appears to have been done in 18 months. Certainly the Snow process was in course of erection and no doubt the treatment of the heaps would be shortly commenced. With copper at £64-£65 a ton the outlook was bright. 2nd T.W. Pearce and carried.

Dr J.I. Sangster moved that in view of the lack of employment and the distress in Burra and the decrease in town population it is a matter of national and local importance that steps be taken to start the mine as soon as possible. If water was pumped out of the mine work could be found for many immediately. Most had not invested to get fat profits, but to advance the town and bring back a tide of prosperity. The town was getting poorer and residents were still leaving. 2nd E.J. Cox.

W.J. Richards spoke in support as did Rev. W.G.M. Murphy. J. Drew thought the motion awkward. The directors were likely to reply that they were not philanthropists. The directors were in it to make money and not for the benefit of Burra. A report had been circulated that owing to a clause in the agreement between Messrs Snow & Elder, Smith & Co. and the Burra Burra Copper Co. no water could be pumped into the Burra Creek because the contract between the parties gave them the right to treat ores in the creek. But this difficulty could be overcome by pumping into a different part of the creek. He did not object to the motion, but thought it would carry little weight.

Rev. Murphy then thought he would withdraw his support.

Mr Burns favoured the resolution because he thought some advantage should be given to tributers.

Mr Drew moved as an amendment:

‘That local shareholders having fullest confidence in the wealth of the Burra Mine and having respect to the number of local men who are anxious to get work on it, trust that the directors will soon be able to see their way clear to start some work on the mine.’

Mr Crewes thought the directors needed to be told the unvarnished truth about distress in the town and the urgency of the need for employment. We are told directors are not philanthropists, but they do have sympathy with the needs of the town. He felt the amendment was weaker and supported the resolution.

Dr Sangster said that rather than breed discord he would withdraw his motion in favour of the amendment as he thought they said much the same thing.

The amendment was put and lost and the motion then carried unanimously.

The resolutions are to be conveyed to the directors in Adelaide by a deputation of Dr Sangster and Rev. W.G.M. Murphy.

St Patrick’s Day was celebrated yesterday with a special service at St Joseph’s. In the absence of Father Reddan due to illness it was conducted by Father O’Dowling from Sevenhills.

Obituary and Inquest. William Henry Pitcher, aged 18, was killed in a hay carting accident. He was working for Mr Thomas Rogers. The inquest was held at Hanson on Sunday.

The evidence of those at the farm was consistent and the police agreed with them.

The deceased was struck violently when a wagon jolted and the hay frame fell down, catching the deceased on the chest and breaking his back which came into contact with the frame of the wagon. The deceased had been cautioned to put the hay frame down when the wagon was unloaded, but had ignored the advice. [Born 14 July 1884; died 15 March 1903]

Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Burra 210 defeated Robertstown 157.

Fitzgerald Bros. Circus will come to Burra of 23 March.

XV, 567, 25 Mar. 1903, page 2

Advt. Selections from Messiah by about 70 members of the Burra Orchestra and Choral Society will be given at Kooringa Methodist Church on Sunday at 3 p.m. A collection will be taken.

Obituary. Mr Frederick Bourman died at his Kooringa residence on Friday. He had resided in Burra for the past 38 years and got his living as a drover. He was 68 and leaves 4 daughters [sic] and 5 sons: Mrs W. Gillett (Hampton), Minnie, Annie, Albina & Tilly (Burra) & Messrs John & William in WA and Benjamin, Walter & Alfred in Burra. [Frederick Rudolph Bourman died 19 March 1903]

Servants! Girls in the area are trying to get the word ‘servant’ changed to ‘lady’s help’. Many apparently prefer to stay home and chop wood to being daubed with the title of servant.

The Australasian National Defence League Annual Social was held at the Institute on 17 March. F.A.S. Field presided over a large attendance. There were addresses from the Hon. J. Lewis MLC, Hon. W.B. Rounsevell MP, Hon. Thomas Pascoe MLC and Mr Robert Hogarth.

Football. At the first meeting of the Ramblers for the season at R.D. Pascoe’s on Tuesday they elected:

President: W.P. Barker

Captain: A.D. Wilkinson

Vice-Captain B. Wheatley.

Burra Burra Copper Co. received the deputation of Dr Sangster and Rev. Murphy on Monday. The response will be presented to a meeting next Thursday evening.

XV, 567, 25 Mar. 1903, page 3

Fitzgerald’s Circus on Monday presented a first class show. Many of the acts were the best of their kind.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. 10th match for the clock, cup and rifle.

R.D. Pascoe 93 from D.S. Moore 83.

Sir Frederick Holder soon leaves for Sydney where he will be invested with his KCMG.

E.A. Brummitt, son of Dr Brummitt, left for Edinburgh last week where he will continue his medical studies.

XV, 568, 1 Apr. 1903, page 2

Burra Show Society made a profit of £32-12-1, to which will be added the Government grant-in-aid.

Gold Prospecting. Messrs W.H. Hardy, E. Johnson and A. Brandt of Burra, left last November on a prospecting trip to the MacDonald Ranges in Central Australia, for a local syndicate. They returned last week after a most eventful time. After many hardships they arrived in Central Australia within four weeks of leaving Oodnadatta with two horses and a spring dray, having walked the whole 400 miles on account of insufficient horse strength over heavy tracks with long stretches between water. Mr Hardy had very favourable opinions of the Arltunga Fields, having been there some 5-6 years before and not changing his mind this time. Their early return was due to the half-hearted funding by the syndicate. The field was dominated by many well prepared parties in command of large amounts of capital. Still he fears much harm is being done by speculators and boosters, beating up the value of stocks far too high before men actually on the field have had a change to prove the real value. Much more honesty is required. Despite all, he thinks there are real prospects for genuine investment and for properties worked honestly. So far he says the White Range Field is the only proven one. There reefs are true and plentiful. What is needed is for a big company to buy out the smaller ones, provide water and introduce machinery. The Hardy party did peg out a claim which assayed 8 dwts gold and 17 oz silver per ton, which a company with a battery and water could make pay, but they had to abandon it. Hardy finds the country not bad to live in. The climate in the ranges is splendid, but provision must be made for a permanent water supply and sanitary arrangements attended to. The best way to get to Arltunga is by train to Oodnadatta (£3-1-4 from Burra) and then per mail coach for £9 plus provide your own provisions. The trip takes about 3 weeks.

Burra Burra Copper Co. Report from the Deputation to the Directors.

Mr Crewes presided at the meeting at the Institute on Thursday evening.

It has been rumoured that the manager of the Electro-Magnetic Works had instructions to call tenders for clearing out the creek leading from the open cut. Dr Sangster had waited on the manager, Mr Marriott, who confirmed that it was so.

The results of the conference with the directors were reported by Dr Sangster:

The directors will consider dewatering the mine to a certain level.

The directors are favourable to a number of tributers working in the mine.

The directors will consider reducing the royalty paid by tributers: those present being favourable.

The directors have confidence in the work of Messrs Snow & Elder.

In the event of unwatering the mine Mr Snow’s rights would not be a hindrance.

Profit arising from treatment of orey matter by the magnetic process would be used to develop the mine up to £10,000.

We are satisfied that the options being pursued are the best in the interests of shareholders generally.

The report was received.

The hard-headed business attitude he felt was absent and the directors were anxious to help as much as possible. They said they were surprised the royalty was currently 5/- in the £1 and one said he thought it was 2/6 in the £1. They were quite in earnest re the unwatering of the mine. E.W. Crewes was encouraged by the creek clearing and hoped the meeting might soon bear fruit in terms of employment.

Rev. Murphy said it was Mr Snow’s idea that had encouraged the directors to buy the mine. Mr Snow was willing to erect an electric pump to the existing structure to reduce the water level. If work proceeds in earnest a crusher will be erected to the advantage of tributers. Of course Mr Snow would be paid for treating the ore. Directors were out to foster tributers. Directors did not intend developing the mine until the tailings had been treated. Messrs Snow & Elder had a time limit to start treating the tailings by 13 July. If the mine was unwatered to 50 fathoms at least 300 could be employed.

Rev. Murphy thought it would help the tributers if they got together and formed a sort of company.

Mr Sanders didn’t think that idea would work.

[Personal note: this may be Mr John Sanders, my great-grandfather, who worked as a tributer at the mine after it closed.]

XV, 568, 1 Apr. 1903, page 3

Burra Defence Rifle Club shooting contest on Wednesday: Blyth 450 defeated Burra 417.

A home and away match was also fired: Yorketown 562 defeated Burra 474.

Loyal Aberdeen Lodge MUIOOF was visited by District Officers of the Adelaide District on Friday and a social followed the lodge meeting. Aberdeen Lodge has been around for 46 years and this is the first visit of District Officers.

XV, 569, 8 Apr. 1903, page 2

Thefts. There have been several petty robberies at Redruth and Kooringa lately.

Burra Orchestra & Choral Society gave a performance of Messiah at the Salvation Army Barracks on Sunday, to a good audience.

Rain so far this week has been very useful.

Paul Neydock was charged with indecently assaulting Katherine Bennett, aged 4, on 1 April at Kooringa. The evidence strongly suggests he was intellectually disabled and Dr Sangster said he thought the accused was ‘not mentally sound’. The bench was not convinced of that and he was committed for trial in Adelaide.

XV, 569, 8 Apr. 1903, page 3

Mr Hardy gives a further account of the goldfields in the MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia. He says he would be very willing to return there if anyone wants to fund a party: he would go either as the leader or a member of the group. He says he is responding to questioners interested in the prospects of gold in the MacDonnell Ranges. Despite adverse reports about parts of the country he says he is still favourably inclined about it as a whole. At Winnecke’s what has been found has often been in disturbed country and the origins of the gold are yet to be determined. He also expressed some faith in the discovery of payable alluvial gold between Winnecke’s Depot and Ruby Gap to the east along the Hale River.

Hettie Walhert, aged 15, was charged with stealing various items of clothing and Manchester from Jane Berriman of Kooringa, between 24 March and 2 April, to the value of £5. She was sent to Redruth Reformatory for two years.

Cricket. At Clare 28 March: Clare 258 defeated Burra 114. A dust storm blew most of the time.

Obituary. Mrs Catherine Linkson died at her residence in Redruth on Monday. She had lived here for many years. [Died 5 April 1903 aged 77. If her husband was William George she was born Catherine Gorman, but the ages at marriage and death do not correspond.]

XV, 570, 15 Apr. 1903, page 2

Westbury Sunday School Anniversary 5 & 8 April. Mr Burns preached.

Hanson Methodist Church Anniversary and Harvest Festival 5 & 10 April drew large congregations. Despite bad weather on Good Friday 73 went down by train and attendance was good at the tea meeting. Total proceeds £12-11-5.

Burra Defence Rifle Club AGM was held on Wednesday 1 April at the Burra Hotel with the President, J.A. Pearce in the chair. He reported a less successful year with falling membership due to decreasing prosperity in the town and a general feeling of malaise in Australia. Still the club was well supported by several gentlemen with prizes and fired 24 local matches with an average of over 15 competitors. Five matches were fired with other clubs of which Burra won two and lost three. [Details given.] There was a credit balance of £8-18-4. After the visit to Semaphore we adopted Bisley Targets, having been told these would replace the old military ones, but few clubs have done this and good results with them have not been obtained with the Martini Rifles. The club will revert to military targets and conditions.

Shooting match for clock, cup and rifle on 8 & 12 April: G. Scott 95 from H.E. Riggs 88.

W.H. Hardy, who has represented the ratepayers as Councillor in both the East and North Wards for nearly ten years, has been approached to fill a vacancy in East Ward caused by the resignation of Mr Henry Walker who has left the district. He has had to decline as he expects to be absent from the town for some time.

Mr Wittber, who was headmaster of Burra School ten years ago, paid a visit to the town on Easter Monday and visited old friends. He looked very well despite the death of his wife about two months ago.

W.H. Linkson is visiting the town for the first time in about nine years, owing to the death of his mother. He holds a responsible position in the telegraph department in WA. He is disappointed with the reserve in Redruth which he planted with trees at great cost and which if looked after would have beautified the town. He was a tireless member of the Town Council while here. [Dec. 1891-Nov. 1895]

Cricket. Saturday at Hallett: Hallett 113 defeated Burra 53.

Monday at Victoria Park: Burra 154 defeated Stockbreeders 24 & 99.

Dr Sangster jun. took 7 for 6 runs in the 1st innings and 7 for 62 in the 2nd, which included a hat trick.

XV, 570, 15 Apr. 1903, page 3

Burra Mine. The question has gone quiet again.

Burra High School [Bleak House] held a highly successful concert on Thursday evening and prize distribution took place.

XV, 571, 22 Apr. 1903, page 2

St Mary’s Sunday School Picnic took place at Sod Hut on Wednesday and was very successful with the group returning about 6 p.m. without mishap.

Municipal Election. The election for a councillor to replace Cr Walker will be held next Saturday. Candidates are J. Snell and W.J. Davey.

Archie McLagan was sentenced to three years for his part in the Perth Banknote Robbery.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. 13th match for the clock and cup: C. Parks 99 from J. Casey 98.

This gives C. Parks enough points to take the cup.

Sir Frederick William Holder was invested with the KCMG in Sydney on Saturday by the Governor-General, Lord Tennyson.

XV, 571, 22 Apr. 1903, page 3

George Hammond, previously of Burra, is now living in North Adelaide with his son-in-law, Mr J. Wittle.

Captain ‘Jack’ Watt has now cleared up all the contingent work and left the other night for Sydney where Lord Tennyson presented him with the DSO. He is said not to be keen on returning to the drapery business.

Advt. The AGM of the Burra Jubilee Benevolent Soc. will be held on 30 April in the Burra Institute.

Obituary. The only son of Mr Elias Wilks died on Monday. [David Edward Wilks was born 5 February 1889 and died 20 April 1903 aged 14.]

XV, 572, 29 Apr. 1903, page 2

Salvation Army. Envoy Mrs Prowse will conduct special services at the Barracks on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. It is 19 years since Mrs Prowse worked in the Burra Corps with her husband who died about five years ago.

Municipal Election for East Ward.

J. Snell 31

W.J. Davey 28

The Lane-Robertson & Co. Burra-Arltunga Prospecting Syndicate

W.H. Hardy writes to contradict John Lane’s version of the recent prospecting trip to the NT.

He claims Mr John Lane has publicly set forth untrue issues relating to the failure of the recent prospecting trip, but that Hardy is willing at any time to meet any shareholders and prove the bona fides of the party and he says their claims against the managing director were just and honest.

[Note that the Record does not appear to have published any of Lane’s statements, though Hardy was reported at length in the papers of 1 April & 8 April.]

‘Where are we?’ writes asserting some illegal goings-on in Council.

Some weeks ago a Waterworks Commission was held and a certain business was decided upon, but when it got to the general meeting of Council for confirmation the Council decided not to do so.

At the following meeting one of the ruling powers from his place in the chair, finding one Councillor absent, presented these minutes again, put them again and declaring them duly carried, demanded the business be transacted. Though brought forward illegally and passed as confirmed, even then the business was not adopted by the meeting as law demands. This is but one instance of the muddle things are in and it is time ratepayers met and made some attempt to get the town’s business legally transacted before it is too late.

St Mary’s Easter Vestry Meeting. The past year had been singularly happy and pleasant. Church was well attended. The income had been £419 and expenditure £425. Church buildings had been thoroughly renovated for £98. It was decided to start a ‘Rector Building Fund’ [sic] [Rectory!]

XV, 572, 29 Apr. 1903, page 3

An Entertainment was provided at the Burra Hospital on Wednesday.

Ruby Bertram, aged 10, was being cared for by her grandmother, Mrs Klaffus, her mother being in Broken Hill. Her mother was to send 5/- a week towards her support, but had failed to do so. She was sent to Edwardstown Reformatory as a neglected child, till age of 18.

Burra Waterworks.

The boiler has been thoroughly repaired and the cost has been something like £254 in the last two years. A deputation was proposed to the Commissioner of Public Works to ask that he allow one year’s interest (£162) towards the cost. It was proposed to do this when he visited with the recent Water Commission, but unforseen circumstances prevented this.

Notice. Tenders are called for the purchase of a shop and dwelling house known as ‘Burra News’ in Commercial St Kooringa, by John Sampson.

Obituary. Mr B. Preece died on Sunday – an old and respected resident. [Benjamin Preece died 26 April 1903 aged 78.]

XV, 573, 6 May 1903, page 2

W.H. Hardy, recently back from a prospecting trip to Central Australia has gone prospecting north of Hallett to the headwaters of the creeks leading to Ulooloo: the Nollenius, Coglin & Ulooloo Creeks. He seeks to locate the reefs supplying the alluvial gold to the Ulooloo Field. He hopes the field may be payable.

XV, 573, 6 May 1903, page 3

Advt. Gebhardt Bros. offer £10 reward for conviction of the owner of a black kangaroo dog that worried sheep at Carlsruhe on 26 April. [Carlsruhe = Kunden, near Waterloo.]

Advt. Warning to mushroomers and coursing men: written permission is required to intrude onto Mackerode Estate. All dogs destroyed.

Advt. Warning against trespassing with dogs onto Princess Royal Estate.

Redruth Court, 29 April.

William John Richards, bicycle agent, and Edward Kavin Lynch, labourer of Mt Bryan, applied to have their bicycles returned from the police. The cycles had been fraudulently obtained from them by a person for whose arrest, warrants had been issued, but who had not been found by police. They were returned on condition the owners held them for six months in case they were required as evidence.

Burra Jubilee Benevolent Soc. Meeting on Thursday. The abstracts from the balance sheets show an income for 1902 of £36-9-11 and expenditure of £64-3-4. In 1903 these figures had been £58-16-0 and £56-3-8 respectively. Help given for the two years:

1902 1903

Aged man & women 25 29

Families including children 28 30

Numbers helped 53 59

Orders for firewood 353 335

Groceries 60 87

Drapery 14 23

Total orders 427 445

Paul Neydock is settled into Adelaide Gaol. His mother has gone to Broken Hill.

Sir Frederick Holder will give a lecture tomorrow evening in the Burra Institute.

Obituary. Thomas Lally, aged 32, son of P. Lally of Burra, was killed at the Lake View Consols Mine, Kalgoorlie, on Friday.

‘Ratepayer’ writes re ‘Where are we?’ of the previous issue. At the last meeting of Council a letter of sympathy was sent to Mr Pryor. This was an insult to Mr Pryor and sent with no good feelings toward him. If published it would open the eyes of ratepayers. The Council made no complaint against him while working; therefore they should be fair and honest with him.

‘If we know where we are!’ writes that following last week’s letter the Council minute book was taken to a solicitor to see whether the minutes were properly confirmed etc.

[The Council meeting of 4 May is not reported.]

XV, 574, 13 May 1903, page 2

Sir F.W. Holder delivered a very interesting lecture on Four recent books I have read, at the Institute on Thursday. Attendance was very fair.

Mushrooms are very abundant at present.

Salvation Army. Envoy Mrs Prowse left Burra on Friday after successful meetings. Friends were glad to see her after an absence of about 19 years. Major and Mrs Veal will conduct special meetings tonight in the Barracks. The Major first visited am few weeks ago, but it is Mrs Veal’s first visit.

XV, 574, 13 May 1903, page 3

Burra Institute Chess & Draught Club met for 1st time on Friday evening. Attendance was small, but keen.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. In the 14th match for the clock on 2 & 6 May: J.E. Pearce 110 from A. Bennetts 105.

St Mary’s. Members of St Mary’s accepted W.P. Barker’s invitation to take a run out to his residence on Wednesday.

The Marionettes performed in Burra on Monday & Tuesday to fair houses. It was a unique and high-class novelty entertainment.

A Bolt. Two horses attached to a buggy bolted from Hon. J. Lewis’s on Tuesday, going down Commercial St to the Burra Hotel and when almost there they turned, pulled away a tree guard and rushed between the hotel and a verandah post. It was torn away and a bridle post demolished. The pole and swing bar then broke. One horse was caught, but the other went on. Just then the mail-cart horse bolted, but it was slow as the wheel was chained.

Football. Saturday: Aberdeen 24 defeated Kooringa 12.

XV, 575, 20 May 1903, page 2

Dr Torr, for 11 years the principal of Way College, will preach at Redruth Methodist Church Anniversary sermons on 31 May and will lecture on his trip to Palestine on Monday 1 June.

W.H. Hardy has returned with some indications of gold, but needs capital for a company to exploit the find east of the old alluvial Ulooloo diggings. Men working the area now are doing little.

Football. Wednesday at Victoria Park: Ramblers 4.11 defeated Aberdeen 3.3

XV, 575, 20 May 1903, page 2-3

Burra Waterworks.

Deputation to Council re the Water Concession.

A previous meeting of Council decided to do away with the concession whereby ratepayers were allowed to use water at their private residence if they did not use it at their business premises. The deputation objected and asked for the resolution to be rescinded.

The obvious arguments were presented by Mr Crewes:

People were only asking to be allowed to use what they had already paid for – no extra water is involved.

They merely sought what was just and equitable.

The speaker thought there was a leakage somewhere, but it was not with the larger ratepayers. Drew and Crewes were a large ratepayer, but used very little at the Kooringa store – they should be allowed to use it at the Redruth [sic] store. [i.e. Aberdeen] The difficulty would persist if the Council did not put on meters.

C.C. Williams echoed Mr Crewes – he paid at four places, but used water only at two.

Mr Wilkinson followed – he favoured the use of meters.

The Mayor said he would place the matter before Council, but could not hold out any hope for the deputation. The Council had considered the matter carefully and concluded something had to be done to check the enormous leakage daily witnessed. The Council is about to approach the Commissioner of Public Works with a view to inducing him to allow the remission of six months rent due to the cost of repairing the boiler. He did not wish anyone to pay for what they did not receive. The Commissioner said that unless the concession were removed and a proper system for the delivery of water inaugurated they need not approach him in the matter. Meters would be placed at various places and if leakages could be located the cost of water would fall. If a ratepayer has two properties he would have two meters to pay for. The Council is paid for 15,000 gallons and is pumping 40,000 gallons daily.

The Mayor said their plan is the only way to find out who is using the water.

116 meters had been returned to the Government at less than one third their cost.

The Mayor was determined to have the Waterworks in credit in his term. There was a leakage of 24,000 gallons a day.

Mr Jordan said Messrs Snell, Cook, Wilkinson, Urwin & Sons, Lane and himself did not use any water at their business places. His Worship – Well, I don’t believe that.

Mr Jordan – none of them have taps on.

A certain user had recently been found by meter to have used 50,000 gallons when he thought they had used 20,000. His Worship said they wanted to act fairly to all. As soon as possible all old meters would be replaced and he guessed all would be surprised. He said the Waterworks had been constructed on the guarantee principle and not on the concession. The concession had only been available about ten years,

Mr Wilkinson – longer than that.

Cr West – 14 to 15 years.

XV, 575, 20 May 1903, page 3

Mallett Athletics Club4th Annual Sports was held on Saturday last in bad weather which meant a rather small attendance at Mr H.W. Collin’s paddock. Results printed.

Entertainments in Burra last week included a hirdy-girdy, [sic] the Cunard Family, a cheap-jack and the Marionettes.

Mr W. Pryor, the Waterworks engineer, is able to get about again with the aid of a crutch and stick. The injury to his leg is making progress.

W.H. Hardy writes that Mayor Sampson had talked rot about the concessions not being allowed by the Act.

Clause 109: ‘Commissioner of Waterworks has power to lease the works to Municipal Corporations etc.’

Clause 110: ‘That the Commissioner has power to allow such concessions and remissions as he shall think fit etc.’

Clause 111: ‘The lessee during the term of the lease has and may exercise all such rights powers and privileges as are vested in the Commissioner.’

XV, 576, 27 May 1903, page 2

Motor Bicycles. Last week W.J. Richards of the Bicycle Depot Aberdeen sold two motor bicycles: one to T.H. Pearse of ‘The Gums’ and one to P. Baynes.

Elias Wilks, Inspector for the Town Council, tried to get four ratepayers fined for wandering goats, but being unable to reliably identify the goats the cases were dismissed with £1-10-0 cost to the Council.

Rain. Good falls throughout the district.

Burra Waterworks. T.F. Bentley is currently filling the position of engineer at the Waterworks.

On Wednesday the Mayor and Dr Sangster interviewed the Commissioner of Public Works, R.W. Foster and the Hydraulic Engineer, Mr Beyer, to get some reduction in the Waterworks account. They sought a reduction of £2,000 from the capital account. This was flatly refused, as was one of £1,000. The works were inspected. They asked then for the remission of the current half-year’s rent of £162 and they are hopeful that this might be granted. Expenditure has been £200 more than the income for the past two years and at present the account holds £80. This really means the remission of four year’s rent at 4%.

[This last remark is not explained.]

XV, 576, 27 May 1903, page 3

Colonel Madley Commissioner of Police visited Burra on Wednesday and inspected the police stations at Redruth and Kooringa and then visited the Burra Mine, the school and other public buildings. He admired the fine trees and general appearance of the town.

W.H. Hardy writes that some of the Councillors are now saying that even the Commissioner himself cannot deal with concessions or remissions except on the surrender of the lease. If this is so then why are they wasting time seeking concessions from the Commissioner themselves?

A Bolt. Mr L. Grow was unloading empty hogsheads from the former Unicorn Brewery at the Railway Station when one of them fell against the horses’ heels. They bolted across the lines and as a train was due from Mt Bryan danger was apprehended, but Mr Grow managed to stop them and retrieve both horses and trolley before the train arrived.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. directors are slow in arranging for additional tributers to work on the property.

William G. Torr gets a half-column article.

[Check page for court reports]

Redruth Court, 19 May.

Alfred Allen was sued by Messrs Ewins & Sons for debt. He acknowledged the debt, but was unable to pay having a wife and eight children to support. He said he had illness in the house and it took more than he could earn to make ends meet. He offered 1/- a week and an order was made for 2/- a week.

Alfred Allen was sued by Alfred Bennetts for goods supplied to Mary Allen. Small amounts had been paid but the claim was never settled in full. Verdict for the amount claimed.

Mary Allen was sued by Drew and Crewes – case adjourned for one month.

XV, 577, 3 June 1903, page 3

Dr Torr conducted church services at the Redruth Methodist church on Sunday to large congregations and on Monday he gave a lecture on Palestine which he has visited. A tea meeting is being held today.

Burra Mine. The Burra Burra Copper Co. has called tenders for clearing the old waterway from the Mine Pool to the Burra Creek. It is believed this is with a view to allow pumping water from the open cut to allow additional tributers to begin work.

Football. At Burra on 23 May: Burra 5.12 (42) defeated Manoora 0.2 (2)

Burra Defence Rifle Club. Lieut.-Col. Lyster visited on Thursday at the Institute and addressed the club on the aims of General Hutton and the Rifle Clubs.

Cpl Dick Gully was presented with the Distinguished Conduct Medal for bravery under fire in the Orange River State.

The Council was not represented as the letter sent to that body was mislaid and was not presented till Monday night and the councillors knew nothing about the social. The Mayor regrets the occurrence as he would gladly have represented the town.

XV, 578, 10 June 1903, page 2

Fox. W.G. Hawkes reports that a fox has raided his poultry yard, killing eight turkeys. It is probably the same fox seen on the estate some time ago. Foxes have become numerous in the South-East and are finding their way north.

Captain J.A. Watt has been clearing up the finances of the Department of the War Office since the war and after that enjoyed a holiday. He is now a traveller for a large city firm.

J. Roach gave an entertainment in Burra on Friday evening in aid of the Burra Jubilee Benevolent Soc. The weather was unpropitious, but a well-filled house was there nevertheless. [Page 3 adds that it was at the Institute and raised £7-0-9.]

Rain. On Saturday a downpour made the Burra Creek run well.

Kooringa Masonic Lodge will tonight install Frank Treloar as Worshipful Master. A social will follow at the Kooringa Hotel.

XV, 578, 10 June 1903, page 3

Paul Neydock will not be prosecuted after all. The Crown decided not to proceed with the case and medical experts have decided that although he is ‘a bit queer’ he was ‘not a fit subject for the lunatic asylum’. Arrangements are being made by the Salvation Army to send him to Broken Hill and his family.

The Redruth Methodist Church Anniversary at which Dr Torr spoke showed proceeds of £20 and Dr Torr was greatly appreciated.

200th Anniversary of John Wesley’s Birth will be celebrated with united gatherings on 15 June.

Football. At Burra on Monday: Burra 37 defeated Clare 34, even though at 3⁄4 time Clare led 28 to 18.

Ramblers went to Clare and were beaten. [No scores cited.]

Burra Jubilee Benevolent Soc. is seeking discarded clothing which is much needed just now.

Rain. Kooringa recorded 1.03” in the last week.

XV, 579, 17 June 1903, page 2

Obituary. W. Hemmerling of Baldina died on 6 June after a short illness. He leaves a wife, three sons and a daughter (Mrs A. Przibilla). He was buried at Baldina Plains with Pastor Leidig officiating. [Johann William Hemmerling died 6 June 1903 aged 64.]

Rains continue to bless the farmers.

Salvation Army. Staff Capt. Bridges, Social Superintendent of the SA gave special services at the Barracks on Sunday. He was stationed in Burra c. 13 years ago and friends were pleased to see him.

XV, 579, 17 June 1903, page 3

The John Wesley Bi-Centenary was celebrated at Burra this week. A convention and public meeting was held at Kooringa in addition to Sunday services. The weekday part was held on Monday 15 June.

Convention – Rev. T.B. Anguin presided and Adjutant Dodd of the Salvation Army offered the opening prayer. Rev. W.F. James read a paper on Methodism; a Revival of Early Christianity.

Public Meeting – R. Snell offered the opening prayer. Mr Davey, who attended the centenary of Methodism in Cornwall 64 years ago, presided and spoke and Rev. A.H. Melbourne spoke on Methodism and the Young.

S. Burns spoke on Methodism in Burra. When Rev. D.J. Draper opened the first Wesleyan Church in Burra there was no place of worship for 70 miles. Services began at Redruth in 1851 and R. Reed, who is still alive, wheeled the mortar for the first church built there. Rev. J.G. Wright was the first Primitive Methodist preacher and James Blutchford [sic] [Blatchford] was the first Bible Christian preacher in 1848, but the church was nearly paid for before the first Bible Christian minister arrived in Rev. J. Rowe. There was a great revival under Rev. J. Way – one meeting lasted from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Matthew Burnet did much to foster the spirit of unity among the three Methodist Churches. In Canada, Australia and New Zealand there was a move for union with the Presbyterians.

Tea was served between the Convention and the Public Meeting. After expenses the collection produced £1-1-8 for the Burra Benevolent Soc.

Kooringa Masonic Lodge installed Frank Treloar as worshipful Master last Wednesday. A sumptuous spread followed at the Kooringa Hotel.

[Personal note: C. Fuss was installed as Inner Guard.]

Burra Town Council, 15 June.

There has been no reply from the Commissioner of Public Works with reference to the Waterworks question, though one was promised nearly a month ago.

Rain this week at Kooringa totalled 0.71”.

Mr A. McCulloch visited Burra on Saturday.

Burra Burra Copper Co. directors were in Burra on Saturday.

Burra Electro-Magnetic Works have made a bit of a start, but difficulties prevent rapid progress.

Football. Saturday afternoon: Aberdeen 23 defeated Kooringa 22.

Obituary. Mrs M. Kroncke died at the residence of her son-in-law, Mr W.H. Hardy on Tuesday. She was an old and respected resident having arrived in Australia almost 60 years ago from Hamburg.

[Mary Kroncke died 16 June 1903 aged 84.]

Advt. There will be a sports day at Victoria Park on 15 July with 1, 2 & 3 mile bicycle races and a football match between the best two teams in Burra.

XV, 580, 24 June 1903, page 2

Obituary. Ernest Clyde Sellers, 2nd son of H.E. & E.A. Sellers, died 18 June at Redruth, aged 9 yrs 8 months. [Born Ernest Clyde Sellers 19 October 1893; died Ernest Clyde Sellars.]

The Sunshine Workers Band organised a bazaar in the Methodist Lecture Hall, Kooringa, with the result that nearly £7 was raised to be used to purchase a carrying chair to assist convalescent patients get from the interior to the exterior of the Hospital.

Bicycle Sports planned for 15 July have had to be postponed to a date in September.

Season. Prospects are good and better than for about 7 or 8 years. Even the Eastern Country looks good.

Mushrooms in the recent crop include a number of light green, bright yellow and white varieties. These are poisonous so gatherers beware.

XV, 580, 24 June 1903, page 3

Redruth Court, 16 June.

Mary Allen was sued by Drew & Crewes for £4-10-0. An offering of settlement by instalments was reached.

James Jenkins’ Diary. There is a brief report of Jenkins’ diary. He arrived in the Omega ‘some fifty years ago’. Also on it were Mr & Mrs W. Davey and the wife of the late R. Dearlove who still lives in Burra. Jenkins says that Burra then was a barren place with very little land cultivated. The natives were very quiet and did not interrupt anyone. Miners’ wages were 30/- a week. Shoemakers got 7/6 a day, Smiths 6/6 and carpenters 7/1.

Costs of key items: Flour 18/- cwt

Beef 2d lb

Mutton 2d lb

Sugar 3d lb

Butter 1/6 lb

Tobacco 6/6 lb

Eggs 1/4 doz

Burra Defence Rifle Club. 16th competition for the clock, cup and rifle.

J.A. Pearce & G. Scott 96 from A. Bennetts 95.

Mr Bennett’s third place here gave him enough points for the clock. The club now offers a .303 rifle, but that requires only 12 points to win it.

Burra Water Commission met at Burra Institute 22 June.

The Mayor presided with Crs Cook, Snell and Sangster. Crs Lott, Lockyer & West were absent.

The Commissioner of Public Works sent a letter in which he agreed to a rebate of £81-10 owing to the extra costs due to repairs to the works. The letter was received and a cheque for £81-1-0 sent to the Commissioner as half of a half-year’s rent from 1 January to 30 June 1903.

It was resolved that applications be called for a certified engineer at £11 a month for the Burra Waterworks.

It was pointed out that a number of meters needed repair. The task of getting an extra man to help the engineer was left with the Mayor and Chairman of the Waterworks.

Dr Sangster moved that rent for the meters be charged from 1 July at 4/- p.a. for 1”, 3/6 p.a. for 3⁄4” and 3/- p.a. for 1⁄2”, payable half-yearly in advance.

The Commissioner requested Council to sign the lease of the Waterworks and return it. Cr Snell moved this be further considered.

Cr Sangster moved that as the Water Commission still has under consideration the rearrangement of the present scheme and until this is finalised the Commission is unable to give a definite reply to the deputation which waited on them re the water concessions.

It was decided to put a meter on at Messrs Elder Smith & Co. at Aberdeen.

Obituary. Mr Arkhurst, [sic] a solicitor in Burra many years ago, died in Mt Gambier last week.

[E.A. Akhurst in partnership with Mr Carter of Clare opened an office in Feb. 1881. He carried on alone after October 1881 and seems to have left about the middle of 1885. The death in Mt Gambier was of Arthur Frederick Akhurst on 18 June 1903 aged 50.]

The Electro-Magnetic Works ‘roaster’ seems to dry the stuff alright and so far the runs have proved satisfactory.

Cr H.C. Lockyer has sent in his resignation as Councillor for North Ward. He is said to be going bullock driving, but we hear he is going to insure people’s lives.

XV, 581, 1 July 1903, page 2

Editorial on the water crisis in Broken Hill.

Football. A match in fancy dress at Victoria Park on Wednesday created much fun. It is reported in more detail on page 3 where it says £14-5-0 was raised for the Burra Benevolent Soc. The Muffs 37 defeated the Association players 17. There is a list of players and how they were dressed. There would seem some irony in R. Gully appearing as a policeman. [Personal note: C. Fuss was a coachman.]

XV, 581, 1 July 1903, page 3

Marriage. J.M. McBride of Burra married Mrs F. Robertson of South Broken Hill.

‘Anti-Bully’ writes to condemn certain behaviour at the football last Saturday.

Mr Anguin will lecture tonight 1 July at the Methodist Lecture Hall on Mars, a subject he has studied on and off for 35 years. Admission 6d in aid of Home Missions.

XV, 582, 8 July 1903, page 2

Burra Electro-Magnetic Works was officially opened on Saturday after some two years preparation. Mr Snow and other interested gentlemen visited the works. An inspection was followed by a sumptuous spread at one of the old mine offices.

Burra Mine. The Burra Burra Copper Co. was asked some time ago to reduce the royalty paid by tributers from 5/- in the £1 to 2/6 in the £1. The directors promised some months ago to consider both that and the unwatering of the mine. A reply now says they are awaiting the results of the magnetic process.

Mr Snow is to put a tunnel through the large heap of ‘dumps’ to see if stories of a load of carbonate put there in the early days are true. He also said he was prepared to buy ore from tributers in the rough state, saving the trouble of cracking it into small pieces with a hammer.

Three Kangaroo Dogs savaged sheep at Mr Bagot’s recently and though four weaners and some lambs were killed, Mr Crosbie the manager was able to follow the dogs home to Kooringa and identify them and their owners. They paid £8 damages. The owner of two dogs promised to send them away and the third belonging to another person was destroyed.

John Snell celebrated his 70th birthday on Monday. He came to Burra in 1853 and began work as a miner. He joined the Bible Christian Church and was involved in it till Methodist Union, being Sunday school superintendent for 33 years. He has been a member of Burra Burra Lodge MUIOOF for 48 years and a trustee of it for 45 and been through the chairs five times. He was one of the Town Council’s first Councillors and was recently elected again to represent East Ward. He has also been connected with the British and Foreign Bible Soc. for a number of years.

XV, 582, 8 July 1903, page 2-3

Burra Electro-Magnetic Works

Work in real earnest begins now after the official opening last Saturday when Mr Gall spoke. The treatment of the ‘dumps’ is seen as the first step in the restarting of the mine. The Burra Mine had really only been opened down to 300’ and yet had produced something like £4,000,000 worth of ore. There was every reason to believe that rich deposits had not yet been touched. He regretted the slow start of the new company, but hoped the Electro-Magnetic Works would be the start of something being done with the mine.

Mr Snow said unforseen difficulties had delayed the start, but they had now been overcome. Mr Marryat, the manager, had displayed great skill in overcoming problems after the engineer from Germany failed to give the expected assistance and returned to Germany leaving them awkwardly placed. These were the first such works in the world and they will produce ore that smelters will gladly buy, but whether the concern will be payable is another question. So far it had not been profitable, but they were hopeful. Stories that in the early days large bodies of ore were buried in the dumps will be investigated by driving a tunnel through the dump. He was inclined to think most stories of mine riches were of the ‘fairy’ description. He said the company would buy ore from tributers as raised without its being cracked – and pay full value for it – cracking can take up to 2⁄3 of their time.

Mr Young followed this speech with some encouraging remarks.

The Mayor responded. He was sure there was plenty of ore to be found. He had arrived in Burra in 1847 and was the oldest resident; he had been in Burra during the strike and thought that Bunt’s shaft would be a good place to start and that Beck’s would also be profitable.

Mr Gall thanked the Mayor.

The main problem was raising capital in SA.

The official party left by the 3.30 p.m. train.

XV, 582, 8 July 1903, page 3

Burra Town Council, 6 July.

The resignation of Cr Lockyer was accepted.

Mr Hardy has allowed himself to be nominated.

W.H. Hardy writes querying whether the Mayor can legally pay a Council employee a bonus without Council approval and whether he can allow business decided upon at a special meeting to be carried out before it is approved by the Council in a general meeting.

‘Fairplay’ writes re football. He questions the results of the Manoora game last Wednesday. Burra undoubtedly got 3.2 (20). Manoora got 3.10 (28), but then the field umpire cancelled the last goal making Manoora’s total 2.11 (23). The second goal went between the posts but was certainly touched by two Burra men, but the field umpire would not agree even after Manoora said it was not a fair goal. So the ‘real’ result should be Manoora 1.12 (18) to Burra 3.2 (20). The field umpire was impartial, but made severe errors and should know much more about the game.

Chess & Draughts Club attracted only three players to the last meeting.

Obituary. H.P. Lihou has died aged 65, after catching a cold while fencing at Leighton. He arrived in SA 50 years ago and has been a Burra resident for 20 years. He leaves a wife and five daughters:

Mrs McVicker (Victoria), Mrs George Lawn (Burra), Elsie, Elizabeth & Laura (all of Burra) and two sons, Lionel and Thomas (both of Burra). [Henry Thomas Lihou died 2 July 1903 aged 65.]

Burra Defence Rifle Club. Annual class firing has been held. The best three were D.S. Moore 206, C. Parks 193 and G. Herbert 190. (13 others listed)

Burra Waterworks. The Commissioner has refused to grant the Council the £81-1-0 concession because the Council has refused to sign the lease.

John Black, 2nd son of the late Robert Black and father of J. Black, manager of Princess Royal Station, is a very old colonist having arrived in SA in 1836. He is 70 years old and in excellent health.

XV, 583, 15 July 1903, page 2

Cr John Snell was presented with a pair of gloves and a school hymn book in large print last week by the Sunday school class on the occasion of his 70th birthday.

XV, 583, 15 July 1903, page 3

Revival. The movement which began when Dr Torr attended the Redruth anniversary continues and 44 young people at Redruth and 17 at Iron Mine have made a commitment to the church.

Hanson Methodist Church.

Finding that no building in SA was being erected to commemorate the bicentenary of John Wesley’s birth the trustees of Hanson church have decided to name the one they are preparing to build ‘Wesley Bicentenary Church’. £130 has been received towards the expected £200.

Obituary. Frederick W. Jenkin, nephew of John Jenkin, 2nd son of the late Rev. W. & Elizabeth Jenkin, formerly Primitive Methodist minister at Burra, died at the Burra Hospital on 9 July, aged 28. He had been employed in the SAR as a pumper. He leaves four brothers and three sisters: Mrs W. Pinkerton (Terowie), Mrs S. Hosking & Miss L. Jenkin (Broken Hill, Messrs A.A. Jenkin, H.L. Jenkin, E.L. Jenkin (Sydney), & H.A. Jenkin (South Africa). [Frederick William Jenkin was born 14 July 1875.]

Burra Literary Soc. W.H. Hardy presided on Wednesday night over a debate on The New Woman.

Affirmative taken by: Messrs Roach, McLaren and Miss Williams.

Negative taken by: Messrs C. Fuss, J. Winnall & Miss Lewis.

The negative were deemed to have handled their case better.

Municipal Election: North Ward, following Cr Lockyer’s resignation.

Nominations are: W.H. Hardy

Mark Linkson

H. Roach

‘A Manoora Correspondent’ is surprised that the Burra Club could not take its recent football defeat quietly – a reference to the recent letter to the editor.

Obituary. John Hardy, brother of W.H. Hardy, has died in Sheffield England, aged 45. He was a file hardener at the steel works of Messrs Charles Cammell & Co.

(Mr Hardy’s brother, father and father’s brother have all died aged 45.)

Burra Town Council, Special Meeting on Monday: 26 applications for Waterworks Engineer were received and the meeting adjourned.

Football. On Wednesday: Ramblers defeated Clare Rovers.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. The 3rd match for the .303 rifle saw R.D. Pascoe score 98 ahead of J.E. Pearce 95. This was in a competition with Renmark, but the latter’s scores are not yet available.

XV, 584, 22 July 1903, page 2

Obituary. David Prothero, died in Perth WA on 29 June, aged 57, of Bright’s Disease. He was the husband of Clara Prothero nee Sampson.

XV, 584, 22 July 1903, page 3

Salvation Army. Adjutant Dodd and Mrs Dodd left Burra on Wednesday and on Thursday Adjutant Small arrived with his wife and four children.

Helene Niemann complains in a letter to the editor that having converted from Anglicanism to Methodism after hearing Dr Torr’s address recently, she was accosted in the street by Rev. W.G.M. Murphy and told she was excommunicated and he made other unpleasant remarks.

M. Thomas writes also saying that Rev. Murphy publicly attacked Miss Niemann.

‘Commonsense’ also writes re Rev. Murphy’s display of bad temper.

[Note that Rev. Murphy replies in the next issue.]

Foxes are on the increase in the district.

Burra Town Council, 20 July.

There is a report that 120 trees are needed to fill in gaps.

Applications for the position of Waterworks Engineer are laid on the table. It was resolved that none be accepted, but that Council would examine their credentials and select three for the recommendation of the hydraulic engineer. Messrs Work, Roberts & Smyth were chosen.

A motion for a call of council to be made to reconsider the motion of Cr Lockyer of 4 May re concession of excess water, was lost.

XV, 585, 29 July 1903, page 2

Ephraim Diplock, an old miner, lives at Copperhouse and knows a great deal about the shafts and lode bearing reefs of the old mine and is full of stories of the old mine and its lodes.

Redruth Court, 21 July.

Mary Ann Carpenter sought separation and maintenance from her husband, Henry Carpenter, on account of violence. Adjourned for one month.

XV, 585, 29 July 1903, page 3

The Sunshine Workers held a very successful juvenile bazaar and Xmas Tree last December to aid the Burra Hospital. Last week the children went up to the Hospital to present articles purchased with the proceeds along with a bright little entertainment. Among the items were a sedan chair and an Alfred Bed Carriage. Dr Sangster and Dr Sangster jun. thanked all for the gifts. (The bed carriage cost £6 and the chair £7-17-0)

Burra Defence Rifle Club. 4th Competition for the .303 rifle: J.A. Riggs 93 from G. Herbert & G. Scott 90.

Municipal Election, for North Ward.

Henry Roach 46

W.H. Hardy 26

Mark Linkson 14

Mr Roach was declared elected and he thanked those present.

Mr Hardy congratulated Mr Roach and said he had come out because the Mayor was riding a high horse, bluffing his Councillors and doing work unauthorised by Council. He accused the Mayor of shutting up the minute book and declaring meetings closed without legitimate reason. He claimed the citizens’ list for the election was not properly prepared. He claimed Mr S. Harvey had been improperly prevented from voting and he quotes the Municipal Act of 1890 to support his contention.

The Mayor responded by saying that Hardy had great impudence in trying to dictate to him how the election should be carried out. He did his duties to the best advantage of town and ratepayers. No election had been held under fairer circumstances. He would not listen to the remarks of the biggest ‘gas bag’ in the town – he questioned very much if the would be Councillor was a citizen and said he didn’t ‘come here to have a conversation with a fellow like you.’

Reminiscences of Captain Killicoat.

Arrived at Pt Wakefield 18 July 1853 in the barque Malacca from Montevideo after a passage of 70 days with a cargo of 180 mules imported by the Patent Copper Co. Other passengers were E.K. Horn, Mrs Isaac Killicoat and family and Mrs Skews and family. These mules were used to carry low-grade surplus ore from Burra to Pt Wakefield – two bags or c. 2 cwt per mule. This was then shipped to Swansea. Mr Horn as agent went to Rio de Janeiro in the Malacca to buy the mules and then the barque went on to London for the Killicoat and Skews families and brought back a cargo of scrap iron. On reaching Rio the Capt. found that the mules had been bought in Montevideo and went there and got them aboard, taking six weeks to return in rough weather. The Mexicans in charge had much trouble on the voyage to Australia due to very rough weather and several mules died. Mr Horn acted as Company agent in Pt Wakefield till the railway to Kapunda opened and traffic was then diverted there. Mules were then used in wagons in lieu of driving in mobs with packs of ore by the Mexicans. Other loads of mules followed and several loads of scrap iron, but while the Malacca was away it was found that Carculta ironstone near Black Springs would act as a flux for Burra malachite, so the load of scrap iron was used to build a wharf at Pt Wakefield and no more imported. Mules were better than horses and had the longest and hardest stages (between Mule Camp and Burra) other stages to Kapunda via White Park which were shorter and easier were done by horses. The Company had a variety of teams using horses, bullocks, mules and donkeys and did much of their own carting while others were employed in various ways. At the works store you could buy almost anything and there was a butcher’s establishment to supply employees with meat at a time when many lived in the Burra Creek – some with large rooms, nicely whitewashed, cool in summer, warm in winter with fireplaces and shelves cut out of the ground. The Patent Copper Co. had 18 reverberatory and three refining furnaces at work. They constructed the roads and bridges between Burra and Pt Wakefield and Baldina and were lessees of Baldina Run then. They also owned land between Burra and Pt Wakefield and for example grew hay etc. at Kadlunga to feed their stock. The Mule Camp and White Park belonged to them. The Company still carry on smelting at Newcastle and have wharfs etc. at Pt Adelaide and Pt Augusta and one of the best copper mines, the Clara St Dora near one of our great northern railway stations – smelting the ore at Newcastle.

[Note: other sources say Chileans rather than Mexicans. White Park was on section 271 & 172 Hundred of Waterloo c. 2km north of Tothill Creek.]

Rev. Wilfred G.M. Murphy writes protesting the letters condemning him in the last issue. He says Miss Niemann admits to having been helped to write her letter and expressed regret for the trouble it caused. Since ‘Commonsense’ could not have been the only other person present how could they write on the matter? [The letter does not however, quite deny the substance of the original complaint, though it tries to cast it in a somewhat better light. Murphy’s description of Miss Niemann as a servant at Mr Thomas’s comes across as somewhat patronising.]

Salvation Army. Captain Aberg, who was stationed at Burra about three years ago, is back for a visit to recover his health which has not been good lately. He is currently stationed at Renmark.

XV, 586, 5 Aug. 1903, page 2

A Bolt. Last week a wheel came off Dr Sangster’s trap and the horse then bolted throwing Dr Sangster and his sister-in-law, Miss Turnbull, from the vehicle.

Mr Jeffrey of The Lagoon had an accident last week on the way from his home to Schomburgk, when he was apparently thrown out and stunned. The horse was taken out of the trap, the harness placed in the vehicle and Mr Jeffrey turned up on Wednesday at Mr Kiekebusche’s, having wandered around dazed all night. The horse found its own way home. Mr Jeffrey (c. 65) sustained a severe gash to his jaw, a damaged wrist and thumb and also bruises. Mr Rooke brought him in to the Hospital.

[In two places the wrist is said to be dislocated and in one place it is broken. The Hd of Schomburgk was renamed Hd of Maude in 1918. The mystery of the release of the horse and the placement of the harness is solved in the next issue.]

Theft. Tramps broke into a hut of Mr James Reed on Loch Winnoch Station [About 50 miles east of Burra] near Braemar last week and robbed him of flour and rations. They killed a sheep, cooked it and buried the skin etc. They left the pots and pans dirty. The sheep was valued at 11/- to 12/-.

XV, 586, 5 Aug. 1903, page 3

A Juvenile Bazaar last year, organised by eight girls raised £6 for the Hospital funds. They were Nellie and Rita Vivian, Dorothy and Renie Crewes, Nellie and Nita Pearce, Millie Pascoe and Ivy Ward. They decided to buy a ‘Spinal Carriage’ for the Hospital which cost £8-14-0. On 25 July they, together with Eileen Johnson and Nellie Moody, had a second bazaar which this time raised £16-7-6. The money for the carriage left £14-3-6 to go towards the fund for lighting the Hospital with acetylene.

Rev. S. Cuthbert will preach at Redruth Methodist Church next Sunday and lecture there Monday on Our Wonderful Century.

Hanson Methodist Church. £140 has been raised and tenders are called for its construction.

H. Niemann writes asserting that the letter printed in her name was in fact her own writing and represented both her sentiments and the truth. What she regretted was seeing the Rev. gentleman in such a perturbed state of mind.

On the same theme someone sent in a poem:

‘Wilfred knew a little lamb

Whose face was white as snow

But everywhere that Wilfred went

That lamb she wouldn’t go.’

The editor says there were seven other verses, but this one will suffice.

Burra Town Council, 3 August.

Mr E.C. Sedgman was appointed Waterworks Engineer after much debate. He has worked at the Bundaleer Waterworks for five years. He can take down and put up engines, inspect and repair pumps and boilers, lay pipes etc. He will overhaul the plant in preparation for summer pumping.

XV, 587, 12 Aug. 1903, page 2

M-C Aiston, now stationed in Kooringa, was a member of the 1st Contingent from SA for the Boer War. On Friday he received a silver clasp of five bars bearing the names of Belfast, Diamond Hill, Johannesburg, Orange Free State and Cape Colony, to go on his Service Medal awarded when the Duke of York was in Adelaide in June 1902. Having served its time the 1st Contingent was disbanded on 29 November 1900 and M-C Aiston joined the Permanent Artillery.

XV, 587, 12 Aug. 1903, page 3

Unemployment. At present there are more people out of work than for many years past. Last week a group waited on Mr W.H. Hardy to take their case to the authorities. He has prepared a petition to the Premier asking for some work to be provided in the district which over 50 able-bodied men have signed. Mr L. O’Loghlin MP and Hon. W.B. Rounsevell presented the petition to the Hon. Commissioner of Public Works (Mr Foster), with a request that if it were possible to start any work in the district it be done promptly.

Maria Fairchild writes denying that she was ‘Common-sense’ in the correspondence re Rev. Murphy and denying his assertion that she could not write. She was present, but had no intention of writing to a paper about it, but now says she was well pleased with the way Miss Niemann conducted herself on the occasion and agreed with the sentiments expressed by ‘Common-sense’.

Opal Mine. Mr Williams thinks he has found opal just outside the boundary of Millerton towards Firewood Creek. Several claims have been staked by Messrs Williams, Halls & Richards. It is expected the reef extends to White Cliffs.

Piff-Puff is a new table game someone has invented. It is played with a very light ball propelled through your opponent’s goal with bellows.

St Joseph’s will hold a mission conducted by Rev. Father O’Dowling SJ from 30 August to 6 September. He is presently taking fortnightly services in Burra. He has the oversight of Mintaro.

Juvenile Crime Wave. Two lads, Snowy Williams and Skinty Morrison, recently stole a fowl from Mr Thomas Sandland on Limestone Hill, along with a nest of eggs. They entered the house of Mrs Williams in her absence, cleaned, boiled and ate the fowl, followed by the eggs. They then entered a room let to Mr S. Burns and stole 4/- and a pair of sleeve links. They spent the money on toffee and beer after which they rounded up horses in the Brewery Paddock and hacked off their hair, which they sold at 1/- for a pound of it. Mr Martin’s cab horse and other animals also suffered. They were sent to Magill Reformatory till 18.

Mr Jeffrey’s Accident. The mystery of how his harness got into the trap after the recent accident was solved when it was revealed that Mr Crewes found the horse and trap with the animal cold and starving. He took the horse out and fed it and it then went off home. He put the harness in the trap.

Pope Pius X, aged 68, has taken office after the death of his predecessor [Leo XIII].

XV, 588, 19 Aug. 1903, page 2

Advt. Burra Show Society. Field Dog Trials will be held on 16 September.

The Annual Show will be on 23 September.

In the evening there will be a dramatic performance of Alone.

The Millerton Opal Mine. Further information says it was opal discarded long ago and only of the milky-white variety of no real value.

The field had been christened the ‘Burra Hopeful Fields’. There is a humorous 11⁄4 column article on the ‘Hopeful’. A large area was pegged out in claims.

XV, 588, 19 Aug. 1903, page 3

Burra Defence rifle Club. On Saturday 8 & Wednesday 12 August a home and away rifle match with Watervale saw Burra 572 defeat Watervale 533.

In the 5th competition for the .303 rifle on the same dates R.D. Pascoe accumulated enough points to get the rifle. Another such competition begins next match.

[Places scored 5, 4 & 3 points respectively with 12 needed to claim the prize.]

A Wattle Blossom Fair will be staged on 4 September to aid the Redruth Methodist Church.

W.H. Hardy has received news of a splendid gold find at Algebuckina Goldfields c. 30 miles south of Oodnadatta and he is seeking those who would form a small syndicate of c. £15 to £20 to meet the cost of placing him on the ground for 2-3 months work at what he is confident will be a payable thing.

W.H. Hardy waited upon the Hon. L. O’Loghlin and Mr William Miller at the Burra Railway Station on Monday in reference to the petition presented last week to the Premier, the Hon. J.C. Jenkins. They said a reply from the Commissioner of Public Works is expected this week. They believe the Aberdeen Ballast Quarry may be opened again shortly and other work found outside the town. Men with two horse drays could find work at Ucolta at present.

Redruth Court, 18 August.

In the adjourned case of Carpenter v. Carpenter Mrs Carpenter was granted a separation and custody of the children and her husband was ordered to pay 10/- a week support.

Bertha Pauline Grocke obtained an order for costs of her confinement and 5/- a week to maintain the illegitimate child of William Hagan until the child is 14.

Football. In the last match for the season last Wednesday Ramblers 4.9 defeated Kooringa 3.4.

Hanson Methodist Church. The tender of Messrs T. & C. Tiver has been accepted for the masonry etc. and that of J. Pearce for the carpentry etc.

Tennis. Aberdeen defeated Redruth at Aberdeen on Saturday 1 August.

Rechabite Lodge will hold a large sports day at Victoria Park on 1 September. It is rumoured that 600 excursionists will arrive from Adelaide by train.

XV, 589, 26 Aug. 1903, page 2

Advt. There will be a Biorama at the Salvation Army Barracks 6 & 7 September. Illustrated stories from life, choice views of the World’s Beauty Spots and a host of other interesting pictures. On Sunday there will be a grand sacred program. Sunday a collection: Monday 1/-.

‘Hopeful’ Opal Mine. Mr Williams continues work and has started a new hole.

T.P. Halls’s ‘Dig till yer tired’ claim has been thrown up.

Mr Lockett’s ‘Lost jilted and claim’ rests peacefully. [Should this read ‘Lost and Jilted Claim’?]

Numerous other claims are idle.

J.H. Dawes of Princess Royal has unearthed some fine copper ore in the past week – a drive into the hill of some 30’ struck a well-defined reef – several tons will be treated shortly.

Young offenders Williams and Morrison were released from Magill Reformatory last week and then taken back again. Something is wrong!

The boys were delivered to Superintendent Mr Gray, but after several days he decided that a mistake had been made in the mandates forwarded and that the justices had made an error. The parents were advised to come and take charge of the boys. Mrs Bennett could not afford the trip and Morrison could ill afford it, but he went down and brought the boys back. The police and justices expressed surprise and asked for an explanation. Before this could be given Mr Gray arrived and had the boys re-arrested and took them back Friday afternoon. He paid Morrison for the expenses incurred. The boys were understandably much cut up by this series of events. It seems a shoddy way of doing business and a cruel way to treat the lads. An enquiry is called for.

P. Leahy, who was in charge of the boring plant at the Burra Mine recently, has been appointed to supervise boring for coal at Townsville in Queensland.

XV, 589, 26 Aug. 1903, page 3

Burra Waterworks.

Mr Sedgman has presented a report that shows that many of the complaints made by Council were valid, though many were not. Had they been in possession of the facts they would have known how deplorable the condition of the machinery was and would have had less trouble in finding out about the supposed leakages. It is impossible for the engineer to have been pumping anything like the quantity he claimed. When he said he pumped thousands of gallons, he hardly pumped as many hundreds. Three pumps out of six were not working. Five out of six were without springs and yet it had been reported that all were working smoothly. This shows the importance of appointing a competent man. Not only has the new engineer reported the problems, but has demonstrated them before the Councillors. The great cry was that the reservoir was emptied night after night: in fact the water never went into it. No wonder the engineer had to work night and day. With only two pumps working and steam at high pressure and leaking away through loose joints etc. The repairs will see enormous savings in wood and pumping times can be halved. The engineer will have time to see to the flushing of the mains and other neglected aspects.

Report on the Cornish Boiler:

Joint and steam wheel valve on the dome blowing.

Joint on feed pipe blowing.

Blow-off cock in bad order, leakage at bottom under fire door.

Engine:

Plummer rod brass worn and knocking.

Cylinder back joint blowing.

Joint on feed pumps in bad order.

Engine requires packing.

Joints on governors blowing.

Joint on steam pipe blowing.

Flywheel out of plum and therefore bad rock caused.

Pumps:

Three pumps drawing air and glands in bad order.

Only one pump has a spring in the bucket.

Three of four springs are broken.

Pump rods loose, block in bad order.

Some rods bent and badly coupled with too much play etc.

Some repairs have already been effected. [Those are listed.]

Dr Ramsay Smith, the Adelaide Coroner, has been suspended amid horrific stories of his exhuming corpses and removing heads and limbs. It is reported that some 20-30 bodies have been interfered with.

The Governor, Sir George Le Hunte, passed through Burra on his way from a visit to Oodnadatta. Being unannounced only two or three were on the station platform to greet him. Rev. W.F. James was introduced to His Excellency.

A Bachelors’ Euchre Party will be held at the Institute on 28 August.

XV, 509 (2), 2 Sep. 1903, page 2

[Numbers transposed: it should have been 590: repeat of number used 9 April 1902.]

Burra Waterworks repairs have been vigorously pursued to ensure an adequate waters supply for the summer.

Rain fell on Sunday and a good flow down the Burra Creek suggested heavy falls to the north. Except for two brief periods the creek has flowed continuously this winter: something unknown for seven of eight years.

James W. Jones of the Commissioner of Public Works Dept. writes to indicate that ballast will not be required this year from the Aberdeen Ballast Quarry.

Phosphate Mine. Messrs Baker, Killicoat and Rosewall have secured three search licences each of 640 acres in the Hd of Bright for phosphate. Two are to the south and one to the north of Field’s workings and evidence of that deposit has been traced. Samples sent were assayed at 591⁄4% tricalcic phosphate in stones very different from those at Field’s.

XV, 509 (2), 2 Sep. 1903, page 3 [Repeat of number used 9 April 1902.]

Bachelor’s Euchre Party at the Institute on Friday. Proceedings commenced at 8 p.m. with euchre and at 10 o’clock preparations were made for dancing. 11 p.m. saw refreshments. 110 young people enjoyed the evening and dancing continues till 3.30 a.m.

Shooting Accident. On Saturday Frank Shortridge and Alfred Hunt, aged 19, son of A.J. Hunt, went shooting rabbits. On the way home Hunt was about five yards in front when Shortridge changed hands carrying the rabbits and in the process a rabbit’s foot discharged his Winchester. The bullet entered Hunt’s side just above the hip and passed through. They were faced with a three mile walk home, but at Ford’s old slaughterhouse on the Baldina Road they were picked up by Mr Truscott. The lad is making favourable progress after a miraculous escape.

Bread has risen from 31⁄2d to 4d a loaf.

Gold is being prospected for east of Burra with several samples sent in for assay.

Rechabite Sports at Victoria Park on Tuesday were joined by over 500 who came on a special train from Adelaide.

XV, 509 (3), 9 Sep. 1903, page 2 [Third use of this number first used 9 April 1902.]

Dr Ramsay Smith is being investigated on charges of mutilating 17 bodies in Adelaide. Names of the deceased & other details are given.

St Joseph’s Mission has been accounted a great spiritual success in the week leading up to last Sunday.

The Walking Craze seems to have given way to a craze for search licences, with people out scouring the country for gold, copper, opal, silver and phosphorus.

XV, 509 (3), 9 Sep. 1903, page 3 [Third use of this number first used 9 April 1902.]

Salvation Army. The Biorama Co. arrived in Burra on Saturday and set up in the Salvation Army Barracks. The Band was organised to assist. Pictures on Sunday included Lazarus Raised, The Widow’s Son, The Woman at the Well, Perpetua: An Early Martyr and Jessica’s First Prayer – all were deeply impressive.

On Monday the Band played stirring music in Kooringa, Redruth and Aberdeen before more pictures were shown. The proceeds were highly satisfactory.

Cadet Robert Prowse, who was born in Burra and whose father had charge of the local corps was a member of the Biorama Co. visiting Burra.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. First match in the second series for a rifle: A. Walker & P.A. Roach 95 from G. Herbert 92.

‘Hopeful’ Fields Opal Mine. Mr Williams is the only claim to continue the search. It is intended to continue from its 8’ to the 70’ level to find opal.

A Bolt. On Monday evening Master Keith Roach was thrown from a trap when the horse bolted. The horse had tripped and fallen, breaking the shafts, before dashing off down Kingston St from Mr Joraslafsky’s into Bridge Tce where the trap ran into a post and was smashed up. Keith was only bruised.

The Primitive Methodist Wattle Blossom Bazaar was held in the Institute Friday and Saturday last.

[The report concerns ‘our Redruth Primitive Methodist Church friends’, but since Methodist union this is an anachronistic reference unless a defined group lingered on.]

A 24 Hour Walking Match in Adelaide last week was won by C. Swan who covered 75 miles 1,630 yds ahead of A.W.M. Young with 75 miles 380 yds.

XV, 511 (2), 16 Sep. 1903, page 2 [Repeat of number used 23 April 1902.]

Advt. Aona Tir Na N’Oge

2 & 3 October

Obituary. Elizabeth Harry, wife of John Harry, died suddenly on 13 September, aged 40.

[She was born Elizabeth Geach 16 June 1863.]

Burra Literary Soc. met in St Mary’s schoolroom for impromptu speeches. W.H. Hardy took the chair. Miss Brummitt (from Adelaide) gave a recital. Tonight’s meeting features prepared speeches by Rev. Murphy, Cr H. Roach and W.H. Hardy on The [illegible] Trails of Australia or Flights by Factious Federalists.

The Ramsay Smith Enquiry continues to bring sensational evidence to light. Heads and other body parts were used to experiment with bullet wounds or blunt instrument attacks. Some coffins had been exhumed and reburied with different bodies or body parts.

Vandalism. Warning to vandals who have been breaking and damaging locks on the Brewery Paddock gate, that action will be taken.

Burra Town Council.

At the last meeting Mr W. Pryor, the late engineer of the Waterworks, was voted a bonus of £10. Mr Pryor met with an accident at the Waterworks shed and his leg varies in strength and it is feared he will not be fit for any heavy work in the future.

XV, 511 (2), 16 Sep. 1903, page 3 [Repeat of number used 23 April 1902.]

Redruth Methodist Wattle Blossom Fair in aid of debt reduction was held at the Institute on 4 & 5 September. In spite of bad weather it raised £60.

Hanson Methodist Church. The builders have begun and memorial stones will be laid on 14 October.

W.H. Hardy writes querying the way the Council has discussed the Waterworks issues arising from the report of the new engineer, in committee, so that the public are kept in the dark.

‘A Ratepayer’ of north Ward writes condemning the Mayor for taking the whole Waterworks matter into his own hands.

‘The Mayor, in his wisdom, put a person to carry on the works, and what is the result? According to the engineer’s report in the Record the works were allowed to go to rack and ruin. In your last report it looks like star chamber business, and the Council is afraid to let the ratepayers know what is being done.’

G.A. Ridgway writes re the Burra Burra Copper Co. and the continuing inaction of the directors. All they seem to have done is hold their half-yearly meeting, and protect their fees. Having slept a good while they will wake up at the end of this month to ‘draw another half-year’s screw’. When are they going to spend the £5,000 they have in the bank? When is the Snow Co. going to start operations? Everything was going to be in full swing by 13 July.

Obituary. Elizabeth Harry, wife of John Harry died suddenly of apoplexy aged 40.

She was the daughter of the late Thomas Geach and the sister of:

Thomas Geach of Broken Hill

Joseph Geach of WA

Mrs Charles Hill of Broken Hill

Mrs E & M Proposch of Victoria

She was twice married: firstly to George White, who died several years since. From the second marriage there is one son and three daughters, the youngest only 16 months old.

XV, 592, 23 Sep. 1903, page 2

[This reverts to the correct sequence of numbers, though it should be 593.]

Sheep Dog Trials. Fair attendance at Abberton Park on Wednesday to witness the trials. It was a reasonable day, but windy. Mr A.T. Butler’s Tess was the only dog that yarded the sheep within the time limit of 15 minutes. Tess was bred by W.G. Hawkes of Koonoona and is 18 months old.

XV, 592, 23 Sep. 1903, page 3

Burra Defence Rifle Club. Second match for .303 rifle: J.A. Pearce 92, C. Sangster 89, G. Herbert 86.

Burra District Council grants a permit for a shaft to look for opals on Firewood Creek Rd. – J.H. Smith.

Rev. W.H. Cann visits and will preach at Redruth Methodist Church Sunday morning and evening and at Ironmine in the afternoon. On Monday he will lecture on Æsop’s Fables at Redruth. He will also lecture at Booborowie and Hanson.

Marriage. Cpl Gully married Miss Watson at Redruth Methodist Church on Monday evening.

Football. A match between Manoora and Auburn ended abruptly on Wednesday in argument and free fights.

Burra Creek was carrying more water on Thursday than for several years.

The Annual Catholic Bazaar will be held in the Institute on Friday and Saturday 2 & 3 October.

Redruth Court. Ewins & Son v. A. Allen Sen. for USJ for £1-1-2. Order made for 10 days imprisonment.

XV, 593, 30 Sep. 1903, page 2

Accident. Mrs F.J. Carey was thrown from her cart on Thursday on the way back from Booborowie when the horse started unexpectedly from a watering place. She received quite severe head injuries, but is recovering.

Burra Show was a great success on Wednesday at Victoria Park. The weather looked threatening at dawn, but had improved by 9 a.m. Good wheat was exhibited from the eastern country by W. Heinrich and F. Duldig. Dairy produce was better this year. Poultry numbers were down, but quality was up. Sheep were stronger than ever. Flowers were not much this year. School exhibits were better.

Full results are printed across pages 2 & 3.

[Personal interest: Flowers results:

Collection of cut flowers C. Fuss 1st

6 cut flowers C. Fuss 2nd

Basket of flowers C. Fuss 2nd

Bridal Bouquet C. Fuss 2nd

XV, 593, 30 Sep. 1903, page 3

Vegetable results:

For growers within 30 miles of Burra, Ah Chin won prizes for cabbages, red beet and celery.]

Entertainment. The Show Night performance of Alone by the Petersburg Dramatic Club drew a well-filled house to a creditable performance.

XV, 594, 7 Oct. 1903, page 2

Kooringa Methodist Church Anniversary last Sunday. Rev. S. Cuthbert preached. Tea meeting on Monday.

Burra ‘Hopeful’ Opal field has not seen much activity of late. But there is still some hope and some stone from 18’ shows some of the colour sought for.

Burra Literary Soc. at the last meeting with C. Fuss in the chair heard Dr Sangster Sen. lecture on The Chemistry and Physiology of Everyday Life.

Obituary. The Kalgoorlie Miner of 14 September reports the funeral of the late George Sara, aged 64, who died the previous Wednesday. Deceased was born in Perranwell, Cornwall and came to SA in 1848 when 21 years old. About 8 or 9 years later he went to Kooringa carrying out many contracts as part of the firm of Sara & Dunstan. Afterwards he went to Broken Hill and then to WA where for about two years he did a great deal in the building trade. He came to Kalgoorlie about 7 years ago and since has put up many large buildings in and around Kalgoorlie. Deceased had three brothers. Thomas is in residence in Kalgoorlie and the other two are well-known identities in Pt Pirie and Broken Hill respectively. His father Mr George Sara is still alive at Willunga, aged 90. By his first wife he leaves five sons and three daughters. By the second wife, who survives him, he leaves four young children.

The Water Commission has reported, but it is unfavourable to both the Wandillah and Burra Creek schemes. Something must soon be done, for the present well supplying the town will surely be drained if the Mine Pool be pumped out.

Marriage. At Springbank last Wednesday Margaret Brown, 2nd daughter of Mr Henry Brown, married W. Hedley Harris.

Marriage. At Kooringa last Thursday William Chapman married Minnie Gregor at the residence of Mr George Gregor. The couple will live in Broken Hill.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. 3rd match for the .303 rifle: N. Pearce 85, J.A. Pearce, J.E. Pearce, P.A. Roach, each 81.

XV, 594, 7 Oct. 1903, page 3

King Edward Fair was held at Burra Institute Friday & Saturday last. Proceeds go to liquidate the debt on St Joseph’s. Much of the success was due to Father O’Dowling who has taken charge since Father Reddan went away on account of ill health. He has worked tirelessly despite travelling great distances to conduct services. Proceeds £60.

Ramblers Football Club held their 2nd annual picnic at Johnson’s Creek last Wednesday. They left for the site at 2 p.m. and once there various games were played – drop handkerchief, cricket, football and other games. The spread was excellent. [Jam tarts, sausage rolls and sandwiches are specifically mentioned.] A start was made for home at 8 p.m. The team played Clare and Petersburg away this year, but lost both games. At home they beat Clare, but lost to Petersburg. Of the six local matches played they lost 4 and won 2.

Burra Town Council, 5 October.

Reply received from Hindmarsh Council re streetlights that Kitson and Lux lights were splendid, but too dear. Matter of street lighting to stand over.

Burra Waterworks. Mr Sedgman has tested the small boiler to 90 lb and found it satisfactory. The Cornish boiler is being cleaned and repaired. It was decided to pay the Hydraulic Engineer’s account and sign the lease. A cheque for £162-1-11 is being forwarded.

Burra Electro-Magnetic Works have ceased to operate and it is not known whether the process of treating the old dumps will be proceeded with. J.F. Martin was in Burra last week and it is rumoured tenders will be called to unwater the Mine Pool to allow more tributers to work.

XV, 595, 14 Oct. 1903, page 2

Burra Institute, committee meeting 12 October.

W. Davey, who has been librarian and caretaker for 221⁄2 years, tendered his resignation due to failing health. It was accepted with regret and he was appointed a life member of the Institute.

Mr Arthur Davey, assistant librarian and caretaker for 14 years was appointed in his place. It was decided that the caretaker reside in the Institute cottage.

Redruth Court, 13 October.

Elizabeth Fisk being drunk in Morehead St 12 October fined 10/-

Elizabeth Fisk using indecent language within her house, but within

hearing of persons passing in Ellen Tce 9 October 1 month gaol

Joseph Ansell being drunk in Best Place 12 October 10/- or 48 hrs

Joseph Ansell using indecent language at the same time and place 20/- or 14 days

Joseph Ansell resisting arrest – M-C Phelan said he was one of the most

violent he has had to deal with & required two persons

to assist. 1 month gaol

Burra Electro-Magnetic Works. Much dissatisfaction is expressed at the stoppage of work as the Burra Burra Copper Co. was expecting to raise capital from them to develop the mine.

Salvation Army. Major Veal and his musical family will give a presentation at the Institute on Monday next. They have performed in many large cities and will assist at services in the Barracks on Sunday.

XV, 595, 14 Oct. 1903, page 3

Obituary. Mr John Wall, brother of E. Wall of Booborowie was taken ill at Booborowie where he was working and brought to Burra on Wednesday. He died at his residence in Hampton on Monday, aged 49. He was a member of Court Unity Lodge for 30 years and leaves a wife and six children, the eldest a boy of 17 and the youngest a child of 12 months. [Died 12 October 1903]

Letter to Editor from ‘Ratepayer’ asking:

Question: Editor’s reply:

Did the Council a month ago vote Mr Prior [Pryor] £10;

said to be in lieu of one month’s notice? Yes

Was this amount ever put on the pay sheet? No

Has Mr Prior ever received the money? No

Can the Council legally withhold it? No

Who is guilty of refusing to hand over the money and carry out

the Council business? We cannot say.

‘Ratepayer’ writes re the same topic and says that when Mr Pryor applied to the Town Clerk he was referred to the Mayor (Mr Sampson) and that gentleman refused to pay. Where are the Councillors? Why do they allow the Mayor to run matters contrary to the wishes of the whole Council?

The British & Foreign Bible Society will hold a centenary meeting on 22 October in the Institute. Rev. W.G.M. Murphy will preside and Rev. F.W. Macdonald, the deputation from the parent body in London, will speak.

XV, 596, 21 Oct. 1903, page 2

Obituary. Frances O’Sullivan, wife of John O’Sullivan of Halbury near Balaklava died on 23 August. [Aged 85]

G.E. Dane will conduct selections from Mozart’s 12th Mass at the Burra Institute on Tuesday 14 October with a chorus of over 100 voices with some of Adelaide’s best assisting.

‘The Pickpocket’ will be put on by a group of local ladies and gentlemen at the Institute on 28 October with proceeds to go towards installing gas lighting there.

Sir George Le Hunte Governor of SA arrived in Burra from Bundaleer on Sunday evening at about 6.30 p.m. as the guest of Hon. J. Lewis. He left Burra on Monday morning by the 1st train. His visit was a private one. He raised his hat to the Salvation Army meeting in the street as he passed and requested the public school be given a half-holiday.

Juvenile Foresters will hold their 4th annual picnic at Sod Hut next Wednesday.

XV, 596, 21 Oct. 1903, page 3

Redruth Court, Tuesday.

W.J. Davey asked that Madam Lena Luella be imprisoned for 10 days for disobeying a summons for a printing debt incurred some months ago. The warrant is to be executed in Tarlee today.

The Veal Family musical entertainment was of a very high order in the Institute on Monday and as well as solos, duets, trios, quartets, company songs and glees, Indian club and dumb bell exercises were gone through. Attendance was reduced by heavy rain that fell just as people were about to leave for the hall.

Burra Defence Rifle Club: 4th match for .303 rifle: N. Pearse 93, H.E. Riggs 91 & J.A. Riggs 87.

Burra Town Council, 19 October.

Tar dressing ordered from Park’s corner to the Methodist Church. Mt Pleasant St to be kerbed.

Burra Waterworks. The brickwork from the Cornish boiler has been taken down and found very unsatisfactory. A patch to the front of the boiler is recommended.

Recommended the Magnetic Co. be allowed 110,000 gallons with excess to be charged at 1/6 per 1,000 gallons.

Wesley Bicentenary Church Hanson, Wednesday 14 October.

Bad weather kept some away, but there was still a good crowd at 3 p.m. when Rev. H.J. Pope, President of Conference preached a sermon in the State Schoolroom. The memorial stone service was preached by Rev. W.F. James. Mr Jesse Humphrys laid the first stone. The President then laid the Wesley bicentenary stone. For over two hours the tea tables in the council chamber were crowded.

Historic sketch by Rev. W.F. James.

Services at Hanson began nearly 25 years ago in the house of the late Mr Rogers and were continued in the Council Chamber. In 1880 Hanson, Farrell’s Flat, Stony Gap and Black Springs comprised a Home Mission. After 9 years of struggle even a liberal Home Mission grant couldn’t support the Mission and in March 1888 Farrell’s Flat was joined to the Mintaro Circuit and Hanson and Stony Gap to the Burra Circuit. When that divided they became part of the Redruth Circuit. An organ was purchased two years ago. Some 15 years ago Mr J. Lane gave £20 to the Wesley Jubilee Fund towards new churches at World’s End and Hanson. The former got built, but the latter was not realised even with a three year extension and the £10 went to other uses. Three years ago fund raising started for the present effort. It was begun with £20 from Jesse Humphrys. Two acres of land at the corner of South and West Terraces were obtained and since then £150 has been raised towards the building.

Over £40 was laid on the stones at the ceremonies including a donation from the Federal Speaker, Sir Frederick Holder. The tea and collections raised £10. This means there is £200 raised of the estimated £250 needed to open the church free of debt.

[Considerable more detail of the people involved in the history of this church is given in the article.]

W.H. Hardy writes re Mr Pryor’s £10 expressing his view that the Mayor should write his personal cheque for £250 payable to the Council for his errors in connection with the Waterworks – and then he should retire.

XV, 597, 28 Oct. 1903, page 2

Rev. T.B. Angwin’s [Anguin’s] pansies gained 1st honours at the Adelaide Rose Show last week – he scooped the pool at the Burra Show last month.

The Season. The eastern country has never looked better.

C.F.C. Schmidt at World’s End Station has wheat over 5’ high and some cut hay at 21⁄2 tons per acre. The previous drought though, has made stock scarce.

XV, 597, 28 Oct. 1903, page 3

Wesley Bicentenary Church at Hanson. Trustees were glad to learn the memorial stone day had yielded £55. Rev. W.F. James has been invited to preach the first service on 20 December and Rev. T.B. Anguin the second. Mr Jesse Humphrys will donate £5 more if farmers in the area will give bags of wheat and seven bags are already promised.

British & Foreign Bible Society: the centenary meeting is reported.

‘The Same Old Game’ writes admiring the nice high and dry footpath that is being kerbed around one side of Cr Snell’s premises. ‘It is not necessary to say more.’

Fire & Inquest. On Saturday evening about 8.30 fire was reported at the premises known as Sara & Dunstan’s and now occupied by Otto Bartholomaeus, carpenter and builder. The origin is a mystery not clarified at the inquest which was held on Tuesday at the Bon Accord Hotel. About 400 people soon gathered and there were plenty of hands to assist in fire fighting, but the building of wood and iron containing timber produced flames of such height that the rays were seen at Farrell’s Flat and Mt Bryan. Swagmen raised the alarm. The quantity of timber kept the fire going for several hours. The verdict was that it was started by person or persons unknown with no indication of whether it was accidental or otherwise. Building and contents insurance was £350 and £150 respectively and the estimated loss £800-£900.

XV, 598, 4 Nov. 1903, page 2

Tennis. Aberdeen Methodist Ladies 6-41 defeated Kooringa Methodist Ladies 2-29 at Aberdeen on 23 October.

Guy Fawkes Day has been extensively prepared for by the children. Parents and guardians are urged to look out for fires.

A Thunderstorm dropped over 1.3” at Hillside in 20 minutes at 4.30 on Sunday and a flood came down Burra Creek at 6 p.m.

SA Institutions for the Blind Deaf & Dumb. Mr Christopher Hawkins is visiting the district after an absence of 18 months to solicit donations.

Burra Burra Copper Co. The fourth quarterly report. Since the general meeting in April the Electro-Magnetic Separation Co. has made several trial runs with its separating plant and has sent over 100 tons of concentrate away to Wallaroo. The trials have satisfied them that the plant needs certain crushing appliances available only from the USA and pending their arrival work has been suspended. The directors of the Burra Burra Copper Co. are considering the unwatering of the mine’s open cut to allow more ore bearing ground to be worked. Presently there are 8 tribute pitches let and the Magnetic Co. has the right of search over a block to the northwest of the open cut and they are employing seven men sinking and driving.

XV, 598, 4 Nov. 1903, page 2-3

Court.

Frederick Hornhardt and Alex Robinson were charged with unlawful possession of money – said to have been taken from David Smith. The evidence was circumstantial, but rather convincing and they were sentenced to 2 months plus 1 month on the further charge of being idle and disorderly persons.

XV, 598, 4 Nov. 1903, page 3

J.E.H. Winnall has been asked by a deputation to stand for Mayor for 1904 and he has agreed.

Burra Creek Flood.

The sudden flood in the Burra Creek on Sunday evening attracted young boys to the water. Several got into the bed to race the water and foolishly stopped at intervals to see how close they could let the water get to them. This went on till the old ford at Roach’s Flour Mill was negotiated where the three boys – one called Fuss and the other two Stewart – found themselves stranded on some old stonework forming part of the ford, with water all round them. Fortunately young Harvey arrived and at the risk of his own life rescued the young Fuss who was being carried down the stream some distance and must else have perished amidst the slush and debris. Harvey got Fuss back to the island. The boys removed their shoes, but by then they were too scared to attempt to wade ashore. The police were sent for, but Harry Austin arrived with a horse and with difficulty got close to the boys and one at a time took them to the bank. Fred. Heinrich and W.J. Richards helped at this stage and the latter fell in while helping and cut and bruised his leg. Young Fuss was beyond recognition due to the mud on his face and clothes.

[‘Young Fuss’ offers several possibilities and might describe Hilary, son of Charles Fuss, but three or four of August Fuss’s sons would be other possibilities.]

Redruth Methodist Sunday School Anniversary will be held next Sunday with Rev. W.H. Rofe. The afternoon service of song will be Davey’s Sacrifice. The annual picnic at Mr Sandland’s paddock at Sod Hut will be on Monday with the tea meeting on Wednesday when Rev. W.H. Rofe will lecture on Poets and Poetry.

Juvenile Foresters fourth picnic was successfully held at Sandland’s Sod Hut paddock last Wednesday. The day was good and the sports and eatables were also well provided. The results of the program are printed.

Obituary. Mrs Kathleen Nevin, aged 65, died suddenly at Hanson. Her husband had worked in the railways and finished up last week. They were packing to move to Copperhouse and she may have over exerted herself. [Catherine Nevin died 3 November aged 70 according to the registration. Marriage records suggest she was born Catherine Seery, but the ages at marriage and death do not correspond.]

Obituary. Jacob Burrows has died in Broken Hill, aged 65. He had lived there for 15 or 16 years and was well known as a lay preacher in the Methodist Church. As a young man he was known as a wrestler and was for many years well known in Burra as a leading light in the Primitive Methodist Church and Sunday school.

SAR Timetable. The morning train from Adelaide will now arrive 30 minutes earlier that in the winter months and on Saturday evenings the Adelaide express will arrive in Burra at 9 instead of 9.30.

Burra Town Council: members retiring due to the effluxion of time,

Mayor: John Sampson

North Ward Richard Cook

East Ward Adolph Carl Lott

West Ward John Ikin Sangster

Auditor Frank Treloar

XV, 599, 11 Nov. 1903, page 2

Mr Crawford Vaughan, a candidate for the Senate, addressed electors in Market Square on Saturday night. Though booked for the Institute he took advantage of a crowd attracted to a ‘Cheap Jack’ near the pump and spoke there.

The Monday Holiday was ‘muggy’ with thick dust after dinner. Rain threatened and thunder and large hail followed. The Redruth Methodist Sunday School picnic was held at Sod Hut and Burra played Clare at cricket at Victoria Park. Tennis games were also played.

An Inquest into the death of Mrs Nevin, wife of William Nevin, found death by natural causes.

XV, 599, 11 Nov. 1903, page 3

Flour has dropped largely in price, but owing to the alleged ‘ring’ by the bakers, bread is still 4d a loaf. There is a report that a co-operative bakery is to be started.

Douglas Methodist Church anniversary services were held on Sunday 1 November. Rain fell and creeks were flooded which no doubt kept many away from the evening service. Tea meeting was on Wednesday. In the afternoon a cricket match was organised between a Burra team and the Mongolata Club. It was drawn and at stumps Mongolata was 181 for 8 declared and Burra 34 without loss.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. 5th match for the .303 rifle: J.A. Riggs 95, N. Pearce 89, J.E. Pearce 88.

George Lawn was descending Baldina Hill amid Monday’s electrical storm when lightning struck 50 yards away. He was rendered unconscious briefly, but otherwise not hurt.

XV, 600, 18 Nov. 1903, page 2

Advt. To Let. Mr Dunstan’s house near Roach’s Mill. Apply Mr August Bartholomaeus, Redruth.

Advt. Mrs Priscilla Stewart thanks all, especially Guy Harvey for coming to the aid of the two little boys who were threatened with drowning in Burra creek on 1 November.

Redruth Methodist Church Anniversary was held on 8 November.

Rev. W.H. Rofe of Adelaide officiated. The Service of Song was Davey’s Sacrifice. There was a picnic at Sod Hut in Mr Sandland’s paddock, which passed off well despite the wind, dust, thunder and lightning. The public meeting was held on Wednesday. Sunday school numbers are down from 173 to 167 due to removals. Supper was taken in Jubilee Hall.

H. W. Preece has regrettably been forced to resign as secretary of the Burra United Friendly Societies’ Boxing Day Sports due to pressure of work.

A concert in the Methodist Lecture Hall on Thursday evening successfully raised funds for the coming bazaar.

The Burra Literary Soc. has gone into recess for the summer months.

Miss Adams has been appointed to take charge of the World’s End Creek School.

XV, 600, 18 Nov. 1903, page 3

Court Cases

Jennie Rule was sentenced to 10 days in Gaol for USJ.

George Attrill was sentenced to 10 days in gaol for failure to appear at a claim by Dr J.I. Sangster for £6 for medical attendance.

Elizabeth Fisk was given 14 days for being drunk at the court, £1 or 14 days for being drunk on 17 November in a public place and £2 or one month for using indecent language. For all of this she seemed grateful in that she would be assured of Christmas lunch there.

John Coleman alias Butcherd was remanded on the charge of forging a cheque on the ES & A Bank at Saddleworth for £5-10-0 with intent to defraud. The informant was Emma Doyle of Hallett.

XV, 601, 25 Nov. 1903, page 2

Fire. The first fire for the season broke out on Sunday morning near the bridge on the Baldina Road. It was soon extinguished.

Annual Ratepayers’ Meeting, Burra Institute, 18 November.

Mr Fuss in the chair. [Probably Mr C. Fuss.]

Mayor’s Report for the year.

During the year Crs Walker and Lockyer resigned and were replaced by Mr J. Snell and Mr Henry Roach.

The year began in debit £24-10-10 and the present credit is £84, of which a considerable amount will be expended by year’s end. The amount available for public works was £289-12-6 and the allocation to wards was: North £75, East £86-10-0, West £79-10-0.

In the year 200 new trees were planted to fill gaps and of these several were lost due to vandalism.

The cemetery has been maintained and 37 burials took place.

The Main Road Grant was again cut from £306 to £273.

XV, 601, 25 Nov. 1903, page 2-3

Burra Waterworks.

A printed report stated these were in 1st class order at the start of the year and so I did not visit till early January when I found them in a filthy condition. The engine was knocking and steam was wasted. Mr Pryor claimed that everything was alright except for a little knocking of the crosshead pin. I found that only three of the pumps were working and the engine was in a state of collapse. After a report to the Waterworks Commission it was decided to get Mr Henderson to see what he could do with the engine. He patched it up in 16 hours work. On 5 February the engine completely broke down. It was decided to take the cylinder out and send the piston, rod and cylinder to Adelaide – the cylinder to be rebored.

It returned on 17 February and was refixed by an engineer from town. In the meantime the dayman and Mr Pryor overhauled the whole of the pumps and on 19 February pumping restarted. Mr Pryor was then unable to follow his employment and Mr Bentley was engaged temporarily while applications for a qualified engineer were called. After considerable delay Mr E.C. Sedgman was appointed from many applicants and he proved himself thoroughly acquainted with the management of the plant. The Cornish boiler has given much trouble due to unskilled treatment of earlier engineers and in the near future a new boiler will be needed. Early in the year it was decided concessions would have to be cancelled due to enormous leakage. A thorough inspection was made of all services and meters and showed that not more than one in ten meters was registering. Since then about 100 meters have been cleaned and replaced. All doubtful meters are now being replaced and eventually I am sure we will be able to lower the water rate. After interviewing the Commissioner and Hydraulic Engineer the former promised a rebate of £81 if we signed a lease for two years from 1 January 1904, though we can surrender the works at six months notice. The expensive repairs have now reduced running costs considerably below last year’s.

[Figures are then given for expenditure which show that repairs cost £51-2-3, Wood £60-11-3, the Engineer £112-7-6 plus a £10 gift for Mr Pryor.]

Mr Hardy asked, that considering the heavy accusations made against Mr Pryor, had the Council received the Mayor’s report – Yes it had.

Mr Hardy then followed with several other questions including querying the extension of concessions to the Electro-Magnetic Co. He also asked if the £10 to Mr Pryor was in lieu of a month’s notice.

The mayor said that was a mare’s nest. Some three years ago Mr Pryor was temporarily appointed, but never confirmed by Council. An accident to his leg some years ago appears to have now made him physically incapable of carrying on work and he was laid aside. He has not asked to be reinstated and is not yet declared off the funds of the lodge. In March a motion was carried that he be asked to resign and with the letter a promise of a gift of £10 was made. The Council then sought the services of a capable engineer.

Mr Hardy – Didn’t the Council offer him £5 to resign?

Mayor: No.

[Mr Hardy then pursued questions on who cleaned and fixed the meters and why and who authorised it and how much it cost.]

Mr Crewes asked how many Councillors read the Waterworks lease before signing it.

Cr Cook did not recall seeing it or signing it.

Cr Lott read it.

Cr Roach & Cr Snell neither saw it nor signed it.

Mr Winnall asked if it was signed by a resolution of Council. – Yes.

Mr Crewes asked if the Commissioner had made signing it a condition of the £81 rebate. – Yes.

In reply to an inaudible question from T. Davis the Mayor denied there had been any ‘back door business’ done this year – there had been no ‘shinanikin’.

Mr Crewes objected to the Mayor’s emphasis on ‘this year’.

Mr Hardy thought there had been a lot of ‘shinnanikin’ in Council this year.

Mr Hardy asked if since Mr Sedgman’s appointment wasn’t young Harvey doing the work Mr Sedgman was appointed to do.

The mayor said Mr Sedgman had been busy repairing the machinery ever since he had been there and Harvey was doing as much for 3/- a day as Hardy would for 10/-.

Hardy – if the engineer signed the agreement to do the work he should do it.

Mayor – The likes of Mr Hardy would blight the prospects of Council ever getting a good man to do the job and it was nonsense for him to find fault with such a practical engineer as Mr Sedgman. Ratepayers should put their foot down and stop such nonsensical talk.

The chair here intervened to stop personal remarks and to return to conducting business in a gentlemanly way.

Mr Hardy apologised to the meeting, but not to the Mayor. He then launched into another tirade against the Mayor over the Waterworks in an attempt to prevent the meeting from adopting the report. The report was adopted.

Cr Sangster said he was glad to be retiring. He had voted for an end to Waterworks concessions and to appoint Mr Sedgman. The Waterworks lease was too stringent and he was not present when it was signed and was surprised it had been. Also a Council was foolish not to have appointed a joint inspector of meat with the District Council. The town was poorly lighted and he hoped the new Council would give this attention.

Cr Cook gave a brief speech of retirement.

Cr Lott said he was going to offer his services for East Ward again. He had voted to sign the Waterworks lease because the Mayor had said they were compelled to do so. It would not have been done but for financial necessity. He had voted against the water concessions to the Burra Copper Co.

The Mayor said Mr Pryor had not been offered £5 to resign, but the speaker knew differently. He had moved that Mr Pryor be given £10 in lieu of notice – which was his entitlement. It was through an accident at the Waterworks that he had been incapacitated.

The Mayor: No.

Mr Neville moved a hearty vote of thanks to the retiring Councillors. Mr Hardy 2nd.

A Voice: ‘That includes the Mayor, too, I suppose.’

Mr Hardy: ‘If it does I’ll withdraw.’ (Laughter)

Mr Neville: ‘I included the Mayor, of course.’

Mr Winnall seconded the motion.

The Mayor thanked all for thanking him. He had devoted as much time to his duties as any man could. He had lived longer than any other resident in the town and now intended to retire into private life, but would always keep a watchful eye over future Council proceedings.

Mr Winnall said he was a candidate for Mayor, but felt it was not going to be a very enviable position. He would be the first Burra boy to fill the position. The Waterworks would be the greatest trouble in the year. He was willing to let the Government take over at once if necessary. It was too much to expect that they would pay more for their water under the Government that they do now. People in Adelaide paid 6d per 1,000 gallons while here it was much more. They paid 31⁄2% interest and we pay 5-6%. The Burra Waterworks were worth about £3,000 and yet we pay interest on £8,000. If they are not handed back to the Government we must insist on a substantial reduction in the capital account. When some time ago the Government valuer placed a price on the works the Government would not part with them for that value. The slaughterhouse question would also occupy much time of the incoming Council.

Cr Lott, as a candidate for East Ward supported Mr Winnall re the Waterworks.

J. Drew, candidate for West Ward, had previously refused to have anything to do with municipal matters, but as his firm was about the largest ratepayer in the town he felt it was his duty. He felt if the Waterworks account could not be reduced they should be returned to the Government. He was Burra born and so was his mother before him, so he felt he had some claim in the town.

Mr Neville, candidate for North Ward, thought the Waterworks were a sick baby and the sooner they got rid of it the better.

XV, 601, 25 Nov. 1903, page 3

Terowie Sports will be held on New Year’s Day.

Municipal Elections.

Mayor: Mr Winnall (elected unopposed)

North Ward W. Neville (elected unopposed)

West Ward J. Drew (elected unopposed)

East Ward W.H. Hardy

Mr Lott

Mr Launder

An election for East Ward will be held on Tuesday.

St Mary’s Annual Strawberry Fete was held in the Institute last Friday: attendance good and results satisfactory.

XV, 602, 2 Dec. 1903, page 2

Rev Ambrose Fletcher will lecture at Kooringa on Monday and Redruth on Tuesday evenings on The Strange Ways of a Strange People, about his life in New Guinea on behalf of the Methodist Foreign Missions. He will also preach on Sunday at Redruth.

Sir Frederick Holder addressed electors at the Burra Institute on Tuesday 24 November and on Wednesday Senator McGregor and Messrs Guthrie and Story did likewise. Senator Charlestown and Caldwell spoke on Friday. In each instance meetings were poorly attended.

XV, 602, 2 Dec. 1903, page 3

A severe thunderstorm, the worst for many years lasted some two hours on Thursday. [The rest of the article suggests it occurred in the early hours of Friday morning.] Rain fell in torrents and overflowed guttering, flooded ceilings and rooms. Friday was also wet with more thunder and lightning in the evening. The creek came down a banker. Silt piled up at some footbridges and caused water to divert, causing other damage. At Leighton lightning ignited hay on the property of Mrs S. Pearce. Though prompt action prevented serious damage.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. 6th match for the .303 rifle: J.A. Pearce 87, J.E. Pearce 81, J.A. Riggs 79.

[This is said to be the final match, but the winner of the rifle does not seem to be stated.]

Mr & Mrs Cook were farewelled at a social in Jubilee Hall. They and family are moving to Mt Lofty. Mr Cook has been the superintendent of Westbury Sunday School, a local preacher and a circuit steward. Miss Cook has been a teacher at Redruth Sunday School.

Mr O’Dea of Booborowie suffered an accident on Thursday evening while going home from Burra. He fell out of his spring cart at Firewood Creek while standing up to put on an overcoat. The horse went on to Flagstaff where Mr J. Oats found it and drove back to Burra, concluding that an accident had occurred. He found only the seat cushion. He reported the matter to police the next morning and Mr O’Dea was found having a meal at the Courthouse Hotel, but he is unable to say how he got there.

Kooringa Methodist sale of gifts at the Institute next Friday.

Miss Ettie Perkins & Miss Rena Milligan have had success in recent musical examinations of the Trinity College, held in Adelaide. They owe their preparation to the Sisters of St Joseph’s School in Kooringa.

Burra Mine. The Burra Burra Copper Co. has called tenders for four men to sink a shaft at Bunce’s. (W. West, Manager)

XV, 603, 9 Dec. 1903, page 2

Municipal Elections. J. Launder was elected for East Ward. [No voting figures are printed.]

Pickpocket, a four-act drama, will be staged for the second time tonight in the Institute. It is in aid of the National Memorial Fund. A special musical program has been arranged.

Kooringa Methodist Bazaar on Friday was a success at the Institute.

Miss Alice Hiddle passed her practical exam with credit at the recent Trinity College Musical Exams. She was prepared by Mr A.R. Bushell.

The Old Bakehouse on the eastern side of Henderson’s Bridge has become historical. The baker before Mr Ullmann was so disturbed he made a quick and lively disappearance. Mr Ullmann was frightened by the capers of some young men [who assaulted him] that he returned to Germany. Mr Charlie Morgan took over and has become somewhat afraid to stop in the building alone any longer, so has taken a trip to the ‘United States’. [i.e. married]

XV, 603, 9 Dec. 1903, page 3

F.A. Duldig of World’s End sent in the first of the season’s new wheat to Mr H. Roach on Thursday.

Redruth Court, 2 December.

Alfred Allen Sen. was fined 2/6 per head + 5/- costs for two stray horses on the main road near the Mine Bridge.

T.H. Woollacott was treated similarly for two stray horses on a road near Hampton.

XV, 604, 16 Dec. 1903, page 2

Advt. Opening services for the Wesley Bicentenary Church Hanson will be held 20 December with Rev. W.F. James at 3 p.m. and Rev. T.B. Angwin [Anguin] at 7 p.m. There will be a tea on Christmas Day at 4 p.m. and a public meeting at 7 p.m.

Annual Bazaar in aid of ‘Minda: Home for Weak-Minded Children’ 22 December at the Auction Mart lately of W.P. Reed & Co. in Kooringa.

The Hanson Methodist Church will be opened on 20 December. The total cost will be upwards of £260 and over £210 has been received with £20 promised towards the balance of £30. [The figures cited suggest this should say ‘leaving a balance of £30’.]

Salvation Army. The Annual Salvation Army demonstration was held last Sunday and Monday. Services were held by Adjutant Small and congregations were large with representatives from other religious bodies in the town. Monday tea in the Barracks saw a large number of children doing justice to the food provided. Then there was a grand march headed by the band through the principal streets followed by a short meeting at the pump before they went back to the Barracks for recitations etc. by the children. Every child received a prize.

Burra High School [Bleak House] principal Miss Millar will distribute prizes and hold the usual concert at St Mary’s Schoolroom on Friday 18 December at 3.30 p.m.

The Day Affair.

On Monday we received a letter saying an almost destitute girl was induced to leave home to work for Mrs Day for 2/- a week and clothes. She went to the house in Kingston St near Henderson’s Bridge and began her duties. After a day or two she was sent away after a row. The husband then arranged for her to return. Kerosene was put on her head and her hair cut off and later she left.

We then interviewed the girl, Emmie Smith.

She confirmed going to the Days for 2/- a week and found in clothes. She was to do the household duties while Mrs Day went out visiting – also the lion’s share of the washing. While she was there her hair was cut off by Mary [Day] and kerosene put on her head. She was told it would make her hair grow strong and nice. When she left on Saturday she was told to leave the clothes behind for the next girl. ‘All my underclothing was taken from me, and I am no better off now than when I went there; in fact I am worse off; I have lost my hair; and have been made an “object for people to look at”.’

We have seen the jagged hair and it is certainly a poor job. Enquiries are being made into the case to see what can be done in the matter. The girl should have the clothes returned to her, which to keep from her is against decency and humanity.

[This and the article in the following issue resulted in the Days suing the publisher for libel: see Burra Record: 614, 24 Feb. 1904, pages 2-3.]

The Pickpocket played to a fair audience on Wednesday evening.

Harvesting has been delayed by cold, bleak winds.

XV, 604, 16 Dec. 1903, page 3

Burra School. Last week Inspector Plummer held the annual examination at the school and Friday was visiting day. The head teacher, Mr Scott, reported 367 children on the roll and an average attendance of 290. Results of the examination were 83%. During the year two 6th Class students had been successful in passing the Primary Examination. Honour Certificates – Class IV went to:

Fred Harvey Henry March Charles Bennetts

Thomas Carpenter William Finch Ivy Rule

Bertha Dawes Amanda Harris Gertrude Cox

Pearl Montgomery Ethel Stewart

For Class V to:

Nellie Rosewall Lily Riggs Nellie Pearce

Murray Phelan Graham Oppermann Albert Schutze

Hartley Harris Keith Roach Harold Ockenden

Lyal Fuss

Federal Election for three senators on 16 December.

XV, 605, 23 Dec. 1903, page 2

Editorial on Christmas

The pastoral and agricultural sectors are prosperous, but the town has no industry to fall back on and hopes of seeing the old mine re-started have entirely vanished. The town has wealth it cannot touch due to the ‘conditions not at all complimentary to those responsible for the state of affairs’. Yet we hope too for commercial prosperity.

There are also the usual Christmas greetings.

Hospital Sunday was held at the Kooringa Methodist Church last Sunday. The Burra Band headed a procession of the Friendly Societies and other bodies. Rev. T.B. Angwin preached.

An Accident. The horse in Mr William Wade’s trap tripped near Mr C. Schumacher’s at Bright on Sunday and the occupants were thrown from the vehicle. Mrs Wade was rendered unconscious for several hours as well as being shaken and bruised.

Cricket at Caroona on 12 December: Ketchowla 173 defeated Mongolata 70.

XV, 605, 23 Dec. 1903, page 3

Hanson Church [Sunday 20 December]

An army of buggies assembled for the first services at the new church. Rev. W.F. James preached in the afternoon and Rev. T.B. Angwin in the evening. Services were crowded and many could not get in for the afternoon service. One old lady who attended was born on the day of the Battle of Waterloo. The collection was £4-5-0. About £25 is needed to meet the cost and this is expected to come in from subscriptions and a tea meeting on Christmas Day. For the convenience of Burra people the evening train will stop at Hanson for this occasion.

Tennis. Saturday: Kooringa 61 defeated Aberdeen 34.

The long talked-of Tennis Association has become an established fact and arrangements are in hand for a series of matches.

Betsy & Peggy Gossiping

The column carries on the attack on the Days with respect to the cutting of a girl’s hair and has particularly unpleasant reference to Mrs Day.

‘Peggy: Lor. I thought it was Japanese or something like that – me no savvy suchee big talkee. My father and mother died when I was young, and that accounts for my bad training and uncontrollable temper. I used to listen to everybody’s business, but my own, until I got quite deaf, an now I fancy everybody is talking about me.

Betsy: Maybe you are not mistaken, Peggy.

Peggy (Pulling up the end of her large white apron and looking two ways at once): It’s hard to think so, but I have spent days and nights looking and asking for sympathy, and I haven’t got as much as will fill this ‘ricee’ bag; they larfe at me and say –

Husha-by; Peggy, don’t you cry

You’ll be a sorter angel by-and bye.

Betsy: Why, Peggy, you are getting quite poetical, well –

I must leave you in despair

But don’t cut off any more hair

For if you do you’ll surely freeze

Just like you have in this cold breeze.

P.S. Peggy: I understand that there’s going to be a hair cutting and clothes snatching contest at Victoria Park on Boxing Day, but I believe a com-a-tea will call in the police and stop it.’

Burra High School. The school’s concert and prize distribution was held last Friday at St Mary’s Schoolroom. The Mayor Mr Winnall did the honours. The prize list is printed with the principal’s report. Dux was Alice Hiddle, just 1% ahead of Hazel Bartholomaeus.

Mt Bryan East School broke up for Christmas with a concert, games and prize-giving on Saturday.

‘Samaritan’ writes that after reading of the despicable case of the unfortunate girl Smith in which a woman named Day was concerned, the writer found the family was destitute and instead of depriving them of clothes we should do all we can to give them some.

Results of the Senate Election held last Wednesday: counting so far –

McGregor 30,891

Guthrie 28,248

Story 23,017

Charleston 22,321

Copley 19,272

Caldwell 19,233

Vaughan 8,525

Grasby 8,337

XV, 606, 30 Dec. 1903, page 2

Mrs Ainsley from the Adelaide School of Mines addressed the break-up of the local dressmaking class on 22 December. Afternoon tea was served and a social took place in St Mary’s Schoolroom in the evening. Addresses were given by several gentlemen. Sir F.W. Holder, the Wertheim Sewing Machine Co. and Messrs Urwin & Sons offered prizes for the best scholarship, but as entries were too few they were held over till next half term.

May & Truscott assaulted J.D. Kelly at the Court House Hotel on Christmas morning and will appear in court this afternoon.

Rain fell steadily on Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is many years since such a fall in December.

Obituary. Mrs Johanna Camp, wife of Mr Fred Camp of Hampton died at the Burra Hospital on 23 December, aged 65. She was a Burra resident of over 40 years and leaves a husband and one son. [She appears from marriage registration to have been born Johanna Moloney and to have been previously married to a Mr O’Dea, but neither he nor any of her children seem to appear in the records.]

A Mystery. On Monday afternoon Mr Frank Ford reported to M-C Phelan that his children had found a man’s hat and coat under the main bridge at Diprose’s about two miles east of Burra. The police also found a bundle of torn up letters. The letters appear to be to Albert Burgess from a Sophy Watson and were most affectionate. There were also a number of destroyed photographs of various people. A crucifix and Australian Catholic prayer book were also found on the ledge that carries the bridge. The creeks and waterholes have been searched, but neither the man nor a body have been found. The items appear to have been placed there about Sunday last. Mr Rowe, head drover of Mutooroo Station, believes A.B. Burgess is a drover engaged on Buckalow Station and will make enquiries on his way home.

XV, 606, 30 Dec. 1903, page 2-3

Burra United Friendly Societies Annual Sports were held at Victoria Park on Boxing Day. It was hot and muggy. The procession did not occur due to the absence of society members. The attendance was poor, but competition began at 11 a.m. The pedestrian events went off well. The bicycle track was in a bad state however, riders had to abandon the track in places and there were no less than eleven falls in the bicycle races: some of them serious. The bicycle events are reported in some detail.

After the walking race Francis Joraslafsky, aged 3 got the idea of doing the same thing and took to the track. The spectators were so amused they started throwing pennies at him which he readily responded to by collecting them. He went once around the track in good heel and toe style.

The gate takings were only £27-4-9, compared with £43-7-6 in 1902.

The Burra Band attended and rendered selections of music.

In the evening the Gawler Dramatic Club produced Forgery at the Institute, to a good house.

XV, 606, 30 Dec. 1903, page 3

Further details of the assault on J.D. Kelly, the well-known athlete.

The victim was assaulted by O. May, son of Matthew May, and by E. Truscott, brother of Walter T. Truscott. Kelly was first attacked by Truscott and May followed up using a bottle on Kelly’s head. An old man intervened, but was ‘laid out’. Mrs Caseretto then appeared, but was threatened if she did not leave. Mr Caseretto tried to break it up, but could not do so till he drew his revolver which undoubtedly saved Kelly’s life. The police and Dr Sangster were sent for. The victim was badly cut and bruised and had a face so badly swollen as to be unrecognisable. The two assailants took Kelly’s hat and coat and purse with £6. The coat was eventually recovered from the yard of the Mine Stores. May and Truscott tried to borrow money to make up the amount to square matters with Kelly. They were arrested in the afternoon of the 25 December and charged with assault and robbery and the case will be dealt with today. Truscott has only been here a few weeks, but May is known locally personally and by repute.

[See further at Burra Record, XV, 607, 6 Jan. 1904, pages 2-3.]

Characteristics of the paper for 1903

Page 1

An unchanged mixture of large advertisements both local and other.

Page 2

Smaller advertisements, sales advice and public notices.

News is mixed with news-like advertising in long wordy articles. Serial here or page 3.

Page 3

Two or more columns of large advertisements: not local.

News continues to be mixed with the wordy advertising and sometimes the smaller advertisements and sales notices more usually associated with page 2.

Page 4

Larger advertisements both local and patent cures etc.

In general the paper carried a patchy coverage of local news and there is a lot of padding with humour, items presumed to be of general interest and gossip from Adelaide and elsewhere.

Numbering of issues in 1903

Volume XV continued for the whole year, having started 7 December 1892.

The year began with Volume XV Number 547 on 7 January 1903

And continued to Volume XV Number 606 on 30 December 1903

Numbering was fairly consistent, but there were a few anomalies.

Numbers ran 547 to 550

Then numbers 551 to 560 were not used.

Then the sequence ran from 561 to 589 with 566 used twice.

After 589 number 509 was used twice, having first appeared 9 April 1902.

Then came 511, having first appeared 23 April 1902.

The sequence then continued 592 to 606.

XV, 607, 6 Jan. 1904

Page 1 Advertisements

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Auctioneers

Elder, Smith & Co. Auctioneers

Drew & Crewes Importers, Kooringa

C. & A. Fuss Timber Merchants, Aberdeen

John Pearce Timber Merchant, Kooringa

O. Bartholomaeus Timber Merchant, Redruth

T.T. Shortridge Estate & Commission Agent, Accountant & Auditor, Commercial St

August Bartholomaeus Agent for Norwich Union Fire Insurance, amalgamated with

SA Insurance Co. Ltd., Redruth

S. Burns Blacksmith, Wheelwright, etc., Commercial St

Page 2 Advertisements

Federal boot Co. Kooringa

A.R. Creswick Dentist, Vivian’s Commercial Hotel, Kooringa, 1st & 3rd Thursdays in each month.

Page 4 Advertisements

C.C. Williams Ironmonger, Tinsmith, Galvanised Iron Worker, Commercial St

O. Bartholomaeus Carpenter, Builder, etc., Aberdeen

New Format from XV, 646, 5 Oct. 1904

Page 1 Business Directory:

Kooringa

Importers Drew & Crewes

Pearce Bros

Drapers Urwin & Hiddle

Ewins & Son

J.T. Walker & Sons

Storekeepers W.E. Jordan

A. Bennett

E.J. Harris

L. Day

Watchmaker L.L. Wicklein

Bootmakers M. Pederson

J.T. Walker & Sons

Federal Boot Co.

H. Harris

Auctioneers Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd.

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd.

Painters D. Jones

E. Bowen

Carriers E.T. Robertson

L. Grow

Cab Drivers Thomas P. Halls

George March

Charles Grow

Undertakers T.W. Pearce

C.J. Pearce

Butchers D.J. O’Leary

W.T. Truscott

Banks National Bank

Bank of Australasia

Tailor J.T. Hartnett

Hotels H. Vivian

C.C. Heinrich

C.M. Johnson

Bakers C. Parks

W.A. Gebhardt

C. Morgan

Hairdresser R.D. Pascoe

Stationers T.W. Wilkinson

Mrs Giles

John Snell

Carpenters J. Pearce

T.W. Pearce

C.J. Pearce

Wood Merchants Drew & Crewes

A. Harris

E.J. Harris

Boarding Houses E. Frederick

Mrs Goldsworthy

Confectioners F. Harris

C. Morgan

Misses Tobin

Dressmakers Misses Tobin

Miss Callahan

Miss A. Wilson

Miss Hudson

Mrs T. Ford

Blacksmiths W. Henderson

F. Kemble

S. Burns

Saddlers A.J. Hunt

P. Lane

Photographers W.J. Davey

E.A. Pearce

Chemist T.W. Wilkinson

Hurdle Maker T.H. Broad

Aberdeen

Drapers J. Tiver & son

N.J. Tiddy

Storekeepers J. Tiver & Sons

T. Harvey

T. Williams

Ridgway & Sons

Carpenters C. & A. Fuss

G. Bartholomaeus [Probably an error for O.]

Bakers H. Goodwin

C.H. Lowe

Saddler E. Cox

Confectioners Miss Bentley

Mrs Kellaway

Photographer W. Bentley

Road Contractor T.W. Woollacott

Butchers H. Rabbich

R. Austin

Page 1 Advertisements

August Bartholomaeus Agent for Norwich Union fire Insurance amalgamated with

SA Fire Insurance Co. Ltd

S. Burns Blacksmith, Wheelwright etc., Commercial St

Page 2 Advertisements

Frank Harris Fruiterer, Confectioner & Smallgoods, Market Square

C.C. Williams Ironmonger, Tinsmith, Galvanised Iron Worker, Commercial St

W.T. Truscott Butcher, Market Square

W. Barkley Grocer & Fruiterer, next to the Commercial Hotel

Luke Day Grocer, Fruiterer and General Dealer, Market Square

A.R. Creswick Dentist, Vivian’s Commercial Hotel, every month

R.D. Pascoe Hairdresser, Tobacconist, Stationer and Perfumer, Market Square

Page 3 Advertisements

F. Harris Registry Office for Generals, Parlour Maids, Nurses, Charwomen, Labourers, Cooks, etc.

W.A. Gebhardt Baker, Lower Thames St

Page 4 Advertisements

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Auctioneers

F.J. Carey Agent for Messrs W.R. Cave & Co., Wheat Buyer of Hallett & Burra

H.W. Pearce Wyandottes, Orpingtons & Ducks, Aberdeen

Page 7 Advertisements

Drew & Crewes Merchants & Importers

Alf Bennetts (Late T. Parks) Grocer, Fruiterer, etc., Commercial St

Jack Richards Burra Bicycle & Motor Depot, Aberdeen

Burra Vehicle Exchange Apply Record Office

Page 8 Advertisements

O. Bartholomaeus Carpenter, Builder, etc., Aberdeen

E.J. Harris Grocer, Fruiterer & General Dealer, Market Square

XV, 607, 6 Jan. 1904, page 2

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School picnic at Sod Hut on New Year’s Day.

XV, 607, 6 Jan. 1904, page 2-3

Court.

There is a long account of the case of William Edgar Truscott and Oliver May who were charged with common assault and larceny. [See paper of 30 Dec. 1903, page 2.] The proceedings, which started on 30 December at 3 p.m. and went till 10.30 p.m. and then continued on 31 December from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., are reported in c. 41⁄2 columns. Kelly lost over £6, but to allow the matter to be dealt with locally under the Minor Offences Act, they were charged with the larceny of £3-11-3. The two were apparently drunk at the time and the evidence was all about the larceny as the assault was admitted. Truscott, a butcher living in Kooringa and working for his brother, gave an account of playing dice with Kelly that had led to the fight. May corroborated his evidence. The account of the money trail is intricate, but in the end the Bench found the prisoners guilty and fined them each £5 or 6 months and on the assault charge they were fined £4-4-0 in all.

XV, 607, 6 Jan. 1904, page 3

‘Roasted’ writes suggesting the UFS Sports Day be changed to three months earlier or later to avoid the heat and the farmers’ busiest time of the year.

Rev. Father O’Dowling has been in charge of St Joseph’s for six months due to Father Reddan’s ill health. He was also in charge of Redhill which made for a very large workload. He now departs, but has made many friends here who will ensure a hearty welcome at any time.

F.A.S. Field of Monavea has just reaped a paddock of 60 acres which averaged 331⁄2 bushels to the acre. The ground had been dressed with two cwt of phosphate to the acre and the grain was plump and of excellent quality. It was reaped with a Massey-Harris harvester.

Wesley Bicentenary Church, Hanson.

Half the land now held by the trustees was obtained 30 years ago. For 25 years services were held in the Council Chamber. Mr Jesse Humphrys set the ball rolling four years ago with a donation of £20. For two years the only addition was 24/- interest. Then the Sunday school gave £1 and a tea meeting raised £3. In 1902 the whole of the site now used was acquired for less than £11. It was decided not to let tenders till two thirds of the estimated cost was raised, and to aim to open the church debt free. A dinner, lectures and supper in October 1902 paid for the land, but by the end of the year still less than £50 had been raised. Mr J. Pearce prepared the plans and specifications for free after the dimensions and style were agreed in January 1903. The Hon. J.J. Duncan made Cross Roads Quarry available and 100 yards of stone was raised and carted the four miles free – equal to a donation of £25. In June, finding no other church in Australia was to mark the Bicentenary of John Wesley’s birth, it was decided to call the building the Wesley Bicentenary Church. Tenders were called in August and Mr J. Humphrys invited to lay the first of two memorial stones. Though wet weather kept many away the ceremonies produced over £56. Mr Humphrys had by now given £42 and offered £5 more if others would donate wheat – 7 bags were immediately offered and 16 subsequently. Nearly £200 of the £250 needed had by then been raised. A call was made to Methodists across Australia for a crown donation (5/-) to honour the Wesley Bicentenary and eventually 125 crowns were received. [£30-5-0]

The church comfortably seats 100 and is substantially built. The masons were Messrs T. & C. Tiver, the carpenter Mr J. Pearce and the clerk of works was Mr P.B. James. It was crowded on 20 December for the first services by Rev. W.F. James and Rev. T.B. Angwin. One old lady in the congregation was born on the day of the Battle of Waterloo. Tea and a public meeting on Christmas Day 1903 saw over 100 visitors from Burra and quite 300 altogether. Messrs Bentley and Pearce took photographs. The tea meeting raised £13. Only the seats which cost £20 remain to be paid for. This account was settled and with a £10 promise there was a balance of £20 towards a porch, fence, and other necessities which will cost £40.

XV, 608, 13 Jan. 1904, page 2

Tennis. Burra Tennis Assoc. 9 January. Kooringa 7-45 defeated Redruth 1-22.

XV, 608, 13 Jan. 1904, page 3

World’s End Races were held on New Year’s Day and about 300 people attended.

Clothes & torn letters etc. found under the bridge near Ford’s [See paper of 30 Dec. 1903.] are the property of A.B. Burgess who was recently married. He overindulged and decided to get rid of the letters, but the clothes have not clearly been accounted for. He is working at Mutooroo Station.

Fitzgerald’s Circus is due soon in Burra.

Rabbits are on the increase.

Burra Institute annual meeting of subscribers was held last Monday. Mr Hague, President was in the chair. The balance increased by £42 for the year and the library now holds 3,646 volumes. For 1904 Dr Sangster was elected President with Mr [C.] Fuss as Vice President. The Treasurer is Mr Wilkinson and the Secretary is Mr J. Drew.

XV, 609, 20 Jan. 1904, page 2

Redruth Reformatory girls had a picnic at Princess Royal on Wednesday.

Accident. Mr Thomas Fairchild Sen. got his foot caught in the cogs of his harvester when the horses bolted and it has had to be amputated. He is getting on as well as can be expected.

Miss Wincey Matron of the Burra Hospital for 111⁄2 years has resigned to take a position as Matron of Dr Gault’s Nunyarra Sanatorium for Consumption at Belair. Her departure will be regretted.

Mr T.T. Shortridge went to Adelaide by train on 7 January and has not been heard of since. His family is concerned for his welfare. A well-known resident for many years, he has long been secretary of the AOF. A special audit of their accounts has shown all to be in order. Any information would be gladly received.

Fitzgerald’s Circus makes its annual visit on 25 January, arriving by special train. 4/-, 3/- 2/-.

XV, 609, 20 Jan. 1904, page 3

Tennis. At Kooringa on Saturday: Aberdeen 7-46 defeated Kooringa 1-26.

Clare Races were successfully held last Wednesday.

Mr Skewes had a leg amputated last week.

Reaping continues, but the bad weather has made it one of the worst seasons for many years.

Obituary. Mrs J. Tobin died on Saturday last leaving three sons in WA, one daughter in Pt Pirie and two at home. [Despite the initial ‘J’, this would appear to be Mary Tobin born Mary Hickey, wife of Michael Tobin, died 16 January aged 63.]

Marriage. Miss N. Owers married Mr J. Rowe.

XV, 610, 27 Jan. 1904, page 2

T.T. Shortridge has still not been heard of.

Fitzgerald’s Circus was a great success in Burra on Monday taking over £100 at the door.

Obituary. Rev. Stuart Wayland, formerly in charge of St Mary’s, died at North Unley last week, aged 67, leaving one son, Edmund Stuart Wayland and four daughters of whom Mesdames Howe and C.G. Tiver of Adelaide are married. [Died 17 January.]

XV, 611, 3 Feb. 1904, page 2

Obituary. Thomas Quinn died on 22 January at Williamstown. He was the husband of Ann Quinn and was aged 79 years 10 months. He leaves a widow, five sons and two daughters, also 8 grandchildren.

Dr Sangster Sen. has been working to get money for gas lighting at the Burra Hospital. There is now enough to go ahead and an order has been placed with C.C. Williams. For a start the principal wards will be lit and the system extended as money becomes available.

XV, 611, 3 Feb. 1904, page 3

Wheat buyers are busy at present and the agents are doing better than for the last seven years. [This seems to contradict the ‘worst season for years’ report in the paper of the 20 January.]

Tennis, 30 January. Aberdeen 8-48 defeated Redruth 0-16.

Hanson Methodist Church Harvest Thanksgiving last Sunday drew large congregations and the proceeds were £7-0-7.

Burra Electro-Magnetic Separation Works are idle and so is the Burra Mine.

Fire. An outbreak in Mr Frank Ford’s paddock on Friday was soon extinguished.

A fire in the Brewery Paddock last Sunday destroyed over 150 acres of grass and seems to have started in the eastern corner. Some fencing was lost, but the grazing stock was saved. Phosphorised pollard was found near the starting place.

Salvation Army. Major Veal will visit Kooringa next week.

Fred Bromley, an old Burra identity, is still in the butchering trade at Broken Hill.

Miss Blanche Henniker of Melbourne is the new Matron of the Burra Hospital.

Redruth Methodist Church Harvest Festival will be conducted next Sunday and Monday by Rev. A.H. Melbourne.

Obituary. Thomas Fairchild, aged 65, died suddenly on Thursday afternoon. He had been long in the district, farming at Buckland Hills for 30 years. He leaves four daughters: Mrs James Scott of Iron Mine, Mrs Stephen Grey of Hindmarsh, and the Misses Florence and Jane at home. There are five sons: Albert T. of Booborowie, Walter J. of Gulnare Station, and William, Francis and Robert at home.

The large funeral cortege extended from the corner of Ayer St to Market Square.

[Born 24 August 1837 in Devon: died 28 January 1904.]

The Wood Carters Union met at World’s End Creamery on 29 January and set the price of mallee at 10/- a ton or for two foot lengths at 12/- a ton. Mallee roots at 12/- ton.

XV, 612, 10 Feb. 1904, page 2

Fodder. It has been the best year for grass for about twelve years. At Ketchowla, 50 miles to the northeast it is lush. It is 3’6” high at Three Trees and the common marshmallows are over 8’.

A.B. Hiddle was elected to replace the still missing T.T. Shortridge at the AOF Court Unity Lodge on Friday.

Tennis, 6 February. Redruth 5-43 defeated Kooringa 3-32.

XV, 612, 10 Feb. 1904, page 3

Inquest into the Brewery Paddock Fire of Sunday 31 January: held at Kooringa Hotel.

Cuthbert James saw the fire start about midday about 200 yards from the road as he came in from Baldina. There was no one about. He reported it to Mr Killicoat and then the police.

W.J. Richards, when told, mounted his motor [i.e. a motor cycle] and went to the fire. He got a couple of bags from Ford’s house to attack the fire.

George Lockyer & E.F. Lockyer both had an interest in the paddock, but neither could help explain the fire. H. Lockyer corroborated the two previous witnesses.

P.L. Killicoat believed the substance found near the source of the fire was phosphorised pollard.

R. Hunt agreed.

Verdict: The fire was started by phosphorised pollard wilfully and maliciously placed by person or persons unknown.

‘Disgusted’ writes that as a resident of Aberdeen he/she is surprised that certain people are allowed to use such ‘beastly and filthy language once or twice every week, and at all hours of the night’.

Phosphate has been discovered in the old Hospital Quarry on the mine property.

Burra Races are set for 23 March.

Urwin & Sons will in future be Urwin & Hiddle.

F.J. Carey has again won the mail contract from Kooringa to the Railway Station.

G.E. March has the mail contract to Quondong.

H.S. Stephens has the mail contract to Mongolata.

Aberdeen Ballast Quarry has been employing a few men for a week or two, but is again silent.

XV, 613, 17 Feb. 1904, page 2

Tennis, last Saturday. Kooringa 8-48 defeated Redruth 0-28.

Detective Priest is pursuing enquiries into the laying of phosphorised pollard and though no direct clue has been uncovered there is information enough to continue enquiries.

Martindale Races were a great success on Wednesday last when they drew over 5,000 people.

XV, 613, 17 Feb. 1904, page 3

Burra Hospital will be lit by acetylene gas tonight for the first time.

The ‘Poster King’ gave a clever exhibition of sketching in Market Square on Wednesday and Thursday evening.

Phosphorised Pollard is now being blamed for the deaths of 24 cows in Burra over the last few years.

A.W. Dobbie & Co. have ceased to operate in Burra due to the disappearance of T.T. Shortridge.

XV, 614, 24 Feb. 1904, page 2

Meat prices have been increased: Beef 6d & 7d

Rump Stake [sic] 8d

Forequarter Mutton 5d

Leg 6d

Chops 7d

Sausages 6d

Burra Hospital was lit by gas on Wednesday last with celebrations including songs etc. and refreshments.

Tennis, Wednesday. Kooringa Ladies 4-33 defeated Aberdeen Ladies 4-31.

[Personal interest: Miss H. (Hilda) and Miss M. (Muriel) Fuss played for Aberdeen.]

Rain. Burra got over 1.09” over the 19 & 20 February and on Thursday & Friday over 4.50” fell to the east. Pine Creek came down a banker – not seen for many years. It swamped the Pulpara and saltbush country.

XV, 614, 24 Feb. 1904, page 2-3

Luke Day & Mrs Hester Day sued W.J. Davey, proprietor of the Burra Record for publishing a libel on 16 & 23 December 1903, referring to the cutting of a girl’s hair and putting kerosene on her head. The court was full. The report occupies about 3 columns. The defendant’s lawyer did his best to give the impression that Luke Day behaved improperly towards the girl Emmie Smith. Hester Day gave evidence that Emmie’s hair was dirty and there were sores on her head. The girl agreed to have her hair cut and ointment was applied to the sores composed of kerosene and eucalyptus oil, in order to kill the knits [sic].

Mary Day also gave evidence corroborative of the above account. [She says incidentally that she had lived with the Days for about 9 years.]

Emmie Smith’s evidence was that she went there willingly. She said she did not tell Mr Davey she had done all the housework or the lion’s share of the washing. She did not say her hair was jagged off. She did not at first agree to having her hair cut, but later agreed. Mr Day had never acted improperly. She left because she got another job at Snowtown. She had not said she was worse off than before she went there.

David Smith, the girl’s father confirmed the above.

When Emmie arrived from Snowtown for the trial she was met by Mrs Day and she and her father had then gone to Mr Winnall’s office (Day’s lawyer) and then had had a meal and discussion at the Days’ home.

The defence tried to show this was when the above story was concocted – it being at such variance with the story in the paper.

Davey said he had interviewed the girl Emmie with her sister and he took notes at the time. He produced the notes he said he took at the time and said Mr Smith had agreed then that the information should be published. Davey had told Smith he thought the latter had been taken advantage of because he was in Day’s debt. The article, he said, was written without malice and in good faith.

In the end the Bench found for the plaintiff and fined the defendant £15.

XV, 614, 24 Feb. 1904, page 3

Redruth Court, 16 February.

A charge by the police against Mary Allen, Lucy Gully and Edgar Adams of using abusive language was dismissed.

Cricket. Burra 164 defeated Stockbreeders 97 at Victoria Park on Saturday.

Burra Hospital’s Gas Lighting.

Details occupy 1⁄2 column. The installation was by C.C. Williams and his foreman Mr Patrick Dower. There is a generator carrying 36 lights. Almost all the building is now lit, but a few more lights will be needed when finance permits. R.M. Harvey presided at the opening. Dr Sangster spoke, particularly of the advantage the lights would be in the operating theatre. He particularly thanked the eight young girls whose bazaar had raised some of the money needed. (Nellie & Rita Vivian, Nellie Pearce, Ivy Ward, Irene Crewes, Neta Pearce, Milly Pascoe & Eileen Johnson.) The hospital had played a vital role now for 27 years. Revs. W.G.M. Murphy & W.F. James & Mr Winnall also spoke. There were musical items and refreshments.

Salvation Army. Adjutant Small has severe influenza.

Iron Mine Sports will be held on 2 March.

XV, 615, 2 Mar. 1904, page 2

Tennis is all the rage at present and on Saturday last Aberdeen 6-45 defeated Kooringa 2-28.

Swimming. About two weeks ago a shooting party went to Princess Royal and the day was hot enough for some swimming. [A comment in column 6 suggests in Komatipoort Creek.] Walter Truscott and George Herbert both got cramp and Thomas Broad entered the water to aid them, though he cannot swim. Only the aid of others present saved him in turn. Afterwards a committee was formed to present Mr Broad with an illuminated address in recognition of his brave attempt. This was presented on Wednesday when the party visited Princess Royal. Mr E.F. Lockyer gave an eloquent address.

St Mary’s. The rector and wardens of the church have been concerned for some time about vandalism of church property. The most recent act was the removal of three bridle posts around the church and a reward of £2 has been posted for information leading to a conviction.

Burra Show Soc. published a report on 26 February that showed last year’s income was £318-3-10 and expenditure was £314-18-9, but some of the expenses were for permanent assets so the real profit was c. £35. The society has about £40 to its credit and a Government grant yet to come in.

The Season has started well with excellent rains and green grass everywhere, even out east where feed has been a novelty for the past seven years. The rain last week was so heavy in some places that the railway north of Burra was washed away and several trains were late getting to Burra. Locally falls were steady and soaking and were absorbed into the ground.

Rabbits are of course on the increase in response to the new grass.

XV, 615, 2 Mar. 1904, page 3

F. Field & Co. are pushing on vigorously with the phosphate mine at World’s End. Machinery is being erected at Dry Creek and when it is ready rock will be sent away in large volumes.

Burra Mine. For the past 8 weeks men have been sinking a shaft near Peacock’s Air Shaft and have struck blue carbonate and cuprite ore at 60’. Green and blue carbonate was struck near the surface and followed down and a crosscut begun with promising results. The shaft will be continued to water level and another drive done at a suitable place. This will give an idea of the lode which seems to be extensive. The shaft is in virgin ground and the lode seems to be extending with depth. Mr Pryor, the underground manager is cautiously hopeful. Four men are working at Bunts’s Shaft at a depth of 100’ and though results are not as good they are sufficient to encourage continuation. Two men at Tinline’s are also continuing. Water will be a major concern if large scale work is contemplated.

Obituary. H.E. Bright, a former MP for the district, died last week.

[Henry Edward Bright died 18 February 1904 aged 84.]

XV, 616, 9 Mar. 1904, page 2

Foresters Lodge. The paper makes reference to problems at the Court Unity Lodge, but is coy about the nature of the problems. [Was there a connection after all with the disappearance of T.T. Shortridge?]

Burra Mine. The rich lode at 65’ in the new shaft near Peacock’s air Shaft is causing much interest and many visitors. Though not as rich as the material last week the lode is still payable stuff and it is being bagged to be sent for assay. At Bunts’s the miners struck malachite and the shaft is also opening out well.

XV, 616, 9 Mar. 1904, page 2-3

Obituary. John O’Reilly, working as a rabbiter on Mr Murray Scott’s station about 40 miles east of Burra, was found dead in the bed in his tent on Thursday last, 3 March. He had been quite well on the 2 March. M-C Phelan was sent for and arrived at 4 a.m. the following morning. The deceased seems to have died quietly in his sleep. [Registered as John O’Rielly died 2 March aged 60 at Redcliffe.]

XV, 616, 9 Mar. 1904, page 3

Burra Waterworks.

A deputation from the Town Council waited on the Commissioner of Public Works. Originally the works were estimated to cost £3,600, but this crept up to £8,000 before they were completed. The Corporation has leased the works for upwards of 15 years and water consumers here have had to pay nearly twice the amount of the general rate for the whole town and yet the cost of repairs means that even now the half –year’s rent cannot be met. The deputation seeks the writing down of the capital account from £8,000 to £4,000 and the replacement of the present engine and pumps with modern equipment and that a new and larger reservoir be constructed with an additional main from the pumping station without increasing the capital account. If neither of these is done the Corporation seeks to buy the system at valuation. Mr Foster, the Commissioner, said that Burra was a town and not a country water district and towns in districts similar to Burra paid nearer to 10% than 2% which was about twice what Burra paid. The Commissioner was willing to send the revenue accountant up to have the matter investigated, but he knew what the result would be – the Corporation would want to continue it themselves. He would not sell at valuation.

Salvation Army. Adjutant Small was farewelled from the Barracks on Sunday.

Iron Mine Sports on Wednesday were a great success.

Sir Frederick Holder has been re-elected Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Obituary. Rev. C. Tresize, a former Burra minister died in Adelaide last week.

[Charles Tresise died 1 March 1904 aged 61 at Belair.]

Rev. W.F. James is to be transferred from the Redruth Circuit.

Rev. T.B. Angwin will serve another term in the Kooringa Circuit.

Marriage. Captain Aberg & Lieut. E. Phillips were married at the Barracks on Wednesday.

Tennis, Saturday. Redruth Ladies 7-47 defeated Aberdeen Ladies 1-30.

[Personal interest: players included Miss Fuss & Miss H. Fuss (presumably Muriel & Hilda) and Miss Bentley and Miss A. Bentley – (Tot & Al.)]

Farrell’s Flat Races will be run 17 March and Burra Races on 23 March in Dew’s Paddock.

XV, 617, 16 Mar. 1904, page 2

Copper in useful quantity is said to have been found between Canowie and Booborowie.

A Conversazione will be held in Jubilee Hall next Monday at 8 p.m.

Tennis, Saturday. Aberdeen 6-43 defeated Redruth 2-30.

For the quarter ending 12 March six matches were played and the total points won were: Aberdeen 8, Kooringa 4 & Redruth 0.

Redruth Court, 1 March.

Mary Ann Carpenter proceeded against her husband for assault at the Salvation Army Barracks on 21 February. He had not knocked her down, but her ‘head was sore for several days’. The court considered the case proved, but dismissed it as too trifling a character. (J. Sampson & J. Winnall were the JPs.)

Burra Mine. The drive recently commenced continues to show splendid ore and the shaft is to be continued to water level. More ore is being prepared to be sent away. The directors inspected the property on Saturday and intend to pursue the practical working gone on with. The shareholders are feeling more satisfied.

Plague has broken out in Sydney.

XV, 618, 23 Mar. 1904, page 2

Street Lighting. A ‘Best’ lamp is being given a trial at the pump in Market Square. So far it has not been a success, but that is probably due to the lack of skill in lighting and attending to it. On Monday it was doing splendidly.

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis offered 2,250 acres of Thomas G. Cockrum’s estate for sale on Friday. Owing to its size there were not many bidders, but the Government took it at £3-15-0 per acre and it will be subdivided for closer settlement.

Kooringa Police Court

Laura Lindsay alias Mrs Graham was sentenced to 2 months for being idle, drunk & disorderly.

XV, 618, 23 Mar. 1904, page 3

Carnival. The Annual Farrell’s Flat St Patrick’s Day Carnival was held last Thursday with a dance afterwards that was well attended. [Reported in 11⁄2 columns]

Mt Bryan Athletic Club held its 5th annual sports meeting on Wednesday very successfully.

Results are printed.

Kooringa Methodist Church is having three new ceiling ventilators fitted to remove the hot air. They are designed to allow air to flow upwards only and should eliminate the heat, which has oppressed congregations for 48 years. It has also had acetylene gas installed. A ‘Bradley’ generator will be constructed in a gas house under the trees at the rear of the vestry. After running along the ridge with branches to various light fittings it will descend the eastern wall to light the lamp by the footpath. The jets will be enclosed by opal globes. 24 double burner kerosene lamps will be replaced by 14 acetylene jets and the heat generated should be much less. Scaffolding is by Mr Launder, assisted by Mr Griffiths. Carpentry by John Pearce. Ironwork by Mr Williams with acetylene engineers Mr Chapman of Adelaide and Mr Fisher of Kooringa.

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will sell for the trustees of the estate of Giles Miller sections 443, 444, 445 & 452 in the Hd Ayers, comprising 429 acres with improvements including a 4-roomed stone house and farm buildings etc.

Sparks

The copper lodes at the Burra Mine are still very encouraging.

Obituary. Mrs J. [John] Edwards died at Clare last week. She was the sister of Mrs Giles of Burra.

[Mary Edwards died 13 March 1904 aged 81.]

Burra Mine now employs about 22 men and several tributers.

The Burra contingent of cyclists had a good time at Saddleworth and Farrell’s Flat.

Obituary. Mr F. Kidman, brother of C.N. Kidman, drowned in the Fitzroy River last week.

[Appears to be Thomas Frederick Kidman born 27 October 1886.]

A Dance & Social was held in the old Primitive Methodist Schoolroom on Wednesday evening.

Businesses in Burra closed at noon today because of the Burra Races and the World’s End tea-fight.

The Harpur Dramatic Co. played in Burra on Friday and Saturday to small houses.

Salvation Army. Captain Ross is preaching at the Barracks – he comes from Broken Hill.

XV, 619, 30 Mar. 1904, page 2

Burra Mine. The property is still engaging public interest and its prospects are good. Mr Matthews the mine inspector visited last week and was favourably impressed. Additional Shafts are being opened up with a view to testing the country.

Kooringa Methodist Church was lit by acetylene gas for the first time last Sunday night.

Redruth Reformatory. Two girls escaped from the reformatory and the police were called in, but no trace was discovered. Both are red-headed. One named Dyke has escaped before, but was then recaptured by the fleet-of-foot Cpl Noble. Her brother escaped from the Adelaide Gaol in February. Some time ago two brothers and her mother were in gaol.

Fred Camp, who lost his wife some four months ago, has recently been an inmate of Burra Hospital. While there he made the acquaintance of a young girl from the Reformatory who was also a patient. Last week they arranged to meet at the courthouse to be married. The clerk Mr Giles obliged with Mrs Casey of Hampton and Mr Nichol Gordon as witnesses. M-C Phelan later went to Fred’s House and said that Mrs Holden of the Reformatory would like to congratulate the new Mrs Camp and he took her to the Reformatory in his carriage. Once there the bride was immediately charged with deserting the institution and was detained. Mrs Camp, nee Francis Carbis said she was 22, while Fred is 70. Authorities say she is only 20 and another version says she is 19. Under the Act she can be detained till she is 21 for breeches of discipline while at the Reformatory. [There do not appear to be any records of her birth in SA but the marriage registration says she was Frances Carbis aged 22 daughter of Henry Carbis. On the birth of a daughter Amy Gertrude on 10 September 1905 she is listed as Frances Louisa Carbis.]

XV, 619, 30 Mar. 1904, page 3

Redruth Court, 22 March

John Nicol Gordon fined 2/6 + 5/- costs for stray horses in Market Square

Thomas W. Pearce fined 2/6 + 5/- costs for stray horses in Market Square

David Jones failed to ensure his children Florence and William attended school as required in the last quarter 1903 and was fined 5/- for each child – this being the 4th such offence.

Sophie Bennetts was fined 2/6 for not sending her son Frederick Williams to school as required.

25 March

Ernest Wells and William Cahill, young men, were charged with defrauding SAR by travelling without a ticket in the lavatory of a 2nd class carriage at Mt Bryan on 24 March. Wells admitted getting on at Terowie. They were fined £5 or 14 days. The bench regretted that they would have to serve the time in Adelaide Gaol as that gave them a cheap trip to their desired destination.

Burra Races on Wednesday last in F. Dew’s paddock were only moderately successful. C.C. Heinrich of Burra Hotel was the sole promoter and the crowd was small. The principal event, the Burra Handicap, had four starters and was won by Bend Or. The Grand Ball and supper that was planned to follow the races was cancelled due to the small attendance.

The son of Robert Gurney was badly bitten by a dog last week and required several stitches to his cheek. [Not certain, but probably George Henry Gurney born in 1897.]

Obituary & Inquest. Kenneth Allen Gebhardt, second son of the late Frederick Gebhardt Sen. baker of Kooringa, died suddenly at the residence of his brother W.A. Gebhardt of Kooringa.

[Kenneth Allen Gebhardt, born 13 February 1867 and died 27 March 1904, was the son of Ferdinand Gebhardt. William Alfred Gebhardt was his brother.]

He took ill on Sunday morning and died later the same day. He had lived all his life in Burra and was aged 34. For many years he had suffered from gout and other troubles. Dr Sangster refused to issue a death certificate, having seen the deceased very little.

W.A. Gebhardt:

Deceased had been with me for three years. Saw him Sunday midday when he seemed all right. He said about 2.30 that his left arm had gone ‘dead’. Rubbed his arm with liniment and gave him a drink. Lit his pipe for him about 4.30 and about 4.40 he became unconscious. Sent for my brother and later for the doctor. There were several bottles in the room, but he did not have a drink after 2 o’clock. Don’t know when he last drank wine. Had lately suffered from pains in the head. On Friday was struck in the eye by a piece of wood while chopping wood.

Dr Sangster Sen. said he was called at 6 p.m. and found the deceased unconscious and paralysed in the left arm and leg, with a wound on the left cheek below the eye. Visited again at c. 8.45 p.m. when deceased was sinking and died soon after. The wound could have been caused by a piece of wood, but the symptoms suggested a haemorrhage of the brain.

Frederick Gebhardt reported going home with the deceased on Saturday night and having a glass of wine from a half gallon flagon of the deceased. Afterwards felt bad and blamed the wine. He believed his brother had got the wine at Johnson’s. Saw deceased on Sunday morning when he was vomiting. He got up at midday and appeared very ill, but on seeing him at 2.30 when I went to mix dough he appeared all right. Was sent for at 5.45 and when I arrived ‘Kenny’ was in a dying state.

Mrs C.M. Johnson of the Kooringa Hotel gave evidence of supplying 21⁄2 bottled of Hardy’s dark and £ bottle of Yalumba light wine.

Eileen Johnson, daughter of Mrs C.M. Johnson, said the wine had not been supplied to the deceased, but to Mr F. Gebhardt, but when the latter vehemently denied this she said on being questioned again that she could not be sure which Mr Gebhardt it was, as they looked so alike.

John Henderson gave evidence of the wood-chopping accident.

The jury returned after consideration and asked for a post mortem and analysis of the wine.

On Tuesday the resumption of the inquest heard Dr Sangster report that death was due to brain haemorrhage unconnected with the blow from the wood. It was probably hastened by over use of alcohol. The deceased’s heart was enlarged and kidneys were diseased as well as the bowel. There was no indication the wine was impure, but straining during vomiting might have hastened the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain.

The verdict was death due to brain haemorrhage accelerated by excessive drinking of wine.

E.W. Crewes writes to correct a mistake that appeared in the Advertiser 19 March in which he is reported as saying that Mueller stayed until his funds ran out and then borrowed £1 to clear out. Actually he said that owing to scarcity of money and other causes Mr Mueller decided to leave. On mentioning the matter to Mr West, the manager, that gentleman gave him a pound to pay for his fare.

Advt. Burra Mine Shares for Sale. From 5 to 200 shares are now offered to the public.

XV, 620, 6 Apr. 1904, page 2

Five Generation of one family assembled in Burra last week, they included: Mrs Holbrook (89), Mrs Dixon, Mrs Williams, Mrs Walton and an infant aged 3-4 months. The parties live at Farrell’s Flat.

[On page 4 Mrs Holbrook is said to be Mrs Olbrook.]

Burra Rifle Club. The annual meeting is at the Burra Hotel tonight. As the meeting will decide if the club continues, a good roll-up is requested.

Rev. R.S. Casley officiated at the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School anniversary on Sunday. The Burra Orchestra under G.E. Dane assisted. The tea meeting was on Monday.

XV, 620, 6 Apr. 1904, page 3

Burra High School pupils will hold a bazaar to aid the New Guinea Mission Hospital which closed some time ago due to lack of funds.

Hanson Methodist Church

Rev. W.F. James opened the porch of the Hanson church on 27 March and then preached his farewell sermon. The congregations over Easter were large with over 100 going from Burra to the tea meeting on Good Friday, to bring the total to c. 300. The new fence was also much admired. The total cost of the church, porch etc. has now reached £315-16-0 and up to the 23 March £294-4-1 has been received. Subscriptions, tea-money, and collections have since raised £23-11-5, leaving £1-19-6 in hand. Rev. W.F. James was presented with a Morocco bound address with two photographs of the church and its office bearers.

Redruth Reformatory.

Two girls escaped from the reformatory about ten days ago and were returned on Saturday evening by M-C Phelan. They spent the first night eastward and then started for Thistlebeds and then on to Robertstown with a lift from an Assyrian. They went across country to Tothill’s Creek and then southwards with M-C Phelan in pursuit. They were away longer than any other escapees from the reformatory. They were Agnes Dyke and Martha Learmouth. The constable covered about 250 miles in his pursuit.

W.H. Hardy writes complaining that the Wallaroo Times has published an article supporting the stance of the Commissioner of Public Works re the Burra Waterworks. He wonders if the Times knows how Burra Corporation has been fleeced by paying for nearly £9,000 on an account that should have been only £4,000 to £5,000. The editor of that journal needs to get his facts right.

St Mary’s Sunday School picnic was held on Monday.

Mr James Scott of Iron Mine and Mr John Sleeman are leaving the district.

Burra Town Council is placing lamps in various parts of the town.

Lawn Tennis is being actively practised in Burra. One court has been asphalted at a cost of c. £10.

XV, 621, 13 Apr. 1904, page 2

Larrikinism. A tomato was thrown at several residents seated at a favourite street corner on Monday evening. Though pursued, the perpetrator escaped.

Rev. W.F. James was farewelled at a tea-meeting at Jubilee Hall on 5 April. W.A. Rabbich, as senior warden, presided. An illuminated address was presented. The Rev. James’s achievements in three years have been extensive repairs to buildings, a reduction in church debts, the enlargement of the late Primitive Methodist Church and its renaming as Jubilee Hall, for Sunday school use. The Wesley Bicentenary Church at Hanson was built and opened free of debt. Over £800 has been raised by special effort. Membership has risen. Thanks were also extended to Mrs James and their son Alfred for their help in many ways.

Salvation Army. The No. 1 austral Guards Band will visit Burra on 28 April. It comprises 25 Salvationists from every state and New Zealand. Major Holdaway is in command with Captain McAnally as bandmaster and conductor. An open-air concert will be given in aid of the Burra Hospital.

Burra Mine: some work continues.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. The meeting on Wednesday at the Commercial Hotel resolved to disband the club due to lack of interest in it. The sheds, target butts etc. are to be sold by tender.

Rain is urgently wanted.

XV, 622, 20 Apr. 1904, page 2

Rain. A good soaking fall was received on Monday.

XV, 622, 20 Apr. 1904, page 3

Arthur Von Tossau ‘The Poster King’ and his company gave a most enjoyable entertainment to a fair house at the Institute on Monday. Von Tossau draws amazing quick sketches. Miss Dollie Neven, UK’s greatest soubrette, pleased and Charles Moody sang great comic songs. Dolly and Arthur Thalia caused merriment with their lightning sketches. Herr Johnson played the piano and it all ended with the farce The Fellow that Looks Like Me.

M-C Grosser left Burra on Monday morning to deliver the contents of the bottle of wine to the Government analyst. The wine, left by the late Mr Kenneth Gebhardt when he died, is to be analysed.

[This appears to refer to something that arose in a missing issue.]

Railway Accident. A little girl fell from a railway carriage near Mt Bryan on Tuesday, but fortunately landed on soft ground and was unhurt. The train went back to the site and she was picked up, shocked, but with no bones broken.

XV, 623, 27 Apr. 1904, page 2

Iron Mine Methodist Chapel was packed one evening last week to farewell James Scott who is moving to Seven Hills. For many years he has held various church offices and been a local preacher. He was presented with a writing desk and a purse of sovereigns.

Rev. J. Allen has arrived to replace Rev. W.F. James in the Redruth Circuit.

Polo. On Wednesday and Thursday at Aberdeen games were played between a team from Broken Hill and one from Adelaide. On Wednesday Adelaide 8 goals led Broken Hill 7.

On Thursday Adelaide scored 9 goals 24 behinds to Broken Hill 1 goal 10 behinds.

On Wednesday night there was a social at the Commercial Hotel.

Salvation Army. The Austral Guards Band will be in Burra tomorrow.

XV, 623, 27 Apr. 1904, page 2-3

The Fate of the Smith Children

As a footnote to the episode concerning Emmie Smith which resulted in W.J. Davey being sued for libel: only a couple of months later Mr Smith went to Snowtown to work leaving the girls behind. Jane (18) was in charge of Emmie (15), Sarah (10), Ruby (7) and Violet (4), but she was unable to adequately fulfil her duties and the State Children’s Department intervened with the result that those under 18 were sent to the Industrial School, Edwardstown, until they reached that age. The attitude of the paper is clear from the closing comment in the report: ‘they will be better off under the care of proper guardians than under the care of any almond-eyed individual’.

XV, 623, 27 Apr. 1904, page 3

Miss A.E. West left Burra by the Broken Hill express on Thursday evening for White Cliffs, to take charge as Matron of the hospital there.

Rain. Nice rains fell last week around Burra.

Court Pride of Burra will hold a reunion at the Court Room on 9 May.

G.E. Dane & Burra Orchestra will give an entertainment at the Institute this evening and at Clare tomorrow night.

Ratepayers’ Meeting re Burra Waterworks.

There was a meeting at the Institute on Monday evening chaired by the Mayor, Mr J. Winnall.

The Commissioner of Public works reported that the revenue accountant Mr J. Bee had been to Burra, inspected the Waterworks, and interviewed members of the Corporation. The Commissioner has now considered his report. The question now asked of the corporation by the Commissioner is whether the water quality in the well is sufficiently satisfactory to justify the continuance of the supply from that source and would justify the needful, but costly improvement in the pumping plant. The conditions on which the Government can assist in improving the plant while the Council owns the lease are:

An up-to-date plant will be provided and fixed by the Government if the Council agrees to pay in addition to the interest now being paid, interest at 4% p.a. on the proportion of the outlay fairly chargeable to the capital account.

The Council will agree to pay to the Government the proportion of cost which would be fairly charged to maintenance.

It is understood that Mr Bee has disabused your mind of the impression that the works which were originally estimated to have cost £3,800 have actually cost over £8,000.

If the Council wishes to have the Government resume control at once the proposal is:

Present lease to be cancelled at once or at an early date to be determined by the Council.

The Government to assume control and management.

The Government to provide new and efficient pumping machinery and if found necessary an additional storage tank.

The government to rate the district on a scale not exceeding what is known as the ‘original scale’ and which is now in force at Gawler, Pt Pirie and Pt Augusta, the Peninsular Towns and other town water districts.

Scale: at or less than an assessed annual value of £8 £1 p.a.

£8-£40 121⁄2% p.a.

£40-£100 5% p.a.

Vacant land to be charged on assessed annual value 5%

Charges for water up to the amount of rebate for rates 2/- per 1,000 gallons

Excess water to be charged at 1/6 per 1,000 gallons.

The Mayor said at the start of the year the account was £86 in credit and up to present over £100 was in hand, but the half-yearly rent due last February had not been paid. Mr Bee’s report was that the boilers were unsafe. [This was corrected in XV, 624, 4 May page 2 to say that the boilers had been condemned by Mr Dazel, Government boiler tester.] The boiler now in use was passed for three months use at 60 lb pressure which would work only three pumps which would not keep the supply up. Quality of water was not good. A chance to get better water should be taken. A new plant was needed and a great alteration for the better was needed. Six 3⁄4” taps could run off as much water as could be pumped and the tank was too small. It was impossible for the engineer, Mr Sedgman, to maintain supply under such circumstances. If the works were handed over to the Government we would get a better supply, a larger tank, a better plant and be free of all risk. If problems arose later, the Government would have to pay the cost while it would not cost the Corporation or the ratepayers one penny. F the Corporation kept the works the minimum rate would have to rise from 17/6 to 25/- and a sinking fund would have to be established. It had been said that the Government control would see payments rise, but the Government proposal would see the town get water cheaper.

Cr Roach favoured giving up the Waterworks.

Cr Drew thought the sooner they were rid of the Waterworks the better. The question had been a difficult one for years, but he thought at last they had a solution. The offer was fair and should be accepted.

Cr Snell had been opposed to the Waterworks from their inception. The mains had doubled from 4 to 8 miles and the same small boiler was expected to cope. The sooner they were given up the better.

Mr J. Sampson moved and Mr West 2nd: ‘That we impress upon the Government that the water now being used in Burra is unfit for domestic purposes.’ Carried.

The same moved and seconded: ‘That the Council be requested to hand over the Waterworks to the Government as suggested by the Commissioner.’ Carried.

The Burra Mine is still working with the drive at water level having met the lode which was found at the 40’ level.

XV, 624, 4 May 1904, page 2

Salvation Army. Captain & Mrs Ross write to thank those who billeted the Austral Guards on their recent visit.

The Austral Guards Band arrived Thursday by the Broken Hill Express and made their way to the Barracks for a sumptuous spread after which they rested after their tiring journey. They then had two hours practice in the afternoon before meeting at the Royal Exchange Hotel and marching to the Barracks, playing throughout. The Thunderer March was greatly appreciated. At the Barracks they entered and began a fine performance which is reported upon item by item. On Friday afternoon the band played on several occasions in Market Square in aid of the Burra Hospital and raised over £6. They left for Riverton by the afternoon train.

The Steele-Payne Bell-Ringers will appear at the Institute on 4 May and should draw a large audience.

Burra Orchestra under G.E. Dane attracted a capacity crowd at the Institute on Wednesday night. The orchestra was in fine fettle and the audience received great value for their money. The concert is reviewed item by item. Their performance at Clare was also a success.

Burra Electro Magnetic Separation Works is being dismantled and we understand the machinery has been sold to Broken Hill mining companies.

Burra Slag Extraction Co. plant, used to extract copper from the old slagheaps, is also being dismantled. The machinery is going to Gawler and the shed is likely to be auctioned.

XV, 625, 11 May 1904, page 2

The Steele-Payne Company played to a packed house at the Institute on Wednesday evening.

Court.

Lawrence Kennedy was found riding the crossbars under the brake-van of the Broken Hill Express when it arrived at Burra on Wednesday morning. He was charged with riding from Mt Bryan to Burra without a ticket and riding under a carriage contrary to SAR regulations. He was fined £1 on each offence or 1 month in gaol.

Kennedy later said he had travelled extensively in the USA this way and a fortnight earlier had travelled from Stawell in Victoria to Murray Bridge, travelling all the night and then travelled into Adelaide under another train. He had travelled to Hallett from Burra under a wagon on a railway truck and then not liking the look of the country had travelled back as far as Burra under the brake-van.

XV, 625, 11 May 1904, page 3

J.H. Wilbure gave a free lecture on Monday night in the Institute on Land Settlement in WA, which was attended by a number of farmers. It was illustrated by a fine set of limelight views.

AOF. Court Pride, the juvenile lodge for Court Unity AOF, held a social at the Institute on Monday night when about 45 boys were present.

The Burra Mine Properties will be sold on Thursday. [This is SAMA trying to sell off some of its remaining properties in the district, not the Mine itself, which was owned by the Burra Burra Copper Co.]

Burra High School girls raised over £22 at their bazaar.

XV, 626, 18 May 1904, page 2

Redruth Court, 17 May.

T.H. Woollacott fined 2/6 + 5/- costs for a stray brown mare at Redruth.

Drew & Crewes sued Mary Allen for a debt of £3-4-10.

Her husband, Alfred Allen, was employed at Roach’s Mill for 36/- a week.

Mrs Allen said she had no possessions – the furniture was all in her husband’s name by registered Bill of Sale. Her cow belongs to Mr Adams, though she sometimes sells some milk – she hires the cow for 2/6 per week.

Mr Crewes said ‘this woman went about the town imposing on every honest tradesman and made every effort to get out of paying just debts’. He asked for 2/6 a week. The defendant said he could only get 1/-. An order was made for 1/- a week.

Rose Johnson of Farrell’s Flat was charged with stealing a list of household items while in the employ of W.E. Jordan. She pleaded guilty to all but the moneybox in the list. Sentenced to 1 month gaol, suspended on probation, under the Offenders’ Probation Act 1887.

XV, 626, 18 May 1904, page 3

Sale of SAMA Property. On Thursday Bagot, Shakes & Lewis offered 39 blocks of land from Section 1 Hundred of Kooringa: known as the Burra Special Survey. They vary from 2 to 412 acres and another 1230 acres near the town was also offered. Bidding was slow, and in the end only about 5 blocks were sold.

Several Footbridges in the town need attention, especially the one near Lower Thames St [presumably the Pig & Whistle crossing] and the one behind the Burra Hotel.

Burra Lawn Tennis Association. Results for the 1903-04 season.

Team Played Won Lost Drawn Points

Aberdeen Men 4 4 0 0 8

Kooringa Men 4 2 2 0 4

Redruth Men 4 0 4 0 0

Redruth Ladies 2 2 0 0 4

Kooringa Ladies 3 1 1 1 3

Aberdeen Ladies 3 0 2 1 1

Kooringa Mixed Doubles 3 2 0 1 5

Redruth Mixed Doubles 3 2 0 1 3

Aberdeen mixed Doubles 2 0 2 0 0

Burra Show Society. Next Show will be held on 21 September.

M-C Jemison is visiting Burra. Having been very unwell of late, he is in town to recruit his health.

Alf. B. Riggs, who has been employed by Drew & Crewes, left on Saturday to go on the land with his father and brothers. He will be missed by the tennis club where he was secretary. He was also secretary of the Burra United Friendly Societies’ Demonstration and treasurer of the Rose of Sharon Tent. Fellow workers presented him with a travelling rug.

XV, 627, 25 May 1904, page 2

Marriage. 12 May at the residence of the bride’s parents

Hans Hassler of the Boys’ School, James Street Perth WA & eldest son of the late J.H. Hassler of Hamburg, Germany, married

Minetta Maud Dunn, second daughter of Mr G.H. Dunn of Bendleby SA. The bride’s sister, Nurse Dunn of the Burra Hospital, is severely ill.

A New Opal Field has been discovered at Charley’s Swamp near Bopechee [sic: for Bopeechee] on the Great Northern Railway. [Immediately south of Lake Eyre South.] W.H. Hardy wishes to form a syndicate to exploit the find and is conversant with the country. He seeks investors.

XV, 627, 25 May 1904, page 3

Advt. W.H. Hardy seeks to hear from speculators with a view to forming a syndicate to prospect for opal at the newly-discovered field at Charley’s Swamp near Bopechee. Only a small capital is required.

Shafton Estate. 43 applications were received for the 5 blocks in the Hd Hanson. They were allotted:

Block 113 to F.E. Chapman (497 acres).

Block 114 to W. Stockman (643 acres).

Block 115 to H. Webster (436 acres).

Block 116 to A. Forrest Jun. (401 acres).

Block 117 to W.H. & C.P. Turner (284 acres).

Obituary. Mrs Elizabeth Birbeck an old Burraite died on Saturday aged 88 at the residence of her eldest son W.H. Birbeck at Broken Hill. She was born Elizabeth Wright and arrived in SA in the David Malcolm in 1848 and was thus a colonist of 56 years. She brought letters of introduction to Rev. C. Austin of Mt Barker and was also in the service of Dr Kent and the late Sit Thomas Elder. She also kept the Church of England Day School in Pultney Street under Rev. E.K. Miller. After marrying [William Henry Birbeck] she lived at Burra for 23 years before going to Wallaroo. She moved to Broken Hill seven years ago and remained in good health until the last month. Her husband was associated as a dispenser with Doctors Bull, Main and Mauraw of Burra. Four sons survive: W.H. & E.J. Birbeck of Broken Hill, D.G. Birbeck of Petersburg and J.F. Birbeck of Wallaroo. There are 20 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Cricket. The second match of the season was held at Sandalgrove on 22 May and Ketchowla 146 defeated Parnaroo 37.

Sparks

Nice showers of soaking rain Sunday.

Poison is being strewn about the town.

Burra Mine directors visited on Saturday.

‘By crumbs have you had a ride in Tommy’s ‘May Flower’?

Some splendid ore just struck at the Burra Mine.

[Obituary] John P.C. Harder of Clare died on Wednesday.

[Johann Peter Christian Harder died 13 May aged 79.]

[Obituary] Hon. J.H. Angas died last week on Friday.

[John Howard Angas died 17 May 1904 aged 80.]

Burra Town Council hands the Waterworks to the Government in June.

Burra Slag Extraction machinery is being taken down.

Magic Lantern show at the Methodist Lecture Hall last Friday.

Foley’s Circus performed a short programme on Thursday night to a small attendance in Burra.

XV, 628, 1 June 1904, page 2

Kooringa Police Court

Robert Weaver fined 5/- or 3 days for drunkenness and 10/- or 7 days for indecent behaviour. Not having the money, he was sent to Adelaide to serve the time.

Burra Show Society has fixed 14 September for the Sheep dog Trials.

XV, 628, 1 June 1904, page 3

Burra Poultry Club was formed at a meeting in Mr J.E.H. Winnall’s office on Wednesday night. It was convened by Mr Hiddle. The Mayor Mr Winnall took the chair. The aims of the club include getting improved conditions and facilities at the Burra Show. Mr Winnall was elected President with Mr Hiddle as Secretary.

Notice. Drs Sangster Sen. & Jun. will give free vaccinations on Fridays from 2 to 3 p.m.

Sparks

J.H. Angas has left £1,000 for the Zoo Soc. to build a director’s residence.

Mr W.P. Barker invited members of the Church of England to his residence on Wednesday.

XV, 629, 8 June 1904, page 2

Thomas Reed of Kooringa had a cow that died on Sunday after swelling up mightily as a result of eating some poisonous herb. At first it was feared it might have been deliberately poisoned.

XV, 629, 8 June 1904, page 3

Tennis. Burra travelled to Terowie on Monday where it was defeated by Terowie 12 games to 9.

The weather has been cold and frosty with very little rain.

Mt Bryan Literary Soc. heard Mr C. Fuss deliver a lecturette on Coal at their last meeting.

Mice are plentiful at present. One lady at Mt Bryan reports killing 1,000 in a few weeks.

Sparks

Rain is badly wanted.

Burra Waterworks.

One day last week the boiler cracked. Mr Sedgman managed the situation successfully and a fitter Mr Johns came up from Adelaide and made repairs. Yesterday afternoon a trial run showed that the patch held. Another leak is evident and Mr Sedgman will have to manage it carefully to make it hold out till the Government takes over at the end of the month.

XV, 630, 15 June 1904, page 1

Business Directory. The useful business directory began with this issue on column 1 of page 1.

[Other improvements to the paper are also promised on page 3. The editorial in the next issue had more to say on this. Essentially the changes introduced more local news, more snippets of information on local personalities both present and past and a greater attention to detail. There was also an increase in items of general interest, home and farming hints as well as humour. The length of the notes for the rest of the year is some indicator of the scope of this change.]

XV, 630, 15 June 1904, page 2

Editorial on The Phosphate Fields

Sometime ago valuable discoveries of rock phosphate were made at the east of Burra, some 17 miles away. Work was carried on vigorously at great expense and the area was explored to reveal a deposit that can now be traced for five miles. The rock averages 50-60%. The claim is known as ‘Field’s’ after F.A.S. Field, one of the promoters. Many other claims have now been taken up in the area between 15 & 17 miles from Burra. The problem is the cartage costs. These are 8/- to 9/- for the road haulage and then 9/- per ton for the rail. This leaves only about 9/- to pay for wages etc. The erection of machinery on site has not yet been deemed economical. We believe that if the rail cost could be halved thousands of tons could be economically moved. It is out of reason for the railways to charge 9/- per ton from Burra to Adelaide when they charge 11/- from places double the distance.

The Ballast Quarries are not presently in use, but as large quantities will shortly be required wouldn’t it be an idea to approach the authorities with a view to getting ballast ready to be used.

Scarlatina has broken out in the town. It is a notifiable disease.

Burra Slag Extraction Co. All construction materials will be offered for sale by Bagot, Shakes & Lewis on 24 June.

Mice are prevalent in town and on farms.

Water from an old well in Aberdeen near the Polo Grounds is being tested as a possible future supply.

Foxes. Some time ago one was seen at Koonoona and on Saturday on was seen on Princess Royal.

The Burra Poultry Club has a growing membership.

The Old Smelts

For many years the slagheap went untouched. Then 10 years ago Mr Paynter erected a small plant to treat the slag to extract copper, but the primitive machinery was not equal to the task and after only a short trial it was taken down and removed. Several attempts with hammer and pan followed, but without providing any financial rewards. Four to five years ago Messrs Martin & Co. of Gawler undertook a much larger scale operation. The task proved more difficult than envisaged and many alterations to the machinery had to be made by Mr Mat. May, but eventually the whole heap was treated and in the process about £90 a month was paid to employees. We understand that the company was amply rewarded, though the fluctuating price of copper was responsible for lower returns that hoped for. Having now no further use the whole plant will be levelled and the materials sold by auction. The machinery itself will be sent to Gawler.

Obituary. Mrs Doyle was buried at Hallett on Sunday. She kept a store there and leaves five daughters: Mrs Jones, Mrs Simmons (Hallett), Mrs Johnson (Broken Hill) & two daughters at home. There are two sons: James and John. She was aged 65. [Eliza Doyle died 10 June aged 68.]

Obituary. Mrs [Charles] McDonald was buried at Hallett on Sunday. She had been bedridden and ailing for 14 years. She leaves two daughters and two sons: Mrs D. Seigert, Miss McDonald & Messrs J. & E. McDonald. She was 72. [Margaret McDonald died 10 June 1904 at Cartapo aged 72.]

Burra Poultry Club will meet in the Lodge Room at the Institute on the second Tuesday in the month. Annual subscription is 2/6.

Redruth Court, 8 June

James Knevitt was charged with disturbing the peace at the Burra Hotel on 29 May.

C.C. Heinrich, licensee, gave evidence that Knevitt knew he was barred from the hotel on that day (a Sunday), but entered the back way about 10 a.m. He left when told to but returned later at 9 p.m. the same day. He refused to leave and argued with Heinrich who picked up a length of hose. Heinrich prepared to fight him and Hall & Bewley tried to make him desist. Heinrich said he only pretended to have a revolver in his back pocket. When he sent for the police Knevitt left. He denied hitting the defendant or using profane language.

Thomas Hall[s] Jun. said he had gone to the hotel to see if anyone there was going out on the morning train, but he claimed not to have heard the conversation between Heinrich & Knevitt. (Or not clearly anyway.)

Knevitt gave evidence that he had been served before on a Sunday night, but denied the used of abusive language and said he had walked out when asked to leave.

Stanley Bewley also failed to either see much or hear much of what had occurred.

The Bench was clearly unsatisfied with the evidence of the two witnesses and imposed a fine of 5/- plus costs.

XV, 630, 15 June 1904, page 3

William Williams of Clare and formerly a miner in Burra visited the town on Thursday. He was also associated with the erection of several houses in the town in early days. He has been in bad health lately.

Mr & Mrs Thomas Vivian left Burra on Saturday 4 June at 8.30 a.m. and drove to Broken Hill via the ‘Peg Line’. They arrived on Wednesday at 10.30, using the one pair of horses.

T.P. Halls is the oldest cabdriver in Burra. He started in the business about 17 years ago with Mr D. Morrison and subsequently drove for Mr S. Hall and later for Mr Charles Schutz. Later still he and Fred Bromley bought the business from his previous master Mr Hall (no relation). Then when Fred went to work in Broken Hill T.P. continued the business. He is now 34 years old, but big enough to be much older and had the strongest voice on the line. [He was actually 39.] He was born in Thames St in the old house next to F.J. Carey’s, but it has now fallen into ruin, the wall only remaining.

[An item in the paper of 29 June says he has contacted the paper to say he was 40 not 34.]

James Tiver JP of Aberdeen was 75 on Saturday 11 June. He comes from Bristol and migrated to Adelaide in 1855 where he followed the trade of mason and builder. He came to Burra and continued this trade, building the original part of the Institute and the Jubilee Hall among other public buildings. Some 40 years ago he started sheep farming. He has been a staunch Methodist for many years and is a trustee of the Redruth Church and superintendent of the Sunday school.

‘Short & Sharp’

The Old Smelts Plant is almost demolished.

A promising gold discovery at the east of Burra.

Poison, still being laid about the town, is killing cats and dogs.

[Obituary] Ellen Tully died at Broken Hill last week due to syncope.

The Governor Sir George Le Hunte will pass through Burra on 20 June en route to Broken Hill.

Gold Discovery. Four men from Gawler are prospecting the World’s End Hills with the hope of opening up a gold field. They have struck some good stone flecked with gold. The Black Hills will be further tested.

Burra Town Council, having placed a ‘Best’ lamp at the pump in Market Square, now proposes an arc lamp near Henderson’s Corner. Four more ‘Best’ lamps will be bought to be placed:

One on the bridge near the Hon. J. Lewis’s.

One in front of the Institute.

One on the Black Bridge at Redruth.

One on Neville’s Corner.

XV, 631, 1904, 22 June 1904, page 2

Editorial on the Burra Record.

The editor has been pleasantly surprised at the response to last week’s announcement that they were making a series of changes to improve the paper and boost circulation in the face of a period when trade was at a low ebb. The cost of the Record would be cut to 1d [from 2d] with the aim of increasing sales and doubling circulation.

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will sell on Friday 24 June at the Burra Slag Extraction Co.’s Works all the materials used in the construction of the works. Several hundred sheets of galvanised iron. Much Oregon and other timber, two large circular tanks, wire ropes, bolts, tram wagons, rails, good piping up to 6” and sundry iron and scrap iron.

Salvation Army. A musical meeting on Thursday evening featured Captain Ross’s fine phonograph.

The Army has placed a long-needed lamp in front of the Barracks.

Aboriginal Skull. What appears to be an Aboriginal skull was found in one of the paddocks at Abberton Park a few days ago by Mr J.R. Killicoat. On earlier occasions waddies have been found near the same site.

The Burra Syndicate with a mine c. 21⁄2 miles east of Silverton has a shaft down 150ft. Rich ore has been discovered and larger machinery is now required.

Ulooloo. The destitute poor officer Mr R.L. Gibbs went to Ulooloo to investigate reports that there were people there drawing rations while not entitled to them. He found instead eight persons unable to get sufficient clothes to keep warm in winter and a severe lack of blankets. Unable to help officially, he was able through the generosity of a kind member of the Board to supply some blankets. Rations are delivered once a month.

Redruth Correspondent:

The report that two ‘Best’ lamps are to be placed in the north end of town was greeted with enthusiasm.

The Aberdeen Quarries are still idle, though hopes of a resumption of work are entertained.

The Old Smelts [dump], a landmark for many years, have now been reduced to a sand-like material.

Drew & Crewes have probably the largest wood and chaff works outside the city at Aberdeen.

World’s End Correspondent:

Duldig’s creamery is still idle and not likely to start again for some time, if ever.

A Small Bore Rifle Club is being formed, as it is feared the Burra Rifle Club has gone bung.

Mt Bryan Literary Soc. held its 1st Anniversary Social last Saturday.

Burra Mine

Developmental work continues under Mr J.S. Pryor. Work is concentrated at Gall’s & Peacock’s air shafts. Good ore is being won from a winze at Gall’s sunk on the western lode 10 or 12ft from the old workings (green & blue carbonates of copper). At 115ft level on the western lode a drive has been extended 70ft through ground with indications of the proximity of a rich sulphide body. A crosscut has been extended from Gall’s shaft into old workings and the main drive secured to Peacock’s sir shaft. A large body of milling ore is exposed for over 80ft along the drive. Crosscuts show the lode to be fully 20ft wide. The drive from Peacock’s air shaft northwest shows blue and green carbonates, cuprite and rich malachite ore. A crosscut from the open cut near Penny’s shaft easterly to intersect Tinline’s lode entered the lode at 110ft. A drive has been extended along the course of lode for 180ft south and 120ft north and small deposits of rich ore have been encountered.

The mine looks exceedingly well and the company are contemplating putting in a concentrating plant to treat ore and hopes are good for further development and capital input.

Aaron Lewis is a name well known in Burra. About nine years ago he took action against a Salvation Army Captain and a member of the corps, charging them with slander. His charge was not substantiated and the evidence adduced at the trial led to his expulsion from the Army’s ranks.

[See Burra Record XV, 242, 3 May. 1893, page 3.]

Some time later he charged a woman with detaining his clothes box. Evidence showed he ‘boarded’ there, but did not pay for his maintenance. When this verdict went against him he was practically driven from Burra and went to Pt Adelaide, though he visited the town on some subsequent occasions.

At Adelaide Criminal sittings last week Lewis, a West Indian, was charged with criminally assaulting Amy Elizabeth Maxwell aged 14. Some shocking evidence was tendered and Lewis was sentenced to 15 years hard labour and 50 lashes.

Burra Town Council

Mr W. West manager of the Burra Mine wrote stating that the Directors of the mine had presented three blocks of land for burial purposes and asked the Council to take the necessary steps to get the land conveyed by deed of transfer. [Since the Burra Mine had been sold by SAMA the ‘directors’ mentioned would seem to be SAMA’s directors rather than the Burra Mine Directors.]

The Town Clerk is to write to the Commissioner of Railways calling attention to the dangerous crossing near the railway station and the need to place a lamp at the nearby railway gate to the station.

Council resolved to plant a number of trees in North Ward and 63 in Kooringa.

The Mayor and Cr West are to attend to the placing of new streetlights.

Board of Health

A.W. Clode’s tender for scavenging was accepted.

Four cases of scarlatina reported.

Burra Waterworks.

A letter from the Commissioner of Public Works replies to the Council’s letter advising him of their intention to hand the Waterworks to the Government from 30 June.

[A copy of the letter sent to the Commissioner is printed.]

XV, 631, 1904, 22 June 1904, page 3

J.A. Watt passed through Burra on Monday en route to Broken Hill.

Ephraim Diplock of Copperhouse is in poor health and practically confined to bed.

Mr E.W. Crewes set out on Monday for a business trip in the northeast and expects to be away six or seven weeks. Mr George Lawn accompanies him.

Mat May, former manager of the Burra Slag Extraction Works, visited Burra on Wednesday. He is presently manager of the Roseworthy Fodder Works, but is about to leave that position.

Marriage. Hanson Methodist Church 6 June 1904

[James Henry] Bray, headmaster of Hamilton Public School, married

Lottie [Charlotte Annie] Clode, third daughter of Mrs Clode of Aberdeen, until recently in charge of Hanson School.

Kooringa Tennis Club met on Wednesday at the Methodist Lecture Hall. M. Pederson Jnr presided.

A tournament for the ladies is arranged for August.

Subscriptions: gents 8/- p.a., ladies 4/- p.a. payable quarterly.

The club hopes to raise money to tar pave one of its two courts.

Burra Racing Club remains defunct and talks of a revival have died away.

Billy & Ralph Hill have lost a valuable greyhound to poison lately.

Burra Rifle Club. The old rifle butts are deserted and only the mounds remain to serve as a reminder of bygone days.

A History of Burra is being compiled and will be published when complete.

The Burra Record machinery will be driven by engine power for the first time in a week or two using a new Crossley oil engine.

A fox was seen at Princess Royal last week – it is hoped it will soon be potted. They are becoming plentiful in the South-East.

Kooringa Court, 15 June

George Klaffus was fined 5/- for drunkenness.

Archibald McDonald was found guilty of drunkenness, but being unable to pay his fine was imprisoned for 24 hours.

Redruth Court, 21 June

Mrs Howell was proceeded against on a UJS by Drew & Crewes for £59-19-4 plus costs. The defendant seemed very ill and said she was insolvent and could not pay. No order was made.

Weather. Rain is falling as we go to press. 60 points were recorded in the last week.

Falls to the east range from 75 points at Fingerpost to 10 points at Pine Valley.

XV, 631, 1904, 22 June 1904, Supplement

This comprised a full double page poster advertisement for the paper in large headline print.

XV, 632, 1904, 29 June 1904, page 2

Advt. Bagot Shakes & Lewis will sell on 1 July the Redruth property known as Mr Luke Teddy’s.

Section 47 of one rood or thereabouts with two stone cottages, one of which is a well-built dwelling.

Also the land known as allotment 3 or C, 4 or D, 5 or E, 6 or F, 14 or N, 15 or O, 16 or P being subdivisions of Sections 38 & 39 Redruth.

Editorial on the Russo-Japanese War expressing wonder at the Japanese success virtually from the start and particularly in ‘water engagements’.

T. Ford recently killed a large carpet snake to the east which yielded a beautiful skin and within which were two large rabbits.

Wild Dogs are proving a nuisance out East, especially on Pine Valley Station at present.

The Burra Slag Extraction Co. sale was divided into 310 lots and realised almost £350.

Rabbits. Burra DC is taking steps to get a rabbit exterminating machine to be used in parts of the country where it is impossible to dig them out.

A shooting party of 32 men and youths recently shot 480 rabbits on sections 28, 29 & 38 in the Hundred of Apoinga.

To the east of Burra there is one party of nine men trapping between 3,000 and 4,000 rabbits a week. They are packed in crates and sent to the Adelaide freezing works where they realise from 6d a pair for well-grown animals. They are making from £35 to £45 a week between them.

Aborigines. ‘Jacky Ross and his lubra’ arrived in town on Saturday. Jenny makes and sells baskets and sings songs and dances for 1d. (Although she weighs about 15 stone.) But she Jacky ‘get em bad, go along a doctor’. They can tell some interesting stories of the South-East.

Burra Waterworks. A notice in the Government Gazette says the works will be handed over to the Government from 1 July. They have been under the control of the Burra Town Council since April 1889.

Unclaimed Letters. Among other people there are letters for Nihal Singh and Nottah Singh.

Burra History. Thomas Parks says when he came to Burra in 1850 the mine was in full swing and hundreds were employed. Scores of bullock teams were carting ore to Adelaide. It was common to see bullocks yoked to wagons lying down all over Market Square while owners waited for loading or prepared for the journey. The hills were scrubby and were cleared for private as well as mine use. On one occasion it became dark at 3 p.m. and lamps had to be lit. [Presumably from dust, though the article doesn’t say why.] A large number of blackfellows were camped about the place where O’Leary’s butcher shop now stands.

XV, 632, 1904, 29 June 1904, page 3

Harry J. Humphries returned to Burra on Wednesday after keeping a piggery at the Hill, but he will now return to Eastwood where his parents are living. Harry’s father was the first landlord of the Kooringa Hotel.

Clement Cox, son of Edward Cox of Aberdeen, and who was once apprenticed to R.D. Pascoe, has now started business for himself in Adelaide as a hairdresser and tobacconist at 7 Hanson St.

[Now part of Morphett St.]

Mr P. Howard, stationmaster at Mt Bryan for four years, has been transferred to Pt Adelaide to be replaced by Mr Rumball from Terowie.

Mrs George Morris of Mitchell Flat was 81 on Thursday. She came to SA in 1840 and to Burra in 1845. She married the late ‘Georgey’ Morris at Holy Trinity in Adelaide in 1845. He kept a grocery business in the shop now occupied by W.E. Jordan and did well enough to retire comfortably. There were no children.

Ted Wall of Booborowie recently returned from Broken Hill where he says he met Billy Baker who was ostler at the Pig & Whistle Hotel in the early days.

Thomas Pascoe of Clare visited Burra recently to see his sister Mrs John Harris. He came to Burra in 1849 and worked at the mine before going to the Victorian goldfields where he was fairly successful, returning to take up land at White Hut near Clare. He is 74 and in good health.

Mrs J. Howell, who appeared in court last week, has lived in the district for many years. She is very feeble now and suffers from a heart complaint. When asked what she was doing now she replied: ‘I am dying’. [Since she survived till 18 November 1925 one might question how good an actor she was on this occasion.]

Mr J.P. Stow, our Stipendiary Magistrate, retires on 30 June 1904. He presided at the Redruth Court for the last time on 20 June. He arrived in SA in October 1837 and was educated by Mr David Wylie of Magill. He became a farmer before going to the Victorian goldfields and returned to resume farming. After about four years he became an auctioneer at Gawler and later at Adelaide. About six years later he joined an expedition to the Northern Territory in the course of which, in the boat Forlorn Hope, he was with a party that followed the northern coast of WA for 2,000 to 3,000 miles. In 1865 he joined the staff of the Advertiser and worked there for 20 years, the last five or six as editor. In 1884 he was appointed as Stipendiary Magistrate of Naracoorte on the death of H.J. Smith SM. When J.B. Scott SM at Mt Gambier died the two positions were merged and Mr Stow moved to Mt Gambier, but after some time he found the climate did not suit him and he applied for and was transferred to this district where he has served 14 years. He is 74. He has published a book: History of South Australia, its Productions and Natural Resources. [There is a copy of this in the Burra Community Library profusely illustrated with black and white etchings.]

The Salvation Army will hold its annual social evening on Wednesday. Cr Snell will preside. Addresses will be given by Rev. T.B. Angwin and Rev. Allen and Captain Ross. Methodist Choirs will assist.

Mrs Holbrook, mother of Mrs G. Dixon of Hanson, was 89 on 18 June. She was born on the day of the Battle of Waterloo where he father fought. She is in fairly good health and often walks three miles to Hanson to get the mail.

Obituary. The wife of Mr George Martin, eldest daughter of H.W. Collins of Mallett, died suddenly on Sunday week at her residence aged 24. [Born Wilhelmina Jane Collins 12 December 1879: died 19 June 1904.]

Kooringa Methodist Tennis Club held a social on Wednesday and nearly 100 attended in the Methodist Lecture Hall. Round and table games and ping pong were played.

The British & Foreign Bible Society met on 27 June and elected:

President: J.E.H. Winnall

Vice-President: H. Roach

Treasurer: P. Lane

Hon. Sec.: W. Davey

[Note that Miss Fuss was collector for Aberdeen.]

Short & Sharp

Mt Bryan has a ping pong club.

Obituary. Mr J.C.F. Johnson of ‘Bugler’ fame was found dead in his bed on Saturday.

[Joseph Colin Francis Johnson born 12 February 1848: died 18 June 1904.]

A cow went in the back and out the front door of the Commercial Hotel on Wednesday night.

Fred Camp is not allowed to have his wife till January next when she will be 20.

Obituary. Rev. J.G. Wright, a former Primitive Methodist minister in Burra, died at East Adelaide on Tuesday aged 82. [John Gibbon Wright died 21 June 1904.]

Miss Broad, a missionary from Madagascar, addressed scholars at Redruth Methodist Sunday School last Sunday.

Mr Hanford’s new house in Redruth is almost completed.

XV, 633, 6 July 1904, page 2

Obituary. Catherine Bock, relict of the late Theodore Bock died 29 June at Burra aged 73.

[Born Catherine Bourke.]

Editorial on SA Politics.

A comment on the present state of SA politics in which the editor believed the Government to be weak and ineffective and was failing to implement its policies. He felt that the emergence of the Federal Government had set back state politics for years. [Presumably by siphoning off able men like Holder.] He also thought that payment of MPs had been a bad move.

The Black Bridge in Kingston St is having its central pillars undermined by flood waters and if steps are not soon taken it will be endangered.

Burra School students gave a concert on Friday prior to breaking for the mid-winter holidays.

[The first song had the very politically incorrect title: I will buy you a little black nigger’.]

Weather. A light fall of snow was witnessed in Burra last Thursday, but it melted on touching the ground. The fall at World’s End was much heavier and reduced visibility to less then a chain.

Mt Razorback near Mt Bryan was partially covered.

In the last week 115 points of rain were recorded in Kooringa and this converts what looked like being a poor season into one with some promise.

Burra Waterworks were taken over by the Government on 1 July. A search is being made for a better source of water and the Hydraulic Engineer (C.A. Bayer) has visited the Black Waterholes and Wandillah sites [where the possibility of a dam was considered].

Rabbits. After last week’s report a number of unemployed men have turned to rabbit trapping. Mr C.C. Williams has introduced a rabbit trap that will hold as many as a dozen rabbits.

Mushrooms are plentiful as a result of the rain and one at Princess Royal was 12” across and weighed 11⁄2lb, though its colour discouraged its discoverer from eating it.

Robert E. Lawson, an agent, has been arrested and charged with the larceny of 4cwt of soap from Saddleworth valued at £4-16-0 and 5cwt from Burra valued at £6.

Redruth Correspondent reports that the ‘Best’ lamps are only a qualified success. The one on ‘the corner’ was going well on Sunday, but the one on the bridge had gone out by 7.30 p.m.

The New Lamps. A new arc lamp and three ‘Best’ lamps have arrived. The arc light has been placed on the corner of Henderson’s blacksmith’s shop and the ‘Best’ lamps are in front of the Institute, on the bridge near Hon. J. Lewis’s, at Neville’s corner and on the Black Bridge. [Which unaccountably makes four!] All of them are giving trouble, but Mr J. Harvey the lamplighter expects they will yet give a good light.

Burra DC Elections. The only contest was for auditor and J.A. Pearce defeated W.H. Hardy.

Jacky & Jenny Ross, the two Aborigines who lately came to the town, left yesterday for Clare where their home is. Jacky was taken ill while here and a subscription list was started on Monday to assist the old couple.

The Spinsters’ Social attracted about 100 to the Institute on Wednesday and dancing continued to a late hour.

XV, 633, 6 July 1904, page 3

Miss Simpson of Burra Public School has been transferred to Grote St School in Adelaide.

Mrs Mary Ann Vivian is the oldest lady in Burra at 93. She arrived in Burra from Plymouth in 1855 with her husband the late John Vivian who lived to 80. Mrs Vivian brought with her a daughter (Mrs S. Pearce of Leighton) and two sons, the late ‘Sampy’ Vivian and Harry Vivian. John Vivian worked as a miner at the Burra Mine until an accident to his leg, after which he was employed making pick handles and the like. For 16 years he was rent collector for SAMA till his death.

Thomas Parks came to SA in 1846 and worked for four years in Adelaide before coming to Burra with his wife and two children. He married before he was 20. Here he worked for Messrs Roach & Roscow as a baker for some time at a bakehouse close to O’Leary’s butcher shop in Queen St. He then went to the Victorian goldfields, but was forced by ill health to return after only eight or nine weeks. He then became a baker at the rear of John Snell’s premises and afterwards ran a grocery business for 38 years in the shop now occupied by Alf Bennett, working up a nice little business. He raised five daughters and three sons: Mrs Dyer (Orroroo), Mrs Ware (Adelaide), Mrs T. Goldsworthy (Adelaide), Mrs A. Bennett (Burra), Mrs R.D. Pascoe (Burra), Thomas (Burra), George (Pt Pirie) & Charles (Burra). He has built four nice cottages in Chapel St and bought another in Bridge St as competence for himself. He is now living with his son-in-law Alf Bennett.

Thomas H. Broad is 78 and is holidaying with his daughter Mrs Bell of Mt Bryan. He came to Burra in the early days as a wheelwright, being paid £1 a week. He was successful for a while at the Victorian goldfields and on returning became a successful sheep farmer at Sod Hut for 25 years. He then sought better land in the Hundred of Bright which proved to be disastrous. He has three sons and seven daughters: Mrs Nicholls (WA), Mrs Bell (Mt Bryan), Mrs Hopkins (WA), Mrs Burton (MT Bryan), Mrs Hare (Burra), Mrs Kutchenmeister [sic] (Burra), Mrs Bell (Kapunda), John (WA), Thomas (Burra) & Henry (Qld). Mrs Broad at 74 is in good health and presently living with Mrs Hare (Kooringa).

Obituary. Mrs Catherine Bock died 29 June after a few days serious illness, though she had been ailing for the last three years. A week before her death she had a paralytic stroke. She came to Burra in 1855 and married the late Theodore Bock in the old Church of England on Limestone Hill. Her husband, who preceded her to Burra, worked at the old brewery next to the original Burra Hotel now the Hospital and later at the Unicorn Brewery. Mrs Bock died under the same roof where she had her first engagement as a domestic servant. She leaves three daughters and two sons: Mrs Cousins (Adelaide), Mrs W.I. Ker (Burra), Mrs F. Ker (Bundaleer), John (Broken Hill) and Theodore (WA).

Redruth Reformatory. On Sunday it was reported that Agnes Dyke (sister to the notorious Dyke who is serving a long sentence in Adelaide Gaol) and Bertha Learmouth had escaped. An immediate search failed to locate them. This is the third time they have escaped and points to the need for greater surveillance. How they escaped is a mystery, as all doors and windows remained locked and it cannot be seen where or how they scaled the wall. On the last escape two or three months ago they had a bad a time of it and were finally found at Tothill’s Creek.

Burra Town Council

Mrs M.A. Develaing wrote claiming £10 compensation after falling through the bridge at the Pig & Whistle crossing and as a result being unable to attend to household duties.

Other matters were of a routine nature.

A Bazaar organised by about 17 girls in the auction mart on Friday raised £13-14-1 for the Benevolent Society. (Hilda, Nellie, Trixy, Millie & Annie Pearce, May & Marjorie McLaren, Una Brooks, Dorothy Steele, Eugene Walker, Jean & Renie Scott, Dorothy, Jubilee, Amy, Myra & Renie Crewes.)

[The ‘girls’ ranged in age between 10 and 21.]

Kooringa Court, 5 July

James Curtan sentenced to 14 days for being idle and disorderly.

Kooringa Masonic Lodge on 29 June installed J.E.H. Winnall as Worshipful Master and presented the Immediate Past Master Frank Treloar with a Past Master’s jewel as a token of esteem for his services.

Booborowie Correspondent reports hail and snow on the previous Thursday.

Mt Bryan Correspondent reports light snow, the continuance of the Literary Society and the popularity of the Ping Pong Club.

World’s End Correspondent reports a heavy fall of snow last week, especially on the hills, but says it remained only briefly.

Mt Bryan East Correspondent reports a visit of Richard Dunstan from Broken Hill. He was a former Burra cab driver. Mr & Mrs Gare have bought a home in Aberdeen.

Advt. Mr Bretnall of Clapham’s Botanic Institute 166 Grenfell St Adelaide will give his lecture:

The Botanic System in Health and Disease, at the Burra Institute Wednesday 6 July.

He may be consulted on Thursday & Friday at Johnson’s Kooringa Hotel.

Mr Cope of Farrell’s Flat has lost his reason and has been sent to the city asylum. His daughter was sent there a couple of years ago.

Sparks

Rain killed mice aggregating 160lbs at Koolunga last week.

A pleasant social was held in George Sampson’s Hall in Thames St and saw dancing to the wee hours on Friday night. [The former Primitive Methodist Sunday School.]

Mrs F.A.S. Field has purchased the trucks from the Smelts in anticipation of the development of the phosphate claims east of Burra.

XV, 634, 13 July 1904, page 2

Editorial on Benevolence.

The writer discusses the recent success in raising money for the Burra Benevolent Society, but also the need for it and the need to keep the aims of the society constantly before the public. Half the world doesn’t know how the other half lives and this is as true in Burra as anywhere. There is also considerable unknown local charity, which is just as well or the responsibility of the Society would be of much larger dimensions.

2nd Leader on the SA Ministerial Crisis.

Mr O’Loughlin, the senior member for Burra, resigned as Government Whip because the new coalition dropped proposals to lower the franchise qualifications for the Legislative Council.

Burra Mine. Driving continues and prospects are still promising, although in the interests of economy one set of men have been discharged in the last week.

Weather. 22 points of rain fell in the last week.

Football. The fancy costume football match on Wednesday went off well in fine weather. It began with a novel procession, which drew a large crowd and the match enabled £26-6-0 to be handed to the Benevolent Society. A social followed in the evening at the Commercial Hotel.

The positions held by the vanished Thomas Shortridge have been filled as follows:

Secretary to the Vermin Boards: William Pearce

Agent for Farmers’ Union: George Lockyer

Auditor for Hallett DC: F.J. Carey

Auditor for Burra Town Council: E.F. Lockyer

Secretary for Court Pride AOF: W.J. Davey

Secretary for Court Unity AOF: W.J. Davey

Agent for Northern Assurance Co.: Vacant

Trustee of Loyal Burra Burra Lodge: Thomas Whitney Pearce

Salvation Army. Annual meeting last Wednesday. It was addressed by Rev. T.B. Angwin, Rev. J. Allen & Captain Ross. The latter recounted his own rescue from the depths of sin by an Army Social Officer 12 years ago in Queensland. Some 300 people attended.

Streetlights. The arc lamp on Henderson’s corner is proving troublesome and complainants say it is inadequate as a replacement for the lamp at the pump – especially for those needing to use the troughs at night. Last Thursday an accident occurred there when a driver drove his horse full butt against the trough in the dark, being unable to see the railing. The horse was nastily gashed on the chest and the driver shot over the front of his vehicle. On Monday the lamp went out after only one hour.

The Reformatory Girls

Agnes Dykes and Martha Learmouth were recaptured by M-C Grosser about four miles southeast of Hamilton at about 4 a.m. on Wednesday. They were curled up asleep in the back of an Afghan Hawker’s van while he slept across the front. Grosser had followed the trail of the two red-headed girls through Black Springs and Waterloo. They had worn out their shoes in rough walking and were barefooted. They were taken 14 miles to Marrabel barefooted and there the landlady at the hotel gave advice and helped them put their shoes on. They continued to the train at Saddleworth and thence to Burra and the Reformatory. They claim to have escaped by scaling the wall and though this is scarcely credible they will not say anything to involve anyone else in their escape.

Burra DC. Election results show that each nominated Councillor was elected unopposed and J.A. Pearce was elected as auditor.

Redruth Court, 6 July

James Ryan was fined 20/- or 14 days for drunkenness.

James Ryan was given 2 months in gaol for using indecent language at Aberdeen in the hearing of young school girls.

Redruth Correspondent: Mt T.F. Bentley has secured the position on engine driver at Deland & Black’s mill at Blyth and he and his family left for there on Friday.

The daughter of Rev. J. & Mrs Allen is critically ill.

The Muff Football Match. The whole affair is covered in some detail in an article of 12⁄3 columns. The procession and its participants are described. Of note was a dilapidated Aborigines’ cart that is described in some detail. It had written on the side Yendinna Jack, Hergott 15 tons. There was a back-bush missionary’s vehicle that also rather libelled the missionary effort. Other participants and their disguises are listed. As well as the football game there were apparently some novel races with a host of very small prizes. The game was ‘devoid of scientific play, the contestants being satisfied to make themselves as funny as possible’. The social receives about 3⁄4 column report on speeches and toasts.

[Personal interest. C. Fuss went as a coachman. C. Fuss also won a comb in the 1⁄4 mile walk and in the 1⁄4 mile race C. Fuss won a rattle and R. Fuss some buttons.]

XV, 634, 13 July 1904, page 3

W.J. Hinde is the new SM and he will visit Burra next Tuesday for the first time after 18 years as Clerk of the Adelaide Police Court.

Obituary. William Watts who had a butchering business years ago at Burra died at Magill on Wednesday aged 66. He was a colonist of 64 years and was brother to the late Ben Watts of Steelton.

[Died 6 July 1904.]

Obituary. William Splane died at Andrews’ Homes, Mitcham last week aged 87. He once had a bootmaker’s business in the shop now occupied by Mr A. Bennett and his name can still be seen on the side wall. His wife survives. [William Splane died 6 July 1904 and his wife Eliza Splane died 25 September 1910. A son died in Kooringa as a child in 1861.]

Obituary. John Lavoun, only [surviving] son of Mrs George Jordan, died at Lawn Hill Queensland from fever and bronchitis. All Mrs Jordan’s sons have died unexpectedly: one was shot in his trap, one drowned and one died on his way to Balranald. [Ann Jordan was previously Ann Lavoun or Lavourn and was born Ann Trotter.]

Cr Snell is 72 and was a member of the first Council. He was elected a councillor last year and is going strong for the Mayoral position in the future. He has raised a large family [of 12]. Of them John is a linotype operator at the Advertiser and formerly worked at the Burra Record, Fred is at Pt Pirie, Joe lives at Broken Hill, Mrs Ralph and Miss Flo Snell are at broken Hill, Miss W. White is in Adelaide and Miss Annie lives in Burra.

Harry Vivian is 58 and full of geniality, sympathy and kindness. He was ‘carted’ to Burra in a bullock dray with his parents in 1855 and became a cowboy at the mines and later was a bullock driver for 19 years. He took wool etc. to Pt Adelaide and made his first trip to the Barrier in 1863. He was bullocky for Harry Skews and Mr John Pearce of the Mt Bryan Hotel. He took a public-house in 1881 and was licensee of Opie’s for six years before moving to the Commercial Hotel where he has been ever since.

John I. Sangster writes as President of the Burra Benevolent Society thanking all for their support and especially the young ladies whose bazaar recently produced £13-14-1 and those connected with the Muff football match that provided £26-6-0.

The Rose of Sharon Tent IOR had a financial meeting in the Institute Lodge Room last Thursday. The funds total £3,101-16-6 and the Juvenile Branch has £334-13-6. There are 158 adult members and 38 junior members. The new C.R. is Bro. E.J. Harris (and the Past C.R. Bro. Thomas Richards).

A Cow visited the Commercial Hotel on Sunday evening and consumed some apple pies. On the previous visit by one on Wednesday it had a drink. In both cases the cows were owned by Rechabites who are shocked to think the animals should so far forget themselves as to eat and drink at the Commercial Hotel.

Burra Institute Committee has accepted tenders for painting and repairs:

C. & T. Tiver £19-5-6 for mason work and D. Jones £27-10-0 for painting.

The Phosphate Fields

16 or 17 years ago speculators were attracted to the area because of the alleged discovery of silver in the Black Hills. Residents may remember the ‘Joker’ claim and even on the ‘Fairview’ claim area a shaft was put down for silver and went through 70% rock phosphate. Several private syndicates tested the hills for silver and a lot of money was lost in the attempt. Several years passed and F.A.S. Field was attracted to the spot by the discovery of phosphate rock and he prospected the area at intervals for three years and about three years ago a fairly large deposit was discovered and 120 tons of high grade stone was sent away. So satisfactory was the assay that the Adelaide Artificial Manure Co. was formed and further work undertaken.

Numerous claims were then pegged out, but many were forfeited on failing to meet the conditions of the leases. Many were waiting to see what the principal players would achieve. Eventually only those with some capital and determination remained. Development work is still going on with the ‘Fairview’ claim of Messrs Field & Clutterbuck, pending erection of a manufacturing works. The lode has been proved to 25ft deep and 100ft wide at an average 60% tricalcic of phosphate at the north open cut. The south open cut is about 111⁄2 chains away and is opened to 75ft deep and 137ft wide and the stuff varies from 50 to 85%, but the country is treacherous with big variations in quality within a few yards. There is 200 tons at grass and some have estimated 1 million tons in sight.

Between the two open cuts is a hill rising about 100ft and a large costeen trench proves the lode to be 400ft wide on the rise.

Just north of ‘Fairview’ is a claim called ‘Lillydora’, held by a local syndicate. A high grade deposit has been opened by costeens, trenches and shafts and a 10-ton sample averaged 63.40%.

North of that are two other claims with little work done; held by J.C. Killicoat and R.W. Tawcett.

North again is a claim held by E.N. Finch & Sons, which they are opening up and where they have exposed a large body of silicious rock phosphate averaging 50-60%. Phosphate has not been traced further north.

To the south of ‘Fairview’ about four miles a square mile is held by Messrs Field & Kickebusche. This is now being opened up and tested. Samples vary from 65 to 94% and 12 samples across 100yds averaged 76%.

The claims are 18 miles southeast of Burra. The country is desolate mallee with wild hops bushes and the Burra Creek skirts the south end of the ‘Fairview’ claim

Football. At Burra:

Clare 8 11 33 34

Burra 1 4 10 28

XV, 635, 20 July 1904, page 2

Editorial on the Political Situation in SA where the Jenkins Government was an uneasy coalition.

The Arc Lamp is not proving to be satisfactory.

Burra Poultry Club met on Tuesday and heard a paper by J. Drew: Pure Breeds v. Barndoors.

A Mr [Walter] Patterson was fined £1 for riding in the goods train on Friday. Tommy Halls collected the amount out of kindness to the man who was penniless and had him released on Saturday evening.

Obituary. Stephen J. Paul Kruger, former President of the Transvaal Republic from 1882-1900, died on Thursday in Holland. He was born at Rustenburg in Cape Colony on 10 October 1825 and has resided in Europe since 1900. His wife died in South Africa early in 1901.

‘Not a Ratepayer’ writes in amazement at the way in which Burra footpaths are used as cycle tracks mornings and evenings.

Cattle Yards. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis have been preparing the scene of their new sale yards for some weeks and on Monday tenders were let to Messrs Baker & Rosewall for the erection of cattle yards. The convenience of having both yards close together is apparent and will be appreciated by buyers.

[The paper on 3 August identifies the place as near the brewery. This sounds as though they were adding cattle yards to the existing sheep yards, but the article is not really clear on details.]

Weather. In the last week the weather was rough with hurricane force winds that damaged outbuildings and carried some corrugated iron over 50yds. The arc lamp was damaged at Henderson’s. There was driving rain and a brief fall of snow with hail on Thursday; just enough for a few snowballs.

Burra Town Council

The Railway Commissioner does not think a lamp is needed at the station gate. In fact he thinks that the station road should be closed and that access to the station should be via the parallel Council road.

[This of course would transfer cost to the Council and they were reluctant to agree to it for this reason as well as because the difference in height created access problems requiring further expenditure as well as ongoing maintenance costs. Eventually the answer was to be a one-way road with entry via the Council road and exit via the SAR road. The Council road referred to is Railway Terrace. The SAR road is now closed.]

W. Carpenter asked for additional mantles for the Redruth streetlamps due to storm damage.

The Salvation Army was given approval to place a lamp in front of the Barracks.

The arc lamp will be raised 6ft and the lamp near the Redruth Bridge will be raised 3ft and stayed.

The 1903 assessment with necessary amendments will be used for 1904.

Redruth Court, 16 July

Walter Patterson was fined 10/- + 10/- costs or 14 days for riding in a goods wagon without paying his fare and obtaining a ticket.

19 July

George March was fined 7/6 for a stray horse.

George Lines was ordered to pay off a debt of £1-13-0 to Drew & Crewes at the rate of 2/6 a week.

Leighton & World’s End both report rough winds and driving rain and at Leighton ‘a few feathers of snow’.

Farrell’s Flat had a fall of snow on 14 July.

A football club was formed on Saturday evening.

Township dogs have been worrying sheep.

Mice have badly damaged wheat held in stacks and it has had to be cleaned again.

XV, 635, 20 July 1904, page 3

Miss K. Robertson has been appointed to Burra School to replace Miss Simpson.

Sappho Halls (brother of Tommy Halls) who served in the Boer War is now in India, having gone there in charge of several horses.

Dick (Cpl) Gully is working on the Largs Bay Railway track.

Billy Bruse is the oldest footballer in Burra. [Presumably this refers to William Henry Bruse born in 1858 and who thus was 46 at this time.]

Accident. C.C. Heinrich of the Burra Hotel was investigating a problem with his acetylene generator with a candle in his hand when an explosion occurred. Flame leapt several feet and Mr Heinrich was lucky to escape with only a slightly burnt wrist.

Obituary. James Dew aged 14, eldest son of Mr Fred Dew of Springbank, died last week. He attended Sunday school, caught a cold the next day and died two days later. [Born 2 March 1891: died 14 July 1904 aged 13. Sadly for the family a brother, Frederick James had also died in 1886 aged 11 months.]

Obituary. Mr Luke Teddy died at Broken Hill on Wednesday at the residence of his daughter Mrs J. Thomas. He came to SA 54 years ago aged 20. He worked in the Burra Mine for some time before going like so many to the Victorian goldfields. He returned to the Burra Mine before leaving to engage in farming. About 20 years ago with failing health he sold the farm at Baldina and retired to Redruth and only recently went to Broken Hill. As a young man he was a noted pugilist and much of his later physical affliction was due to that. About 30 years ago he became noted for the sincerity and zeal of his religious life. He could neither read nor write, but despite that he had a thorough knowledge of scripture and became a power for good in the community. He was a prominent member of the Methodist Church and a frequent visitor to the sick and dying. For the last 15 years he was totally blind. He suffered greatly due to the loss of his wife six years ago, since when his health and spirits had rapidly declined. He died aged 74 leaving two sons and three daughters. He was buried in Broken Hill and a memorial service was held at Redruth Methodist Church on Sunday.

[Interestingly he married Julia Thomas (18) at the Congregational Chapel in Kooringa 6 November 1851.]

Court Unity AOF held its half-yearly meeting on Friday. The lodge is in a sound financial position with a membership of 234. Bro. J.A. Pearce was installed as C.R. The Juvenile Branch (Court Pride) has 64 members and its C.R. is Bro. O. Frahm.

Short & Sharp

Aberdeen Quarries are still idle.

Work proceeds quietly at the Burra Mine.

Mr J. Tennant of Princess Royal has bought a rabbit exterminator.

Obituary. John Bennetts, a well-known character of Burra, died at Broken Hill last week.

[Perhaps born 11 August 1852, but there were other John Bennetts. In any case this report is contradicted in XV, 637, 3 Aug. page 3.]

Poultry. A summary of J. Drew’s paper, Pure Breed v. Barn Doors is printed.

XV, 636, 27 July 1904, page 2

Editorial on Farming. It discussed recent poor seasons and Government aid, which has had to be paid back leaving some farmers worse off than ever. The subdivision of the Shafton Estate has brought more families into the area. Modern machinery means that cleaning, winnowing, sorting and bagging are things of the past: the reaper does the lot and can even save the wheaten chaff if necessary.

Weather. The season’s most severe frost was last Thursday.

Tomorrow is the third anniversary of the great snow fall in which drifts up to 6ft high were recorded.

Rain out east has been useful with almost an inch at Mongolata where the dams are full. Baldina Creek flowed, but Stone Chimney Creek did not.

Rabbits are still very plentiful despite frequent shooting parties.

Rev. T.B. Angwin will deliver his popular lecture on Astronomy this evening in the Methodist Lecture Hall. Telescopic photos will be shown by a powerful lantern. Proceeds will aid Home Missions.

Burra Institute. A dance will follow a concert there tonight.

Salvation Army. The Biorama at the Barracks on Thursday exceeded all previous cinematographs to visit Burra. The Biorama Co. had the latest bioscope projector as well as a powerful compound dissolving lantern. The pictures were the most brilliant ever seen in Burra. The Biorama overcomes the quivering, which is not at all pleasing to the eye caused by other machines. The orchestral music was appropriate and pleasing.

Streetlights. A group of boys made their own comment on the problems with street lamps when they knocked the bottom out of two gin bottles and put a candle in each. One the stuck ‘up a tree’ at Henderson’s Corner and put the other in the lamp near the Institute. They burned well until M-c Grosser made then take their lights down.

The new lights have clearly failed to meet requirements. Acetylene lamps seem to be the only solution to the failure of the arc and ‘Best’ lamps, which were simply a waste of money. Night after night they fail completely within an hour of being lit.

The Local Branch of the School of Mines held a social in St Mary’s schoolroom on Wednesday. A sumptuous repast was followed by parlour games. At present there are 13 students, but up to 30 have participated in recent times. The dressmaking course of 13 weeks teaches drafting, cutting and fitting and costs £1-1-0. Officers of the local branch are: President, Mrs J.C. Sandland; Vice-President, Mrs P.L. Killicoat; Treasurer, Mrs S. Burns & Secretary, Mrs J. McCallum. The school has existed for three years.

Children’s Bazaar. About three years ago several young girls organised a bazaar and in their first effort raised £6 for an invalid’s chair for the Burra Hospital. 12 months later they raised £16, which went towards the hospital acetylene gas fund. This year their third effort was held in the auction mart and was opened by the Mayoress Mrs J. Winnall. £20 was raised. The girls mentioned in the report are the founder, Nellie Vivian and Ivy Ward, Millie Pascoe, Myrtle Berriman, Nita Pearce, Ruby Sandland, Eileen Johnson, Rita Vivian, Joy Sangster, Stella Moody, Kathleen Johnson and Dolly Vivian.

XV, 636, 27 July 1904, page 3

Obituary. Mr Fred March, brother to Messrs G.E. & W.H. March of Burra and to Mr James March of Broken Hill, died at Broken Hill from pneumonia last Sunday aged 48. Many years ago he worked in Burra, but has spent the last 16 years in Broken Hill.

Quarter Master Scott (head teacher at Burra School) went to Adelaide on Saturday to assist in the presentation to Col. Catt of Gladstone for over 20 years of service to the SA Infantry. QM Scott himself has qualified for the long service medal for 20 years service and will receive it in a month or two.

Theft. On 9 July Mr W. Phin of Ironmine sent Peter Pascoe to Swan Reach to get a stallion. He gave him a cheque for £14 to be handed to the vendor. Pascoe has not been seen since, the cheque has been cashed and missing also are the horse, its saddle etc., a new overcoat and leggings.

Obituary. Rose Allen, eldest daughter of Rev. James Allen, died last Wednesday. Though ill for some time, she took a serious turn for the worse a fortnight ago. [Born Marian Rose Allen 14 September 1869.]

Mr Richards of the motor and cycle depot in Redruth took his motorcycle to Waterloo on Thursday, leaving Redruth at 2 p.m. and returning at 7.45 p.m. He covered the 80 odd miles in 53⁄4 hours including stops to transact business en route.

I. Villis was loading wood at Baldina Scrub near Douglas last week when he found an 1836 gold half sovereign and a black sixpence. They must have been there for many years.

Rabbits. Rabbiting is popular at present and it is providing lucrative employment. In several places to the east there are little canvas towns. Rabbits are being dug out by day and trapped at night. One party combining the two methods got 396 in 24 hours. A wagon-load of 1,000 rabbits was sent to Pt Adelaide from the Burra station at the end of last week and another left on Monday.

William Pryor cut his thumb off in an accident with an axe last week. An attempt has been made to reattach it. He is 72.

Willie Henderson aged 9, the eldest son of James Henderson, badly crushed his hand between two rocks when on fell from a wall where he was replacing stones at St Joseph’s School.

Football. At Farrell’s Flat on Saturday: Gum Creek 8.10 defeated Farrell’s Flat 4.3.

Wirth’s Circus is coming to Burra soon.

XV, 637, 3 Aug. 1904, page 2

Editorial: A New Industry

The article discusses rabbiting in the district. In addition to landowners it is estimated that at present about 50 men of the district are gaining a living from rabbiting. Both the carcases and the skins are saleable. The carcases are frozen, exported and then canned.

E.W. Crewes has returned home from his north-eastern trip with a sample of 3ft-high green spear grass from Caroona.

Booborowie Forest Reserve. Authorities have decided to start replanting a portion of the reserve.

Salvation Army. Captain Ross will repeat his address on Social Work of the Salvation Army at the Barracks on 4 August.

Burra Institute. On Wednesday last a concert and dance in aid of St Joseph’s saw dancing to the wee hours after a midnight supper.

Weather. Severe frosts recently resulted in frozen puddles with ice 2” thick in places. Taps were frozen.

Streetlights. People are complaining about the absence of a lamp at the pump.

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis. The contract for the erection of the saleyards near the brewery is being pushed on with. The cattle yards will be of heavy timber and a large shelter shed will be included for the convenience of the public.

The old Bible Christian Church, after many years of good service the church in East St [sic], has been sold to a local buyer; it is said for the purpose of use as a skating rink. Vast repairs to the windows, doors and the building itself would be needed before this could happen.

[The church was not in East St, but was on the corner of Bridge Terrace and Bridge St East.]

Mr Pascoe, who is wanted over the theft of Mr Phin’s cheque and horse etc., has not been seen since a sighting at Sedan on 17 July. He is thought to have left the state.

Burra Institute Tonight. Fitzgerald Bros. Biograph, vitagraph and wax works. Over 12 miles of film will be put through the machine. 2/- and 1/6.

The arc lamp. The chain of the arc lamp broke one night last week as W. Geake was putting it up after the moonlight period. He caught the lamp as it fell and only narrowly escaped being precipitated some 12ft to the ground. On recent nights it has burnt fairly well and on Friday actually managed to keep alight till 10.30!

Football. At Gum Creek on Saturday: Gum Creek 6.9 defeated Farrell’s Flat 0.1.

Cricket. At Mallett 23 July: Ketchowla 165 defeated Mt Bryan 29 & 37.

XV, 637, 3 Aug. 1904, page 3

Correction. Mr John Bennett, who was reported recently as having died in Broken Hill, has in fact been very ill, but is now up and about again, though it is not expected he will be able to do any more hard work.

Rev. T.B. Angwin’s lecture on Astronomy is reported in c. 1⁄2 column.

The season will be a late one and large quantities of grain have perished. Late sown crops will benefit from recent rains, though frost has done some damage. Crops south, west and in the Robertstown-Eudunda area are doing well.

Arbor Day was held at World’s End school last Wednesday. The school stands alone and is devoid of even a shelter shed and until recently lacked a tank. A recent concert (the items and performers of which are listed) raised £3 for a shelter shed.

Burra Town Council, Monday

The Hydraulic Engineer advises that unless the Council is willing to take over the public water troughs and pay for the water at 2/- per 1,000 gallons the water will be cut off.

W. Geake applied for an additional 1⁄2 pint of oil for the arc lamp. He will be told the matter will be reconsidered when the lamp works more successfully.

C.C. Heinrich of the Burra Hotel has offered to supply the town with [gas for?] five acetylene lamps from his plant for £52 p.a. The necessary material to be supplied at the expense of the Corporation. The run of gas not to exceed to the Institute, Henderson’s Bridge and the bridge near Dr Sangster’s.

The offer was not entertained.

A petition asked for provision of some sort of protection at the Bon Accord crossing. It will be forwarded to the district MPs.

A letter will be sent to the Hydraulic Engineer asking for one public trough free.

Short & Sharp

Mr Thomas Reynolds has gone to Victoria.

It will be pleasing to see a light restored at the pump. [The Council report says nothing about this.]

Obituary. Mrs Webb of Eyre St Broken Hill died suddenly on Saturday.

The old Bible Christian Church has been sold to J. Smith.

It is reported that Rev. W.G.M. Murphy intends leaving Burra.

Sport in Burra

Last year the cricket fell nearly flat with only a few games played.

Coursing has met with only partial success despite having a number of interested dog owners in the town.

Rifle-shooting has many excellent shots in Burra, but the club has just been wound up after a lingering death.

Quoits and skittles were popular in the mining days.

Lacrosse had a short life and did not take on.

Golf lingers, but is not generally played, though the links await players.

Polo always attracts a crowd, but although it was played a few years ago on the Aberdeen ground there is now a lack of players and games are very occasional.

Tennis was inaugurated in Kooringa by Rev. W.G. Clarke. One court has been asphalted and others fenced and improved.

XV, 638, 10 Aug. 1904, page 2

Editorial on Russia & England, discussing the possibility of conflict between Russia and England.

A United Mission involving the Methodist Churches of the district and the Salvation Army will begin on Monday 15 August and run till 25 August.

Mice are thick in the district, but so far the town has been spared.

St Joseph’s schoolroom was the site for a dance on Friday.

Burra Creek still shows signs of the dugouts that housed miners in the early days. Several of the houses remain in a dilapidated state and walls can be seen with an inch of whitewash hanging on them.

Marriage. At Oakleigh on 28 June

Charles Woodhall Mitchell, eldest son of Ann & the late William Henry Mitchell of Maldon, married

Mary Leslie Harry, daughter of James Harry of North Adelaide.

Salvation Army. Staff Captain Carmichael, Captain Lawler and Lieut. Rooney visited Burra on Saturday & Sunday and drew fair congregations.

Bachelors’ Ball at Burra Institute tonight.

T. F. Robinson delivered a new boiler to Mr H. Roach at the mill on Saturday afternoon. A team of 14 horses with SAMA’s boiler carriage weighing some 5 tons was needed to move the load of 15-20 tons. Two drivers were needed: Mr J. Holmes and Mr T. Highett.

A Bolt. A horse attached to Domenick Pizzo’s cart in Paradise bolted on Monday. Almost immediately the cart was left behind on a fence, but the horse continued down Kingston St and across the bridge before taking to the footpath at E.J. Harris’s where it narrowly missed Mr F.J. Packard. It turned into Chapel St, but on attempting to enter the lane behind the Commercial Hotel the dangling harness got caught on a post and the adventure came to a halt.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School tendered an enjoyable social to Miss Sarah Pearce and Miss Annie Sleep on Wednesday. Miss Pearce had been connected with the Sunday school for 55 years, most of the time as a teacher. Miss Sleep has been in the school for 50 years, 28 as a teacher.

Kooringa Court, 5 August

Daniel Colbert was fined 5/- for drunkenness.

The Phosphate Fields. E.N. Finch sent away a 6-ton sample of rock for testing. A processing plant will have to be built at Terowie to make the mine profitable. Any further away and the cartage will render the find uneconomic.

Rabbiting has drawn more men from the town.

Weather. Rain fell at Wandillah in a useful amount on Saturday. It was preceded by a very heavy hailstorm.

W.B. Pearse recently bought a very swift pony. He travelled from Caroona to the Commercial Hotel taking 21⁄2 hours for the 30 mile journey.

XV, 638, 10 Aug. 1904, page 3

Obituary. Mr Matthew Symons, a former butcher in Burra, died in WA last week. He had the shop now occupied by Walter Pearce in Kingston St. [Born 1833.]

Obituary. Mrs W. Fieghart of Brownlow, a sister to Mr J.C. Stasinowsky of Baldina, died on 1 August aged 53. She leaves a husband and five children. [Registered as Bertha Fiegert died 1 August 1904 aged 54.]

Thomas Best, an old Burra identity, can remember seeing bullock teams reaching from Kooringa to the old Mine Weighbridge where Mr Jos. Ford used to dress his ore.

Mr W. Pryor’s thumb is progressing well after being severed in an axe accident some time ago.

Short & Sharp

Some nice gold is being won at the Ulooloo diggings.

Work at the Burra Mine continues.

The Kingston Hotel [Mt Bryan] and land will be auctioned on 2 September.

Sir Frederick Holder preached two anniversary sermons at the Baptist Church in Ballarat on Sunday.

Mr Pascoe, who is wanted for stealing Mr Phin’s cheque, horse etc. has still not been heard of.

XV, 639, 17 Aug. 1904, page 2

Obituary. William Wood, eldest son of the late James Julius Wood DD Edinburgh Scotland, died on 11 August at his daughter’s residence at Redruth aged 70. [More on page 3.]

Editorial on ‘Things Political’. The article concerns the difficulties of a State Government hanging on by a single vote.

Shearers are passing through Burra in large numbers, heading for eastern stations.

Burra Waterworks. The Government advises that no instructions have been given to cut water from the public water troughs but in a fine example of double speak it also advises that the policy is that no free supplies of water are granted in county water districts and unless the Town Council pays 2/- per 1,000 gallons for such supplies those ‘instructions’ will be enforced.

The Cornish boiler has been taken from its bed to be replaced by an up-to-date oil engine.

Grasshoppers are present in large numbers in the hills around Burra and south of the town a paddock has been stripped bare of a crop.

Rabbits, despite the destruction of 3-4,000 a week at Baldina, seem to be maintaining their population without trouble.

One rabbiter last week unearthed a nest of 11 young and in an adjacent burrow captured 45 varying in age from 3 days to 4 weeks.

The Bachelors’ Ball was a great success and is reported in just over 1⁄2 column.

Arbor Day was celebrated at John Wesley Bicentenary Church, Hanson last Wednesday. About 120 trees were planted in the yard.

St Mary’s. Two concerts were given in the schoolroom last Wednesday; one in the morning and one in the evening. They were organised by Miss K. Sandland.

Pascoe, who stole Mr Phin’s cheque, horse etc. remains elusive.

XV, 639, 17 Aug. 1904, page 3

Rev. W.G. Murphy is leaving Burra next month to take charge of Christ Church, Yankalilla. He has been at St Mary’s since 1899.

Father O’Dowling who was in charge of St Joseph’s for 14 years is presently holidaying in NSW.

Father Handel [sic: for Haendl] is now stationed at Norwood.

Obituary. Mrs A.H. Forder, wife of the former clerk of the Redruth Court has died at Cockburn; it is believed last Friday. She leaves a husband and a grown-up family. [Born Elizabeth Rutter Daniel in 1838. She was A.H. Forder’s second wife. The death does not seem to be registered.]

Burra Town Council

The Hydraulic Engineer advises that the request for one free trough cannot be granted.

The Corporation has agreed to pay for one trough in Best Place for the use of the travelling public.

Other matters of a routine nature were transacted.

Burra Poultry Club on 9 August heard a paper from W.B. Page on Hatching & Rearing Chickens.

St Mary’s. Bishop Harmer will arrive on Friday to conduct confirmations.

A patronage committee will meet tonight to select a successor to Rev. W.G.M. Murphy.

W.R. Ridgway writes in response to a letter that appeared in the Kapunda Herald about the Burra Waterworks. He dismisses fears about increased costs expressed there as nonsense.

Robbery. Two young men, who are escapees from Brooklyn Park Reformatory, were captured by M-C Grosser near Anlaby after they had robbed an old man named Macklivie who lives in a hut on Princess Royal. They will appear in Redruth Court today.

Obituary. Thomas H. Broad aged 78 died on Thursday at the residence of Mrs G. Hare. He had carried on farming at Sod Hut for 25 years before taking land in the Hundred of Bright with only limited success. He is survived by a widow, three sons and seven daughters. [Thomas Henry Broad died 11 August 1904.]

Obituary. Charles Williams died on Monday morning aged 39. He was the third son of the late Thomas Williams of Baldina and later of Broken Hill. Death followed many months of problems from an internal complaint and was not unexpected. [Charles Hammett Williams born 13 July 1865: died 16 August 1904.]

Obituary. William Wood who died at the residence of his daughter Mrs F. Sellars of Redruth on Thursday was born in Dumfries Scotland 31 July 1834. He was the eldest son of Dr J.J. Wood pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Edinburgh and Dumfries. He was educated to follow his father’s footsteps, but chose instead to travel. He visited mines in Siberia, Switzerland, USA, & India before settling in Australia. He married Miss Jessie Smith before leaving Scotland and they had three children. Mrs F. Sellars is the only surviving child, but two brothers and a sister are living. One brother is a doctor in India, one was till recently an accountant with the Bank of Australasia in Sydney and the sister is unmarried and still in Dumfries. The deceased was a great Biblical student and has written many works.

Redruth Court, 16 August

George March was fined 2/6 for a stray cow.

Dominick Pizzo was fined 5/- + costs for an unspecified offence, probably a stray animal.

J. Nankivell was fined 2/6 plus costs for an unspecified offence, probably a stray animal.

Mrs Woodman’s little girl took poison last week by accident and on being rushed to Burra by I. Villis was successfully treated by Dr Sangster, but it was a near thing.

Short & Sharp

A party of ladies went rabbiting last week and had a good time.

XV, 640, 24 Aug. 1904, page 2

Editorial on the Agricultural Bureau

The editor discusses the advantages of such an organisation especially in encouraging innovation in agriculture. New varieties of wheat such as early and late have been tried etc. There is a flow-on for domestic gardens too. The local branch is enthusiastic and splendid work is being done. [Though it has been little reported.]

Tommy Hall captured five wild cats last week near Burra: one died, one escaped and three will be sent to the Adelaide Zoo.

Burra Institute is being thoroughly renovated by Tiver Bros. masons and D. Jones painter. By the reopening it is anticipated that gas will be laid on throughout the building.

Mr Macklvie welcomed the return of his pants and other belongings when the thieves were taken before Redruth Court on Wednesday.

Obituary. Miss Lucy Jane Midwinter, fourth daughter of Mr W. Midwinter of Ironmine by his first marriage, died on Thursday morning aged 29. She had resided in Burra most of her life. Last Christmas she went to Adelaide and was engaged there as a domestic servant. Three months ago she contracted pleurisy and heart trouble and has since been confined to her bed. [Born 9 November 1875 at Booborowie and died 18 August 1904 in Adelaide.]

Bureau of Agriculture, Burra Branch. A.D. McDonald, Chairman; R.M. Harvey, Hon. Sec.

F.G. Dawson presented a paper: Does it pay to keep poultry?

Redruth Court, 17 August

Patrick Cull alias John Flannaghan (18) and John Joseph Barton alias Albert Thompson (17) both of Brooklyn Park were charged on the information of James Macklvie with the larceny of a pair of trousers, pair of scissors, one pannikin, one comb, one brush, one towel, one reel of cotton & needles, one shirt, 4lb of sugar and one waterproof sugarbag, totalling in all to the value of 15/-.

James Macklvie said he was camped in a hut on Princess Royal estate on 14 August when the thefts took place.

M-C Grosser described tracing the accused to a point near Point Pass and finding them with the stolen articles. Cull had tried to escape, but halted when three warning shots were fired. The pair had escaped from Brooklyn Park Reformatory last July.

Both had told a reporter for the Record that they would rather go to gaol than back to the Reformatory, but that is where they were sent. It was Barton’s second attempt to escape and Flannaghan’s third.

A Strike! The rules of the Booborowie Quadrille Assembly say there must be no ‘engaging’ before the dance. Only when the MC calls ‘take your partners’ may the young men seek their partners. A few nights ago the girls rebelled and demanded the right to make prior engagements for dances. When the rules were enforced they all filed out of the hall and the dance had to be abandoned. A mass meeting is to be held, where no doubt the ladies’ wishes will prevail.

The Bon Accord Crossing. A petition has been presented to the Railways Commissioner by the Hon. J. Lewis calling for a lamp at the Bon Accord crossing. Many years ago there was a lamp at the [adjacent] station gate, but rigid economies have seen it removed.

St Mary’s. A meeting of seat-holders on Wednesday appointed a Patronage Committee to act to select a minister to succeed Rev. W.G.M. Murphy.

On Friday the Bishop of Adelaide, Dr Harmer, confirmed a number of candidates at St Mary’s and left on Saturday morning for Petersburg.

Weather. Rain is sorely needed by both pastoralists and agriculturalists.

Marriage. At the residence of Thomas Parks Jnr on Monday

Edith Margaret Parks, youngest daughter of Thomas Parks Jnr married

James Halwell of Pt Pirie. [Actually, Holwell: see next issue.]]

Terowie residents are up in arms about the attempt by Petersburg residents to have the break of gauge moved to Petersburg. The move would be a great financial loss to Terowie and any uncertainty about it impedes the town’s growth and prosperity.

Mt Bryan. The new building being erected by Gebhardt Bros. is a stately addition to the town.

Arbor Day at Hallett School on 22 August saw the planting of 200-300 trees at the recreation ground.

XV, 640, 24 Aug. 1904, page 3

Wool began to arrive at the Burra station on Monday. Mr Nourse of Copperhouse brought in the first load of 26 bales from George Kidman’s station. [Page 3 says that is from Block 77 West.]

The second load is due today from Braemar and tomorrow two loads will arrive from Woolgangi.

Mr W. Phin of Ironmine fell out of his cart near the Bon Accord crossing when his vehicle collided with a fence. He was shaken and had to stay in Burra overnight.

The United Missions Services have been well attended.

British & Foreign Bible Society. The deputation this year was Rev. L. Robjohns who preached at Redruth Methodist Church on Sunday and in the afternoon addressed Sunday school children at Kooringa. On Monday evening the annual meeting was presided over by the Mayor, Mr Winnall. In the last year £18 was sent on to the parent society. Elected were President, J. Winnall; Vice-President, H. Roach; Treasurer, P. Lane; Hon. Sec., W. Davey.

Unclaimed letters are being held for, among others, Amer Sing, Narian Singh, Tab Singh, Sunder Singh & Ganessa Singh.

Baldina Methodist Church held its anniversary on Sunday when Rev. J. Allen conducted afternoon and evening services. The tea meeting is today.

Burra Mine. An open day at the mine on Sunday afternoon drew a constant stream of visitors, young and old and of both sexes. Captain Prior was present to explain matters to the uninformed. The old cry is want of money for development work. Nevertheless a shaft will be sunk on a spot close to Burra Hospital in the ruins of the old brewery cellar, where it is said copper was found when sinking for foundations. The progress will be watched with unusual interest.

Short & Sharp

The arc lamp has been doing well this week.

Replanting Booborowie Reserve is about to begin.

Mr Jericho brought in another 1,000 rabbits on Monday.

Obituary. George Barnett, a watchman at the British Mine received fatal injuries in an accident.

Adolph Walter Lott of Burra passed the exams in July for appointment as a pupil teacher.

XV, 641, 31 Aug. 1904, page 2

Marriage. On 22 August at the residence of the bride’s parents

James Holwell, second son of Mr John Holwell of Pt Pirie, married

Edith Margaret (Edie) Parks, youngest daughter of Mr Thomas Parks Jnr of Kooringa.

Editorial on Population

The editor argues that SA needs an increasing population for progress and prosperity.

Mice have established a honeycomb of holes under virtually every bush in the hills around Burra and a heavy rain is needed to destroy large numbers of them.

Dancing. The district within a ten mile radius has an estimated 200 marriageable young ladies, which no doubt explains the sudden popularity of dancing in the town.

Lost. A buggy-load of young people got lost in the dark on the way back to Burra from the Baldina tea meeting and having taken the wrong turning reached home in the early morning instead of that evening.

The Phosphate Fields. No work is currently going on. F.A.S. Field has sent away a 5-ton sample that has assayed to 70%. Work is halted pending a decision from BHP on erecting suitable processing machinery at Pt Pirie. The cost of cartage to Adelaide is prohibitive.

The sample of rock sent away by E.N. Finch & Sons was satisfactory and they also hold an area of richer material.

Mr W. Phin of Ironmine has recovered his horse and equipment from Adelaide where it had been left at the Buck Head Hotel. It is believed Pascoe has got away to Victoria.

Unclaimed letters are held for, among others, Dowd Singh & Lakha Singh.

Baldina Methodist Church tea meeting revealed that the Sunday school had 13 boys and 13 girls and 5 teachers with an average attendance of 10 pupils and 3 teachers. Financially it was sound:

Credit on hand from 1903 £1-8-11⁄2

Income from collections 1904 £12-0-0

Expenditure in 1904 £13-3-4

Credit in hand 4-91⁄2

The anniversary collections £2-7-10

Tea £5-13-6

Collection at public meeting 15-6

Supper £2-1-5

Anniversary total £10-18-3

Cash in hand after the anniversary £11-3-01⁄2

Since the debt on the church is £8 and the annual repayment is £4 there is ample money on hand.

[These figures show the financial importance of the anniversary to such churches and it is also clear that much of it came from townsfolk who went out to the outlying churches on such occasions.]

XV, 641, 31 Aug. 1904, page 3

New Stock Yards. For many years Bagot, Shakes & Lewis have held their monthly sales in the yards adjoining the Burra Hotel, selling cattle horses and the like there and selling sheep at the yards near the old Unicorn Brewery. Having two yards together is an obvious advantage and the firm recently decided to build new yards near the sheep yards for cattle etc. Messrs Baker & T. & W. Rosewall won the contract and have done a first class job. There are 20 yards 18ft x 14ft with a 5ft gate in each with two races from the open yard up to the auctioneer’s box. The stock will be driven in the lower gate fronting Paxton Square and drafted into the pens made of 4” diameter mallee rails with posts 12” x 12” and topped with white peppermint rails. The pens are on a slight slope for drainage. The selling yard is enclosed in a wall and covered with timber and iron. The carpentry was by George Bartholomaeus and the ironwork by W. Henderson. The first sale in the new yards will be held next Friday.

William Parks, son of Thomas Parks, has found employment at Lakeland, Dapto NSW. Several Burra identities are there including two daughters of Mr Parks and John Jenkins, youngest son of Thomas Jenkins.

Obituary. Mr J. Rogers, son-in-law of Mr S. Pearce of Leighton, died in WA last week. His young son and daughter had been staying with Mrs Pearce and were on their way home, arriving just in time for the funeral.

Mr Richard Field is living in retired comfort at ‘Monavea’ four miles west of Burra. Mr & Mrs Field came to SA on 15 November 1855 in the Victoria Regia and went to live first at Islington. Twelve months later they came to Burra where Mr Field worked for the English & Australian Copper Co. In 1859 he moved to Hamilton, Victoria where he took and worked land for four years. In late 1863 he returned to Burra and again worked for a time with E. & A. Copper co. before working at the Burra Mine. In 1868 he took land in the Hd of Hanson now known as ‘Monavea’ and has been there ever since. He enjoyed a succession of good seasons. There are five sons and one daughter: G.A. (Gilberton), J.R., W.H., F.A.S. & A.W. (Burra) and Mrs Wyett of Henley Beach Road. Mr Field is 78 and though feeble is in fairly good health. Mr Field is 77 and also as well as can be expected.

Weather. There is still no rain.

Baldina crops are poor, thin, short and becoming discoloured.

At Black Springs crops are fair.

Farrell’s Flat and Hanson have some nice green patches, but mice there are wreaking havoc.

Leighton area is doing better.

Since the above was written some rain has fallen. On Monday there was a change with driving dust and visibility virtually zero, but in the afternoon rain set in and 69 points were recorded. The rain was general and to the east falls varied from 12 to 50 points. At Gumbowie snow fell thickly.

Rain is continuing as we go to press.

Rabbits. Mr Jericho has now given up rabbiting for the season, as the weather is getting too warm to convey rabbits the distances involved without their becoming tainted.

Parties now operating are taking only skins and scalps.

Redruth Court, Friday

William Barkely (22) was charged with embezzling various moneys up to the amount of 11/81⁄2 from his employer, W.E. Jordan. The accused worked for Jordan, operating a van in the Hanson district. Jordan discovered discrepancies between sums in the customers’ books and those in the cart book. The accused was bailed for a later hearing.

Australasian National League AGM at Burra Institute on Friday. W.G. Hawkes was appointed Chairman in place of F.A.S. Field. The Secretary is F. Treloar.

Short & Sharp

Footballers are still inactive.

Burra coursing meeting tomorrow.

XV, 642, 7 Sep. 1904, page 2

Editorial on: The Embezzlement Case

The editor expresses the view in light of the evidence that Mr Jordan acted precipitously and without discretion and that while Barkley may have acted without authority and indiscreetly, he did not act dishonestly and did not personally profit from his actions. The matter had much better been dealt with quietly with an explanation and a reprimand if necessary.

Eight Hours Day was celebrated in Burra on Thursday with businesses closed and picnics and shooting parties were the order of the day.

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis opened their new sale yards near the old Unicorn Brewery on Friday. Rain fell during the sale, which was taken as a good omen. The shed is rather low and dark and it is likely that skylights will be put in.

The Tradesmen’s Ball last Wednesday at the Institute was largely attended and much enjoyed by the close on 300 present.

Redruth [Methodists] held their annual Wattle Blossom Fair on Friday. It was very successful and raised over £55. [Personal interest: the Flower Stall was run by Mrs Goodwin, Misses Fuss, Finch (2) & Jones.]

William Barkley writes thanking all those who stood by him through the court case, on behalf of himself and his family. He especially thanks Mr W.J. Richards who gave him financial support and Mr & Mrs Burns of the Royal Exchange Hotel for accommodating his solicitor free of charge.

XV, 642, 7 Sep. 1904, page 2-3

Redruth Court, Wednesday

The embezzlement case against William Barkley is reported at length in about 21⁄3 columns. The court was crowded and the case was heard by P. Lane & J. Sampson.

Counsel examined carefully the operations of the round of the van driven by Barkley in the Hanson district and also his behaviour while taking charge of the business during Jordan’s illness. Jordan alleged that he had been robbed by Barkley’s behaviour in allowing unauthorised discounts on accounts when they were paid and by his purchase of such things as eggs at prices in excess of those he was instructed to pay – 51⁄2d a dozen instead of 5d. On the other hand much of the evidence revealed Barkley to have worked very long hours, sometimes being out with the van till after midnight, and to have done other work suggesting he was diligent and reliable. His virtual running of the business during Jordan’s illness was also brought up. Jordan was shown to have dismissed Barkley abruptly without warning and without asking for any explanation and without giving any reason. There was no evidence to show that the accused had benefited financially from any of his actions.

The bench decided there was no case to answer.

A second and associated charge of falsifying the books was also dismissed.

XV, 642, 7 Sep. 1904, page 3

The Tradesmen’s Ball is reported in detail extending for over 1 column and included descriptions of the gowns worn.

Burra Town Council

The Railway Commissioner has declined to place a lamp at the Bon Accord crossing. He says there are only two trains after dark; there has been no light there for many years and no approach to an accident for the past 15 years.

The Mayor has been instructed to wait on the Commissioner of Public Works on the matter.

Mrs Develaing’s claim for damages for falling over a footbridge in Kooringa was not entertained.

The contractor for lighting the Kooringa lamps is to be informed that they go out too soon.

Mr Ridgway offered to rent Helen Terrace for 18/- a year. Offer accepted.

Coursing. The meeting at Gum Creek on Thursday saw the final course won by Rosewall & Kellaway’s Cronje.

Personalities

Rev. Humphrey T.H. Wightwick of Pt Lincoln has accepted the incumbency of St Mary’s and will arrive in early October.

Rev. W.G.M. Murphy will preach his last sermon at St Mary’s on 25 September and leaves for Yankalilla two days later.

Obituary. Mr Short, father of W.I. Short of Aberdeen died at Gawler on 21 August aged 73. He was a stonemason in Burra in the early days. [Isaac Short died 21 August 1904 at Goose Island.]

Mr Tennant, who bought Princess Royal, now has his family with him after vast improvements to the residence and garden where extensive irrigation is employed.

Short & Sharp

Streetlamps are doing better now.

Wool carting is in full swing.

The United Mission is said to have been a success.

It is reported that Sampson’s Hall in Thames St [the former Primitive Methodist Sunday school] is to be converted into quadrille assembly rooms.

Tennis at Burra on 1 September: Petersburg 20-159 defeated Burra 13-141.

XV, 643, 14 Sep. 1904, page 2

Obituary. Mrs E. Reynolds died on 17 August at her residence Amherst Victoria aged 80. A colonist of 65 years. She was the mother of T. Reynolds of Booborowie. She came to Adelaide with her brother, Mr W. Willmott, in the Buckinghamshire in 1839 and was married at Trinity Church Adelaide in 1845. She then went overland to Victoria with her husband and has lived there ever since. She leaves a grown-up family.

Editorial headed ‘Victorian Politics’ although 2⁄3 of it is actually about Federal politics with only the last paragraph on the Victorian Government.

The Old Bible Christian Church. Now that the Burra Defence Rifle Club target is no more the Bible Christian Church windows are being used for the same purpose.

Mice. The town is threatened with an invasion of mice.

Burra Town Council has decided to fund one water trough in Aberdeen for the travelling public only – locals are not to use it.

Sampson’s Hall in Thames St [formerly the Primitive Methodist Sunday School] was the venue for a pleasant dance on Wednesday. Many learners put in an appearance and went through the sets etc. in preparation for the Ladies’ Ball on 27 September.

Burra Mine. The operations near the hospital are damaging the building. A large portion of plaster has been shaken from the main ward and the mason work of the ward is in a very dangerous state. The Board have asked that operations cease and have also asked for an inspection by the Superintendent of Public Buildings.

The shaft is down about 26ft, but so far there is no trace of ore.

Work on the main shaft progresses steadily, but prospects there are not as good as they were some time ago. The Mine is presently employing only 13 men and boys, so that work is inevitably slow.

R.M. Harvey, the popular manager of the Bank of Australasia in Burra, is leaving after 15 years here. He has been transferred to Shepparton in Victoria. He joined the bank in Victoria when only 16 and served as a clerk at Bairnsdale, Ballarat, Creswick & Kingston before being appointed manager of Cairns in Queensland after only 7 years. He then went to Townsville and Pt Augusta before Burra. Here he has worked up the branch to ‘voluminous dimensions’ and leaves ‘not a single enemy behind’. He has been warden of St Mary’s Church for many years, Chairman of the Burra Hospital Board, Secretary of the Burra Branch of the Agricultural Bureau, President of the Burra Institute and has been associated with everything appertaining to the welfare of the town. He leaves Burra on 27 September.

Mr Thomas Parks has had a slight stroke and as well as being unable to get around his eyesight has been affected.

The Season. The north-eastern area from Burra to Olary via Petersburg is looking well. There should be some good crops around Paratoo and feed is splendid with spear grass to 2ft. Sheep are in good condition and the wool clip is excellent. Shearing is in full swing.

XV, 643, 14 Sep. 1904, page 3

Mt Bryan East. Crops are backward and farmers will get little reward. Rabbits are alarmingly thick and mice are numerous.

Mt Bryan. A small circus visited Mt Bryan recently. It was the first to perform there and though hardly impressive to those who were familiar with larger circuses, it was a real treat for those who had never seen one.

Weather. Very little rain has fallen recently and farmers are looking for it. On Friday it was very disagreeable with hurricane winds and thick dust before a cool change in the evening. Sunday was cold with a few light showers.

Friday’s wind and dust damaged crops and to the east the dust stopped the movement of teams unable to face the drifting sand.

Alf Bevan employed by W. Truscott at the slaughterhouse two miles east of Burra narrowly escaped losing an eye on Sunday. While dressing a sheep the knife flew up and lodged within a half-an-inch of his left eye, penetrating to the bone. The bleeding was stopped with difficulty and the sight of the eye was hazy on Monday, but no serious trouble is anticipated.

Mr Chesterfield (overseer) and Mr Mullins (labourer) were working on Mr Gebhardt’s house at Mt Bryan on Wednesday when a gust of wind moved scaffolding around a chimney and both men fell 25ft. Mullins received slight concussion and cuts and bruises, but it is not likely he will be laid up. Chesterfield was shaken with some cuts and bruises. That they both survived with so little damage is amazing.

Fred Rogers, youngest son of John Rogers of Baldina, was riding to F.T. Jones’ station on Monday night on his bicycle. At the 8-mile peg at Hangman’s Hut he was thrown off and broke his right collarbone. On regaining consciousness after a few minutes he rode six miles to Mr Jones and after a painful and sleepless night walked back to his father’s at Baldina in the morning. He was brought in to Burra in a trap and attended to by Dr Sangster.

Court.

Patrick Welsh, a shearer, arrived in Burra a few days ago and began ‘loading up’. He was fined 10/- for using obscene language and 5/- for drunkenness. [The paper expresses the latter as an infringement of the Width of Tyres Act for carrying too much load.]

Kooringa Court, 13 September

Patrick Royal: Fined 10/- or 7 days for indecent language

Fined 5/- or 3 days for drunkenness

Fined £1 or 14 days for resisting arrest

Fined 5/- or 7 days plus 7/- damages for breaking a chair

Fines totalled £2-2-0 and he was taken to the cells, being unable to pay. He was a resident of Alberton.

Mrs Murphy [wife of Rev. Murphy] President of St Mary’s Mothers’ Union, was presented with a silver cake basket at Mrs F. Treloar’s at the ‘Smelts’ on Monday, as she is leaving Burra.

Mr Jericho tried a different method of handling rabbits on Monday. Previously they were bagged and this is not suitable in warmer weather. This load was hung from crossbars on the wagon. Monday’s blasting wind and dust provided the most adverse conditions.

R.M. Harvey has resigned from the Institute Committee after 13 years because of his removal to Victoria. A minute of appreciation for his services was recorded.

The Eastern Stock Route is much in use at present:

4,000 sheep are coming to Abberton Park for shearing.

800 from J. Ford’s Sturt Vale are coming in for shearing.

300 for Mr McBride are coming to Norman Farm for shearing.

500 ewes and lambs are heading for Elder’s Market.

300 sheep are coming from Ford’s Lagoon.

[Other movements of fewer numbers are noted.]

Short & Sharp

There will be a Continental in Father Redden’s garden on 29 September.

It is said Billy Barkley intends to start in business on his own in Kooringa.

Mr W. Pryor’s thumb is likely to be useful again.

Notice. Owing to Mr R.M. Harvey’s leaving for Victoria he is disposing of his collection of ferns through F. Harris at whose shop they will be on view.

XV, 644, 21 Sep. 1904, page 2

Editorial on the local industries and the bad season. Wheat promises to be poor this year, but wool is looking good. The town needs a diversity of production for stability: wheat, wool and mining.

Music. At the Trinity College exams held in Clare on 11 June, Miss Olive Phelan and Miss Imelda Linkson passed in music theory. They have been taught by the Sisters of St Joseph’s Church.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Firing in a shaft near the Hospital has damaged the building and repairs are to be carried out. If work is resumed there the firing will have to be very light, but resumption seems unlikely. There is no hope of the mine yielding returns unless it is unwatered. Development work is going on very slowly. Talk of pumping out the mine pool seems to have died again. All that has been done is to reject tenders when they have been called.

Burra Waterworks. The Government authorities are engaged in flushing pipes and raising stopcocks – some of which have been seen for the first time since they were installed. Most are in better condition than expected. An oil engine will, in future, do the work of the boilers and save the cost of fuel etc.

A Return Social Ball will be tendered the tradesmen of the town at the Institute on Tuesday by the ladies of the town. Setaro’s String Band has been engaged. Supper will be in the Lodge Room at 11 o’clock.

A Phosphate Treatment Plant is being erected at Port Pirie to treat rock from the mine about 15 miles east of Burra.

Burra Show today with an entertainment tonight in the Institute.

Rabbits are very bad. One party caught over 1,000 in rugged country, but the skin market has declined for all sorts: Good bucks 73⁄4 to 81⁄2d per lb

Seconds 6 to 61⁄2 per lb

Does 31⁄4 to 33⁄4d per lb

Small 2 to 3d per lb

Burra Show Soc. The Sheep Dog Field Trials held at Abberton Park on Wednesday were the best seen locally. Nine dogs were entered and a fair number of spectators attended. Details are given. Mr Crosbie’s ‘Scotty’ was a popular winner.

XV, 644, 21 Sep. 1904, page 3

At the Phosphate Fields east of Burra a party of shooters assembled at the ‘Fair View’ Mine to witness small bore rifle matches organised between ladies and gentlemen. 50-60 attended from Bower, Kooringa, Leighton and Adelaide. 13 competitors for the Champion Stakes began the program and it was won by T.M. Rosewall from G. Finch. The ladies match saw 11 competitors. The winner of the gold brooch was Mrs G. Finch of World’s End from Mrs E.N. Finch of Burra. In the Old Buffers Match W. Finch Sen. won from W. Pryor Sen.

Mr Evan Jones (78) is seriously ill. He arrived in Burra in 1855 and worked for the Smelting Co. and subsequently at various jobs. He worked for Mr Lowe of Spalding for about 30 years. He has two sons: John & Lewis of Broken Hill, and two daughters, Mrs Ullmann of WA and Mrs Simmons of Ulooloo. Mrs Jones (73) is in good health.

The Season is very bad. Early rains were not followed up. Young crops have died. Some patches are quite good, but many areas are poor and getting worse. To the west and south it is not so bad, but between Burra and Terowie it is poor.

R.M. Harvey & Rev. W.G.M. Murphy will be tendered a social tomorrow night in Sampson’s Hall in Thames St. The former, who has been manager of the Bank of Australasia, is going to Shepparton, and the latter moves to Yankalilla.

Burra Town Council. The footpath in Kangaroo St is to be tar-dressed from the Hon. J. Lewis’s to Church St. The trough at the Bon Accord will be placed in the depot.

Court.

William Barkley was charged on the information of William Edgar Jordan with embezzlement of certain monies. After a lengthy examination and cross-examination the SM dismissed the case. A further matter of falsifying the books has been adjourned.

Rev. C. Doley gave a lantern lecture on life and work in New Britain to a good audience at the Redruth Methodist Church.

Rev. W. Jeffries President of the Methodist Conference will lecture in Jubilee Hall on Thursday evening followed by a tea and coffee social.

A Continental was held in Father Redden’s garden yesterday afternoon and evening.

XV, 645, 28 Sep. 1904, page 2

Editorial on the Embezzlement Case

The main discussion is on the suggestion by the plaintiff’s counsel that local JPs should not sit on the case. The writer sees SM Hinde’s dismissal of the case as an endorsement of the judgement and impartiality of the local JPs in dismissing the parallel case recently. They should be encouraged by Mr Hinde’s actions and his confidence in them.

The Season. With but little rain in September – a mere 53 points and a total for the year of only 956 points – farmers are facing a poor season.

AOF District Officers have visited and found the books to be in good order and are pleased with the way in which the lodge has come out of recent difficulties.

Hon. J. Lewis has introduced the Child’s Protection Bill, which is intended to prohibit smoking by those under 16 and to prohibit the sale or gift of tobacco products to them.

A Bolt. Mr H. Lockyer’s horse bolted with his trap at Carlsruhe on Thursday. The trap collided with a fence and broke its shafts. One wheel was badly damaged and the horse then broke free of the vehicle and ran on till exhausted.

Court, 20 September

Mrs Klaffus proceeded against her husband Charles Gustav Klaffus for a protection order under the Married Women’s Act. She said her husband had paid her just 10/- in five years. She was willing to go on supporting herself, but wanted the protection of the court and secure custody of her son. Mr Klaffus appeared in a merry condition: ‘But the well-known fencer was beyond making a speech.’

Mr Hinde gave an order for the custody of the son and one preventing the defendant cohabiting with his wife. ‘Oh, I say noddings ’gainst dat.’ said Charles Klaffus.

Walter Patterson, who rode a railway truck south on a goods train recently appeared at the Burra Show where he indulged in too much alcohol and ended up in the cells overnight. He was subsequently was fined 5/- or 3 days for drunkenness and £1 or 7 days for insulting behaviour. [See also XV, 635, 20 July 1904, page 2.]

James Douglas served 24 hours in the cells for drunkenness at a picnic.

Mt Bryan Correspondent

Mt Bryan Methodist Church held its anniversary on Sunday. Rev. G.W. Johnson officiated.

Mt Thomas has been appointed stationmaster.

Sampson’s Hall in Thames St was the scene for a social on Thursday to say farewell to Rev. W.G.M. Murphy after 5 years in charge of St Mary’s and to Mr R.M. Harvey after 15 years as manager of the Bank of Australasia. The form of the evening was essentially a banquet. Speakers were: J.F. Moore (Manager of the National Bank), H. Pinch, Mr Treloar, S. Burns, P.R. Scott, H. Roach, Mr James (assistant at the Bank of Australasia for three years), Hon. J. Lewis, E.F. Lockyer, F.A.S. Field, Mr McDonald & Mr Harkus [sic] (Mr Harcus, Mr Harvey’s successor).

XV, 645, 28 Sep. 1904, page 2-3

The Embezzlement Case.

William Barkley was charged with embezzling certain sums of money from William Edgar Jordan, to wit 7/-, 6/5 and 15/6. Mr P. Nesbit KC and J. Winnall appeared for Jordan and J.R. Anderson for the accused.

Mr Nesbit began by suggesting that local feeling was such that the case would more satisfactorily be heard by Mr Hinde SM alone. Mr Hinde said that Mr Wilkinson had expressed his desire to leave the bench, but Mr Hinde prevailed upon him to remain. He said he would do so essentially as an observer. Mr Hinde said he had received communications that a similar case had been heard by the local JPs and they had dismissed it. He considered that for him to hear a parallel case would be very wrong, as it would be seen as a reflection on the local JPs, but he had to attend to hear the Klaffus v. Klaffus case. Mr Anderson thought the insult to the local JPs was without parallel.

Mr Nesbit said the defendant had control of the informant’s business for six months and it was no surprise that he was able now to start in business for himself.

The case ran along very similar lines to the previous one mentioned.

Jordan said Barkley had been in his employ for two years, buying produce, collecting accounts and selling groceries in the Hanson Farrell’s Flat area. He reluctantly admitted Barkley had built up the round. The buying and selling prices were fixed by Jordan. It was alleged that Barkley had sold below the stipulated price and purchased above it. There were discrepancies in the sets of books kept.

Evidence was also given that Jordan had agreed not to proceed further in the matter if Barkley would agree not to set up in business in Burra. Barkley had set up business in Burra.

Nesbit denied saying that Barkley had started his business with money obtained from Jordan. [Though he clearly implied as much.]

After hearing the evidence SM Hinde dismissed the case.

Another charge of falsifying the books was adjourned till 18 October.

XV, 645, 28 Sep. 1904, page 3

James Moyle visited Burra after an absence of 27 years. He arrived in Burra with his parents in 1847, having come with them to SA in the British Sovereign. He went to work briefly in the Burra Mine in 1852 before going to the Victorian goldfields, returning in 1853. He then took land at Hill River and later in the Hundred of Tarcowie. He is now 69, well and living in retirement in Jamestown.

Accident. Miss Adams, school teacher of World’s End, was walking to Kooringa from the Burra Show with Miss Hughes, teacher of the Douglas School, when she was struck by the near side horse of a wagonette loaded with passengers as the driver pulled off the road to pass another vehicle. She was thrown forward in front of the horses and trampled. The vehicle then passed right over her, but fortunately all but one ankle lay between the wheels. The wheels passed over this ankle and a hoofs truck the back of her head. S. Burns was passing and took her to his home in his cart. The next day the ankle was very swollen and Dr Sangster was called in. Surprisingly she recovered well and was able to return to World’s End on Friday. The driver of the wagonette has not been identified.

Kooringa Masonic Lodge farewelled Rev. Murphy on Monday.

Redruth Correspondent

Rev. W. Jeffries lectured on Character in Jubilee Hall on Thursday.

M.A. Radford returned to Burra on 17 September after three years in the Northern Territory, most of the time on Newcastle Waters Cattle Station.

Short and Sharp

The wool clip this year has been splendid.

Dance in Sampson’s Hall last Friday. [Former Primitive Methodist Sunday School.]

Ladies Ball at the Institute last night in return for the Tradesmen’s Ball recently.

A Farmers & Producers’ Political Union is to be formed in Burra.

Successful farewell social in Sampson’s Hall on Thursday. [Former Primitive Methodist Sunday School.]

[The farewell for Mr Harvey and Rev. Murphy.]

Burra Show at Victoria Park on Wednesday

The morning was fine, but heavy cloud gathered by lunch and there was a light shower in the afternoon.

Attendance was lower than expected, but the show was good even if there is room for many improvements.

Agricultural products were only fair due to the poor season.

Dairy produce was about the same as last year.

Poultry was better and the local club members showed some excellent birds.

Draught horse numbers were up and some fine animals were shown.

Cattle filled the yards this year.

Dogs were more numerous than usual.

Sheep were the best ever seen in competition in Burra.

Gebhardt Bros. had not shown for some time, but this year came out in force to win the bulk of the prizes.

T.H. Pearse & Son of ‘The Gums’ were to the front in the aged ram class with two enormous sheep.

Implements were shown in greater numbers than previously. This year’s flowers and cookery were poor.

The school class showed a falling off.

W.I. Short sent along one of the best collections of vegetables ever seen at a Burra Show and won most of the prizes.

E.J. Harris had a fine lot of bacon and also bulk honey and jams etc.

The sideshows filled an interesting part of the show and there was an evening concert in the Institute.

The list of prize winners is printed.

[Personal interest:

Dogs

Newfoundland Ah Chin

Open Class Vegetables grown within 30 miles of Burra

Cauliflowers Ah Chin

Lettuces Ah Chin

Flowers

Collection of cut flowers C. Fuss

6 cut flowers C. Fuss

Hand Bouquet Miss G. Fuss 2nd

Basket of Flowers C. Fuss

Arts & Industries

Pinafore Miss M. Fuss

Note: C. Fuss = Charles Miss G. Fuss probably = Marguerita (Grita) Fuss

Miss M. Fuss = Muriel Fuss or possibly Myrtle Fuss.]

XV, 646, 5 Oct. 1904, page 1

The Burra Record appeared in a new format and with a redesigned masthead. The old Gothic curved heading was replaced by a straight one over a series of pictures appropriate to a rural area: a horse and bullock, kangaroo, dogs, Morphett’s Engine House, a ram, geese and fowls. The size of the page decreased in height and to five columns, but there were eight instead of four pages.

A regular feature on page one was a business directory.

XV, 646, 5 Oct. 1904, page 2

Directory of Town Services.

This covers The Municipality which lists the Mayor and Councillors.

Then Burra Markets, the Institute, Banks, Postal Regulations, the Court, Train Timetables, Lodges, Cab Timetable, Burra District Council and Churches.

XV, 646, 5 Oct. 1904, page 3

Redruth Court, 4 October.

James Cronin was fined 10/- or 7 days for stealing a dog, nominal value £1, belonging to Mary Heinrich, the landlady of the Burra Hotel.

Burra Town Council.

Messrs Ayers & Gall wrote asking if the Council wanted to secure the RPA title to the cemetery. It was resolved to do so.

Mr W. Geake said the Commercial St lamp would not burn properly despite some attention being received. It was resolved to buy a new burner for it.

C. & A. Fuss asked a culvert drain be made in front of their new building. It was resolved they be allowed to do so at their own cost to the satisfaction of the dayman, or the Council will do it and bill them.

Tar to be applied to the footpath from Mr Mc Bride’s to Lally’s and from McBride’s to J.C. Sandland’s.

Obituary. Miss McDonald died at Leighton on Friday. [Ann Catherine McDonald born 10 February 1877: died 1 October 1904.]

Advt. The Fisk Jubilee Singers will appear at the Institute on Tuesday 11 October. 3/-, 2/- & 1/-.

Redruth Correspondent.

W.J. Richards made a trip to The Gums station on Monday to deliver a motor [bike] to Norman Pearse for use on the station. He covered the 30 miles in 1 hr 10 mins and then took 3 hours to ride back on a [pedal] bicycle. He reported feed to be good along the way, but that water was getting short.

XV, 646, 5 Oct. 1904, page 4

Editorial on the new format of the paper. The editor announces they have new type, an oil engine to drive the machinery and will be priced at 5/- p.a. This almost halved the previous cost which they expected to make up in increased volume of sales. The paper promised increased coverage for the town and district affairs. Further on in column four the paper offered:

‘If you cannot afford this amount we will willingly give you a twelve month’s free copy, or if you think we will not maintain our high standard we will give you the same advantage.

New subscribers were offered a free three month trial.

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will hold their annual ram sale next Friday.

Public Meeting at the Institute next Friday at 3.30 p.m. to form a branch of the Farmers’ and Producers’ Political Union.

The Poultry Club has resulted in a great demand for ‘clucky fowls’.

Mouse numbers are high at present. The other afternoon a group of farmers’ sons quickly bagged over 4,000 in the hills near town. Any bush is likely to have 20-30 under it. Young crops are being attacked and in places earlier in the season they consumed much seed so that some farmers had to sow a second time.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Development work proceeds slowly. Valuable ores have been found, but not in large quantities. The mooted erection of a concentration plant is not likely in the near future. The few tributers at work are in most cases unsuccessful.

XV, 646, 5 Oct. 1904, page 5

World’s End crops are badly affected by mice.

World’s End Methodist Church had a very successful tea-meeting last Wednesday.

The Social Ball at the Institute on Tuesday last was very successful with elaborate decorations and dresses. Setaro’s String Band played and over 50 couples took the opening dance while many others looked on. Card games were played on the stage. Supper at 11 p.m. was followed by dancing till c. 4.30 a.m.

Miss Adams, who was knocked down by a vehicle on Show Day is recovering from numerous injuries. [She was apparently the World’s End teacher as Miss Killicoat of Burra School had been in charge of World’s End pupils for the last week.]

Obituary. Miss A. McDonald, only daughter of the late Donald McDonald of Leighton and sister to Messrs A. & J. McDonald has died. She was proficient at bookkeeping and shorthand, but spent her time at home. The funeral on Sunday was large; vehicles were still leaving Market Square as the procession entered Ayers St.

XV, 646, 5 Oct. 1904, page 6

Mr Jericho brought another load of rabbits into Burra last week and consigned them to the Adelaide freezing works. He has now sent away many tons and thousands of carcases. He employs men on night and day shifts. At the peak of activity he was bringing in several tons every week.

XV, 647, 12 Oct. 1904, page 3

Obituary. Mrs Walsh died last Thursday, aged 68. [The page 4 death notice gives the place of death as Clifton, Queensland, and her names as Margaret Mary.] She was born at Dungarven, West Waterford, and arrived in SA 14 November 1860 by the Alma. She proceeded to Burra where she lived for 38 years. She leaves two sons, Messrs P.J. & T.F. Hughes of Broken Hill and a daughter, Mrs E.P. Hammett. She lived for many years in a house on Limestone Hill, now in ruins.

Obituary. Mrs W. [William] Davey died last Saturday, aged 74.

[Born Emma Gray 15 December 1830 in Cornwall: died 8 October 1904.]

Rev. H.T. Wightwick, the new incumbent of St Mary’s, is expected today. A reception is planned for tomorrow evening in the schoolroom. He is driving to Burra with a four-in-hand. His wife and family are already here.

XV, 647, 12 Oct. 1904, page 4

The Farmers’ & Producers’ Union formed a Burra Branch at the Burra Institute on Friday. It is expected the union will be a powerful one and will have an influence on the next election when they will bring out direct farmers’ advocates. They favour compulsory repurchase of land and closer settlement. The cry for more land is urgent as large families grow up.

Rabbit Eradication. A new way of serving notice for rabbit eradication has been introduced. Henceforth advertisements for two consecutive weeks in the Government Gazette and a paper circulating in the district is deemed the required notice for owners and occupiers of land to destroy rabbits, fill in burrows etc. in accordance with the Rabbit Suppression Act of 1879 and the Vermin District Act of 1894.

Tennis. On 8 October, Kooringa 6-41 defeated Redruth 2-22.

Williams’s Opal Claim. A prospector on the White Cliffs opal fields considers the samples from Williams’s claim [north of Millerton] as quite promising.

Seasonal prospects continue to look bad.

Frank Pearce, son of John Pearce, and formerly secretary of the Burra Football and Cricket Clubs, arrived from the West last week and intends to get married.

XV, 647, 12 Oct. 1904, page 5

Len Moody, who has been staying at the Commercial Hotel for some weeks, has disappeared. The landlord is among those anxious to discover his welfare and whereabouts!

Farmers’ & Producer’s Union meeting at the Institute is reported. It was moved by A. McDonald, who is secretary pro tem that the branch be formed. He felt with the last election having three National Defence League candidates and three Labor Party candidates, it was time farmers were represented.

2nd D.E. Williams and carried unanimously.

Snakes are plentiful.

The wool season looks like being good.

The Fisk Jubilee Singers delighted a fair audience at the Institute last night.

Rain. Some good falls out east were reported for yesterday. They were good at Woolgangi, Murkaby and King’s Well, but were less towards Douglas.

XV, 647, 12 Oct. 1904, page 6

Mr Winnall has agreed to run again for Mayor in 1905.

XV, 648, 19 Oct. 1904, page 4

Editorial on dairy farms: advocating more dairying in SA and greater use of summer fodder to be ploughed in as a green manure and suggesting wheat monoculture is not the best plan. Farmers need to be more experimental with both crops and fertilizers. Further diversification with pigs and poultry is also desirable.

Burra Hospital Board. At the last monthly meeting Mr Moore was appointed chairman of the board to replace R.M. Harvey who resigned on leaving the district.

Rabbits. A party who invested in a horse and dray have done well trapping rabbits to the east and sending them to the Adelaide freezing works. A freezer in Burra ought to be remunerative.

Mr George Scott, the head teacher at Burra School, was presented with a silver teapot at the school on Thursday afternoon, to mark his marriage.

Burra Poultry Club has seen a significant increase in local production of eggs since its inception and an improvement in stock quality.

A Dance will be held on 26 October in Mr Torr’s storeroom at Farrell’s Flat.

Kooringa Methodist Church anniversary was held last Sunday. Rev. Hanton preached. The tea-meeting was on Monday.

W. Barkley has had the charge of falsifying the books withdrawn.

The season is still poor and it is thought hardly a load of wheat will be brought in from World’s End and Baldina – recovery of seed wheat will be as much as ever they will get. Things are little better towards Black Springs and across to Robertstown and Point Pass. Things are somewhat better towards the west of the town.

IOR quarterly meeting showed 147 members with income comfortably exceeding expenditure.

The Rose of Sharon Tent has 151 members and is similarly profitable and the Juvenile Tent also had a most encouraging report.

Weather. There was a dust storm yesterday and from about 2.30 p.m. there was thunder and lightning. By 2.00 p.m. it had grown so dark shops had to be lit. Rain fell from about 2.30 p.m.

Mr Linkson, who has been laid up for two years with bad eyes, had gone to work at Broken Hill recently and has arrived back in Burra with the top joint of his finger amputated in an accident with a truck in the mines there.

XV, 648, 19 Oct. 1904, page 5

Miss B. Riggs will tender a social evening tonight for her friends, prior to her marriage. She is the eldest daughter of John Riggs of Murkaby.

Dr J.R. Stephens, father of Lady Holder, celebrated his 77th birthday at Gumeracha last week.

Obituary. Rowland Rees, a former very active politician, died on Thursday aged 64. He and W.B. Rounsevell sat for Burra in 1881. Some years ago he went to WA, but had returned to Adelaide when he died. [Somewhat more might have been expected by way of an obituary given that not only had he been a long serving local member of Parliament, but had been the architect for several notable buildings in the town. He was born in 1840 and arrived in SA in 1869 on the Duke of Sutherland. For Burra he designed Roach’s Flour Mill in 1874 and in the same year the rebuilt Institute and the Redruth Wesleyan (later Methodist) Church. He designed the Royal Exchange Hotel in 1880 for Aberdeen and was also responsible for the Koonoona Woolshed. The registration says died 13 October 1904 aged 62.]

Mr James Murphy, an old Burra identity is visiting the town. His father was for a time the curator of the cemetery.

Mr John Sampson, probably the oldest resident of Burra, is in poor health. He has served as town councillor for some 15 years, Mayor for a term and as Redruth Court Bailiff for many years. He saw the first corpse laid in the local cemetery and the first load of copper leave the mine. He is 74 and has resided here for 54 years.

Williams’s Opal Claim. An attempt is being made to raise the funds needed to fully test the claim.

Rev. T.H. & Mrs Wightwick were welcomed at an enjoyable social in St Mary’s Schoolroom on Thursday.

The dust storm on Tuesday halted at least two loads of wood on the road in from the East.

Burra Town Council

The Waterworks will supply water to Victoria Park for 1/6 per 1,000 gallons.

Messrs Ayers & Gall wrote forwarding the engrossment and application to bring the cemetery under the RPA, to be signed and sealed as directed.

XV, 649, 26 Oct. 1904, page 3

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. For months discoveries have been made and then dismissed as they proved impermanent. Work is being pursued in the main shaft – near Peacock’s Air Shaft, where rich ore was found, though it was soon worked out. Mr Pryor, the underground manager, is hopeful. Tributers are working other shafts, but with little success. The mine property is littered with hundreds of tons of decaying timber and thousands of tons of iron. The Electro-Magnetic Separation Works are abandoned and failed to generate the capital needed to develop the mine. There was talk that they were being purchased by a Broken Hill Co., but so far no effort has been made to remove them. It’s a pity no work has been done on Morphett’s Shaft. Much has been said about Bunts’s Shaft and it may yet lead to something. Tributers have been prevented from much work by the water rushing in. A gentleman visited recently and offered to supply suitable pumping machinery for £1,000. Surely if this is not accepted it is a sign something is ‘wrong in Denmark’.

The Farmers & Producers’ Political Union has drafted the rules which went to the committee on Friday.

XV, 649, 26 Oct. 1904, page 4

Obituary. William James Williams, husband of Eliza, died at Redruth, aged 791⁄2, a colonist of 49 years, leaving three daughters and 8 grandchildren. [Died 17 October 1904.]

Editorial on rain and its absence.

T.P. Halls has caught a very large ringtail possum near Sod Hut and a trio of kangaroo rats which were caught near Touralie. The animals have been sent to the Adelaide Zoo through the Hon. J. Lewis. This is the third consignment of animals he has sent there.

Rabbits. A discussion is going on about a rabbit freezer for Burra. There is much support, but a location has to be chosen. The brewery cellars have been suggested.

Storm. There was a great storm on 18 October. It was not so strong in the town, but still removed roofs from sheds and outhouses. Gardens were damaged and fruit stripped from trees. It was worse to the east where traffic on the Baldina Road was halted and one load of wool was blown over by the wind. It also caused much damage towards Robertstown, Bright and Emu Downs where crops were badly damaged and in some places utterly destroyed. The flat country around Hallett and Canowie was badly affected and shearing at Princess Royal was suspended due to the lightning. Telegraph poles were bent double at Eudunda. The only useful aspect was the rain which totalled 1.09” in Burra and 1.25” at World’s End.

Marriage. At SS Simon & Jude’s at Whyte Yarcowie Mr Henry Oliver Scott, second son of Henry Scott of Burra, married Margaret Annette Dowd, third daughter of D. Dowd of Yarcowie.

Obituary. Mr Knight, father of Mrs F.T. Harcus of the Kooringa branch of the Bank of Australasia, died in WA at Claremont on 15 October.

XV, 649, 26 Oct. 1904, page 5

Storm Reports for the 18 October event are printed from World’s End, Farrell’s Flat, The Gums, Waterloo, Hallett, Robertstown, Whyte Yarcowie, Terowie, Mt Bryan and Caroona Station.

G.E. Dane’s concert is tonight in the Institute and tomorrow night at Clare.

Marriage. Miss B. Riggs marries F. Pearce today.

XV, 649, 26 Oct. 1904, page 6

Annual St Joseph’s Bazaar in aid of the heavy church debt was held on Friday and Saturday under most favourable conditions. Attendance was not high on the opening day, but raffles raised considerable money. Saturday evening saw the best attendance. Over £90 was raised at the bazaar and the concert and dance raised about £25. The 8th report of the Rt Rev. James Maher of the Diocese of Pt Augusta said Kooringa was ‘one of our greatest burdens’ due to the small sprinkling of Catholics in the community. Rev. J.P. Redden, till his illness, and then Rev. W. O’Dowling, did all they could to meet the year’s demands and raised £71-16-3 for the term. The debt stands at £1,157-15-11. The property as it now stands cost some time ago over £5,000.

XV, 650, 2 Nov. 1904, page 4

F.T. Harcus has been appointed to replace Mr R.M. Harvey on the Hospital Board.

Hope of Kooringa IOR social tomorrow night at the Institute.

Grasshoppers are getting thick in the north and also are bad to the east where they combine with mice and rabbits to destroy the crops.

Rabbits are increasing in the district.

Guy Fawkes Night preparations are being made by the children of the town.

G.E. Dane’s Concert on Wednesday is reviewed very favourably. The attendance was high and the applause frequent.

XV, 650, 2 Nov. 1904, page 4-5

The Aberdeen Ballast Quarries have been used from time to time to provide work in hard times. Sometimes up to 35 men have been employed. Work again started on Monday morning last and a large amount of ballast is required so it seems an extended period of employment will be available. At present the full complement of workers is not available due to shearing, but when that is over this source of work will be appreciated.

XV, 650, 2 Nov. 1904, page 5

Storm. Yesterday the wind was so strong by 10 a.m. that it raised dust and even gravel. By 12.30 p.m. all outside work had to be abandoned. Some outbuildings lost roofs. An electric storm developed between 5 & 6 p.m. before gentle rain set in for the evening.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. directors, T. Drew, & T.B. Gall with the secretary, V. Lawrence, inspected the Mine on Saturday. They were met by J. Drew, W. West & Mr Pryor. The directors returned to Adelaide by the afternoon train. A bulk sample of 50 cwt of ore has been sent for experiment. A half-yearly meeting of shareholders was held on Monday in Adelaide. The directors reported expenditure of £1,015 on 690’ of drives, 264’ of cross-cuts, 61’ of rises and 60’ of sinking, comprising driving at Tinline’s and Gall’s Shafts, cross-cutting at Grave’s & Gall’s and sinking at the Hospital and Slaughterhouse Shafts. Large quantities of milling ore had been found and from Gall’s Shaft 14 tons of marketable ore had realised £108. Arrangements for testing the milling ore are in hand to determine how it can be treated.

Obituary. Daniel Galvin, aged 80, of Paxton Square, died last Saturday. He was the father-in-law of Mr Allen Morrison of Pt Pirie. [Registered as 29 October 1904 aged 84.]

Farmers & Producers’ Union Rules are being circulated.

Marriage. The wedding of Frank Pearce and Miss B. Riggs is reported at length with a list of wedding gifts. [This might be the first such list.]

XV, 650, 2 Nov. 1904, page 6

Joel Mosser writes as a visitor to the town and makes a series of observations and asks some questions:

It is a pretty place.

It is a pity more business is not done in it.

Why are roads to the market being fenced off when sheep cannot be driven through the main street?

Why are so many back streets closed?

The mine has been closed for many years. What is wrong with the directors?

Stallions run loose in paddocks. This would not be allowed in other towns.

The town boasts of its poultry, but it needs to exhibit in neighbouring areas to justify this – they are not even enough for my fancy.

XV, 651, 9 Nov. 1904, page 4

Advt. Drawing-Room Entertainment at the Institute 23 November. William J. Davey, Magnetist, Illusionist and Prestidigitator, and the Beautiful Performing Dog, Carlo. Music, Mirth and Song.

To conclude with the original farce: The Musical Tramp. 1.-, 1/6 reserved seats. MOONLIGHT.

Advt. St Mary’s Strawberry Fete in the Institute, 18 November.

Advt. On 15 November in the Institute: A Grand Public Temperance Meeting.

[In column 5 it says it will be addressed by Thomas Adcock, Secretary of the SA Temperance Alliance.]

Editorial on Rabbit Destruction. The writer is particularly against the inactivity of the Government when it comes to controlling rabbits on Crown Lands such as stock roads.

Guy Fawkes Night. Not as much was spent on fireworks as expected as a hirdy-girdy [sic] arrived in town and was a counter attraction for the kiddie’s money: still fires were seen all around the town as crackers were let off.

XV, 651, 9 Nov. 1904, page 5

Burra Cricket Club meets this evening at the Institute.

The Farmers & Producers’ Political Union met at the Institute last Friday and F. Duldig was elected President with James Rogers as Vice-President. A. McDonald was Secretary and Mr Fairchild Treasurer.

Fair View Phosphate Mine will be the site for further rifle matches next Wednesday. Two recent visitors to the mine consider it to have great prospects.

Tennis. Last Saturday at Aberdeen: Aberdeen 5-45 defeated Redruth 3-27.

Fire at Stone Hut Creek last week at the residence of H. Eberhardt Sen. destroyed a barn, and haystack with almost new seed drill, harness etc. to the value of c. £80.

IOR Social given to members of the Hope of Kooringa Tent IOR on Thursday in the Institute Lodge room was attended by about 60.

Burra Town Council

Tenders were received for lamp lighting:

W. Carpenter, North Ward, 12/6 per lamp per month.

W. Geake, For Kooringa, 13/- per lamp per month.

Council resolved to call for alternate tenders, for labour only and for prices for oil, mantles and chimneys to be obtained locally.

Redruth Methodist Sunday School anniversary next Sunday. Revs. T.B. Angwin & G.W. Johnston will preach and there will be a picnic in Mr Sandland’s paddock at Sod Hut on Monday, with the tea meeting on Wednesday.

Rain is needed in the eastern country.

Mrs Thomas Rabbich is visiting Burra, staying with her sister, Mrs J. Edwards, in George St. Mr Tom Rabbich is doing well in Boulder WA, where he keeps the Golden Group Hotel and is presently Mayor.

Rabbits. Several people were charged with not doing enough to destroy rabbits on their property.

XV, 652, 16 Nov. 1904, page 3

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. has decided to sink a shaft near St Mary’s Church as high-grade ore was found when the foundations were being dug some years ago. Thomas Rosewall and W. Harris are engaged in the work which has got to 11’. After a few feet they will begin a drive eastwards towards the church.

Cricket. The Burra Cricket Club hopes for a revival this year and there was a good attendance at the meeting at the Institute last Wednesday.

XV, 652, 16 Nov. 1904, page 4

Obituary. Lily Blanche Dearlove, only daughter of Alfred and Lily Dearlove of South Broken Hill and granddaughter of Mrs E.A. Johnson of Kooringa, died on 15 November, aged 3 years 6 months.

Editorial on the Failures in Farming.

The writer speaks of the futility of trying to grow crops beyond Goyder’s Line of Rainfall.

The Hirdy-Girdy, [sic] which was for some days behind Harry Vivian’s [Commercial] Hotel, is said by one who ought to know, to have taken the respectable sum of £150.

Accident. W.J. Davey’s eldest son, William J. Davey, sustained a serious concussion on Friday morning when he fell while being taken for a ride on his father’s bicycle. He was critically ill, but seems now to be recovering.

‘Ratepayer’ writes to complain that the streets are not being cleaned and made tidy and the Town Council should look to it.

Redruth Sunday School anniversary services were splendidly attended. The afternoon service of song had the assistance of the Burra Orchestra.

Captain J.A. Watt passed through Burra on his way to Port Augusta on Monday. He has been unaltered by either time or tide.

XV, 652, 16 Nov. 1904, page 5

Hallett Athletic Club 5th annual meeting is reported with full results.

Advt. Douglas [Methodist Church] Anniversary will be held on 20 November with the tea meeting on 23 November.

Court Pride of Burra AOF will hold its Juvenile Picnic on the third Wednesday in December.

Redruth Methodist Sunday School picnic at Sod Hut on the King’s Birthday Monday holiday was a great success.

XV, 653, 23 Nov. 1904, page 3

Haymaking. Some very fair crops are being cut to the west of Burra, but to the east hardly six tons will be cut – growth is so short and thin.

Things are better towards Robertstown and Eudunda, but are still on average poor.

Red rust has rendered many hundreds of acres in the district useless even for hay.

Conditions around Mt Bryan and Hallett are better.

Temperance. T. Adcock, Secretary of the SA Alliance, gave a lecture at the Burra Institute on Tuesday 15 November with Rev. T.B. Angwin in the chair. Attendance was small.

XV, 653, 23 Nov. 1904, page 4

Advt. Grand Drawing-Room Entertainment, Burra Institute Tonight

Will. J. Davey, Magnetist, Illusionist & Prestidigitator and the Beautiful Performing Dog Carlo.

MUSIC, MIRTH & SONG. Concludes with the Original Farce The Musical Tramp.

MOONLIGHT

Marriage. On 26 October at North Adelaide

Sterling Swindon, youngest son of Mr E. Swindon, married

Annie Frances Callahan, only daughter of P. Callahan of Kooringa.

Editorial on Seasonable Hints

The writer urges greater conservation of water. The writer felt that even in bad years when crops failed, the average farmer should be able to conserve enough water to sustain a few acres of feed for some cows, some fruit and some vegetables and so be able to provide their own food and generate some income from eggs, butter, bacon, cheese, fruit and vegetables.

The 3rd son of E.N. Finch had been suffering from earache and recently Dr Sangster removed a piece of lead pencil from his ear. Mr Finch said he remembered the incident when the pencil got into his ear some five years ago. [The son was Edwin Finch who would have been a few weeks short of 20 at the time.]

Burra Waterworks. The Government was sending out forms of contracts to fix meters at residences and was charging consumers £1-1-0 for the service.

XV, 653, 23 Nov. 1904, page 5

Burra United Friendly Societies will hold their annual sports at Victoria Park on Boxing Day.

Terowie Friendly Societies will hold their annual sports day on New Year’s Day.

Marriage. Booborowie Methodist Church [16 November.]

Miss M. Leighton [Myrrial Hilda Blanche], eldest daughter of Mr E. [Edward] Leighton, married

George Reynolds, third son of Thomas Reynolds of Booborowie.

Tinkettlers rolled up en masse on the evening of the wedding day.

Fire. At 11 p.m. on Monday night while closing up the Commercial Hotel Miss Vivian noted sparks coming from a chimney that appeared to be at the back of P. Callahan’s house. She told M-C Grosser who discovered the back room of Mr Pederson’s boot shop was alight. He broke in and just managed to extinguish the flames with buckets of water before they got to the canvas ceiling. Mr Vivian assisted and then went and told Mr Pederson. William Pederson said he had burnt rubbish in the fireplace about 6 p.m. and believing the fire to be extinguished had then placed other debris in the fireplace. Apparently this smouldered and then caught alight. Sparks from this, or from the chimney catching alight, in turn ignited the boards.

Glen Holmes, about three years ago a messenger at the Burra Railway Station, has written from South Africa where he is now secretary to the Cottesbrook Model Dairy Co. Ltd, one of the largest in the Cape Colony.

Obituary. John Henry Paynter, an old Burra identity, died 19 November in Adelaide aged 52. About 25 years ago he played football in Burra and used to live with his parents in the house now occupied by Mrs Streicher in Bridge Terrace. [Probably born as John Paynter, Adelaide 8 April 1852.]

Gerald Dow is relieving stationmaster at Burra at present.

World’s End haymaking has been completed and in all will not exceed 10 tons.

Mt Bryan East Strawberry Fete at the church on Wednesday raised £13-16-9; far beyond the £5 target, being the district’s share of money needed to liquidate the debt on the Hallett manse.

Mt Bryan East School held its visiting day on Friday. Four honour and compulsory certificates were gained this year.

Court, 22 November

Duell Bros. of World’s End were fined 10/- + £2-1-0 for failure to destroy rabbits. (Despite having employed a man and a boy since July.)

Short & sharp

Rabbits still on the increase.

Strawberry Fete at Burra Institute raised £84.

A new shaft near St Mary’s has found nothing of value.

Lawn Tennis. At Kooringa 19 November: Kooringa 4-28 defeated Redruth 2-26.

A Shearers’ Concert at Bungaree raised £5 for the Adelaide Children’s Hospital.

Obituary. Mrs August Bartholomaeus, wife of the Burra Town Clerk, died yesterday of heart failure. She came to Burra with her parent Mr & Mrs Charles Eichler in 1853. She married in 1856 and lived in Redruth ever since. She leaves six sons and three daughters. [Born Wilhelmina Eichler and died 22 November 1904 aged 66.]

G.E. Swan will deliver a lecture illustrated with lantern views at Jubilee Hall on Wednesday on:

The Life and Work of General Gordon.

Accident. J. Richards of the Bicycle Depot in Aberdeen rode his bicycle into a culvert on Tuesday morning in attempting to avoid a fractious horse. He badly injured the side of his face and neck and loosened several teeth. Dr Sangster came and dressed the wounds and ordered him to bed where he is in a precarious condition.

XV, 653, 23 Nov. 1904, page 6

Burra Mine. The St Mary’s Church shaft has reached 18ft, but found nothing of value.

St Mary’s Church Strawberry Fete at the Institute is reported a great success.

[The result of £84 is not mentioned here, but appeared in the ‘Short & Sharp’ column on page 5.]

[Personal interest: Produce stall run by Mrs West & Mrs Fuss. Probably Mrs C. Fuss.]

Rabbit Plague.

H. Scott a few days ago caught 30,000 in a week.

I. Warnes got 11,000.

On W.P. Barker’s estate 1060 were killed in a couple of hours.

Such large captures are being effected by fencing dams.

S. Finch has been using poisoned twigs and got 3,000 in a week.

Rifle Matches were held recently at ‘Fair View’ Phosphate Mine and the best results were: A. Moore 42 from A. Bevan 39 and T.M. Rosewall 30.

In the women’s event Mrs G. Finch 22 led Miss A. Pryor 18.

XV, 654, 30 Nov. 1904, page 3

Farmers & Producers’ Political Union. 13 of its proposals are printed.

Burra Municipal Elections have produced little interest this year. Nominations:

Mayor: J.E.H. Winnall elected unopposed

West Ward W.C.L. West elected unopposed

North Ward H. Roach elected unopposed

East Ward J. Snell

W.H. Hardy

Fire. A fire broke out in the chimney of an old man named Andrew Morgan, at Paradise, next to H. Walkers, about 11 o’clock on Thursday. No water was available and about 2 o’clock the fire spread to the building which had a paling roof and hessian ceilings. It was soon consumed, but for the walls.

Obituary. August Bartholomaeus thanks people for their sympathy in his recent bereavement.

[On the death of his wife.]

XV, 654, 30 Nov. 1904, page 4

Editorial on Municipal Matters.

There is little need in Burra for general policy and Council can deal with matters as they arise. The boundaries of Council activity have long been laid down. ‘At present there are far more houses in town than are occupied owing to the scarcity of population.’

‘Those, however, who are left are struggling against odds for subsistence, and it is astonishing how some of them live.’

‘The Town Council has done good work of late years, and today the town is in a very satisfactory state.’

William Dearlove of Ketchowla has sent £2-2-0 to help the town’s poor at Christmas. Surely if someone 40 miles away can remember the town’s needy those resident in it can do no less.

Wingless grasshoppers are making havoc to the east of Burra.

W.J. Davey and his clever dog, Carlo, gave a novel entertainment on Wednesday night to a very fair audience. There will be a repeat at a matinee on Saturday 17 December.

Court Pride of Burra AOF will picnic on Princess Royal Estate at Johnson’s Creek on Wednesday 7 December.

Accident. A lady cyclist collided with the mail cart near Bleak house on Friday evening. The bicycle was somewhat damaged and the cyclist’s dress torn. She admitted she ought to have had a light attached to her vehicle.

A Bolt. Thomas Vivian’s horse took off from Drew & Crewes’ on Monday afternoon and made towards Redruth at a great pace, even though the wheel was chained. At the Institute it was stopped by Mr Hughey McGuire.

A Methodist Missionary Party will give meetings on 6 December in the Kooringa Methodist Church.

Rabbits. Never have they been as numerous as now. They can be seen in their thousands and in places there are heaps of dead rabbits piled up from weakness and poison. For miles along the eastern road the stench is almost unbearable. They are seen in droves towards Ketchowla and even in the town some fences have been the site for 100 to 300 to be killed in an hour or so.

XV, 654, 30 Nov. 1904, page 5

Accident. F.T. Jones brought into Burra yesterday, Arthur Abbott, aged c. 24 and a son-in-law of Mr C. Stasinowsky of Baldina. Abbott had suffered concussion while riding a bicycle from Mr Jones’s house to his hut, a distance of some 34 miles, with a load of about 20 lb of mutton. The accident happened on Monday and he lay near the road on Tuesday morning and was unnoticed by a passing teamster before being seen by Mr Jones’ men. His case is considered very serious.

Ketchowla Station held anniversary services last Sunday and Monday and on Monday there were games followed by the tea meeting.

Douglas Methodist Church held its anniversary on 20 November with the tea meeting on 23 November, preceded by a game of cricket. J. Kellock, the treasurer, reported that £24 had been paid off the debt which now stood at £6 and there is sufficient already in hand to pay this off when it falls due on 30 September next. A men’s working bee will soon erect a new fence around the property.

Cricket has started again – subscription 5/- - opening match at Victoria Park next Saturday will be Married v. Single. Last Wednesday Burra 128 defeated Mongolata 78 at Douglas.

Obituary. William Lambert, formerly of Burra, but who went to Broken Hill some years ago with his parents, was killed when he fell down a 60’ chute at the British Mine at Broken Hill on Saturday morning. The deceased’s mother is a sister to Mrs Albert Brandt of Kooringa.

[William Thomas Lambert born 21 June 1881 at Kooringa to William and Mary Jane nee Williams.]

Mrs Hugh McCallum, an old Burra resident is about to leave for WA to join her husband who used to work in W. Henderson’s blacksmith’s shop.

Sir F.W. Holder preached at Kooringa and Redruth Methodist churches last Sunday.

Mrs John Richards, an old Burra identity, is visiting from Broken Hill. She is a sister to Mr W. Pryor of World’s End. Mr Richards died c. 7 years ago. She is 61 and her brother Edward is 64 and William 73. Her sister (Mrs Perry) is 69.

Marriage. Miss Leighton married Mr Reynolds at Booborowie last week.

Accident. A young son of Mr A. Fuss of Aberdeen (aged 31⁄2), narrowly escaped death on Monday morning in the workshop when a piece of 11⁄2” x 9’ timber fell from above and hit his left foot. One toe was severed and another had to be amputated. He is getting on satisfactorily.

[This would be Norman C. Fuss, born 1901.]

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Work continues, but nothing much of note has happened. The shaft near St Mary’s is down to 23’, but there is no real indication of copper. The going is hard.

Accident. Mr Thomas Turner of Hampton was pinned to the ground under his cart on the Mt Bryan Rd when his horse shied and ran into the fence. An engine driver gave the alarm. Neither Mr Turner nor the horse was seriously hurt.

Obituary. The late Mrs Bartholomaeus was buried on Thursday.

Salvation Army. The local corps’ self denial effort reached its £40 target.

XV, 654, 30 Nov. 1904, page 6

Annual Ratepayers’ Meeting, Institute on Thursday last.

E.W. Crewes took the chair.

The Mayor’s Report.

The financial year has been changed which makes this one of only 11 months. It began with a credit of £54-10-0 and now is in credit £92-1-10 (partly due to the shorter year).

The Ward accounts are then printed.

Income for the year from all sources was £520-18-2 and from rates was £312-6-101⁄2.

Salaries: Town Clerk £49-3-4, Inspector £33-6-8, Mayor’s allowance £15.

Unusual expenditure this year was £40-12-3 on lighting, but this included capital cost of the ‘Best Lights’ which when well maintained will not exceed the cost of the antiquated kerosene lamps and give a much better light.

There is still room here for extension.

The main road grant was £273, of which £269-19-5 has been expended and the main roads are now in good order.

The cemetery has been improved and more can be done given that the present balance is £53-2-11.

Three small reserves adjacent have been granted to the Corporation by SAMA and while obtaining title to these steps have been made to bring it all under the RPA.

Health.

Apart from a small outbreak of scarlatina the town’s health has been good this year. The question of a public slaughterhouse has been discussed, but was again passed over this year.

The Waterworks.

It is to be hoped that this will be its last appearance in a Mayor’s Report. Early in the year Council realised the appalling state of the Waterworks and that continuation of existing arrangements necessitated very great expenditure to be borne by the ratepayers. A deputation asked for such concessions from the Commissioner of Public Works as would enable the Council to carry on without imposing an undue burden. The Commissioner refused such concessions in any way. Council than considered handing over the works as soon as possible to the Government. The Government’s terms for a handover were obtained and Council was unanimous in accepting the same. A ratepayers’ meeting received this recommendation and adopted it without dissent. After further clarification of some points of detail the transfer to the Government was effected. The amount of work done since to the whole system should convince anyone that it was the correct move and that we are much more likely to obtain a good supply of better water than was probable under Council control.

Thanks were expressed to the whole of Council and to the town Clerk, Mr Bartholomaeus and sympathy expressed for the latter’s recent bereavement.

Dr Sangster asked if the meat slaughtered outside the Corporation was inspected previous to being sold. The answer was ‘No’.

Mr Lott enquired about arrangements between the District Council and the Corporation.

[Though the paper says between the Corporation and Burra Town Council which was the same thing.]

The Mayor said arrangements had been discussed, but nothing definite agreed.

At present two butchers killed within the corporation and two outside it.

The Act relating to butchering and meat inspection would soon be amended and he hoped the difficulties would then be overcome. It was ridiculous to expect the District Council to spend their money inspecting meat to be sold in the town.

The Mayor was glad to see the tar-dressing of footpaths had proceeded.

Cr Snell thanked those ratepayers in East Ward who had placed him at the head of the poll.

Candidates then addressed the meeting.

Cr Snell was glad that the Waterworks had gone. He desired and was hopeful of seeing a better quality water supply as a result. He favoured the Government spending £24,000 at Black Waterholes for a supply from a holding dam. He was in favour of the ‘Best Lights’. From 1 December the Council would find the oil and the contractor would merely attend to the lighting. He advocated more tar-dressing of footpaths with some more kerbing and tree planting.

Mr Hardy claimed he had come forward because Cr Snell had told him he was sick and tired of the job. He thought the rubbish depot needed to be shifted as windy days brought papers and germs down around the hospital. He was not in favour of the ‘Best Lamps’, bur preferred acetylene gas lights and he favoured them on Henderson’s Bridge, Market Square, and the Mine Bridge. The three Wards should share the cost of any work on the Cemetery Rd. All meat should be inspected and they should agitate for better water.

Cr West favoured tar-dressing, kerbing and tree planting.

Dr Sangster asked Mr Snell if he was sick and tired of Council and Cr Snell assured them that he had never said any such thing.

Hardy re-asserted his original statement.

XV, 655, 7 Dec. 1904, page 3

Storm. Wind on Monday morning lifted the roof from the back room of a cottage in Paxton Square on Kingston St and dropped it on the footpath, narrowly missing two little girls.

XV, 655, 7 Dec. 1904, page 4

Editorial on Things Municipal.

The slaughterhouse question is the major issue to be resolved. Until the Act is amended the whole question will remain unresolved. Finance is the next problem. The sanitary state of the town is satisfactory. Some better lighting is desirable. Some further tree planting is required. If we had an increasing instead of a decreasing population we would have more money to command for works.

Baldina School celebrated their annual picnic last Thursday.

Burra Jubilee Benevolent Society has received £1 from Mr J. Collins of Collinsville. 50 orders were granted for the month, including firewood and Christmas cheer.

Municipal Election: East Ward.

W.H. Hardy campaigned vigorously. Mr Snell did not. 93 votes were recorded: 56 for Mr Snell and 37 for Mr Hardy. Mr Snell in thanking voters made reference to the yarns circulated about him, but which had evidently not deterred voters.

Mr Hardy in seconding the vote of thanks to the returning officer made veiled references to some ‘outside work’. When called upon to explain his reference he declined. He said he had ‘heard things said about me which I will deal with later’.

Another item in the paper refers to placards reading ‘Vote for W.H. Hardy, the live candidate.’ This seems to have induced some people not to vote as they drew the implication that Snell was dead.

Arthur Abbott, who was badly injured in a fall from his bike last week seems to have wandered about dazed before being found and was on his hands and knees when Villis found him. The odd thing is that when he left Mr Jones’s on his bike he had 20 lb of mutton, a Bayard rifle and a bottle of strychnine. The bike was found with a broken fork, but no trace of a portion of the rifle or the strychnine has been found.

Weather. Monday was hot and dusty with strong wind [see page 3 item]. Birds were found dead in large numbers. A cool change arrived in the evening.

Cricket: last Saturday at Victoria Park. Married Men 157 defeated Single Men 106.

The club will meet next Friday at the Institute for the election of officers. It is proposed to divide the club into two teams to keep members in practice when not playing teams from outside.

XV, 655, 7 Dec. 1904, page 5

Lawn Tennis. On Wednesday 30 November 6 ladies and 6 gentlemen went to Terowie for a match. Terowie 13-114 defeated Burra 6-92.

[Personal interest: there are references to a Miss Fuss and a Miss M. Fuss. Miss Fuss was probably the elder and therefore Muriel which would make Miss M. stand for Myrtle.]

On 3 December at Aberdeen: Aberdeen 6-40 defeated Kooringa 2-29.

Arthur Abbott remains in hospital as a serious case.

W.J. Richards is recovering from his bicycle accident, but can only just get around and may well yet lose most if not all his teeth.

Mr M. Linkson intends to proceed to Broken Hill to live in about three weeks. He has long been an active member of Court Unity AOF.

The Dressmaking Class has given Mrs H. McCallum an elegant silver teapot as a thank you for her four years of service, together with a letter of thanks. Mr McCallum has now removed to WA.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. The sample ore sent away has been subject to several experiments, but as yet no satisfactory way of treating it has been discovered.

The ‘Great Missionary Party’ arrived yesterday afternoon at the Kooringa Methodist Church. It included Ratu Niko Rabuku, a Fijian Chief and Mayor of Na-mata; Rev. Daniel Lotu, a Fijian; Dr George Brown, a veteran Pacific missionary; Rev. W. Jeffries, President of the SA Conference; and Rev. W.H. Hanton, Chairman of the Middle District. The evening meeting continues as we print.

XV, 655, 7 Dec. 1904, page 6

Baldina School Picnic. There are about 2 columns of detail on the picnic which was held about 7 miles east of Burra in John Roger’s paddock. Most of the item deals with the sports held, but there is the following reference to the school:

‘The building where the school is conducted is constructed of stone, just along side the Baldina Road and before it was erected a galvanised-room known as ‘Tin Chapel’ served as a place to teach the young.’

[The ‘Tin Chapel’ was the Baldina Church: also known as the ‘Tin Pot Chapel/Church’ and when it was rebuilt in stone it was suggested it be called the ‘Stone Jug Church’.]

XV, 656, 14 Dec. 1904, page 3

Rabbits

An all-out attack by trapping, poison etc. has been made and numbers have been much reduced by the simultaneous attack. It is estimated 30,000 have been killed in a week to the east and reports vary from 300 to 5,000 killed in a single night by various people. In some places the stench now from dead rabbits is unbelievable. Phosphorus has been widely used. In places the bodies have been strung on fences and on some estates there are heaps of dead rabbits every few yards.

The rabbits have been migrating westwards as shown by one landowner who poisoned along a stretch of wire netting fence: the first night he caught 100, the second 200, the third 80 and the fourth 2,500. The absence of rain is helping in their destruction.

At the latter end of last week Mr Dearlove sent to Burra Railway Station 18,000 rabbit skins weighing almost one ton from Ketchowla. He has captured up to 3,500 in a single night.

XV, 656, 14 Dec. 1904, page 4

A Foolish Act. A resident last week wondered what a poisoned twig tasted like. He licked a strychnine laced twig and immediately experienced a coking sensation. On hastily drinking some water he vomited and he is recovering after being given a further emetic.

Burra District Council is offering a reward of £3 for conviction of those caught depositing dead rabbits along main roads.

A ram is charging people on Mitchell’s Flat and a small girl fell victim on Saturday. Mrs Brandt was knocked down on Monday. If the owner does not remove the animal the inspector will have to intervene in the interests of public safety.

Court Pride of Burra held a successful picnic at Johnson’s Creek on Wednesday. A year ago there were 25 members and today there are 65.

W.J. Davey & Carlo will repeat their performance on Saturday at 2 p.m.

Kooringa Methodist Church was crowded on Tuesday on both the floor and gallery for the special missionary meeting with the President of Conference and Dr Brown and his Missionary Party. There was a well-attended meeting in the afternoon. Revs W. Jeffries, W.H. Hanton & Dr Brown took part, but the piece de resistance was a delightful address by Rev. Daniel Lotu of Fiji. The collection was £1-8-0.

The evening meeting started at 7.30 and went to 10-20. Dr Brown spoke for 60 minutes and then Ratu Niku Rabuka (the Fijian Chief) Stipendiary Magistrate & Mayor of Na Mata gave an address, followed by Rev. D. Lotu.

Farmers & Producers’ Political Union met in the Institute on Friday. President F. Duldig took the chair. The platform drawn up by the sub-committee was passed.

Cricket. The Burra Cricket Club met on Friday with Dr Sangster Jnr presiding. Elected were

President: Hon. J. Lewis MLC

Numerous Vice-Presidents

Captain: Dr J.I. Sangster Jnr

Vice-Captain: Mr Hartnett

Hon. Sec. Father Redden

A big revival in cricket is anticipated for this season.

Cricket. Saturday at Victoria Park: Stockbreeders 168 and Burra 5 for 287.

E. Diplock writes re the Burra Mine. The directors have their eyes closed. He is sure there is plenty of good ore at the 50 fathom level and many untouched lodes.

Thomas Best writes to correct Dr Sangster’s writing about the Burra Mine in the Register. The engine started in 1854 was Gender’s and not Morphett’s, which only came to Burra in 1859. He remembers passing Mr Woollacott’s teams a mile or so the other side of Smithfield while on the way to Pt Adelaide with a load of copper. The big wagon had the ‘bob’ of the engine on board and it was drawn by the largest team of bullocks probably ever seen in Australia: 42 or 44 arranged four abreast with two leaders. All bridges on the way had to be propped including the small one this side of Hamilton. Like Dr Sangster Best felt it was time something definite was done before all the shareholders’ money was dribbled away with nothing to show.

‘T.B.’ writes calling on Burra to get a band together for occasions like the sports day – even a fife and drum band would be better than nothing. ‘Sports are not much without a band.’

XV, 656, 14 Dec. 1904, page 5

Court.

William Edgar Jordan was fined 2/6 + fees to total £1-11-6 for a stray red cow in Market Square.

John D. Rowett of Marrabel incurred fines and costs of £8-2-0 for breaches of the Stock Diseases Act by travelling through Hundred of King without giving due notice.

James Loudan, popular manager of Booborowie Estate, is seriously ill.

William Pearce, former blacksmith and wheelwright of Commercial St, is visiting Burra after four year’s absence. He is in business for himself as a wheelwright in Kalgoorlie WA, but on returning to WA he may take up land, as the WA Government is offering incentives for people to do so.

Mr Mark Linkson was farewelled at Court Unity on Friday. He intends to move to Broken Hill.

Kooringa Methodist Church will hold Hospital Sunday next Sunday. The Kooringa & Aberdeen Oddfellows Lodges, the Foresters, The Rechabites, members of the Town & District Councils and the Hospital Board will form a procession from the Institute to the Church. The service will be conducted by Revs T.B. Angwin & J. Allen. The Burra Orchestra will be present in full strength.

Short & Sharp

Grasshoppers have appeared in the town.

A meeting of the Burra club was held in the Burra Institute on Friday evening.

Thomas Best killed a snake over five feet long on Friday.

Burra Mine. Results of the 100 tons raised for special treatment are awaited anxiously.

Work on the shaft at St Mary’s Church was resumed yesterday. Messrs Rosewall & Harris have hopes of something shortly, but the stone is tough. [Blasting at this site was not possible.]

Mr Hayes of Mt Bryan who is 99 is in the Burra Hospital with a sprained knee obtained while out rabbiting.

Mt Bryan.

The school held its Christmas tree & sports last Friday.

Rabbits are swarming.

Grasshoppers are taking everything green as they go.

Fire. A fire started at c. 10 o’clock yesterday morning on the farm of Mr Walter Gillett on the Gum Creek Road. 3-4 acres of stubble and a portion of the crop being reaped were lost.

Mr A. Abbott, who was seriously injured recently at Mongolata, seems to be slowly recovering in hospital.

XV, 656, 14 Dec. 1904, page 6

Court Pride of Burra AOF held its annual picnic at Johnson’s Creek on Princess Royal Estate on Wednesday. Nearly 60 members assembled at Burra Institute and marched to the pump where a trolly and other vehicles awaited them. PCR C.A. Lott & PCR W.J. Davey were in charge. PCR W.H. March took the smallest in a cab and the older ones came on the trolly. The sports are reported at some length.

Burra School held its visiting day last Friday. The report extends 11⁄2 columns. Mr Scott the head teacher addressed the visitors. Dr Sangster as Chairman of the School Board of Advice spoke and presented prizes. Prize winners are listed. The Mayor they addressed the school followed by Rev. T.B. Angwin and Rev. Wightwick after which Dr Sangster declared the half holiday.

XV, 657, 21 Dec. 1904, page 4

Editorial on Christmas

Pleasant Entertainment at the Kooringa Methodist Lecture Hall on Wednesday evening to raise money for a picnic tent. There was a satisfactory result and another such should see the sum needed obtained.

Burra district Council calls a meeting of ratepayers at the Institute next Saturday to consider the advisability of erecting a vermin-proof fence between the Hundreds of Baldina and King.

W.J. Davey’s performance of ‘Merry Moment’ with his dog Carlo at the matinee on Saturday in the Institute went off very well with great merriment.

An Aggressive Ram that had been annoying residents of Mitchell’s Flat has been placed in the Copperhouse Pound and will be sold on the 2 January if unclaimed. It demolished the gate on being placed there, but once a ‘miniature Port Arthur’ was established, he was contained.

Rabbits continue in plague proportions, though being actively slaughtered. Mr J. Pick of Braemar has been taking up to 3,376 in a single night and has disposed of between 15,000 and 16,000 recently.

Charles Kickebusche of World’s End had a narrow escape when working on a windmill with his brother, Julius. A whirlwind frightened the horse which took off. Julius held on to the reins and was dragged a considerable distance. When Charles went to assist he fell and the dray’s wheel grazed his head and passed over his arm near the shoulder. Amazingly, though very painful, it was not broken and is improving under the care of Dr Sangster.

Hospital Sunday was held last Sunday at the Kooringa Methodist Church. A large congregation assembled with the members of the Lodges, the Hospital board, the Town Council and the District Council. The Burra Orchestra played and £6-10-0 was raised.

Burra United friendly Societies’ Sports will be held as usual on Boxing Day.

Weather recently has been dry and good for harvesting, but rain fell on Saturday when over 0.5” was recorded. Though good for domestic supplies it will encourage the rabbits which have been in decline.

Burra School broke up on Friday, before which a concert was held in the large room and 18/1 was raised for the Burra Hospital.

W.J. Richards has almost recovered from his bicycle accident.

Miss Hughes, the Baldina school teacher, left Burra for Blyth on her bicycle on Friday evening.

Tennis. On Saturday at Aberdeen Redruth 5-38 defeated Aberdeen 3-32.

XV, 657, 21 Dec. 1904, page 5

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Work continues, but without any spectacular results. The main effort is in the shaft near Peacock’s Air Shaft and the surrounding area looks like a mine in miniature with winding ropes, horse path, stampers, washers, ore heaps, windlass, buckets and sorting house. The shaft near St Mary’s has again been abandoned. On the old ore beds are five heaps of ore from tributers – some not doing very well – there being too much dead work.

George Highet was found guilty of sheep stealing at Orroroo on Monday, but was released under the First Offenders Protection Act. He left Burra a week ago on a horse hired from Alex. Harris and saddle etc. from J.C. Sandland. He is now believed to be on his way back to Burra.

Burra Electro-Magnetic Separation Works are looking very forlorn. Some parts have been removed. Some coal remains. The railway lines etc. are being taken up. So far only the ‘dryer’ has gone to Broken Hill, though there was talk of other machinery doing so too.

A Burra Amusement Club has been formed to meet fortnightly in St Mary’s Schoolroom to provide sociable and profitable evenings for young men. E. F. Lockyer is the general manager. G.E. Dane is musical director, Mr Hague is stage manager, Mr S.M. Lane is secretary and C. Pearce is treasurer. A musical evening was held on 13 December.

Booborowie Sports will not be held this year. (As a token of sympathy for Mr Loudon, Manager of Booborowie Station in his present lamentable illness – according to a note on page 4.)

Arthur Abbott has left hospital.

Court.

James Gully was fined 5/- for failing to send his daughter, Martha, to school as required.

John Penns and Frank Ford were each fined 2/6 for similar offences. (Less as it was their first offence.)

Burra Town Council

W.J. Richards, via his lawyer, is seeking £50 damages for the cycle accident recently, when he says a council workman left a culvert uncovered, resulting in Richardson’s severe injuries. Council will seek legal advice and act accordingly.

Characteristics of the paper in 1904

1. The original format. (January to September)

Page 1. Larger advertisements, mostly not local.

Page 2. Larger advertisements and a very few ‘classified’ advertisements. Generally no editorials and then shortish news paragraphs interspersed with similar looking text that advertises patent medicines etc.

Page 3. Continuation of page 2 in style. A jumble of news items and advertisements, plus a serial and some jokes or other light material.

Page 4. Large advertisements dominated by patent medicines like Seigel’s Syrup, Beecham’s Pills, Vitadatio, with two columns of self-advertising.

2. The new format. (From October)

Page 1. Business directory of the town and large advertisements, largely not local.

Page 2. 1 column of the Town Directory and then local advertising.

Page 3. News mixed with various advertising, including some patent medicines.

Page 4. 1column of self-advertisement, an Editorial, and then mostly local news.

Page 5. More local news, a few advertisements, regional reports.

Page 6. Articles on such topics as poultry farming, women’s interests, with a few advertisements and news paragraphs.

Page 7. Large advertisements: a mixture of local and others.

Page 8. As for page 7.

In some issues jokes were used as a filler on pages 5 & 6.

Generally speaking the paper seemed rather tired and without any depth of reporting in the first half of the year. The local businesses seem to have almost stopped advertising in it. From 15 June there was an attempt to revitalise the paper. There were editorials on a regular basis for the first time in years. These were not however, especially penetrating or mind stretching and can in no way compare with either the wide-ranging editorials of Holder’s time or with the quite incisive local comments from the early years of Davey’s period. Much more local news appeared and there was more attention to detail. There were interesting snippets on present and past Burra identities. There were household hints and suggestions of interest to the housewife, the farmer and the poultry keeper for example. There were also quirky items and humorous segments. The increasing length of the notes from the middle of the year is indicative of this change.

When the new format appeared there was an immediate lift in local advertising and the improvement in the quality and range of local news was maintained.

Numbering of issues in 1904

Volume XV continued for the whole year, having started 7 December 1892.

The year began with Volume XV Number 607 on 6 January 1904

And continued to Volume XV Number 657 on 21 December 1904

XV, 658, 4 Jan. 1905

Page 1 Business Directory:

Kooringa

Importers Drew & Crewes

Pearce Bros

Drapers Urwin & Hiddle

Ewins & Son

J.T. Walker & Sons

Storekeepers W.E. Jordan

A. Bennett

E.J. Harris

L. Day

W. Barkley

Watchmaker L.L. Wicklein

Bootmakers M. Pederson

J.T. Walker & Sons

Federal Boot Co.

H. Harris

Auctioneers Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd.

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd.

Painters D. Jones

E. Bowen

Carriers E.T. Robertson

L. Grow

Cab Drivers Thomas P. Halls

George March

Charles Grow

Undertakers T.W. Pearce

C.J. Pearce

Butchers D.J. O’Leary

W.T. Truscott

Banks National Bank

Bank of Australasia

Tailor J.T. Hartnett

Bakers C. Parks

W.A. Gebhardt

C. Morgan

Hairdresser R.D. Pascoe

Stationers T.W. Wilkinson

Mrs Giles

John Snell

Carpenters J. Pearce

T.W. Pearce

C.J. Pearce

Wood Merchants Drew & Crewes

A. Harris

E.J. Harris

Boarding Houses E. Frederick

Mrs Goldsworthy

Confectioners F. Harris

C. Morgan

Misses Tobin

Dressmakers Misses Tobin

Miss Callahan

Miss A. Wilson

Miss Hudson

Mrs T. Ford

Blacksmiths W. Henderson

F. Kemble

S. Burns

Saddlers A.J. Hunt

P. Lane

Photographers W.J. Davey

E.A. Pearce

Chemist T.W. Wilkinson

Hurdle Maker T.H. Broad

Aberdeen

Drapers J. Tiver & son

N.J. Tiddy

Storekeepers J. Tiver & Sons

T. Harvey

T. Williams

Ridgway & Sons

Carpenters C. & A. Fuss

G. Bartholomaeus [Probably an error for O.]

Bakers H. Goodwin

C.H. Lowe

Saddler E. Cox

Confectioners Miss Bentley

Mrs Kellaway

A. Richards

Photographer W. Bentley

Road Contractor T.W. Woollacott

Butchers H. Rabbich

R. Austin

Bicycle Agency W.J. Richards

Hotels R. Burns

T. Vivian

C. Cassaretto

R. Paddock

Note that the hotel proprietors are misplaced by all being put in the Aberdeen list.

XV, 658, 4 Jan. 1905,

Page 1 Advertisements

August Bartholomaeus Agent for Norwich Fire Insurance amalgamated with the SA Insurance Co. Ltd.

S. Burns Blacksmith & Wheelwright, Commercial St

Page 2 Advertisements

Frank Harris Fruiterer, Confectioner, seller of Temperance Drinks, Market Square

C.C. Williams Ironmonger, Tinsmith & Galvanised Iron Worker, Commercial St

W.T. Truscott Butcher, Market Square

Luke Day Grocer, Fruiterer & General dealer, Market Square

A.R. Creswick Dentist, Monthly on Thursday s

R.D. Pascoe Hairdresser, Tobacconist, Stationer, Perfumer, Market Square

Page 4 Advertisements

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Auctioneers

Page 7 Advertisements

Drew & Crewes Importers

Burra Vehicle Exchange

Jack Richards Burra Bicycle & Motor Depot, Aberdeen

Alf Bennetts (Late T. Parks) Fruiterer, Grocer, etc., Commercial St

Page 8 Advertisements

W. Barkley Grocer & Fruiterer, next to the Commercial Hotel

O. Bartholomaeus Carpenter & Builder etc., Aberdeen

E.J. Harris Grocer, Fruiterer & General Dealer, Market Square

XV, 658, 4 Jan. 1905, Page 3

Court

James Gully was fined 5/- for failing to send his child Martha to school as required.

(This despite the information that Mr & Mrs Gully were separated and he was unsure where Martha was living.)

John Penns was fined 2/6 for failing to send his child Murray to school as required.

Frank Ford was fined 2/6 for failing to send a child to school as required.

Philip Nankivell was fined £1 + cost for trespassing on Crown Lands in the Hundred of Baldina without giving notice.

Johannes Gottfried Mann was charged with failure to kill rabbits on his land at Baldina. He gave evidence that he had killed 8,000 and had begun killing prior to receiving a notice to do so, had employed as many as four men and had sent away 451lb of rabbit skins. His son, T.A. Mann, also gave evidence and another son, L. Mann, said he had been working on the land all the time except for five days of illness and had killed 8,871 rabbits. The SM dismissed the case.

24 December

Alex Cobb was fined 5/- or 14 hrs for being drunk in Market Square on the night of 23 December.

Alex Cobb was fined £1 or 1 month for using indecent language.

Alex Cobb was fined £5 or 2 months for assaulting M-C Grosser.

Alex Cobb was charged with being idle and disorderly. C.C. Heinrich of the Burra Hotel gave evidence that Cobb had hung around deterring other customers from the hotel and had not left when asked to. Mrs Heinrich said he had threatened to smash up everything in the house. Heinrich admitted that Cobb had spent money in the hotel and that he had changed a number of pound notes for Cobb. Cobb thought Heinrich’s complaint was a bit much when he had spent over £40 at the hotel. Though he had only 1/6 on him when arrested, he now had £3 that had arrived from Melbourne the day before. The case was eventually dismissed.

26 December

Arthur Collins was fined 16/- for using indecent language in Market Square on Christmas Eve.

30 December.

Edgar Shepperd (23) was charged with having no visible means of support. He was sentenced to 2 months, but released under the First Offender’s Act provided he left town within half an hour. He left.

XV, 658, 4 Jan. 1905, Page 4

Obituary. Thomas Parks, aged 77, died 28 December 1904, at Kooringa.

Mr Parks arrived in SA in 1846 and after a time in Adelaide came to Burra in 1849 with his wife and two children. Here he worked for Messrs Roach and Roscow as a baker. He went to the Victorian diggings, but only for 8 or 9 weeks owing to ill health. He returned to Burra and took up baking on his own account, and then a greengrocery business in premises bow occupied by A. Bennetts. Though he had been ailing for some time, death came suddenly. He leaves five daughters: Mrs Dyer of Orroroo, Mrs Ware of Adelaide, Mrs T. Goldsworthy of Adelaide, Mrs A. Bennett of Burra and Mrs R.D. Pascoe of Burra. There are three sons: Thomas of Burra, George of Pt Pirie and Charles of Burra.

George Parks, who is working at the Pt Pirie Smelter, came back to Burra last week due to his father’s death.

Accident. Tom Gray’s horse and dray went over the edge of the culvert in the dark on the Baldina Rd near Ford’s. It was first thought the horse was killed. M-C Grosser and T.P. Halls investigated, but it was not possible to extricate the horse without extra help in the morning.

Marriage. On 27 Dec. Miss E. Villis, eldest daughter of Isaac Villis, married Richard John Rogers, second son of John Rogers of Baldina.

Fires. On Friday evening, just after the Broken Hill express passed, a fire broke out a little north of the long cutting towards Mt Bryan, in Mr Jos. Ford’s paddock. For a time the high flames were feared likely to reach Redruth, but the wind shifted and turned the fire towards Mt Bryan. In half an hour over 100 men were assembled to beat out the flames. Water was got to extinguish the fence posts for fear of burning sparks setting fire to Mr Gebhardt’s paddock. Stock was got out of Elder, Smith’s paddock before the fire got there.

A fire by the Waterworks shed on Saturday morning travelled west to Mr Elliott Camp’s enclosure and burnt 10 sets of fowls, harness and other items to the value of £80.

Several areas of grass were burnt close to the railway line near Mt Bryan last week.

Cricket. Just before the holidays the Tennis Players 164, defeated the Non-Tennis Players 61.

Wattle Blossom Fair last September left a surplus which was sold on 23 December in the Institute, and along with a concert and pasty supper, £9 was added to the fair’s funds.

Rabbits. A three day shooting excursion on J.C. Sandland’s property netted 400-500 rabbits with hares, snakes, possums, lizards etc.

Obituary. Mrs Gosden who lost two daughters some time ago, died at Burra Hospital last week.

[Janet Gosden died 1 January 1905 aged 45. Born Janet Colman. Wife of Alexander Gosden.]

Obituary. Mr J. Loudon of Booborowie died and the body was brought in yesterday and sent to Adelaide by rail. [James Loudon died 1 January 1905 at Booborowie Station.]

He was taken ill a few weeks ago with cancer of the neck and his body was sent to Burra on Tuesday. He was 61 and had been manager of Booborowie Sheep Station for over 20 years. He had been Chairman of the Booborowie DC for many years and took a great interest in all sports and lent the large shed willingly for anything likely to advance the interest of the young. He arrived in SA in the 1850s and went to work on his father’s station at Carrawirralo before accepting the position of manager at Booborowie Station.

Marriage. Today the marriage is announced of Miss Maud Nicholls, daughter of John Nicholls to Mr William Lomman, both of Copperhouse.

Miss Kate Cope of the Burra Hotel has had a tumour weighing 172 oz [4.87 kg] removed in Adelaide and after six weeks is back at work in the bar.

Miss Margaret Tobin was presented with a beautiful silver tea service for her work as organist at St Joseph’s for 12 or 13 years. She has now decided to relinquish the position.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School picnic was held as usual on Monday at Sod Hut. It was a very successful outing.

The weather has been extraordinarily hot. Thursday was hot, but Friday and Saturday reached 110°F in the shade and it continued hot on Sunday. Sparrows fell dead from the trees and fowls, geese and turkeys also died. On Sunday evening there was a thunderstorm with a few drops of rain. Churches had been practically deserted. Monday brought a delightfully cool day with 57 points of rain in the evening.

XV, 658, 4 Jan. 1905, Page 5

Christmas in Burra. The town streets were more crowded on Christmas Eve than for many years. Between 8 and 10 p.m. it was hard to pass on the footpaths and the main road also carried many hundreds of people. The children mostly carried a trumpet and the like and their sound was heard from one end of the street to the other. Though the hotels did good business there were no disturbances. Business did a good trade, some selling all they had on offer. Shop windows were decorated for the season. There was no band this year, but about 11 p.m. carol singers set out to serenade a number of citizens.

New Year’s Eve passed without any larrikinism at all in the town and even walls and shutters survived unmarked. But at Copperhouse a cart was placed in a wagon and several vehicles moved from their usual places. At 12 tins, guns and other noisy things were heard and in the street the anthem Hail to the Newborn King.

The Season. 1904 was one of the driest years on record with only 12.36”.

Accident. Mr & Mrs Thomas Reynolds were thrown from their buggy about 12 miles from Booborowie on their way home from Burra on Friday last and badly shaken. The horses eventually got free and the buggy was considerably damaged.

Cricket last Monday at Saddleworth: Burra 193 defeated Saddleworth 66.

Rainfall. The rainfall has extended to the east with falls of half an inch common and 125 points at King’s Well.

World’s End Races were successful on 2 January, in favourable weather. Results are printed.

Phosphate Rock has been discovered about 11⁄2 miles on the Burra side of the Fairview Claim. Samples go up to 631⁄2%, but demand for it is not high at present.

Farmers & Producers Union. A preliminary meeting was held at Bright at Mr Fetke’s on 26 December. Mr A. Ruediger presided and F. Duldig addressed the meeting. A branch will now be formed there.

Burra High School. The Concert, Break-up and Prize Giving was conducted by Miss Millar at St Mary’s Schoolroom on 23 December. She reported a larger roll call than ever before. Vera Fuss was the only student to never miss a school session in 1904, and Edith Bartholomaeus missed only 1⁄2 day. Results are printed. [Though it is not made explicit, the implication seems to be that Hazel Bartholomaeus was dux, though Edna Goode would have been in all likelihood, had she attended for more than six months.] Miss Roach leaves the staff at the end of 1904 to be replaced by Miss Vera Wilkinson. Miss Sangster will continue. The school picnic was at Gum Creek Station last Saturday, thanks to Mr & Mrs John Bowman. In winter the school bazaar raised £22-8-0 for the New Guinea Mission. The prize list is printed. [Vera Fuss getting the prize for attendance.]

XV, 658, 4 Jan. 1905, Page 6

Thomas Sandland invited a shooting party to Koo-owie on 21 December, but the rabbits had been extensively poisoned and trapped, so only 187 were shot.

Burra United Friendly Societies’ Annual Sports were held on Boxing Day at Victoria Park. Gate takings were up on 1903 despite the latter part of the day being dusty. Major Marshal, an American Negro, was engaged to impress in the cycle races, but he was far from impressive and the money was not well-spent. The cycling and pedestrian races were the best for many years. The bike track has been improved, but needs considerably more work. It needs tar-dressing. Unfortunately many local spectators stayed away and the bulk of onlookers seemed to be strangers or neighbours. The changing tent near the tea tent was a mistake since ‘as a rule people prefer to have something besides blasphemy with a cup of tea’. There was no music of any kind this year. The events are then reported in over 2 columns.

Burra District Council. Ratepayers voted against a move to erect a vermin-proof fence between the Hundreds of King and Bright, at a meeting held in the Institute on 24 December.

XV, 659, 11 Jan. 1905, Page 3

Inquest held at the Bon Accord Hotel on Wednesday afternoon, 4 January, into the fire at New Aberdeen on 31 December. Most of the witnesses were relatives of Government employees and seemed to be very reluctant to say anything that would confirm that the fire might have begun from sparks from the Waterworks chimney.

Miss Nellie Roach was very evasive, saying at one point:

‘I won’t say any more; I am only a woman and you can’t expect much from me I cannot speak like a man.’

When further instructed to answer she continued:

‘Oh I don’t want them; [i.e. the questions] I don’t like questions; I can’t stand them.’

Mr Winnall, who was appearing on behalf of Mr E. Camp, who had sustained £80 damages was clearly annoyed by this and said: ‘We will give you a chair then.’

[M-C Phelan then provided a chair, though whether Mr Winnall’s sarcasm was meant to be taken literally is unclear.]

Elliott Camp claimed he had traced the fire back to still burning chips and cinders close to the Waterworks shed.

The verdict was that there was strong circumstantial evidence that the fire started at New Aberdeen on 31 December, by a spark from the Burra Waterworks chimney.

The coroner was C. Bartholomaeus and C.A. Fuss was foreman of the jury.

Copper. Some nice copper was found some 35 miles east of Burra three years ago and a shaft was put down to 20-30 feet, but it missed the reef. Recently a stone from there was assayed at 29% copper with 51⁄2 dwt gold.

Burra Town Council, 4 January.

The main road grant for 1904 is £273.

A letter from W.A. Piper re Mr Richardson’s claim for damages as received.

General Rate fixed at 9d with Health Rate of 5d and Parklands Rate 1⁄2d in the £.

Salaries for the year: Town Clerk £70 and Secretary to local Board of Health £10.

Mr Geake to be notified his contract for lamp lighting terminates in one month.

XV, 659, 11 Jan. 1905, Page 4

Editorial on Mining. The depression of trade has the effect of driving people to new ventures and with copper now at £68-17-6 a ton it should spark interest in the Burra Mine. The depression has been more severe for the last seven years than ever before. Want of capital prevents developments in SA that would take place in Victoria or other states where the Governments also help more.

Aberdeen Quarry. Work was resumed at the quarry on Monday, but for how long is not known.

Duffer Dam. There is a petition to clean out this dam 25 miles east of Burra. It has a few feet of water in it, but it is more than half filled with silt.

Rabbit numbers have declined with the hot weather.

Fire. On 31 December a large fire on Koomooloo destroyed 4,000 to 5,000 acres of grass. Wax matches are believed to be responsible. The loss, though significant, was restricted to grass.

AOF, Court Unity & Court Pride of Burra report a satisfactory year with increased funds and membership.

Mr Camp has applied to the Waterworks authorities for some recompense for the fire.

Weather. The heat continues with temperature in the town at 89°F before 9 a.m., but to the east maxima between 100° and 120°F in the shade have been reported.

Harvest. The late harvest has been very patchy. Some farmers did well and others very poorly. Some with yields between 16 & 18 bushels per acre but others only got 1 bag per acre – due not only to patchy rain, but also to varying application of fertilizer. To the east few have even recovered seed wheat. A farmer at World’s End got 1 bag from a 150 acre paddock. [He is named as W. Prior on page 5.]

Obituary. Mrs A. Schuppan died 30 December 1904 at Emu Downs.

[Anna Schuppan, wife of John Schuppan, died aged 79.]

XV, 659, 11 Jan. 1905, Page 5

Burra Institute, Annual Meeting of subscribers, last Monday.

C.A. Fuss, Vice-President, presided. There are presently 3,788 books and 95 subscribers.

Money in the bank totals £134-8-9. In the year £47-5-6 was spent on painting and repairs to the building.

Elected for 1905: C.A. Fuss, President; J. Drew, Vice-President; C.H. Hague, Secretary; & T.W. Wilkinson, Treasurer.

Cricket at Clare on Saturday: Clare 237 defeated Burra 200.

Hanson Bicentenary Methodist Church held its anniversary on 25 December with the tea meeting on 27 December. Over 300 were at the latter with 170 coming from Burra by train and 30 in vehicles. Proceeds were £13-12-0.

C. Thoroughgood left Burra for holiday in the south after six weeks as barman at the Burra Hotel.

Bob Stewart, overseer for W.P. Barker for 30 years, has left Baldina for Adelaide.

Miss Kate Cope, who has been barmaid at the Burra Hotel for six months, is moving to Broken Hill.

C.C Heinrich of the Burra Hotel has gone to Adelaide due to the illness there of his mother, aged 70. His father was a produce carter from Adelaide to Burra in the early days and once arrived in Burra with a load of flour, only to have it rushed and every bag taken as before his arrival flour was unobtainable. Next morning he received the full value of what had been taken.

Obituary. Mr Hatch, an early ore carter from Burra to Adelaide died in Nuriootpa last week.

[Joshua Hatch died 5 January 1905 aged 73.]

Miss E. Walker has started business as a dressmaker in Bridge St, near the old Bible Christian Church. [The location comes from a page 4 advertisement.]

The Record announces that the circulation has more than doubled. [Given the cut in price this would have been a requirement for success.]

Marriage. Miss Mary McCoy of Wandillah Station was married to Mr Patrick Hayes of Pt Augusta at Wandillah on 5 January by Father Redden. They will live at Pt Augusta.

Accident. A swagman, John Newton (35), injured his spine on Monday night when he jumped 16 or 17 feet from the Black Bridge. He had intended to sleep under the bridge and thought the drop was only a few feet. He was lucky to have missed the stones. He is likely to be in hospital for a considerable time.

XV, 659, 11 Jan. 1905, Page 6

Terowie Sports meeting is reported in 13⁄4 columns.

Fire. The fire at Koomooloo on 31 December is reported. The grass was 2’ high in places and the fire travelled six miles from NW to SE and burned from midday to 1 a.m. the following day. In places it was 3 miles wide and consumed 4,000 to 5,000 acres. Luck saved Mr Warnes’s stud rams which had only just been moved from the paddock. A wind change saved the properties of Messrs McWaters and Sandland. Wax vestas dropped by rabbiters are suspected of causing the fire.

XV, 660, 18 Jan. 1905, Page 3

Advt. The Aberdeen School starts 16 January. E.C.D. Thomas.

XV, 660, 18 Jan. 1905, Page 4

Editorial on the British decision to send British Officers to Japan for training in military matters.

Market Square Pump has been kept busy supplying water to the thirsty in the recent heat wave.

The Second Heat Wave for the year has played havoc with stock, poultry and fruit gardens. Figs, plums and other stone fruit have been scorched and fallen. Many birds have died. In town the temperature ranged from 98°f to 112°F and for three days averaged 102°F. Thunderstorms and a very little rain on Saturday afternoon brought some relief.

Mr James Bennetts celebrated 50 years as a local preacher at Broken Hill recently. He came to Adelaide in 1854 and rode a bullock dray to Burra where he was associated with Dr W.G. Torr in the Sunday school. He then went to Moonta Mines and 17 years ago to Broken Hill. He first preached in Burra.

Salvation Army. Captain & Mrs Ross leave tomorrow for Wallaroo after 10 months in Burra.

XV, 660, 18 Jan. 1905, Page 5

Aberdeen Quarry continues to be worked, but it is stifling in high temperatures as the cutting excludes wind.

Broken Hill continues to call the young of our district who are looking for work. 30 have left since Christmas.

Mr Newton’s accident last week at the Black Bridge highlights the need for a lamp there. The celebrated arc light does not reach that far.

Burra Town Council has been advised by Mr Piper that it is free from any liability for Mr Richard’s accident. It will now be decided in court unless arrangements are made beforehand.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. There is no great news, though work continues slowly and with fewer hands than before Christmas. No official report is yet to hand about the bulk sample.

The Eastern Country is looking quite good and while temperatures have reached 112° to 116°F last week, there was also extensive but patchy rain. Falls ranged from 25 points at Woolgangi to 50 points at Perran Vale and 125 points at King’s Well and 200 points at Black Hills.

A minor earthquake was felt on Monday morning.

A severe electrical storm broke out on Sunday night.

Mrs Sarah Jane Watson has been granted a licence to run a maternity home.

Advt. Iron Mine Sports will be held on 22 February.

XV, 660, 18 Jan. 1905, Page 6

The Malachite Reef that wasn’t. On 9 January John Macklvie, an old man, arrived at the Commercial Hotel, had a good meal and a good drink and then produced some samples of malachite which he claimed to have found on Princess Royal. For some time he was well supplied with drinking friends as he retold the story of its discovery. Though shouted a good many drinks he carefully avoided saying where the find was precisely located. He talked his way into a bed for the night and after that a hearty breakfast. He was invited to dinner at a prominent resident’s and of course he accepted and ate well. After this a party was formed to go to the reef on Princess Royal. Once out there he managed to leave the group for a few moments and then to disappear without trace. A search was made for him, but to no avail. The whole thing was a hoax and it is suggested that it started as a bet that such a trick could not be pulled off.

[The story takes 31⁄2 columns of small print.]

XV, 661, 25 Jan. 1905, Page 3

Court.

Charm Singh, an Indian Sikh, sued Hulda Stenberg to recover £15-5-2, being money lent on the undertaking of a promise of marriage which the girl had later thought better of. After much evidence Mr Singh was awarded £15-5-0. (The couple came from Booborowie.)

John Newcomb, aged 13, was sent to the Brooklyn Park Reformatory for stealing food from a bag on the platform at Farrell’s Flat on 18 January. He is an orphan who had been sent from the Industrial School to work at Clare, but did not like the position. The editor conjectures that he is the son of John Newcomb who was some time ago a Burra resident and pursued many occupations including pretending to be a solicitor in the town. It is believed he and his wife died some time ago in Port Pirie.

XV, 661, 25 Jan. 1905, Page 4

Editorial on the Charm Singh-Hulda Stenberg case. The editor was much against hawkers who ‘do more harm than good.’ They pay neither rates nor taxes, and yet are allowed to travel the country to sell goods on the same footing as those who pay heavy rates etc.

Burra Show Soc. They started last year with £35-18-2 and ended it with £48-12-11.

A Bolt. Luke Day’s horse bolted from his shop at the corner of Kingston and Thames Sts on Thursday morning, but was stopped without damage when Mr B. Hill, who had been at the pump, jumped up behind the vehicle and caught the reins.

Rabbits. A rabbiter last week brought in 143⁄4 cwt of rabbit skins representing 15,000 rabbits. Burgess is the ringer in skinning and can skin five in a minute when pressed.

Sparrows are a real pest around wheat stacks and poisoned wheat was laid in the station yard and 250 sparrows were picked up dead in a short time.

On the Monday Holiday this week parties of young people went to the Gorge, Princess Royal and The Lagoon. Terowie tennis players had a match with Burra players and the latter were the eventual winners.

Marriage at World’s End on 17 January.

Miss Edith McWaters, second daughter of Thomas McWaters married S.C. Hewitt of Broken Hill. The wedding breakfast was at the bride’s parents’ residence. They honeymoon in Sydney.

National Defence League Burra Branch met at the Institute on Friday. Mr Hawkes, as chairman, hoped that they would be able to join with the Farmers & Producers Political Union in supporting the same candidates.

St Mary’s. A special meeting at St Mary’s Schoolroom the other night decided to order a new pipe organ for the church to cost about £250. It is hoped by special efforts to raise £200 of this by Christmas, when the organ is expected to be ready.

Clare Races were run last Wednesday. Results printed.

XV, 661, 25 Jan. 1905, Page 5

Samuel Baker writes, concerned about the alarming and indiscriminate use of air rifles within the town. On Monday morning a bullet passes between four people talking in his back yard. It was little short of a miracle that no one was hit.

The editor agrees that action is needed and reports a young lad recently shot a hole in his sister’s hat while firing at sparrows.

Cricket. At Victoria Park on Monday Manoora 287 defeated Burra 141.

Clare Athletic Club held its annual meeting on Monday.

Aberdeen Quarry continues to work.

Mr & Mrs Henry Bruse, old Burraites have returned to live here. Mr Bruse used to have a carpentering business in Queen St where Mr Wicklein now has his house.

Salvation Army. Ensign and Mrs Good have arrived to take charge of the local corps.

Mr Bevan has been appointed manager of Booborowie Estate in place of the late Mr Loudon. He was in Booborowie 24 years ago in Mr Armstrong’s time. He had a farm north of Pt Augusta which he has handed over to his sons.

XV, 662, 1 Feb. 1905, Page 3

Obituary. John Jenkin died at his residence in Ayers St on Friday 27 January on his 73rd birthday. For over 23 years he was an employee of the Town Council and prepared nearly all the town’s roads and footpaths. He assisted in the last survey of the town. He was often appealed to, even of recent days when he was almost blind, to find survey pegs around the town. He was a long time member of the Burra Lodge and passed through all the chairs. He was born at Panzibella, Cornwall in January 1832 and Mrs Jenkin was born at Redruth, Cornwall in February 1828. He arrived at Pt Adelaide on 27 July 1851 on the Omega. They were married at St Mary’s Burra on 10 February 1852 by Rev. James Politt. He visited the Victorian Goldfields and worked for a number of years in the Burra Mine. There are five daughters:

Mrs J. Barratt, Mrs W.G.F. Batchelor (Hindmarsh), Mrs W. Geake (Burra), Mrs B.T.B. Hancock (Petersburg), Miss E.L. Jenkin (Burra), and 10 grandchildren. [Born 27 January 1832.]

Obituary. John Sampson Jun. (son of John Sampson of Bridge St) died in WA, aged 43. [On page 4 we learn he died at Boulder on 24 January and his initials were J.B.R. He was therefore John Branwell Rowling Sampson born 9 November 1861.]

He worked for some time in the Broken Hill Mines where he got ‘leaded’ and had to leave. The deceased was well-known in Burra where he was once a valued member of the True Blue Cricket Club along with George Parks and Jack Herbert.

XV, 662, 1 Feb. 1905, Page 4

Editorial on the Russian Revolution of 1905.

Aberdeen Quarries stopped work at the end of last week, throwing 16 men out of work.

Burra’s population has gradually been moving – many to Broken Hill, but also to WA. The other night in Argent St in Broken Hill no fewer than 30 Burra boys were to be seen quietly talking together and another bunch were a bit further on. It is thought at least 300 Burra persons have had to cut out for the Barrier.

Gold has again been found east of Burra – about 5 miles from an earlier find in the last month.

Henderson’s Whistle was heard for the first time in some months yesterday morning. It reminded many of better times when it called men to work as well as summoning them to fight fires in days when they turned out buggies, wagons and other vehicles.

Burra Amusement Club met for the 2nd time at St Mary’s on Thursday evening. C. Pearce arranged the program of music, songs and recitation. It was resolved to hold a concert on a date to be fixed.

Tennis. On 23 January at Kooringa: Burra 12-94 defeated Terowie 6-75.

Copper & Gold find 35 miles east of Burra. The copper was found 4-5 years ago and subsequent surface specimens found there recently reveal gold with the copper. A syndicate is being formed with shares at £2-10-0 to further test the locality.

G.T. Thwaites, [teller at the Bank of Australasia] was farewelled at a social at the Commercial hotel on Friday, after a stay here of four months. He was given a silver-mounted pipe and tobacco pouch.

XV, 662, 1 Feb. 1905, Page 5

Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday Burra 235 defeated Petersburg 91.

Burra Waterworks. Mr Fenwick was in Burra last week assessing properties. He visited 995 houses.

[This is an extraordinary number of houses: in 1921 the census returns show 422 occupied houses for 1777 people. In 1901 the population was 1994: it seems unlikely the extra 217 people needed an extra 573 houses!]

F.H. Clare, from Adelaide, will replace G.T. Thwaites as teller at the Bank of Australasia.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. There is still no news about the sample sent to Wallaroo for treatment some time ago, but the directors are satisfied with the result and will shortly make more information available. Mr Pryor says he knows nothing about his rumoured removal [as underground manager.]

XV, 663, 8 Feb. 1905, Page 4

Editorial on Agricultural Statistics.

The Dressmaking Class at the School of Mines will resume on 18 February if sufficient interest is shown.

Birds. A cloud of thousands of zebra finches passed through Kooringa on Saturday between 11 & 12 o’clock. About a week ago there were large numbers of diamond sparrows.

Drew and Crewes had a gas tap fall from a jet in their store on Saturday evening and it was lucky the whole place did not go up in flames before the gas could be turned off.

Public Meeting. In response to public demand the Mayor has called a meeting on Friday at the Institute to consider the Burra Mine.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. There are many rumours circulating. It is said:

Directors have decided to pump the water from the open cut.

A decision has been made to erect machinery to treat the ore.

That men will be put on to ascertain the quantity of ore in sight.

The pumping it is said will be done by a man who guarantees to drain the mine in less than six weeks with machinery left there for continuous use. An old miner tells us that when the mine closed hundreds of tons of blue carbonates were in the site and could be found again if the water were lowered. Even recent tributers have found good ore below water level, but have had to abandon further work due to the inrush of water. On Saturday the directors intend to visit the mine to inspect shafts etc. before deciding on the best steps to take.

Gold. Good reports continue to come in about the discovery east of Burra. A meeting of the syndicate will be held at the Record office at 8 o’clock Saturday evening when plans for future working will be considered.

Farrell’s Flat Sports will be held on 17 March.

Martindale Races will be run today.

XV, 663, 8 Feb. 1905, Page 5

Cricket. On Saturday at Victoria Park: Burra 324 for 6 declared defeated Robertstown 166.

Burra Town Council.

The Registrar-General refuses to bring the cemetery under the RPA without an order first being obtained from the Supreme Court. To avoid this expense the Council resolved to take a conveyance under the old system.

Tenders opened for lamp lighting in Kooringa.

R. Ockenden’s was accepted for 8/- per lamp per month. (E.A. Moore’s tender was for 8/- per week.)

Footpath in front of Dr Sangster’s to be tar-dressed for a width of 6 feet.

Gold. Messrs John & Josiah Rosewall, the discoverers of the gold in the east are experienced miners. They remain cautious in their conversation.

Obituary. A young son of Mrs G. Hall was drowned at Broken Hill last week.

XV, 664, 15 Feb. 1905, Page 3

Martindale Races are reported. During the day trains ran from Manoora Station to the course. The first train from the south brought 500. Many horses arrived by special horse train, reaching Manoora about 10 o’clock. The day ended with a concert.

XV, 664, 15 Feb. 1905, Page 4

Editorial on The Burra Mine and the Burra Burra Copper Co.

We now know that restarting the mine is as far off as ever. After 3 years 4 months of waiting for news the directors have not enough capital for the erection of the machinery to pump out the mine or to treat the ore. The money already spent will thus be lost. ‘Burra is rapidly going down.’

‘There is, we believe, more copper in the Burra Mine than has ever been taken out of it.’

Only capital is required.

Other towns have been assisted financially while Burra has never had a subsidy from the Government for mining purposes. All we want now is to borrow machinery lying idle – costs to be repaid, as they certainly could be – when the ore bodies below water level are struck. The townspeople showed at the meeting that they are unanimous in the view that Government should render some assistance at this critical time. The directors would carry on with a concentrating plant if the mine were dewatered.

Gold. The gold syndicate met on Saturday at the Record office and decided to send men out prospecting at once. [On page 5 it is named as The Eastern Gold & Copper Prospecting Syndicate.]

Fire. Mr Hardy in Kangaroo St had a fire in the house on Wednesday which threatened the building. Furniture was hastily removed, but the fire was extinguished before much damage was done.

An Alberton Man writes to the Council claiming he could establish a rabbit freezing works for £30 independent of working expenses, but the Council would rather spend money on the roads etc.

The editor comments that ‘keeping the venture going would be “a horse of another colour”’.

Accident. On the way to Martindale Races on Wednesday M-C Phelan stopped to tighten the saddle girth and his horse kicked him in the stomach, sending him seven yards. He was picked up dazed by the occupants of a buggy and recovered enough to go on, but found walking difficult and is still very sore.

A Burra Orchestra Concert under G.E. Dane will be given on Tuesday. There will be 7 Adelaide artists, but we believe the gems of the evening will be given by the 42 piece orchestra.

Redruth Anglican Rectory is to be added to. The walls of the old building are in a poor and dangerous state and it has been decided to build four rooms onto the front and use the old front rooms for kitchen purposes. Work will start soon.

Burra Institute. The committee met with Dr Sangster Jun. in the chair, Mr Wilkinson as Treasurer and Mr Hague as Hon. Secretary. Mr Harcus replaces Mr Harvey on the committee as the latter has left the district.

Marriage. At St Mary’s on 8 February.

Miss Christina Morrison, daughter of Mr Murdock Morrison married Mr Shutze of Gum Creek.

[The groom was Carl August Hermann Schutze, son of Johann Jacob Wilhelm Schutze.]

Burra Racing Club has not held a meeting for 5 years and though the last meeting was a success the interest the next year was so slight that no meeting of members was called. Now with interest rising in northern towns a meeting of supporters is called for next Wednesday. A meeting could be arranged for April. The old club has a satisfactory bank account so the movement would not start from scratch.

Burra Mine. (Article from the Bulletin.) So far prospecting in and around the Burra Mine has not given much encouragement. The best prospects are from 8,000-10,000 tons of stuff above the water level. A trial lot has been sent to Wallaroo and if it proves worthwhile a small mill will be set up and the scrapings will be put through. Altogether SA mining is deadly dull. Apart from the Wallaroo and Moonta mines there is only the Yorke Peninsula salt industry from which last year’s output was c. 40,000 tons. It mainly employs seasonally unemployed farmers.

XV, 664, 15 Feb. 1905, Page 5

G.W. Heinrich of World’s End celebrated his silver wedding on 5 February.

Obituary. The brother of John McCoy of Wandillah died on Monday in the Burra Hospital.

[Patrick McCoy died 12 February 1905 aged 63. His home was at Pt Augusta.]

Obituary. Thomas Edwards, son of W. Edwards, previously of Mitchell Flat, died at Broken Hill last week. [Most likely Richard Thomas Edwards born 22 October 1903 at Kooringa.]

Obituary. Clarence Lesley Jordan, youngest son of J.D. Jordan, who was a former watchmaker of Burra and a brother to W.E. Jordan died at Broken Hill, aged 18. [Born Clarence Leslie Jordan 7 January 1887.]

John Carey celebrated his 85th birthday on 10 February. He was born at North Molton, Devon, in 1820. He trained as a carpenter, and then went to work for Sir William Dearing in Kent. He came to SA in the William Hamond, arriving 19 January 1854 after a fast trip of three months. He worked briefly in Adelaide and Gawler before coming to Burra District where he worked nearly 20 years for Doctors W. & John Browne at Booborowie and in 1874 bought the business of H. Woodgate at New Aberdeen: chaff cutter. But he soon moved to Kooringa, buying the business of W.H. Banks, where the Burra Hotel stables now stand. About 12 months ago he broke a leg and now gets about with sticks. Three children are living: Mrs A.G. Muller (Broken Hill), Mrs R. Webber (Mt Bryan East), and Fred. There are 22 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. His memory remains good and he reads the smallest print without glasses.

Redruth Reformatory. Bertha Learmouth, Millie Ryan (or Ruby Cotter), and Daisy Weekly went for a stroll in the hills about 6.30 and got clean away before the alarm was raised.

Daisy Weekly found she couldn’t keep up and returned amid the excitement of the alarm.

M-C Phelan and M-C Grosser went in pursuit and caught up on Tuesday morning about 6 a.m. after about 12 miles. The girls made a sprint for it, but not for long. Ruby played Home Sweet Home in the buggy on the way back. They had all escaped by one of the girls having possession of the keys.

Burra Mine. There will be a deputation to the Government tomorrow about the pumping out of the mine, comprising the Mayor (J. Winnall), Dr Sangster and E.W. Crewes.

The directors of the Burra Burra Copper Co. did not come to Burra on Saturday as expected.

Marriage. It is reported that Miss Stenburg will marry Charm Singh after all.

[Or Stenberg. See XV, 661, 25 Jan. 1905, Page 3.]

XV, 664, 15 Feb. 1905, Page 6

Public Meeting re Burra Mine, at the Institute last Friday.

The report on the move to approach the Government to lend a pumping plant to unwater the mine fills most of the page, but ends abruptly in mid sentence.

A large and representative body of residents met to consider approaching the Government with the view of asking them to lend a pumping plant to the Burra Burra Copper Co. to unwater the open cut. The Mayor, Mr J. Winnall, said it was a question that would affect all SA, not just Burra. He hoped the result of the meeting would be a step towards the resumption of active operations at the mine.

Mr E.W. Crewes said he hoped the steps to be taken would result in thousands being employed. They had not met to tear the directors to pieces. He believed they had done everything possible under the circumstances. In three years four months since the mine was refloated as a company he had expected great things. In his imagination he saw thousands of miners wending their way home and old buildings in the town torn down to be replaced by new and the old houses in the square give way to new shops. But none of this had happened. The results from the 100 tons sent to Wallaroo were satisfactory, but the directors now said that the expense of a pumping plant and new machinery was beyond them. All they can do is to go on prospecting in the hope of finding a rich lode that would assist them financially.

One day he and Dr Sangster were talking and they decided they had to get to the bottom of it all. [That is the apparent inaction by the directors.] They decided to go to Adelaide and see the directors. The directors said the enormous expense of raising the ore prevented them from proceeding as they would like. They did not want merely to raise ore, but to treat it before sending it away so that the town would get as much benefit as possible. They explained that the erection of machinery was stalled for lack of capital. If a sufficient new ore body could be exposed to view they were sure that Adelaide investors would come forward.

Crewes said the company had £3,000 at present and they could not let it just dribble away. He thought the only way forward was to ask the Government to assist by lending a plant to unwater the mine. The mine had saved SA in the past and had never received any subsidy and was entitled to some consideration now. The whole of the state would benefit from the restarting of the mine. Some of our best families are leaving us on account of the scarcity of work and others will go if something does not turn up directly. The Government has assisted other mining companies and they should therefore help Burra. He moved a motion that it was desirable the Government be asked to assist by supplying a pumping plant and unwatering the mine, thus opening up a large field for the employment of labour and advancing the prosperity of the district and the state. Dr Sangster seconded the motion which was carried.

Dr Sangster said he considered the meeting the most important in the town for many years, as it could waft back prosperity or leave the town as it was then. He was anxious for a policy of progress. He said he had lived in Burra for a quarter of a century, reared a family there and hoped to see out his working life there. Everyone should take an active interest in the progress of the town. He endorsed Mr Crewes’ remarks and said that after they had heard the directors’ remarks they had decided to return to the town and report to the people. If something was not done soon all the capital would be gone and they would be worse off than they were at the present time. If the Government came to the party with a pump the directors had £3,000 to spend on erecting machinery. The shareholders would not respond to a call until something more was being done than at present. Those who have known Burra for 25 years know what it has been and a reflection on the last ten years shows them to have been a series of failures in many ways. Families have moved away. Young men are leaving: since Christmas over 30 have gone either to Broken Hill or WA. Business has been hampered: it has had to extend credit, some of it for all time. If we do not shake ourselves further decline will follow. Other places have received assistance. Why not Burra?

He said he hoped a strong deputation would be appointed to influence the Government at lend the plant asked for.

Mr Winnall said before the mine was refloated the Government had lent a drilling plant to the company and at that time the Government Geologist, Mr Brown, said as a result he recommended opening up Morphett’s Shaft and going on with work. This made it likely the Government would come to the rescue.

Mr J. Drew said he had taken great interest in the Burra Mine. He said most of the profit for the old mine had come from above the water level. The sulphide lodes can be traced in several shafts for some 400yds. They had, he believed, a good claim on Government aid, not having previously asked for a penny. They would not be risking much - £1,000 to £1,200 would cover all they were asking for. All they wanted was to lower the water to the 300ft level. There was enough ore to employ 1,000 men and Burra would regain its prosperity.

Captain Pryor said he had faith in the mine and thought it well worth testing and he believed it would reveal a greater body of ore than hitherto unearthed. The old mine had not been developed systematically. We must go down he said. There was 9,000 to 10,000 tons of ore in sight and he believed much more would be exposed below water level. He believed approaching the Government was a reasonable proposition. The district was fast becoming depopulated.

[The report breaks off, but a deputation was evidently appointed to give effect to the motion that was passed.]

XV, 665, 22 Feb. 1905, Page 3

Farmers & Producers Political Union, Burra Branch, met on Friday at the Institute to appoint a delegate to attend the conference and chose F. Duldig.

XV, 665, 22 Feb. 1905, Page 4

Editorial on the Government response to the request for aid for the Burra Mine.

The Government also believes the mine is worth developing. The deputation was well received and it remains now to see if the directors will do their part. They are bound to spend a certain sum of money. The first thing they will do is to unwater the mine and inspect the whole property. We believe large bodies of ore will be exposed, sufficient to encourage the directors to go on in earnest. The restarting of the mine will be the town’s salvation. It is pitiful to see the number of houses, once spick and span, now going to ruin. It is to be hoped that no time will be lost in erecting the pumping plant. The concentrating plant will, we understand, not be started till the mine is unwatered.

Fire. A young son of Mr A.B. Hiddle accidentally set fire to the bathroom curtains with a candle on Sunday and though Mr Hiddle was able to put out the flames, he burnt his right hand badly.

Police are making enquiries as to who threw eggs at the Misses Gully from the wall of St Joseph’s on Sunday evening.

Fire. Mr J.G. Mann lost a large haystack near Hanson to fire on Sunday morning. The stack of c. 90 tons of hay was insured for £125. Mr Mann had a clearing sale on his land last Thursday and declined 31/- a ton for the hay. It was arranged it could stand on the property for 12 months if necessary.

XV, 665, 22 Feb. 1905, Page 5

The Eastern Gold & Copper Mining & Prospecting Syndicate reports sending prospectors to the fields for two weeks.

Obituary. Evan Jones died at Hampton on 21 February after an illness of c. 10 months. He was an old member of Court Unity. [Aged 78.]

Burra Town Council.

A letter from Messrs Bakewell, Stow & Piper re the £50 damages claim from W.J. Richards, instructing the Council to appear.

Tenders called for tarring and painting the town’s bridges.

Redruth Court, 21 February.

USJ Drew v. Mary Allen £3-10-0. No order made.

Departures. More young men are going to Broken Hill.

Kooringa Methodist Church Thanksgiving services last Sunday.

E.H. Pryor, ledger-keeper at the National Bank c. 13 years ago, is visiting Burra.

Mr G.E. Dane’s concert at the Institute last night was a success.

Obituary. Mrs William Chapman died in Broken Hill last Sunday of pneumonia. She was the only daughter of George Gregor of Burra and had been married only 17 months. She left a husband and young child. [Born Minnie Sarah Gregor 27 April 1879, married at Kooringa 1 October 1903.]

XV, 665, 22 Feb. 1905, Page 6

The Deputation to the Government concerning aid for unwatering the mine met the Hon. J. Vardon, Minister of Mines, on Thursday. The Mayor presented the case as outlined at the recent public meeting. Dr Sangster & E.W. Crewes also spoke. The Minister said before the Government did anything final in the matter they would need some representation from the directors as to the money they had spent, what they had on hand and what they were prepared to do in the future if the Government came to assistance. The Government would need some guarantee there would be no outlay [by them] of capital.

There was a suitable plant at Sliding Rock Mine which they might be willing to lend for some small consideration. Estimates of unwatering the mine varied from £6,000 to £10,000.

The Mine. Since the meeting of 17 February the town is hopeful of some development of the mine. So far the ‘imaginings’ of various people have been fruitful and now the imagining the Government would lend a pump has been fruitful. We are now ‘imagining future developments in the mine’ [The article continues on page 3.]

There are those who will say what’s the use – the game is not worth the candle. It is expected the pumping plant will be sent as soon as possible. The Government has agreed to deliver it to Burra Railway Station free of charge.

XV, 666, 1 Mar. 1905, Page 3

Iron Mine & Leighton Athletic Club Sports were held successfully on Wednesday. Results are printed.

Burra Racing Club met Wednesday evening last and 17 supporters decided to revive the old club. W.T. Truscott was elected secretary pro tem, together with a sub-committee to formulate suggestions to go to a meeting at the Institute tonight. The club has c. £30 in hand and a totalizator worth c. £9.

Cricket. There are many up and coming young cricketers and they play with friendly rivalry unlike the early days when losing teams were wont to fight with, or pelt the winners with stones. On Wednesday Sunrise 52 & 89 defeated Sunset 48 & 66.

Burra 207 defeated Mongolata 139.

XV, 666, 1 Mar. 1905, Page 4

Editorial on the surprise decision of the SM at Redruth court last week when he ruled that according to law it was impossible to get an order for imprisonment against a woman who had no separate estate. This highlights the difficulties of businessmen in the town in giving credit.

[Though unnamed here, the court report on page 6 makes it clear that the woman concerned was Mary Allen. The case dates back to May 1904, see the Burra Record, XV, 626, 18 May 1904, page 2.]

Salvation Army: Thanksgiving celebrations this coming Sunday & Monday.

Ulooloo Goldfields. We were shown a splendid nugget of gold from Ulooloo last week from new ground a little distance from the old workings.

Obituary. Evan Jones was buried last Wednesday. He arrived in SA 50 years ago on the Glantaner and worked at the English & Australian Copper Co. Smelters for some time and later on Ketchowla and other stations. He was the son of Mr Jones of Gorsecoch, Garmarthen, South Wales. His golden wedding would have been celebrated next July. [Probably Gorsgoch, Ceredigion, Wales.]

Burra Mine. The change of Government has caused some delay and so has the dismantling and shipment of the pump to the Burra Mine. It is estimated now there are 17,000 tons of ore in sight.

[Sir Richard Butler’s new Government took office on 1 March 1905.]

St Mary’s Church. The annual distribution of prizes was held Friday night. After the annual report there was a recitation competition in which Mary Sandland was 1st and Doris Fuss 2nd.

Accident. As Mr R. Austin and party were going around Cobb & Co.’s corner on the way home from Iron Mine Sports the bolt which holds the shafts dropped out and the horse began to plunge away. Luckily Mr Austin was able to quickly pull it up – a less fortunate result could have been anticipated had the accident occurred a little earlier on Flagstaff.

Burra Hotel. C.C. Heinrich has effected considerable changes since taking over the Burra Hotel [in 1904]. Extra doorways have facilitated table service. Extra parlours have been established, better ventilation in rooms and skylights to throw more light on food and drink. Acetylene gas lighting is installed. The bar has become a picture gallery and wall papering is under way now. A saloon bar has been fitted out and there are couches and chairs as well as desks for correspondence by letter or telegram. Yards, loose boxes and stables with feeders to accommodate the needs of teamsters and others.

Petersburg Races last Wednesday.

Farrell’s Flat Horse & Pedestrian Races will be held on St Patrick’s Day, 17 March.

Mt Bryan Sports will be held today.

Mallett Sports will be held 15 March.

XV, 666, 1 Mar. 1905, Page 5

Marriage. At Mt Bryan East A.H. Wilkins, 7th son of H. Wilkins of Netfield married Miss E.M. Honan, 2nd daughter of Mr John Honan of Wattle Vale.

Mr Dane’s Concert at Clare on Wednesday was a success.

Obituary. Mrs W. Trestail [Trestrail] died at Clare last week. She was once a Burra resident. [Born Mary Moyses in 1834 and died 20 February 1905 aged 70, wife of William Trestrail.]

Advt. Eroni Circus and travelling zoo will appear on Thursday 2 March only.

XV, 666, 1 Mar. 1905, Page 6

Redruth Court.

Drew & Crewes v. Mary Allen for an unsatisfied judgement for £3-10-0. The case is reported in 3⁄4 column. Mr Crewes sought imprisonment for disobeying a court order [which had been to pay 1/- a week]. The defendant claimed she was in no position to pay – having no possessions. She had five children at home – the youngest aged 3, and a husband. The SM ruled he could not send her to jail.

Mr Crewes also sought £7-12-6 from F. Wheatley as executor of the estate of the late Mr A. Wheatley, with rather more success.

Lucy Gully was charged with the larceny of a bar of soap by Thomas Williams, but the case was dismissed when Williams failed to appear.

XV, 667, 8 Mar. 1905, Page 4

Editorial on the different parties, leagues, or unions seeking positions in the coming state elections.

Mt Bryan Sports last Wednesday were fairly successful, but attendance was small. Eroni’s Circus also put in an appearance.

Adelaide Exhibition. An extensive Exhibition of SA Produce, Arts and Industries will open in the Jubilee Exhibition Building and grounds on 20 March and run till 29 April. An electric tramway has been constructed at the site.

Burra Racing Club held a meeting at the Institute last Wednesday presided over by E.F. Lockyer. The Hon. J. Lewis was appointed Patron with J. Tennant as President. A program is to be submitted on 10 March. [Personal interest: C. Fuss was on the committee.]

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. The directors are expected to put several men on during the week. The pumping plant is to come as soon as it is convenient to dismantle it at Sliding Rock.

Eroni’s Circus drew a fair attendance. It was the largest and most complete circus since the time of Cooper & Bailey. They came via the Mt Bryan Road and formed a procession over 3⁄4 mile long – stretching from the Kooringa Post Office to the Royal Exchange Hotel. There were 100 horses. The tent erected was one of their small ones, but had a capacity ‘of many thousands of people’ [sic!]. They played Thursday & Friday. The family, which is large, is teetotal.

Thomas Rabbich has been visiting his brother. He is the Mayor of Boulder WA and has had three months leave of absence for the visit.

XV, 667, 8 Mar. 1905, Page 5

James Miller writes re the mine. He says he was an engineer for the Burra Mines for some years before it closed and the pumps were his department. He assumes the estimates of £6,000 to £10,000 to drain it are based on old pumping methods. He advocates abandoning the old mechanisms and going for the pneumatic principle. His method could be executed and fixed for considerably under £2,000.

Obituary. The death is announced of the SA novelist Guy Boothby, aged 38. [Born at Glen Osmond SA, 13 Oct. 1867, died Bournemouth UK, 26 Feb. 1905. He was noted for quantity rather than quality and produced 50 books in hard back, being a mixture of short stories and novels. There were also works published only in magazine format. The stories are mainly sensational adventures with a romantic storyline and a touch of the Gothic. Unlike some other prolific writers, they are not written to a formula, and vary considerable in their structure, and fit only roughly into genres like thrillers, romances and detective stories. He had a fascination for the bizarre with deformed and otherwise unusual characters.]

Fire. Mr Lowman of Mt Bryan, lost a haystack to fire last week. When M-C Phelan investigated he found scores of pieced of pollard laced with strychnine. Lowman lost turkeys, geese, fowls, ducks, cats and dogs. Strychnine was found in an outhouse. The careless way the baits were prepared has led to the conclusion it was children. The loss of the hay stack has not been explained and it was counted on by the owner to get him through the season.

The footbridge at the rear of the Burra Hotel needs urgent repair.

Porter’s Lagoon. Some farmers are harvesting salt.

Kooringa. If SAMA knocked down some of their old houses in the town it would improve the appearance of the town. ‘Some parts of it remind one of the fall of Pompeii.’

The Eastern Copper & Gold Mining Syndicate will receive the report of their prospectors on Saturday.

XV, 667, 8 Mar. 1905, Page 6

Mt Bryan Sports results are printed in a report extending for over 2 columns.

Accident. On Wednesday a wagon loaded with several tons of wire and drawn by a bullock team was crossing the railway line near Hillside about 3 miles north of Burra and going too near the edge of the formation, the front wheels sank. A train was due, but there was nothing to be done, but wait for help. A party on the way to Mt Bryan Sports appeared and W. Truscott & Charles Pearce ran along the line to try and stop the approaching train. Those left behind tried to shift the wagon. The train was met half a mile down the track and the driver slowed down. In the meantime Messrs S. Lane & P. Gottschalk induced the animals to give a long pull and managed to clear the line. The driver was Mr Jones. [Check train or bullock driver?]

XV, 668, 15 Mar. 1905 page 4

Editorial on Japan and Russia.

Accident. Hughie McGuire met with an accident at the Reservoir Quarry on Tuesday morning. A large quantity of mullock fell from the wall onto his foot tearing flesh and injuring the bone. He managed to extricate himself just before a further fall. Though in much pain, he is not confined to his room.

Court.

Elizabeth Fisk was fined 10/- for drunkenness after being found lying peacefully on the road.

William Bruse, an old-time Burra footballer, has been taken seriously ill.

‘The Gums’ Correspondent reports on the partial eclipse of the sun seen on Monday between 2 and 5 p.m.

Burra Racing Club is proposing to hold a meeting and enquiries are being made to procure a course.

XV, 668, 15 Mar. 1905 page 5

Redruth Methodist Circuit

The Methodist Conference has appointed Rev. R.C. Yeoman to the circuit and concern is being expressed over this. Rev. Yeoman was here about 12 years ago before Methodist Union and he is looked upon as a very capable preacher and a diligent worker, but he is 60 and cannot be expected to do the work of a young man in a circuit that comprises Redruth, Westbury, Ironmine, Booborowie and Hanson. The circuit has expressed its dissatisfaction while having nothing against Rev. Yeoman. They have been unfortunate in that the almost continuous illness of Rev. J. Allen in the past year has resulted in double expense.

Mr [Peter] Pascoe, who has been sought by the police for some months in relation to a stolen cheque and horse etc. from Mr W. Phin of Ironmine, has finally been apprehended at Echunga. He will appear in Redruth Court today.

Burra to Broken Hill & Back by Motorbike

Mr P. Baynes left Burra on a Richards Motor Bicycle powered by a Minerva engine on 1 March at 6 a.m. He had breakfast at Nackra [sic: presumably Nackara] and dinner at Mannahill and reached Broken Hill at 6.30 p.m. having covered the 233 miles in 121⁄2 hours including breaks. The road beyond Nackra was in a terrible state, being full of rabbit burrows. The return trip beginning at midday on Saturday also took 121⁄2 hours. Mr Baynes says he is unlikely to repeat the experience. The running cost for the return trip was 3/-.

Short & Sharp

Rev. Hanton is President of the Methodist Conference for 1906-07.

Despite poor prospects in Burra new buildings are still going up.

Lady canvassers are collecting for a piano for the Burra Hospital.

Arrangements are being made for a cheap train fare for children to attend the Adelaide Exhibition.

Ensign and Mrs Good are working hard to lift the local Salvation Army out of its indolent state.

Members of the Burra Amusement Club are rehearsing a concert.

Very little has been heard of the notorious Macklvie since he spoke of that enormous malachite reef at Princess Royal.

Obituary. Mrs J.M. Dow, relict of the late John Dow, died at Angas St Adelaide on Monday and has been buried in Kooringa. She was married at Canowie Station 46 years ago and later lived at Moorak, Branfield & Gum Creek Stations. Death came from influenza following bronchitis. She is survived by three daughters and four sons: Miss Dow (Glenelg), Nurse Dow (Charge Nurse at Adelaide Hospital), Joan (Glenelg), Munro (Kallara Station NSW), Graham (M-C Gawler), Gerald (Relieving SM [Stationmaster?]) & William (schoolteacher Warnertown Pt Pirie). There are 5 grandchildren. She lived in Adelaide for the last seven or eight years. [Born Joanna Maria Ahern: died Johanna Maria Dow 13 March 1905 aged 69.]

Rev. T.B. Angwin will preach his farewell sermon on Sunday and there will be a farewell tea in the Methodist Lecture Hall on Tuesday. Rev. Kessell from NSW succeeds Mr Angwin here.

XV, 668, 15 Mar. 1905 page 6

Yarcowie Races are reported in 21⁄3 columns.

L. White, of Sutton Lea near Clare, writes urging grape growers to market unfermented grape juice now that wine-making is in the doldrums.

XV, 668 (2), 22 Mar. 1905, Page 4 [Second use of No. 668.]

Editorial on the Burra Waterworks. New and increased accounts are going out for 1905, but we must not complain at the higher cost. The Government has spent £1,500 in repairs and the purchase of a suitable engine. The outlay was essential whoever was in charge. The question now is what will happen when the mine is unwatered as when it was working last the well now used was dry.

Music. Miss M. Lane sent 9 candidates to Trinity College Theory Exams and all passed, with five gaining over 80%.

Junior Division Marion Harris (Honours)

Hazel Bartholomaeus

Nellie McLaren

Idonia Kellaway

Preparatory Lydia Burns

Clara Bartholomaeus

Eugine Walker

Ivy Ward

Gladys Webster

Wild Cats are common in the hills near Baldina and a beautifully marked tortoise-shell one was recently caught measuring 2’9” from ear to tip of tail, weighing 10 lb and standing 1’2” high.

Shooting Accident. William Cooper (20) was accidentally wounded on Coonamore Station and was brought into Burra on Saturday. The gun discharged in falling due to the jolting of the dray.

Marriage. On Saturday last Miss Lillian (Gussie) Oppermann, eldest daughter of W.A. Oppermann of Redruth married Sidney Pearce, youngest son of Mrs S. Pearce of Leighton.

Football. The Ramblers have called a meeting and elected officers for the season at Dick Pascoe’s room on Friday: President W.P. Barker

Secretary A.G. Shortridge

Captain I. Macindoe

Vice-Captain H. Vivian

Colours last season were red, white and blue, but have not been fixed for this year.

Rain is much wanted.

Fire last week at the Booborowie Homestead burnt c. 50 acres of grass. It escaped from burning off some rubbish. The haystack was saved.

Farrell’s Flat Sports were a great success on Friday.

Redruth Court.

R. Giles, clerk at the court, has come across a couple of wine bottles which apparently were evidence in the case of a sale of wine to an Aboriginal. It bears the label: ‘This bottle contains part of wine sold by Mrs _____ (we omit the name) to Paddy Richardson, aboriginal native of South Australia, on Monday November 23 1868, and obtained by me from him on our way home. F. Drought, Police-trooper.’

The second bottle was empty, but the first half-full.

Anyone who would like to try the contents after their having been sipped by Paddy can do so by paying 10/6 to the Burra Hospital. Its presence testifies to the abstinence of Mr Forder, the respected Clerk of the Court, who sat in the office for 40 years with the wine in the cupboard. Trooper Drought was clerk in the office of the Commissioner of Police in Adelaide about 18 years ago, but has now been dead about 15 years.

Burra Racing Club solicits subscriptions in its effort to revitalize racing in Burra after a five year gap.

XV, 668 (2), 22 Mar. 1905, Page 5

Mallett Athletic Club Sports were held on Wednesday in Mr W. Collins’s paddock. There were pedestrian and bicycle events, but also tossing the caber, putting the shot, ladies cotton winding, gentlemen’s cotton winding, tilting, and the pig with a greasy tail.

Redruth Court, Tuesday 21 March.

W.J. Richards sued the Burra Corporation for damages. The court inspected the place where the accident occurred. A.W. Piper, for the Corporation, asked for a nonsuit after evidence for the plaintiff had been given. The court eventually ruled in favour of the Corporation, without costs.

XV, 668 (2), 22 Mar. 1905, Page 6

Farrell’s Flat Sports are reported at length in 21⁄4 columns.

XV, 669, 29 Mar. 1905, Page 3

Editorial on the W.J. Richards case. The Corporation was obliged to defend the case strongly as it could ill afford to have a precedent set in such a matter. During the case it came to light that there is no by-law forbidding riding a bicycle on a foot path. We understand this matter will be attended to.

Burra Show. There will be no class for grass fed sheep at the show this year because the seasons have meant that exhibitors have had to resort to artificial feeding.

Burra School Board of Advice. Nominations were received by Mr Scott, Headmaster, for Messrs J.Q. Hogan, W.J. Davey & W.H. Hardy.

Weather has been dry, but changeable, with wind, dust, fog and heat, but no rain.

Burra Amusement Club members are practising hard for their coming performance in aid of the Burra Hospital Piano Fund.

Henderson’s Whistle, the usual signal for a fire, awoke many in Kooringa about 3 a.m. one morning last week. It had people looking everywhere for the blaze and eventually many trekked to Henderson’s only to discover it was a hoax. Those going home again seemed to have had a tacit understanding not to reveal this to those still hurrying to the works.

Burra Show Society. Last show made a profit of about £25 and the next show is set for 20 September.

A Men’s & Boys’ Club is planned for winter evenings. The committee held a meeting in the Institute last Monday to explain their plans. President Rev. H. Wightwick

Vice-President J.C. Sandland

Sec. & Treasurer Dr J.I. Sangster Jun.

Meetings to be held in the two storey shop known as Bruse’s.

Journey to WA. There is a report of an overland journey to WA from SA of Mr & Mrs Halford with 3 boys and 4 girls and their stock. The trip took 16-17 months due to delays caused by dry conditions en route. Mr Halford lived in the east some time ago.

Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday Burra won the toss and sent in the Stockbreeders who scored 210. Burra then scored 4 for 178 when bad light stopped play and the game ended in a draw.

XV, 669, 29 Mar. 1905, Page 4-5

Redruth Court.

The Richards case is reported in great detail over 4 columns. Richards presented some contradictory evidence and did not have the evidence of Mr Reed to corroborate part of his story, but he seems to have been a bit unlucky. Costs were not awarded to the Corporation because the culvert cover should not have been left off.

XV, 669, 29 Mar. 1905, Page 5

Redruth Court.

Peter Pascoe was charged with being the bailee of certain valuable property of William Phinn of Friederichswalde [since 1918 Tarnma] – to wit a cheque for £14. There is 1⁄2 column of detail and the case was committed to Adelaide to the Supreme Court.

XV, 669, 29 Mar. 1905, Page 6

Miss Kate Cope, the popular barmaid, was arrested recently in Broken Hill and charged with the theft of a ladies mackintosh belonging to Mrs W. Dare of Mt Bryan East. Miss Cope had been working at the Burra Hotel and said she had been lent the coat by one of the staff of the hotel. On the strength of the evidence the magistrate refused to send her to SA.

Burra Races will be held on 3 May.

Rev. T.B & Mrs Angwin were given a valedictory social in the Methodist Lecture Hall on Tuesday evening. The attendance was very large. T.W. Wilkinson spoke for the church supported by Messrs J. Lane, J.S. Pryor and others. Several presentations were made.

Marriage. Today at Redruth Methodist Church Miss Finch marries Mr McWaters.

The Adelaide Exhibition receives a one column report.

Sir Frederick Holder will preach next Sunday at Kooringa twice. Last Sunday the Hon. Thomas Pascoe preached.

Burra Amusement Club Concert will be 12 March. [sic – though it doesn’t make sense to say so.]

T.T. Shortridge is reported to have sprained an ankle in Tasmania on the eve of his departure for Burra.

XV, 670, 5 Apr. 1905, page 4

Editorial on Lessons in Life

The writer believed the depression then afflicting the state was slowly lifting and curing itself. With the tide turning politicians should not interfere. He felt that real investment was finally replacing speculation.

Football. The Muff Football Club is arranging to play its annual match with the Burra team on 10 May with proceeds to benefit the Burra Benevolent Society.

Burra & District Horticulture

Edwin Harris has a display of some of the best dahlias ever seen in Burra.

Gold has been discovered to the east. Nothing of value is to hand yet, but the show is promising and the shaft has reached 40ft.

Drew & Crewes at Aberdeen have been exceptionally busy with teams leaving for the east. In the last week 13 teams with an average load of 51⁄2 tons with 8 horses in each and carrying chaff and general station supplies. The weight of goods leaving Burra has been the heaviest in 20 years. Several more teams are due to leave this week.

Mice. Present indications are for a repetition of last year’s plague numbers of mice. They have already appeared in large numbers. One farmer spread out half a bushel of poisoned grain and killed 350 in a few hours. They are eating the wheat that has been sown and are destroying stacked bags so that some stacks are having to be re-bagged. Haystacks are being made unfit for stock.

Marriage. Last Wednesday at Redruth Methodist Church [29 March 1905.]

Miss Finch, [Frances Jane] only daughter of E.N. Finch of Pencarrow, married

Alfred Thomas McWaters, youngest son of Stuart [sic] McWaters of Bleak House, Leighton.

[Despite the registration record Stuart was Steward McWaters.]

April Fools’ Day pranks are reported.

Farmers & Producers Political Union met in Burra Institute on Friday. F. Duldig reported on the Adelaide meeting that had decided on the platform.

Obituary. Carl Heinrich Frederick Wahlert died at his residence in Millerton on Thursday aged 79. He worked for many years in the Burra Mine and was a resident of 48 years. Mrs Wahlert died about a year ago. He is survived by two sons and two daughters. [Died 30 March 1905.]

‘Unohoo’ writes condemning the habit of some youths of the town of making urinals of the footpaths, the walls of the Institute and the banks and of the recesses in the front of shops.

Aberdeen Football Club met at Mr Richards’ shop on 28 March. Mr R. Fuss presided. The club had a small credit balance and the considerable enthusiasm shown augers well for a rebirth of football this year. H. Goodwin was elected Captain and J. Richards is Vice-Captain. R. Fuss is Secretary & Treasurer. Colours will continue to be blue and white. An association with Kooringa and Ramblers will be sought.

XV, 670, 5 Apr. 1905, page 5

Adelaide Criminal Sittings, Monday

Pascoe pleaded guilty to the larceny of Mr W. Phin’s £14. He is yet to be sentenced.

He has quite a criminal history: 1895 sentenced to 21 days & 2 months for two larcenies

1900 sentenced to 2 years for indecent assault of the worst kind

1901 sentenced to 2 months for larceny.

Burra Town Council, Monday

James Ashton of Grenfell St enquired whether things in Burra were favourable for an exhibition of his works at the Institute at Easter.

The cemetery seats are to be painted.

Other matters were routine.

‘The Gums’ correspondent writes about the opening of the new Bundey German Church. It was built of stone, brick pointed and with an iron roof. It cost £90 and replaced an old church destroyed in a storm some months before. The congregation was c. 150 and except for a brief sermon in English as a concession for English speaking visitors, the services were entirely in German.

Burra Racing Club intends to hold a meeting in Mr Finch’s Copperhouse paddock on 3 May after a recess of five years. The main race is to be the Burra Handicap with prize money of £25.

St Dimpna’s [sic] Church, Booborowie. A meeting was called by Father Redden to consider reducing the church debt, but instead it was decided to pay it off and promised offerings were more than was needed to do that.

The drought continues.

Mr & Mrs G. Rhode and family are about to leave Baldina for a property near Allendale not far from Kapunda. He has been at Baldina for 27 years.

M-C Daly from Pt Pirie will fill in for M-C Grosser who is on annual leave.

Short & Sharp

Sir Frederick Holder preached twice at Kooringa Methodist Church last Sunday.

Peter Pascoe now resident in Adelaide Gaol is no stranger there.

Nothing to report on the Burra Mine.

W.J. Hinde SM is said to have been transferred to Wallaroo and to be succeeded by J.H. Sinclair SM.

XV, 671, 12 Apr. 1905, page 3

Cricket. At Robertstown on Wednesday last: Burra 95 defeated Robertstown 93

Farmers & Producers Union. There was a conference of seven branches at Jamestown last week.

Obituary. Mr Thomas Ford of Oakbank Station was found dead in his home there, 120 miles from Burra. Mr Charles Klaffus who is employed there saw him alive at 6 p.m. on 4 April, when he appeared to be well. When he returned half an hour later Ford appeared to have knocked off for tea, but on going into the house sometime later Klaffus found Ford lying on his bed dead. Klaffus sent a young boy named Wilsdon to the residence of Frank Ford, the deceased man’s brother, some 40 miles away. Frank informed Samuel Ford, another brother, who was 25 miles further on. Frank Ford then collected the body and brought it into Burra in a trap, arriving about 5.30 p.m. on Thursday. Mr Ford had only just sold the station to J. Tennant and was out there mustering cattle and winding up affairs. He had intended to have a good rest after that, as his heart had been troubling him for some months. He was the second son of Joe Ford and his siblings are: Samuel (at the Lagoon), Frank (Burra), John (Blackwater Holes), Elisha (Hindmarsh), Mrs W. Symons (Broken Hill), Mrs Thomas Rogers (Burra) & Miss Ford at home. He leaves a wife, one son and a daughter (Mrs H.W. Tiver of Aberdeen). [Died 4 April 1905 aged 66.]

XV, 671, 12 Apr. 1905, page 4

Editorial on Consolidating Laws.

The writer considers the need for simplifying and consolidating laws relating to the extermination of rabbits.

Tramps are around in numbers and causing concern.

Charley Klaffus was knocked down by a fast moving dray driven by B. Bourman on Thursday evening. The dray then ran over his foot causing him to be laid up for a few days.

Mr Kitchenmeister has taken to rabbiting and consigning the rabbits to Adelaide. He has a party of men at work.

John Johnston writes asking for a lamp near the pillar box near the old Bible Christian manse. [Corner of Quarry St & Welsh Place.] He thinks it would be more useful than the one that duplicates the work of the Institute lamp.

Rev. James Allen has been compelled by ill health to relinquish work and proceed to the city.

Rev. Tilbrook (his replacement) preached his farewell sermon on Sunday and he will be given a farewell at a social in Jubilee Hall on Thursday evening, when Rev. R.C. Yeoman will also be welcomed.

Burra School Concert at the Institute next Wednesday.

‘Special costumes will be worn by those taking part, depicting the characters of Chinese, niggers and brave soldiers.’

XV, 671, 12 Apr. 1905, page 5

Rain. Patchy falls to the east varied from 12 to 125 points. Large hailstones fell in places on Sunday.

Adelaide Exhibition. On Friday 24 children under Miss Adams from World’s End and 12 from Baldina under the care of Miss Hughes went to see the Adelaide Exhibition. On Saturday a number from Burra School went.

Mrs R.P. James has joined her husband in Broken Hill where he has recently got a job in the mines.

F.T. Robertson is seriously ill.

Short & Sharp.

A slight earth tremor was reported on Sunday.

Pascoe, who got at Mr Phin for £14, was sentenced to three years last week in Adelaide.

The Eastern Prospecting Syndicate has decided to make a fourth call to continue prospecting.

XV, 672, 19 Apr. 1905, Page 3

Notice. Tenders called for a new building consisting of four rooms etc. at St Mary’s Rectory, Burra.

Advt. Lynch Family Bell Ringers will perform at the Institute 20 April.

XV, 672, 19 Apr. 1905, Page 4

The season so far does not look good. After several bad seasons many farmers are working on the roads or elsewhere. Grass is gone and where hay has been exhausted trees are being cut for stock feed.

Concert & Dance at St Dimpna’s Church [sic] Booborowie on 24 April.

Burra Benevolent Society will benefit from a fancy dress carnival on 10 May, beginning with a procession led by the Brass Band from Market Square at 2 p.m. to Victoria Park where Burra will play Muffs at Football, followed by other sports.

A shooting party for hares at Hanson on Wednesday saw and wounded a fox. A few days earlier a fox was seen at Shafton.

Salvation Army. A fair attendance at the Barracks saw Major Glover deliver an interesting and instructive address on Thursday on the work of the Army in Java. He demonstrated some of the costumes worn there.

Burra Waterworks. The town has been well supplied with water since the Government took over. The level in the well has sunk several feet lately and the open cut level has also fallen about 4 feet in the last year. Each house we understand will be metered after the next election. Water quality remains poor however.

Burra History. In 1855 a clock was being put up in front of Mr Johnson’s, the watchmaker and jeweller. It is not known if the clock was ever completed – it certainly is not there now.

School Concert. The Burra School Children will put on an entertainment called Princess Tiny-tot in the Institute tonight. The concert will raise money for the sewing machine, manual material, and piano funds. Dr Sangster, as Chairman of the School Board, will preside.

[The title referred particularly to the second half where a host of Nursery Rhyme characters appeared in a Nursery Rondeau. The first half included some items that would now be very politically incorrect as follows.]

Overture

Third Class to give a gavotte

Fourth Class: the Chinamen

Juniors give a Military Drill

The Nigger Squad will sing Kingdom Coming

Miss Barkley will recite

The gun squad will be put through a gun drill.

Rev. Tilbrook, who has been locum tenens for three months for Rev. Allen, was given a farewell at Jubilee Hall on Thursday evening. Rev. R.C. Yeoman was welcomed. Rev Tilbrook was given a copy of the new Methodist Hymn Book. Rev. Yeoman has served in Burra previously as a Bible Christian minister.

Bicycle Sports at Whyte-Yarcowie on 17 May will aid the local tennis club.

T.J. Williams has decided to relinquish his business and move to Broken Hill. He has had a grocer’s business in Young St Aberdeen for many years. The business has been bought by G. Reynolds, son of Thomas Reynolds of Booborowie.

H.W. Preece has been promoted from the general to the clerical division of the Kooringa Post Office.

Court.

Andrew Bishop, D.R. Jones, and James Gully were fined for failing to send a child to school as required.

Lucy Gully was fined 2/6 + 10/- costs for a stray cow in Best Place, Aberdeen.

David Corbett Lyons sued Francis H. Ford for keeping his dog and a swag. The details go on for a column, but the case was decided for the defendant who also got 5/6 in a counter claim with costs.

XV, 672, 19 Apr. 1905, Page 5

Obituary. Mrs Anne Quinn, mother of W.H. Quinn of Mt Bryan, died at Williamstown on 8 April. She arrived in SA 51 years ago with her husband, from King’s County in Ireland and settled at Gawler and later in NSW, but later still came to Mt Bryan East before finally settling near Gawler. Mr Quinn died c. 14 months ago. Survived by four sons and two daughters. Lawrence (Williamstown), James (NSW), Thomas (Queensland), W.H. (Mt Bryan), Daniel (Williamstown), Mr Schmidt (Tarrawingee), and Miss Bessie (Williamstown). [Wife of Thomas Quinn died 8 April 1905 aged 74.]

James Linkson and family are leaving Burra for Broken Hill.

All Hotels owned by Messrs E.C. Lockyer & Co. are to be sold by tender.

Burra Boys’ & Men’s Club is going along nicely.

Petersburg Town Council is to erect eight acetylene gas lamps in the main streets.

The Burra Amusement Club concert went off well.

W. Henderson has taken over the Market Square standpipe from the Government.

XV, 672, 19 Apr. 1905, Page 6

Burra Amusement Club drew applause from the usually reluctant audience on Wednesday, getting a warm response at a successful concert. There were some 25 members and the concert raised c. £16 for the Hospital Piano Fund. There is a review of each item in a 13⁄4 column report.

XV, 673, 26 Apr. 1905, Page 3

Advt. John D. Foley, the King of Entertainers and Miss Viola Temple, vocalist and impersonator will appear in their program All Nations, at the Institute on 2 & 3 May. 2/- & 1/-.

XV, 673, 26 Apr. 1905, Page 4

Editorial on next month’s elections. One point of disagreement is the qualification for voting for the Legislative Council. It was based on a property qualification of £25 annual rental value. Proposals to reduce this to £15 or £20 were being made.

Mark Linkson, who left here for Broken Hill a short time ago, is now shift boss at the Central Mine.

James Linkson with his wife and family left for Broken Hill on Monday. He had lived in Burra for over 20 years, having spent much of that time in the grocery business. He had to give that up due to failing eyesight, but after treatment with Dr Hamilton his sight is now better than ever. He has bought a grocery business in Broken Hill.

Burra School Concert on Wednesday evening was a great success and is reviewed in 2⁄3 column.

Cricket. In the season just finished the Burra Cricket Club was successful, playing 10 matches, winning 7, losing 2 and drawing 1. Top scorers were: F.T. Harcus with 306 from 7 innings (top score 88), J. Drew with 233 (69), L. Gebhardt 228 (118*), A. Gebhardt 227 (94). Best wicket takers were: F.H. Clare with 15 for 115 at an av. 7.6 and J.I. Sangster Jun. with 19 for 177 at an av. 9.3.

Hanson Methodist Church. Tea on Good Friday was a great success. At 3.45 friends went to the station to meet 100 visitors from Burra. Tea started at 4 p.m. and went for c. 3 hours. J. Humphrys Sen. occupied the chair for the meeting in the church. Rev. R.C. Yeoman was welcomed. £11-17-3 was taken at tea. On 11 May a farewell social will be given Mr B. Green who is leaving for the West.

Good rain fell to the east last week. Falls of 50 to 150 points were recorded widely, but only 20 at Braeside, 25 at Old Koomooloo and 40 at Woolgangie. Burra recorded 159 points.

XV, 673, 26 Apr. 1905, Page 5

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School had its anniversary last Sunday and Monday. Rev. S. Kessell preached and was welcomed to the circuit.

James Ashton has exhibited his beautiful pictures at the Institute.

The Lynch Family played to a good house on Thursday.

XV, 673, 26 Apr. 1905, Page 6

Charles White’s The History of Australian Bushranging begins as a serial.

XV, 674, 3 May 1905, Page 3

Advt. St Mary’s Church Girls Friendly Society Bazaar, Friday 5 May in the Old Auction Mart.

XV, 674, 3 May 1905, Page 4

Editorial on the season’s prospects which have improved as a result of the recent rains.

St Mary’s Sunday School picnic was held on Wednesday at Koonoona.

The Record office was burgled and the cash box taken containing a cheque for £38-13-6, an old Bank of Adelaide £1 note, some coppers and a postal note. The public is warned against cashing the cheque on which payment has been stopped.

Burra Races today. The first event is at 1 p.m. on the course in E.N. Finch’s paddock on the Copperhouse Road, a short distance north of the town.

Election Meeting. At short notice Messrs Rounsevell, O’Loughlin, Miller, Jenkins, Russell & Grant addressed electors in the Institute on Friday. The attendance was small. All candidates were for lowering the Legislative Council franchise from £25 to £15.

[The paper, like others in both Adelaide and the north refused to publish further details of the candidates’ policies as candidates were not taking out advertisements and were relying on the free publicity from reports of their election meetings.]

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. The copper price remains c. £68-11-3 to £68-18-6 and while this is well below the £79-15-0 of 1900 which followed ten years of much lower prices, in which four years were at or below £47-8-9 with a low of £37-17-0, the present price is c. £10 up on 1904 and so favours re-opening the mine. The problem is cost with estimates of £6,000 to £10,000 and the company has not half the former figure and no chance of raising the sum from shareholders. The ore so far recovered would pay on-site treatment, but will not bear the cost of shipment to Wallaroo for processing. The Minister for Mines will supply a pump as the result of a public deputation, but the company must make a proposal to the Government. If the company does not move on this now ‘it must be moribund’. For many years Burra produced 10,000 to 13,000 tons of ore p.a., averaging from 22 to 23% copper and in the 30 years it was worked from 1845 it produced 234,648 tons of ore and 51,622 tons of copper, valued at £4,749,224. It employed an average of 1,000 men, provided general expenditure of £2,241,167 and paid £826,585 in dividends. The mine closed because of low prices, but just before closure Captain Saunders [Sanders] had struck good ore at a comparatively shallow depth below the basin from which the rich carbonates had come. It closed before its sulphides were touched or workings carried below the 300’ level. Since then different methods and working costs and market rates should make the mine payable and lead to its resumption. (From a report in Australian Mining Standard.)

The directors of the Burra Burra Copper Co. advise that the mine is under offer to a London Co.

Burra Town Council.

Messrs Rabbich, Austin & O’Leary had their slaughtering licences renewed.

John D. Foley appeared at the Institute last night and will do so again tonight. He is well worth seeing.

Obituary. Mrs Ellen Cheffirs, an old Burra identity, died at Petersburg last week. Her husband was a Bootmaker occupying the shop now used by Mr Frederick in Thames St. [Died 25 April 1905 aged 83.]

XV, 675, 10 May 1905, Page 4

The Foley & Temple Troupe is reported upon favourably.

A Dance was held in the Institute on Thursday evening.

Burra School Board of Advice. Messrs Hogan and Davey have been elected.

Burra Record office has had acetylene gas lighting installed.

Foxes seem to be getting a footing in the district. One was seen on the Mine Hill last week.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Tributers at the mine have been given a two months ‘take’ instead of the usual three. Does this suggest altered conditions before the end of that time?

The Burra Club opened on Monday night in the building in Commercial St known as Bruse’s shop. There were about 100 present. [This grew from the Men’s & Boys’ Club idea discussed earlier.]

Rain began late Sunday and out east falls of 50 to 75 points were recorded except at Sturt Vale where only 25 points fell.

XV, 675, 10 May 1905, Page 5

Editorial on the Classes and the Masses.

The writer is concerned with the difficulties of having all classes mingle comfortably on social occasions such as at dances – while acknowledging that Father Redden brought one such occasion off successfully last year.

A Subscription Dance was held in the Institute on Thursday evening, but was not as largely attended as was expected.

The Girls’ Friendly Soc. of St Mary’s held a successful bazaar at the old Auction Mart last Friday.

The gross proceeds were £15.

[Personal interest: the Fancy stall was presided over by Nellie Vivian and Greta Fuss.]

Burra Races were successfully held on Wednesday in the paddock of E.N. Finch at Copperhouse. The main race was the Burra Handicap for £20, £3-10-0 & £1-10-0, run over 11⁄4 miles. It was won by T.D. McGahan’s b.g. Mackay, aged, carrying 9 st 12 lb and ridden by the owner.

XV, 676, 17 May 1905, Page 3

The Burra Club is going satisfactorily.

An earth tremor was felt in Burra on Monday.

Stray dogs are worrying sheep.

Mr J. Richards intends to motor to Morgan next week.

[This seems to be the first reference to a car in Burra, unless ‘motor’ here could include a motor bicycle.]

Frost every morning last week.

XV, 676, 17 May 1905, Page 5

The Muff Football Match (an annual event) was played on Wednesday in uncomfortably wet conditions. The procession left from Commercial St at 3 p.m. headed by the Brass Band and went to the Hospital before going to Victoria Park. Ramblers defeated Muffs. The event raised £13 for the Burra Jubilee Benevolent Soc.

Terowie continues to sustain a Homing Club. [Pigeon racing.]

XV, 676, 17 May 1905, Page 6

Editorial on the state elections on 27 May.

Farmers & Producers Political Union will meet at the Institute on Friday and will vote on the candidates they recommend for a vote on election day.

Burra School Board of Advice visited Burra School on Wednesday and found all in order, but they were struck by the unsatisfactory lighting in some rooms. Also the forms and desks as at present constructed are as uncomfortable as is imaginable for them to be. Skylights are needed.

The Burra Club is reviewed in 2⁄3 column.

In the first room is a nice pair of boxing gloves and training in their use is available.

There are parallel bars and a table for cards and also facilities for club-swinging, dumb-bell exercises etc. The second room is for lads under 17 and is non-smoking. It is set up for reading and several other games.

Upstairs there is a games room for older members and a quiet reading room.

The front room upstairs is a lounge room with piano, magazines and papers etc. and is where cards are played.

There is accommodation for a caretaker who looks after the place and lights the fire each evening. 62 members pay 6d a week and 3d for juveniles. It is open 7.30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

XV, 677, 24 May 1905, Page 3

Burra Amusement Club has been disbanded and re-organised to become the Burra Musical & Dramatic Club. President, W.J.C. Ewins; Stage Manager, C.H. Hague; Musical Director, G.E. Dane; Sec. & Treasurer, W.B. Page.

Farmers & Producers Political Union, Burra Branch met at the Institute on Friday & passed a motion calling on members to support Mr W.B. Rounsevell whose policy was entirely in accord with that of the union and after that, how they liked. There was a feeling that the decisions from Jamestown & Terowie were unrepresentative of the feelings of those districts. Proceedings were at times lively.

XV, 677, 24 May 1905, Page 4

Editorial on The Election. The writer urges people to get out and vote and speaks well of Mr Brice for the Upper House and is sure Mr W.B. Rounsevell will be one of those elected to the hose of Assembly.

The Farmers & Producers Union polled their members and they generally supported Messrs Jenkins, Rounsevell, & Grant. The local branch favoured Messrs Rounsevell, O’Loughlin & Miller and many will follow that despite the general vote. This will undermine the unity of the movement and threaten the result, possibly resulting in the defeat of Messrs Miller and O’Loughlin.

Mr Nykiel, who lost an arm at Burra some years ago, was attacked by an enraged cow at the Elder, Smith & Co.’s sale yard at Burra on Friday. The cow’s horn caught in his trousers and he was flung about for some time, bleeding freely. He has decided ‘Burra is no place for him’.

Obituary. Pang Sang (‘Jimmy’) died at the Burra Hospital on 19 May and was buried on Saturday 20 May at a service conducted by Rev. Kessell. He was born in Canton. In the early days he was a shepherd for Mr Joe Ford, for whom he worked for the last 40 years. Mr Ford bore all funeral costs of a cedar coffin. Deceased was aged 65. [He was buried under the name Ah Shang or in some records as A.H. Shang. The cemetery records show the burial of Ah Shang on 20 May.]

Empire Day will be celebrated today by a sports meeting for children at Victoria Park. Program:

Hoisting and saluting the flag

Children march to the schoolyard

Address by gentlemen of the town

Songs Red White and Blue

Song of Australia

Rule Britannia

God Save the King

Grand Procession to Victoria Park

Sports at 2 p.m.

Obituary. Alfred James, who was some time ago clerk of the Bank of Australasia in Kooringa, has died.

[Died 20 May 1905 aged 20.]

Mr T.T. Shortridge returned to Burra after an absence of over 16 months. He spent the time in the Black Hills near Hobart. [His mysterious disappearance and his equally mysterious discovery and return are equally unexplained by the paper.]

Rev. Father Redden has had dry pleurisy, but is now rather better. The doctor recommends a long and complete rest.

XV, 677, 24 May 1905, Page 5

Advt. Luke Day and Ah Chin thank Mr Joseph Ford on behalf of their countrymen for defraying the expenses of the funeral of Mr Pang Sang and also Dr Sangster and the nurses of the Burra Hospital.

Telephone. There is a move to connect Melbourne & Sydney by telephone. What about Burra?

Burra Show Soc. will hold a sheep dog field trial on 1st Wednesday in August.

XV, 678, 31 May 1905, page 3

World’s End. A political meeting was held at Duldig’s Creamery on 23 May. Six aspirants for office put in an appearance and about 55 voters of both sexes were present. Speakers were: W.B. Rounsevell, G.F. Jenkins, L. O’Loughlin, W. Miller, W. Russell & R.G. Grant.

XV, 678, 31 May 1905, page 4

Editorial on The Burra Mine

Shareholders are asking what is being done. Two attempts have been made to get the directors to get some tangible work done, but things are virtually at a standstill. In the last balance-sheet the directors said the mine was under offer to a London company, but we believe this is not so. If true it seems strange that they are also negotiating with the SA Government for the loan of a pump to unwater the mine. We think neither work nor pumping is likely for some time to come. Nothing can really be done without the company being refloated, there being so little capital available to the directors. Both the shareholders and the public are disappointed at the lack of development. As a last resort the directors could place the reserve shares on the market at 10/- and allow those shares on which 10/- has been paid to be declared fully paid. This would raise £20,000.

2nd Leader on The Benevolent Society.

Membership of the society is too small to meet demands and so concerts and the like have to be relied upon to raise funds. Receipts for the year were £70-12-6. There is a clear need for more and there is no reason why periodical concerts could not be held and there should be more subscribers.

Empire Day was celebrated in Burra on Wednesday. Four schools were represented: Burra, Burra High School [Bleak House], St Joseph’s & Miss Thomas’s. The proceedings are reported in over 1 column and the sports results are printed.

Roy Wilsden, a young lad, was run into by a spring dray on Saturday and badly bruised by the shaft.

Anlaby. The Government has bought 24,000 acres of the Anlaby Estate for £3-2-6 per acre. It will be divided into 400 acre blocks for agriculture and 1,000 acre blocks for grazing.

Accidents. Wet weather has caused a number of horses to slip over on wet roads in the last week, but fortunately with no serious consequences.

Rain began to fall last Saturday and continued through Sunday. Kooringa recorded 145 points.

Burra Jubilee Benevolent Society. The annual report shows the society issued 434 orders: 345 for firewood, 58 for groceries & 31 for drapery. The income was £70-12-6 which with money in the bank totalled £138-17-2. Expenditure was £73-12-7, which left £65-4-7 in the bank. Elected were Dr Sangster (President), J.F. Moore (Treasurer), T.W. Wilkinson (Secretary) & E.F. Lockyer (Assistant Secretary).

XV, 678, 31 May 1905, page 5

Hugh McGuire has taken the lease of the White Yarcowie Hotel. He has been barman at the Farrell’s Flat Hotel.

Obituary. Mr James Cook of Kapunda, father of Mrs Grosser of Burra, died on Wednesday last when his horse started quickly while he was standing in his grocer’s cart attending to a customer. He was thrown out onto the ground and broke his neck. [Died 24 May 1905 at Allendale North aged 69.]

Obituary. Mr James Mann of Hallett died suddenly on Friday. He came to Burra and worked for Tommy Hutton, a blacksmith in a shed almost opposite Dr Sangster Senior’s and later he had his own business close to where D. Jones has his paint shop. He later went to Aberdeen and had a business on the site on which the old National Bank now stands. He then moved to Mt Bryan and later still took on the hotel there. After that he took the Hallett Hotel now occupied by Mr Lewis. He made and lost a fortune. His last place of business was at the hotel near the Hallett Railway Station. He married Miss Annie Armstrong, who was at the Burra Hotel, now the hospital. He leaves two sons and two daughters: Jim (Burra), W. (Broken Hill), Mrs B. Bourman (Burra) & Mrs J. Sutton (Broken Hill).

[Died 26 May 1905 aged 63.]

While T.T. Shortridge was in the New Norfolk District of Tasmania he visited the Loyal Alfred Lodge No. 5881 MUIOOF and was most cordially received. He was given a farewell on 15 April and wished a safe return home.

Rain to the east in the past week ranged from 25 points at Braeside to 150 at Mongolata.

Football. On Saturday 27 May

Aberdeen 2.9[sic] 2.8 5.11 5.11

Kooringa 0.0 2.0 2.0 3.0

[The accompanying discussion suggests that Aberdeen’s first quarter score was 2.7.]

Redruth Reformatory

On 4 May three girls, Florence Linguist, Alice Seitner & Alice House attempted suicide by drinking Quibell’s disinfectant. The girls recovered and have lost certain privileges. The first two have not previously been troublesome, but Alice House is regarded as incorrigible. Although not yet of age Alice House married a Chinaman Ah Tuck who lives at Findon. She pretended to be over 21.

The first two girls gave no reason for their actions and Alice House said it was a dreadful thing to be a State Child. An earlier incident when most staff and several girls were apparently afflicted by poison is now believed to have been accidental poisoning by ptomaine as a result of eating tainted meat.

Alice Seitner’s parents live at Baldina and she is in the Reformatory for misconduct at home.

[Marriage records show Alice House, daughter of Frederick House, and aged 21 to have married Ah Tuck, son of Way May aged 31 at the residence of C. Worthley Brompton Park 14 April 1905. She was actually born 5 June 1887 and so was only 17 at the time.]

[Alice Seitner was sent to the reformatory for being a neglected child and any misconduct was more likely to have been by her parents who appear in scandalous circumstances in the paper: VI, 434, 24 April 1885, page 3; XV, 436, 26 Sep. 1900, page 3 & XV, 437 (2), 10 Oct. 1900, page 3.]

Burra Agricultural Bureau. Mr A. McDonald resigned as Chairman and was replaced by J. Flower.

F. Treloar became secretary.

A Fox was recently seen on Booborowie Estate.

Mt Bryan Literary Soc. 2nd anniversary on 16 June.

Short & Sharp

Old clothing is required for the poor of Burra.

Ball on Wednesday in Burra Institute.

State Election: Final results for District of Burra Burra

L. O’Loghlin 3801

W. Miller 3644

W.B. Rounsevell 3382

W. Russell 3000

G.F. Jenkins 2894

R.G. Grant 2530

XV, 679, 8 June 1905, Page 1 [Incorrect date and on all other pages it is correctly given as 7 June.]

XV, 679, 7 June 1905, Page 3

SA Election Results. The district had to elect three members for the house of Assembly from the six candidates. Results: O’Loughlin 3801

Miller 3735

Rounsevell 3382

Russell 2996

Jenkins 2909

Grant 2515

First three elected.

XV, 679, 7 June 1905, Page 4

Editorial on the election results. There are more labour representatives than has been the case for a long time. ‘Still, there is no great cause for alarm. We do not anticipate a revolution, though the utmost care must be exercised to prevent it.’

The Burra Club has been lent a billiard table by Mr A.B. Hiddle with the proviso that they buy it should they be in a position to do so.

Salvation Army. General Booth is expected in Adelaide on 17 June and a pasty supper was held at the Barracks on Tuesday to raise the train fare for Ensign and Mrs Goode to go there. The 300 pasties proved insufficient.

Burra Burra Lodge IOOFMU half-yearly meeting. The receipts for six months were £696-10-10 and the expenditure was £698-8-6, of which £274 was paid on the death of members or of members’ wives. There are 233 members.

Kooringa Masonic Lodge will install Bro. John McLaren as W.M. on 14 June.

SAMA has had Mr Richardson surveying the town. Several discrepancies have been found.

Rain caused a six ton load to become stuck at the entrance to Henderson’s Yard. Eventually Eli Jones added his four horses to Drew & Crewes’s five and by taking down the division fence between Fred Kemble’s and Henderson’s, the load was shifted after a delay of over two hours. George Lawn was the original teamster.

Accident. Theresa Joraslafsky, aged 3, of Paxton’s Square, was severely scalded when she upset a kettle of boiling water whilst playing near the fireplace.

Redruth Methodist Church Anniversary was held last Sunday & Monday. Despite poor weather the congregations were large. Revs Kessell & R.C. Yeoman preached. The tea meeting was well attended.

The Children collected £8-6-2 from their Empire Day revels and of this £7-10-11⁄2 had been spent, leaving 16/01⁄2 in hand for another occasion.

XV, 679, 7 June 1905, Page 5

The season’s prospects remain bright, but even a good harvest will not make up for past failures. Several good years in a row are needed now.

Miss Kickebusche of Baldina will be given a farewell tomorrow at the Institute. She is going to live in Melbourne, having lived here all her life.

Legislative Council election results. Counting is incomplete, but Lewis & Bice seem assured of victory.

Lewis 3918

Bice 3600

Giles 3006

Crosby 2490

Football. At Clare on Monday at about 2.30 p.m. in uncomfortable weather, Burra 8.9 defeated Clare 1.3

John Sampson is indisposed.

W.E. Edwards of Messrs Drew & Crewes will take up the northern trip – twice done before by Mr Crewes and covering over 2,000 miles. Mr George Lawn goes with him to look after the horses and trap while the firm’s head draper exhibits the latest wares.

Mr Thomas O’Brien, who learnt blacksmithing with W. Rule of Aberdeen and stayed eight years there, has gone to Broken Hill on account of the slackness of trade.

Mr W.J. Hinde SM will transfer from here to Wallaroo on account of the retirement of Mr T.J.S. O’Halloran – according to usually reliable sources. [But see the paper of 14 June, page 4.]

Phosphate Fields. Not much news comes in, though some systematic work there continues.

Concert in the Methodist Lecture Hall tonight to raise funds for the Sunday school library.

XV, 680, 14 June 1905, Page 3

The Concert at the Methodist Lecture Hall on Wednesday to raise money for Sunday school books raised a little over £5.

Burra Town Council

The main road grant of £123 has been received.

W. Byles is to be asked to pay the cost of replacing the lamp damaged by his wagon.

Sara Jane Watson & Mrs Woollacott had maternity home licences renewed.

Legislative Council election results.

Lewis 3930

Bice 3607

Giles 3019

Crosby 2498

XV, 680, 14 June 1905, Page 4

Editorial on the Season’s Prospects. So far it looks good. Overall 1903 was fair, but 1904 was a failure to varying degrees.

The Burra Club. If the club is still in existence in 12 months the billiard table lent by Mr Hiddle will become their property.

Strawberries. Is C.C. Heinrich of the Burra Hotel the only local growing a strawberry bush? It is possible experimental gardeners like Messrs Fuss, Baker or Oppermann have tried it and it is for knowing the result that we ask this favour and also to decide a wager in respect to it.

Foxes. Bungaree & Hill River Stations are paying £1 a head for foxes. Sightings recently have been:

Booborowie 2 Gum Creek 1

Mt Bryan 1 Koonoona 2

Princess Royal 1 The Mine Hill 1

Burra town Council intends to replace missing street trees.

Game. A party that went shooting on Saturday scored 12 hares and 2 rabbits. Turkeys are very scarce, though several were seen on Wednesday, ‘but as it is close season it is not for us to say what became of four of them’.

Rain. Some more has fallen to bring the year’s total so far to 4.97”.

A Bolt. W.T. Truscott’s horse bolted as it was being taken out of the butcher’s cart on Wednesday. It careered down the lane at the back of the shop and into Chapel St then round Kangaroo St and Stock St to Thames St. There, opposite Frederick’s eating-house, the traces still attached to it twisted round a tree and the animal was brought up against it with great force. A near side rib punctured its hide, stripped about three feet of bark, and was embedded in the trunk. Despite this and grave internal injuries it made off again between the road roller and a fence, but was stopped and led back to the stable where it had to be put down.

Mr W.J. Hinde SM is not moving to Wallaroo after all, but to Pt Augusta to replace Mr J.T. Keats. He will be replaced here by Mr J.H. Sinclair.

T.F. Robertson, who recently has been severely ill, is still unable to attend to his carrying business at the Burra Station.

Mr Cecil Sangster, son of Dr J. Sangster of Burra, who has been an accountant of the National Bank at Port Germein, has been transferred to Gladstone.

Messrs George & Harry Lockyer, after many years residence, are about to leave Burra. Both were in partnership with their brother, Edward in the Unicorn Brewery, but this was disposed of recently and the hotels are sold or about to be sold. George will go to the city and Harry to Robe where it is probable he will take a hotel. George was a founder member of the Burra Orchestra as a violinist. Harry served two terms as North Ward Councillor on the Town Council.

Marriage. Today at Day Dawn WA, Mr William K. Shortridge, formerly of Burra, will marry Miss May Thackeray of Day Dawn.

XV, 680, 14 June 1905, Page 5

Miss Kickebusche’s farewell social at the Institute on Thursday was a pronounced success. Over 100 couples came for a few hours dancing. There was a short musical program first and refreshments at midnight followed by dancing till 3 a.m.

Planned Dances. A committee is working on two coming dances: Spinsters will stage a dance for bachelors on 28 June and the Bachelors will return the compliment on 4 August. Setaro’s Band from the City will provide the music.

Farm Produce is again appearing in the town after a long absence due to the seasons. On Friday we learn over 300 lb of butter and 160 dozen eggs were disposed of. One storekeeper said purchases exceeded those of any day for the past four years.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Mr T.B. Gall, Chairman of Directors, says a new body of good grade milling ore has been struck in a drive going south from the open cut above water level – it has gone c. 30’ and a crosscut shows the lode 20’ wide the manage says. It is believed to extend to Sander’s or over 300’. It adds to the previously estimated 10,000 tons. There is also ore available at the north end towards Beck’s. It is thought that the installation of a plant now under offer will depend on the report of an expert. (Article from the Advertiser.)

Burra Institute Committee met on Monday at the Institute with C. Fuss (President) in the chair. The Institute is in credit £97-1-5.

Football at Victoria Park on Wednesday: Kooringa 4.15 defeated Robertstown 4.8.

Eastern Mining and Prospecting Syndicate continue to test their country to the east, but the capital to continue is not forthcoming and a meeting for Saturday in Mr Pascoe’s rooms will decide whether to go on or to abandon the effort.

M-C Jemison, formerly of Burra and now at Moonta, has been transferred to Stirling West.

[Stirling North & South are near Pt Augusta so perhaps this is in the Adelaide Hills?]

W.J. Richards had a good time at Morgan after his trip there by motor. His mare Sunbeam won the Trials and was subsequently sold. The trip itself was rough and on his return journey he left Morgan at 1 p.m. on 28 May and arrived at ‘The Gums’ for lunch before continuing through the Black Hills to World’s End, arriving there at 3.30 p.m. and staying overnight before coming home in the following morning. [Nothing here makes it absolutely clear whether ‘motor’ meant a car or motor cycle. He was an agent for the latter.]

XV, 681, 21 June 1905, Page 3

The Sod Hut Hotel.

The story of how it got its name may be apocryphal, but it is outlined. In the early days teamsters heading south would fill up with grog at the Old Burra Hotel and then with difficulty navigate the 8 miles south along the road. The builder of the Sod Hut Hotel thought 8 miles about as far as they could go without a refresher. On arriving the teamster had one drink and then another ‘until he became very wet inside then got soddened’, so came the name came from this.

The description of the ruins in 1905 is of a building then still almost intact. The lamppost and frame of the lamp itself with its hanging door rusty and rotten. Nearly all the windows were broken except for a few panes in the front window. Floors and ceilings were gone ‘but the roof is entact [sic] and keeps the interior of the building dry, which is a great inconvenience for travellers who are in need of a rest from the weather.’ [This presumably should have been a great ‘convenience’.] There were several good flags on the verandah floor and half the verandah was still standing, though in an extremely shattered condition. The bridle post with its ring was intact. The front doors resembled those of a large barn and were closed. ‘The size and make of them gives one the impression that those who patronised the hotel needed plenty of room to get in and out. ‘Many of the rooms have been turned into something different to that which they were used for in the olden times.’

Foxes are now appearing in alarming numbers and are set to pose a real problem for pastoralists.

Obituary. Mr Richard Field of ‘Monavea’, about 4 miles from Burra, died on Friday morning. He came to SA in the Victoria Regia, arriving on 15 November 1855. He went first to Islington and after 12 months to Burra where he worked for the English & Australian Copper Co. In 1859 he moved to Victoria and settled at Hamilton, working the land for four years. In 1863 he returned to Burra and the Copper Co. and later worked in the Mine. In 1868 he took up land in the Hundred of Hanson which is now known as ‘Monavea’. He leaves 5 sons and one daughter: G.A. (Gilberton), J.R., F.A.S., & A.W. (Burra), Mrs Wyett of Henley Beach Road. Mrs Field is 77. [Died 16 June 1905 aged 78: born at Chipping Sodbury, England.]

Kooringa Masonic Lodge installed Bro. John McLaren as W.M. on 14 June.

XV, 681, 21 June 1905, Page 4

Editorial condemning the management of Redruth Reformatory. ‘It seems monstrous that ‘a brigade of four women cannot exercise that care which is reasonably expected of them over twenty mortals of their own sex.’

‘We have condemned the institution from the start, pointing out that the incarceration of the girls is more liable to make them callous than any good that can be derived from it.’

We wish to know the cause of these escapes. The night was wet and cold yet two young women sought escape for a few hours – they expected to be caught and yet thought it worthwhile. ‘There is a need for an investigation and publicity being given the whole working of the Redruth Reformatory.’

‘The girls ventilated their grievances to a lady friend and until these statements are refuted she has every reason to believe them.’

‘We can understand girls seeking their liberty, but we utterly fail to see the reasonableness of them resorting to actions to deprive them of life, as was the case recently.’

Kooringa Methodist Church held Special Mission services last Monday.

The old Burra Hotel Weighbridge has been moved from Market Square to Aberdeen and will be used there by Drew & Crewes.

The Eastern Prospecting & Mining Syndicate meeting due to be held last Saturday was cancelled due to the absence of F.A.S. Field. [Whose father had died the day before.]

The Marriage of Mr Auville Harris, eldest son of William Harris of Kooringa and Miss Eva Pearce, lately of Kooringa, is announced from Broken Hill.

St Joseph’s Bazaar will be held on 6 & 7 October.

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday Aberdeen 5.6 defeated Ramblers 3.7

XV, 681, 21 June 1905, Page 5

Mrs Morrison of Chapel St is dangerously ill.

Mr R.J. Needham Deputy Chief Inspector of Stock & Registrar of Brands has been promoted to Chief Inspector and will move to Adelaide after living here for the past 17 years.

Soldiers of the Pen, Literary Soc. of Mt Bryan. Report of the society.

Burra Town Council. Drew & Crewes granted permission to install their weighbridge partly in Hardy St.

XV, 681, 21 June 1905, Page 6

Escapes from Redruth Reformatory.

On Wednesday evening M-C Grosser was told Bertha Learmouth & Ruby Cotter had escaped from the Reformatory. The night was wet and foggy and the roads sloppy, but Grosser kept on seeking their location. On Thursday morning he got a trap and went east and after learning no news of them he returned to Burra and learnt they had been seen on the Sod Hut Road. By dusk the two were at the residence of Mr Watts at Glenora (between Black Springs and Waterloo). This is Bertha’s fifth escape and ruby’s third. They were overtaken there and returned to Mrs Holden.

XV, 682, 28 June 1905, Page 3

William Hannaford writes re the naming of Sod Hut. He arrived in the colony with bullocks in 1847 and came to Burra to cart copper to Port Adelaide. He doesn’t believe the hotel got its name from men soddened by drink. Before Dan O’Leary built the Sod Hut Hotel there was a sheep station in the Gully and it was there that the teamsters camped and it was there the strike occurred for a higher price to cart copper to Pt Adelaide. It was there that the teams were stopped. The old hut was built of pug and it was common to see 30-40 teams in camp.

Young Girls’ Bazaar. Nine young girls will present a bazaar at the Auction Mart this coming Saturday. Last year they raised £20. They are:

Nellie Vivian Ivy Ward Nita Pearce

Myrtle Berryman Joy Sangster Olive Hopgood

Bessie Pederson Millie Pascoe Alice Hiddle

Burra Club Social at the Club Rooms on Monday is reported. Rev. H.T.H. Wightwick presided and about 40 attended. Elected were H.T.H. Wightwick (President), J.C. Sandland (Vice-President), Dr J.I. Sangster Jnr (Secretary & Treasurer).

The billiard table given by Mr Hiddle is a source of income. A chess club has been formed.

Messrs Scott, Winnall & Fuss & Dr Sangster Jnr for a committee to begin a Literary & Debating Society.

XV, 682, 28 June 1905, Page 4

Young Girls’ Bazaar. Nine young girls will hold their annual bazaar at the Auction Mart this coming Saturday. Last year they raised £20. There are:

Nellie Vivian Ivy Ward Nita Pearce

Myrtle Berriman Joy Sangster Olive Hopgood

Bessie Pederson Millie Pascoe Alice Hiddle

James Henderson has made an adjustable spanner worked by a spring that will fit any size from 1⁄4” to 21⁄2”.

An Earth Tremor was felt on Sunday at 2.05 a.m.

E.F. Lockyer & B. Newman families will soon join the list of departures from the town.

Sam Burns. There is a description of new American buggies of improved design available from Sam Burns’s.

Burra Club. Some 40 members attended a social at the club on Monday evening. Proceedings and the program are reported. Elected as officers:

President Rev. H.T.H. Wightwick

Vice President J.C. Sandland

Hon, Sec. & Treasurer Dr Sangster Jun.

A Chess Club was formed with a committee comprising Messrs G. Scott, C.H. Ewins & W.H. Hardy.

A committee was established to form a Literary & Debating Society comprising Messrs Scott, Winnall, Dr Sangster Sen. & [C.?] Fuss.

The Club has over 50 paid up members and is financially sound.

Obituary. Mrs Reed of Terowie, aged 73, died leaving 5 sons and 4 daughters: James (Pt Pirie), John (Victoria), Patrick (Pt Pirie), Edward (Broken Hill), James (Pt Adelaide) [Check the two James], Mrs Rigney (Mt Bryan), Mrs Hall (Nackara), Mrs McManus (Pt Adelaide), & Mrs Walker (Sydney). Miss Agnes Hall of Kooringa is a granddaughter. [Mary Reid, wife of John Reid, died 20 June 1905. Maiden name uncertain; possibly Mary Reily/Reilly.]

Methodist Sunday School Convention was held at Kooringa Methodist Church last week. It was addressed by Rev. W.G. Clarke, Sunday School Secretary of Conference.

Four foxes were seen in the district last week.

Ayers Forest Reserve is doing well under the care of Mr E. Cock. Planted four years ago, the gums are c. 20’ high and have to be thinned out. Those planted two years ago are c. 7-8’ high. The pines are two years old and are c. 6’ high.

Rabbits. Mr Jericho arrived in Burra with the first rabbits of the season, having trapped them as far out as King’s Well. He said rabbits were not plentiful. He has been taking his rabbits to Mt Mary.

Football. The 1st match in the 2nd round on Saturday 24 June: Kooringa 5.5 defeated Aberdeen 2.4

XV, 682, 28 June 1905, Page 5

Mr Tresize, head teacher at Copperhouse School for some time is to leave.

Alfred Gillett & Family of Hampton left for Cockburn on Monday.

Mrs George Morris of Lower Thames St celebrated her 82nd birthday on Friday.

Mrs Nankervis, wife of H. Nankervis, former landlord of the Burra Hotel is seriously ill in Adelaide – she is a niece of William Bentley of Redruth.

William Hannaford of Redruth retains a keen memory of the early copper carting days.

Ted Lockyer is preparing to leave Burra.

Obituary. Mrs R. Cox, the wife of Robert Cox Jun. of Broken Hill was the eldest daughter of Thomas Highett of Burra and she died on Monday of jaundice. [Born Harriet Florence Highet 3 October 1876, married 23 February 1899 at Kooringa.]

An Earth Tremor was felt in Burra last Sunday morning.

Hail & light snow fell in Burra on Thursday last.

Obituary. Mrs Streicher, who came to Burra c. 7 years ago, has died leaving 3 sons and 1 daughter:

Rev. Streicher (Germany), Charles & Frank (Burra), May (Burra).

There are four sisters: Mrs Jarvis (Semaphore), Mrs Richardson (Penola), Mrs Dalrymple (Adelaide), Mrs Russell (Sydney) and three brothers, W.S. Jones, R.P. Jones & B.P. Jones (Glanville). The late Mr Streicher died 8 years ago. [Isabel Streicher, born Jones died 27 June 1905 aged 58, wife of Carl deceased.]

Court.

A long report deals with a claim from John McDonald against Timothy Sexton for £10 for [use of] his horse and £5 for unlawful detention of it. Both are of Farrell Flat and the report is more for its entertainment value than otherwise. McDonald was such a difficult and contrary character that his solicitor Mr Winnall sought to withdraw from the case part way through. Eventually he was non-suited.

XV, 682, 28 June 1905, Page 6

Court.

On the information of George Edward Reynolds, Benjamin Gully was charged with using abusive language in Young St and breaking a windowpane valued at 3/-. After conflicting evidence which the court found more convincing from Reynold’s side Gully was ordered to pay £2 for the language, 3/- for the window, 30/- for court fees and 13/- for witness fees – Total £4-6-0 or 1 month in jail. He was given till 6 p.m. to find a guarantor for the amount to be paid within 1 month.

XV, 683, 5 July 1905, Page 3

Marriage. William Henry Williams, 4th son of the late Mr Williams of Broken Hill married Miss Amelia Harvey of Booborowie on Wednesday 28 June.

XV, 683, 5 July 1905, Page 4

Editorial on Wheat & Wool.

Mr Tresize, who has been in charge of the Copperhouse School, has been transferred to Robe. He was given a farewell picnic by students and parents on Wednesday.

The weighbridge from Market Square has now bee installed at Drew & Crewes’ store in Aberdeen.

Stolen Tobacco. On 28/6 19 lb of Charmer tobacco was stolen from the Gawler railway station goods shed. Cheap tobacco was offered to a local shopkeeper here at 2/1 lb as against that from the manufacturers at 2/9 lb. M-C Grosser overtook the man in the northern end of town and being mistaken for a customer, was offered the whole 12 lb lot for 2/- lb. He asked to see the article and was shown it at the Bon Accord Hotel. The man, called Durke, was soon in custody and awaiting a trip to Gawler.

A Bazaar was staged by 9 little girls at the old Auction Mart on Saturday.

Mr Williams, who replaces Mr R.J. Needham, arrived on Monday. [Inspector of Stock and Registrar of Brands.]

Marriage. Amy Ross, granddaughter of Mrs Dunnemann of Copperhouse and Mr A. Tresize, former teacher in charge of Copperhouse School, were married at St John’s Anglican Church in the City. They will live at Robe.

Miss Harrington of Burra School has been transferred to Nairne to be replaced by Miss Johnson.

The Eastern Mining & Prospecting Syndicate has made a call of £1 per share to continue work – they have a shaft down 90’ which they consider worth continuing with.

XV, 683, 5 July 1905, Page 5

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday Kooringa 5.11 defeated Ramblers 3.7

The Spinsters & Bachelor’s dance in the Institute on Wednesday was a great success.

The Burra Mine

For over thirty years the old Burra Mine has been looked upon as a great thing that would one day bring salvation to the town and to SA as a whole. We believe the day is nor far distant when the old copper town will enjoy prosperity on a greater scale than ever before.

A rumour was circulated yesterday that the manager Mr James Pryor had made a discovery of some importance. He took our representative underground to see for himself. At the bottom of the open cut the manager has put in a drive aiming to intersect with Peacock’s Air Shaft. It has progressed some 60ft and in the process has found some excellent milling stuff. But as development proceeds a lode was struck measuring over 30ft from which boulders of ore too large for one man to lift were won. Such a find has not been encountered since the best days of the old mine. Already many bags of oxides and carbonates have been placed to one side and the huge rocks of high grade ore are being stacked elsewhere in the mine. The ore at this depth (water level) is better than near the surface, proving that the lode improves as it goes down. Thousands upon thousands of tons of payable ore is in sight and it would take years to work out. Mr Pryor is satisfied he has struck a main lode which will go at least 40% with little dressing. No mine in SA is more encouraging at present. All that is lacking is machinery. If it were here thousands of tons of high grade concentrate could be treated at once. The lode is well defined and while we were there boulders of copper ore were being got out from a face 30ft in width. It is to be hoped machinery will now be installed and the water pumped to allow the lode to be followed down. Without this nothing can be done. Recent rains have exposed milling stuff all around the open cut – unpayable at the time of the old mine, but useful with modern machinery.

The directors have been informed and are expected to visit any day.

XV, 683, 5 July 1905, Page 6

The Spinsters & Bachelor’s Ball is reported in 2⁄3 column.

31 dances were gone through beginning at 8 p.m. with refreshments at 10.30 in the lodge room. Supper was served at 1.30 a.m. and soup was served before they departed after further dancing.

Dr Sangster jun. writes taking issue with the leading article of 21 June. He denies emphatically that ‘when the girls are once sent there their lives are blighted and opportunities of amelioration lost’. There are many letters at the Reformatory from former inmates which will refute that. ‘That they should resort “to actions to deprive them of life” is as difficult to understand as the motive underlying many similar cases in public life.’

We are informed that the public is indignant.

‘In what way, I ask, have the public ever shown the least interest in the working of the institution or practical sympathy with the lot of the girls?’

Dr Sangster also takes issue with describing the staff as a ‘Brigade of four women’ and the insinuation that the matron was light heartedly enjoying herself while the girls were miserable in durance.

The editor claims that he gladly publishes the letter if by doing so ‘The feelings of our correspondent as well as those of others connected with the Redruth Reformatory will be much alleviated when they see it in print. He claims to have no axe to grind.

‘As to the garbled statements appearing in several newspapers concerning the recent poisoning cases at the Reformatory . . . we would point out that the statements came from a source that would not stand denial. We can assure the writer that the public are much concerned about the management though they refrain from rushing into print. We have received several letters upholding us in our comments, and were they published there would be even a greater demand for hair dye than at present; in fact the management would bid a quick retreat, the girls would be liberated and the building would collapse.’

VX, 684, 12 July 1905, Page 3[Note the beginning of the anomalous volume VX.]

St Joseph’s Social saw over 40 couples dancing for many hours, finishing c. 2 a.m. Proceeds were far beyond expectations.

Beware of fake coins being circulated. Last year it was half crowns: this year it is shillings which are detectable only by their sound.

Cemetery Flat. There is a short article on old Cemetery Flat – in early days the home of many goats – today not one person in thirty has a goat – now the flat is fenced into paddocks – the portion of it on the right going to the cemetery is under crop to Mr George March. The cemetery road has been put in repair and its course somewhat altered.

Advt. Burra & N-E. A. H. & P. Society Sheep Dog Field Trials will be held 9 August

Prizes of 3 guineas, 2 guineas and 1 guinea. The show will be on 27 September.

Advt. Farrell’s Flat Hotel. A. Wallace proprietor.

The Clare coach leaves the hotel daily at 11 o’clock.

VX, 684, 12 July 1905, Page 4

Editorial on the Burra Mine.

After a very long wait with not much happening ‘a rich lode of not only payable but profitable ore has been struck’ as reported last week. All that is needed is the erection of suitable machinery to treat thousands upon thousands of tons of high-grade milling stuff. If work was commenced tomorrow the speculation would prove highly profitable. We believe nothing better will be struck above water level. There is now no excuse for the directors not to succeed except the lack of capital. The allotment of shares should be rearranged (if necessary) by putting those shares held by the directors on the market which would raise something like £20,000. [Presumably this refers to shares held in reserve by the company rather than shared held personally by the directors.] While this is not enough to fully develop the mine, it would open up the find and would immediately give good returns. The mine has ceased to be a speculative venture as what was sought has been found. All this when the town is ‘in such a dilapidated and destitute state’. ‘Our population is fast decreasing. Many families that are left are in a starving condition, and they have no hope beyond work at the mine being proceeded with.’

Coursing. [Local coursing had become moribund, but some local men kept dogs for coursing and ran them elsewhere.]

Mr Ralph Hill, owner of Orphan Girl and Burra Girl, gave his dogs a trial spin at the Watervale meeting where Orphan Girl was placed 3rd. Today Orphan Girl competes at Martindale.

A Mystery Illness has struck horses in the district. T.H. Woollacott for example has two of his best laid aside with it. The new stock inspector, Mr Williams, has been asked to examine the animals as it is feared it may be an outbreak of celebro-spinal meningitis.

Earth Tremors have been felt on Thursday night and on Friday morning c. 4 a.m.

Petty Thieving has become evident lately including clothing from lines. Rev. Kessell, Mr C.J. Pearce & Mr Hiddle are among the victims where dwellings have been entered.

Obituary. Mr Reuben Hoare, who for some years lived at Firewood Creek, died at Broken Hill. He was brother-in-law to Mr William Pryor of World’s End and one of the first members of the Burra AOF.

[Reuben Hoare born c. 1840 St Austell Cornwall: died 7 July 1905 at Broken Hill. He was formerly a resident of Burra. Married Elizabeth Jane Prior who died 21 December 1923 at Broken Hill.]

Obituary. Maurice Ledwith, an old Burra resident who lived for many years at Redruth has died.

[The death does not seem to be registered in SA, but the Maurice Ledwith born c. 1841, who married Hanna Elizabeth Head in 1862, did come to Burra where the three of the couple’s nine children were born between 1878 & 1882, though in the Copperhouse & Flagstaff area.]

Rain. Good falls were recorded in the last week and on Tuesday morning the Burra Creek was flowing strongly.

VX, 684, 12 July 1905, Page 5

The Burra Mine. Since last week the manager of the mine, Mr Pryor, has been seeing to the best way of hauling up rocks from the recent discovery to the surface, through an old shaft. The men have been following the lode in a northwest direction and it is looking even better than it did last week. Blasting has been introduced and there is every indication that the lode will continue much further. A portion of the underground workings is now blocked by ore and hauling operations to clear it have seen a second shift of men put on today. The directors visited last Friday and were well pleased and they wish to put suitable machinery in place, but this will demand careful consideration. [The capital available was very limited.] The milling stuff available would appear likely to exceed expectations when it is put through the concentrating plant.

Marriage. There is a report of the details of the wedding of W.K. Shortridge & May Thakeray in Day Dawn, WA.

Foxes. There is a report on foxes at Bright and at Baldina.

Rain has fallen to the east ranging from 20 points at Old Koomooloo to 150 at Faraway Hill.

Football. At Victoria Park on Wednesday, Aberdeen 5.7 defeated Ramblers 2.6

Advt. At the Institute tonight Maurice Gerald Dramatic Co. will present the Great Irish Drama:

Con the Shaughraun. 2/- & 1/-.

VX, 684, 12 July 1905, Page 6

Teams have been getting bogged on the eastern road after the recent rains. James Phillips had a load of chaff for Mt Teasdale and it took two days to cover four miles – getting bogged six times and being stuck in one place for 24 hours.

VX, 685, 19July 1905, Page 3

Burra Institute half-yearly meeting.

C. Fuss, President, took the chair. There are presently 3861 volumes in the library.

There are 99 subscribers. Repairs etc. for the six months cost £22-1-5.

The credit balance: December 31 1904 £134-8-9

June 30 1905 £154-1-4

VX, 685, 19July 1905, Page 4

Editorial on The Burra Mine.

When the old mine stopped the tower engine and crushing plant with jigs was working well. With but little outlay these could be put in working order and while modern machinery might be an improvement the old would suffice to get things started. The directors have been reluctant to invest in machinery until ore was found. Now it has been, so there is a grand opportunity to get moving. The other alternative is a reconstruction or reflotation of the company.

A Social in the form of an ‘Attic Evening’ will take place in St Joseph’s schoolroom on Wednesday 26 July. Like the very successful ‘Cosmopolitan’ recently it raises money for the bazaar.

Alfred Edgely, charged with being a pauper lunatic, was sent to the Parkside Lunatic Asylum.

Mr T.H. Williams, Inspector of Stock, was interviewed re his appointment and the sick horses in the district. He had seen those of Mr Woollacott and concluded they were suffering from a severe cold due to being hard worked by day and not being given shelter at night. Horses etc. needed to be sheltered or rugged in such extremely cold weather. T.H. Williams was previously in Burra about 15 years ago when he was a policeman here.

VX, 685, 19July 1905, Page 5

Redruth P.O., which has operated for many years, will be closed as it does very little business and the income does not meet expenditure.

Burra Railway Station is changing from telegraph to telephone for communication with Adelaide and other stations. One worker will be moved as a result.

St Mary’s. Several concerts have been held to raise money for the organ and another last Wednesday was well attended and the proceeds were highly satisfactory.

The congregation met last Wednesday to farewell Mr & Mrs E.F. Lockyer. They were presented with an inscribed entrée dish.

Kooringa Masonic Lodge farewelled E.F. Lockyer with a social following its last meeting.

W.E. Edwards & George Lawn have returned after a month’s trip to the north for Drew & Crewes.

Miss E. Treloar is going to WA and Miss A. Steele to Melbourne. Both will be greatly missed for their contribution to the town’s musical performances. They will be given a social on 24 July.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Prospects are still good and Mr Pryor, the underground manager, is hopeful of the ore body continuing. Two shifts of men are at work.

Coursing. Though not in the final, Mr R. Hill’s Orphan Girl acquitted herself well at the Martindale meeting.

Letter to the Editor, complaining of rough play at recent Victoria Park football matches. There has been too much playing the man and not the ball. One player even threatened the umpire. In many places such a player would not play again.

VX, 686, 26 July 1905, Page 3

SA Government. The Butler Ministry has been defeated in Parliament.

VX, 686, 26 July 1905, Page 4

Editorial on the fall of the SA Government.

The Bazaar in the old Auction Mart recently by 9 young girls headed by Nellie Vivian resulted in £13 being raised. Previously the Hospital has been the beneficiary, but this year’s recipient has yet to be chosen.

E.F. Lockyer was farewelled at a gathering at the Commercial Hotel on Wednesday and presented with a case of two briarwood pipes.

Rose of Sharon Tent IOR held its half-yearly meeting which showed 157 members and 37 juveniles. The income for the quarter was £127-0-8 and expenditure £83-10-0.

Lily of the Valley Tent had 149 members, receipts for the quarter of £67-18-4 and expenditure of £41-19-0.

C. Przibilla’s poultry yard at Mt Bryan was raided by a fox last week and six prime turkeys killed.

The Misses Treloar & Steele were farewelled on Monday at the Institute. Miss Treloar goes to WA and Miss Steele to Broken Hill. There was dancing till the early hours.

Mr H. Price, who has been working the old Munjibbie Mine, for a long time, and has made good wages for some of it, has struck a good lode. The mine is seven miles N-E of Ulooloo and 10 miles S-E of Terowie.

E.A. Pearce, eldest son of T.W. Pearce, left Burra on Saturday for WA.

VX, 686, 26 July 1905, Page 5

Burra Mine

Our mining reporter visited and found Mr Pryor preparing a set of timber for the mine. He went past a few tributors at work to reach the drive. The exposed ore body is smaller than before, the lode having turned northeast. The men have driven quite 20ft on the line of the lode. The urgent need for machinery is very evident. Without it opportunity is being lost. Thousands of tons of milling ore are being passed in the drive and it is clear a concentrating plant would give handsome returns. Many pounds worth of ore has now been placed at the mouth of the old shaft where it has been hauled up. From all appearances the future of Burra will be one of prosperity and it is to be hoped that arrangements for the long looked-for machinery will be speedily made.

Aberdeen Ballast Quarry will shortly start work again according to rumour, as soon as the District foreman Mr Harvey can make arrangements for an engine. This will absorb some of the surplus labour in the town.

Football. At Victoria Park on Wednesday Kooringa 35 points defeated Ramblers 20.

Obituary. W.J. Rayner of Canowie died last week. [William James Rayner died 19 July 1905 aged 83.]

VX, 687, 2 Aug. 1905, Page 3

Court.

Jack Richards fined 7/6 for one stray cow in Watts Road.

Alfred Allen fined 7/6 for one stray cow.

VX, 687, 2 Aug. 1905, Page 4

Editorial on the SA Parliament.

St Joseph’s: successful social dance in the schoolroom on Wednesday.

Hon. T. Price becomes SA Premier.

Jubilee Hall social on Wednesday night raised money for the annual Methodist Bazaar in September.

Rowing Championship between Towns and Stanbury in Sydney drew an enormous crowd reminiscent of the days of Beach, Hanlan, Kemp etc.

Harry Lockyer takes charge of the board during shearing at Mutooroo.

George Lockyer goes to Booborowie Station.

Ted Lockyer has a job in the city.

Thomas Rosewall has been around town for 48 years. He worked in the Burra Mines at one time and visited the Victorian gold diggings for three or four years. The only public house he remembers was the one now occupied by Mr Tom Vivian, but he is under the impression that the old Burra Hotel (now the Hospital) was in course of erection. He is 73.

[This would seem to be a gross error. Vivian had the Commercial hotel 1886-1912, but that hotel dates only from 1876. There was an earlier Commercial Hotel that operated 1859-c. 1862, but the original Burra Hotel was the town’s first and operated 1846-76.]

VX, 687, 2 Aug. 1905, Page 5

A Bazaar operated by a number of young girls on Saturday afternoon raised £10-10-0 for the Burra Benevolent Society.

The Burra Mine. A glimpse of the underground workings shows that since the Burra Burra Copper Co. took over excellent work has been done. Everything about the recent discovery is encouraging. Work on the drive has been suspended while a ventilation shaft is prepared from the southeast drive to the northwest drive from Peacock’s Air Shaft. Excellent milling material has been taken out in the process. The first big lode struck since Captain Pryor took over was at the 60 ft level, but on testing the ground below that depth the lode was lost. Then in another part of the mine the same quality ore was found at 115 ft. If machinery was erected the mine could be transformed from its dormant state to one of great activity. The reporter believed there was more ore in sight than 200-300 men could get out in several years. It is a great pity the machinery is not quickly forthcoming.

Aberdeen Ballast Quarry opened again on Monday and a few men were put on, but the district foreman, Mr S. Harvey, will increase the numbers as soon as possible.

Advt. J. Kitchen & Sons & Marsh Ltd of Thebarton advertise for tallow.

Advt. Burra Show Soc. Sheep Dog Trials 9 August.

VX, 688, 9 Aug. 1905, Page 4

Paull’s Consolidated Copper Co.

Local shareholders met at the Institute on Wednesday evening. C.A. Fuss gave a report of his recent visit to the property. The mine is able to pay its way from production and to put money aside for new machinery. On Monday shares were at £9 (buyers).

William Southon had an amazing ride through town on Wednesday. Having had rather more wine than was wise he got into his spring dray at the Burra Hotel with some difficulty. Standing up in his cart he whipped up the horse which took off for Redruth. At about the post office the reins got tangled and amazingly the horses managed a U-turn and dashed back into Market Square with Southon still standing in the cart – whip in one hand and hat in the other while singing Break the News Gently to Mother. He got to the reins in time to amaze all the onlookers by negotiating Parks’s corner and careered up Chapel St where he stopped to sell a broom – many of which he had for sale. Here M-C Grosser overtook him and placed him for a time in ‘his little cot’.

[The court case which followed is reported on page 5.]

William Southon (20) was charged with being drunk in Market Square and was fined 5/- or 7 hours. He was also charged with furious driving. He admitted to being drunk on wine for the first time after spending 11/- in a few minutes. Mr E.W. Crewes advised him to become an abstainer and he said he would. He was fined 10/-. Arrangements were made for someone to pay the fines.

M-C Jemison, formerly a policeman at Burra was then sent to Moonta and lately to Stirling East. Things there did not go well for him. [Or to quote the paper: ‘didn’t go too good with him’.] He has resigned from the police force owing to continued illness and is in a private hospital in the city.

[Note that in the paper XV, 680, 14 June 1905, Page 5 he is said to have gone to Stirling West.]

VX, 688, 9 Aug. 1905, Page 4-5

The Remarkable Case of Thomas Whelan.

A man in a poor state called for food at a station out east and the owner thought he was not fit to roam the bush and sent word to M-C Grosser. The policeman found the man lying down in a hut. He got up and put on his poor clothes, but wore a handkerchief round his neck. He gave his name as Thomas Jackson, but later admitted it was Thomas Whelan, aged 34. Grosser was concerned at how he carried his head and removed the cloth about his neck. Whelan’s throat was terribly gashed from one side to the other: the windpipe being completely severed. He calmly admitted to doing the deed about five weeks earlier. Since then he had been living on rabbits. He was in a very dirty and tattered state. When offered food he seemed glad to get it, but could not swallow without connecting the windpipe with the aid of his hands. The wound had begun to heal and was not bleeding. He had walked from Victoria to WA and thence by various means to SA. He was brought to the Burra Hospital where he will be operated on this week.

[See also VX, 691, 30 Aug. 1905, page 3, where he is charged with attempting to commit suicide.]

VX, 688, 9 Aug. 1905, Page 5

The Phosphate Fields. The management of the fields east of Burra calls for tenders to carry away 1,000 tons of rock from the mine.

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday Burra 51 points defeated Manoora 37.

Henry Carpenter, (24) with no particular place of abode, except a few days now and then with his mother, has grown progressively stranger in his behaviour. He was eventually charged with being of unsound mine and after examination by Dr Sangster has been removed to the asylum.

Burra Mine. Nothing new to report. Everything is going along satisfactorily with a vast amount of stuff in sight. The lode has turned to the north, but the work is going on testing the ground to the northeast. A rise being put in has found some excellent cuprite. Captain Hancock is expected daily from Broken Hill to do a full report on the whole mine.

VX, 688, 9 Aug. 1905, Page 6

Paull’s Consolidated Mine.

There is a little over 1 column report on this mine which is some 20 miles N-E of Leigh Creek. Mr C.A. Fuss, one of the directors, reported to interested shareholders on Wednesday at the Institute. Mr Winnall presided. A recent visit convinced Mr Fuss that the mine had a bright future. He expected recent ore to show 22% copper. Various shafts have been sunk and samples suggest a large lode of good quality ore. A larger plant is expected to be in use in about six months. There are 600 shares in the company. Cartage from Leigh Creek is £1 a ton, but less if back loading becomes available. Rail costs 16/10 per ton to Wallaroo and smelting a trifle over £2 per ton. The new plant is expected to cost £500. 20 men are currently employed.

The Spinsters & Bachelors’ Ball on Friday in the Institute was a brilliant affair. The hall was elaborately dressed with Chinese lanterns and imitation peach blossom was conspicuous. The recess at the entrance was set up for cards. The ball was in fancy dress. Dancing started at 8 p.m. with music from Setaro’s Band from Adelaide and continued till the early hours. About 130 ladies and gentlemen were present, many of whom are listed with their costumes.

VX, 689, 16 Aug. 1905, Page 4

Editorial on Closer Settlement.

There is a chance for it here if the Government buys up Bagot’s & Hiles’s estates as they did the Shafton estate. [Bagot’s was at Spring Bank and Hiles’s was at Petherton.]

Paull’s Consolidated Mine. Of the 600 shares in this mine about 400 are held in Burra. The price quoted last week was £9 and yesterday they were quoted at £12.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Captain Hancock visited the mine and has revived hopes in the venture. In the near future we should hear what the directors intend to do with it. It is a fact that there is more ore in sight than could be got out in several years.

The Mothers’ Union, Burra Branch, held their AGM in St Mary’s schoolroom on Wednesday. Over 30 attended.

St Mary’s. A second concert in the series to raise money for the St Mary’s pipe organ took place on Wednesday evening in the schoolroom. The audience was large and appreciative.

Arbor Day was held at Leighton School on Wednesday last. 150 trees were planted.

W.R. Ridgway writes complaining that it is high time for a new assessment. One has not been done for years and yet property prices have fallen. [In fact he says ‘has gone down to zero’.] It is quite time for an adjustment against the present iniquitous assessment.

Burra Club Debate, this evening: Is the White Australia Policy detrimental to the interests of the Commonwealth? Speakers will be C. Fuss, J.E.H. Winnall, G. Scott, J.A. Pearce & S. Burns.

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday Kooringa 2.6 defeated Ramblers 2.3

VX, 689, 16 Aug. 1905, Page 5

Shearing begins today in the east at Koomooloo with Woolgangi and Glenora tomorrow.

Caterpillars. From Baldina to King’s Well the country is covered with a plague of black caterpillars.

Foxes. Five foxes have been seen in one day at Mongolata.

Obituary. F.R. White, who kept a school in the old building now used as a lumber house by the Corporation and lived in the house now occupied by J. McLaren, died on Saturday in Adelaide.

[The house was thus the one between St Joseph’s and St Mary’s and it would seem from this description that the school was in the old Baptist Church in Thames St, later the Council Depot.]

[Frederick Richard White died 12 August 1905 aged 62 at Unley.]

Fairview Phosphate Mine was discovered by Fred Field – a fact not generally known.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Captain Hancock and staff inspected the mine on Wednesday and will report to the directors at Moonta. The staff left yesterday after taking levels and samples. We venture to say his report will be favourable and the only problem will be the financial position.

Rev. Father Redden’s Dance was held in the Institute last night.

VX, 689, 16 Aug. 1905, Page 6

Burra Show Soc.’s Sheep Dog Field Trials were held at Abberton Park on Wednesday. They are reported in a bit over 1 column. First R. Laidlaw’s Quinn, Second D. Vaughan’s Ruby, and third T.J. Foreman’s Boozer.

VX, 690, 23 Aug. 1905, Page 3

Girls’ Friendly Soc. social was held in St Mary’s Hall on Wednesday night.

VX, 690, 23 Aug. 1905, Page 4

Editorial on Mining in SA. The writer regrets the lack of Government support for such ventures.

‘The Ideal Dance’ [of Father Redden] at the Institute on Tuesday night came off very well with 80 couples dancing till the early hours and it raised over £24.

Salvation Army. There was a large attendance at the Barracks on Monday to witness animated pictures thrown up by the new chrono-projector. £14-5-0 was raised.

Redruth Annual Floral Fair at the Institute will be opened on 1 September by the Mayor at 11 a.m. There will be a public dinner at 11.30 a.m. and a grand promenade concert in the evening.

Aberdeen Ballast Quarry is presently employing about 16 men and boys.

An Earthquake was felt in Burra yesterday morning at 4 a.m. The rumbling lasted many seconds.

Kooringa Methodist Church: Special Service Week last week.

VX, 690, 23 Aug. 1905, Page 5

Poison. A ball of recently made phosphorised pollard was found by a young son of A. Harris, who was driving a cow to O’Leary’s paddock. The sample was handed to M-C Grosser. No others were detected. Last time this was done 15 cows died from the effects.

F. Heinrich left Burra on Thursday on a ‘Richards’ 2 h.p. motor for Wonna. Though the roads were bad he got there without mishap. On the return trip he brought ‘Jack Kelly’ with him – a combined weight of 22 stone and he covered the 30 miles in 11⁄4 hours.

Paul Baynes has bought a 23⁄4 h.p. ‘Richards’ and has made some long trips. On his old machine he made the famous trip to Broken Hill.

Baldina Methodist Church Anniversary last Sunday. The tea meeting is Wednesday. Rev. S. Kessell preached. The church now has money in hand to free it of debt.

Ulooloo Gold. A Melbourne-Adelaide Co. is to put down 400 test holes at Ulooloo. As little as 2 dwt per ton is thought to be economical. Mr Sanders, brother-in-law to Thomas Roach is representing the company.

John Kemble is rumoured to be going to quit the east for either WA or Broken Hill. He has long been the mainstay of the Douglas Methodist Church.

Obituary. Mrs Percival Giles, wife of the brother of Mr R.L. Giles of Burra, has died in Edithburgh last Thursday after being married just 12 months. [Elizabeth Giles, wife of Percival Aldridge Giles died 17 August 1905 aged 25. The marriage does not appear to have been in SA, though P.A. Giles’ second marriage in 1907 is registered here.]

VX, 690, 23 Aug. 1905, Page 6

‘The Ideal Dance’ organised by Father Redden is reported. The proceedings went on till about 4 a.m. and some 80 couples were present. Refreshments were taken about midnight and again shortly before closing.

VX, 691, 30 Aug. 1905, Page 4

Editorial on the Negotiations between Russia & Japan.

Paull’s Consolidated Copper Co. Shares are now quoted at £14-10-0 and are unavailable at that price.

Football. At Manoora Saturday last, Manoora 53 points defeated Burra 8.

Fairview Phosphate Mine. Teamsters are busy carting 1,000 tons of phosphate rock and are likely to have more to cart.

VX, 691, 30 Aug. 1905, Page 5

R.J. Needham, the Chief Inspector of Stock, who has been promoted and transferred to Adelaide with his family, was given a presentation at the Burra Institute on Friday afternoon. There was a fairly large attendance. The presentation was a cabinet of cutlery and a silver tea and coffee set and tray. The Mayor made the presentation. The Hon. J. Lewis MLC endorsed all the good things said by the Mayor as he had a long association with Mr Needham. Mr Needham had been 32 years in the department and 17 in Burra. P.L. Killicoat JP also spoke in support as did Mr Flower on behalf of the Agricultural Bureau. Mr Needham made an appropriate response.

The Farmers & Producers’ Union met at the Institute on Friday when Mr D.M. Charleston, the organising secretary gave an address. He discussed the political need for unity and representation for primary producers.

Mrs August Fuss was assaulted by a tramp who threw a croquet ball and hit her on the head when she refused him food. Mr Fuss refused to charge him with assault and M-C Phelan had him brought back and charged with having no lawful visible means of support. In the case the accused, David Baker reminded Mrs Fuss ‘it was an insult to call him a “tramp” and that you ought to be consumed by the flames of hell, and that is where you would be in a couple of days’. The accused has been several times examined for lunacy and spent time in the Kew Asylum. He was given two months in Adelaide Gaol.

Jack Watt visited Burra on Saturday evening and Sunday and left for the north on Monday.

His son Stanley Watt is at present in Burra on his honeymoon, having recently married Miss Lethby.

Charley Kickebusch has sold his interest in the phosphate discovery in the east and gone prospecting at White Cliffs.

Mr Rhode and family have left Baldina for Kapunda after living there for 30 years. They were finally driven out by bad seasons.

Redruth Reformatory. On Thursday there was another escape from the Reformatory. Bertha Learmouth, Ruby Cotter & Dolly Mansel scaled the wall. Each was cut by the glass on top of the wall and Learmouth severely sprained her ankle dropping to the ground. The others sought solace at the Bon Accord Hotel where Cotter stayed the night, but Mansel was returned to the ‘school’ before midnight.

[The editor calls for an independent commission of enquiry.]

Paull’s Consolidated Mine. M. May reports further progress.

Snow fell heavily yesterday between 4 and 5 a.m. and carpeted the whole district. There were further falls between 7 and 11 a.m. It was the town’s second heaviest fall after that of 1901. It extended well to the north and was particularly heavy at Mt Bryan.

Burra Cricket Club AGM called for 5 September.

British & Foreign Bible Soc. Annual Meeting in the Kooringa Methodist Lecture Hall on Monday evening. Mr Winnall as branch President presided over a large attendance. £9-19-7 has been forwarded this year. The deputation was Rev. E. Gratton who gave the address. The collection raised £11-17-9 (including £10 from Mr McBride). Rev. Gratton also addressed the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School.

Court.

Yesterday Thomas Whelan was charged with attempting to take his own life. He had been found out east three weeks ago with his throat cut. He is a young man of about 24 ‘of foreign decent’ [sic]. He did not know why he did it. He seems to have gradually grown depressed through unemployment, a rough bush life and growing weakness. He was fined £1 and bound to keep the peace for three months. He was also charged with unlawful possession of some cooking utensils of a man named Hill in the Hundred of King. For that he was fined 10/- (or 14 days). He said he wanted to get work. The bench was anxious to help as much as possible and suggested the Salvation Army in Adelaide would assist, though Whelan was reluctant to accept help. [It is not clear whether the fines were paid or he ended up in jail. See also VX, 688, 9 Aug. 1905, Page 4-5 where his age is given as 34.]

VX, 692, 6 Sep. 1905, Page 3

Reminiscences of John Hele.

In 1848 he was a bullock teamster to Burra when most people were living in the creek and living very comfortably there in 2-4 rooms. Chimneys were of dry ware casks on some with others level with the ground. Men who drank too much or who wandered about in the dark sometimes fell right through an opening into the room below. Sometimes cooking food was forked from above and stolen. He recalls the big flood that ended it all. At the time 200 to 300 teams were at work between Burra and Adelaide moving goods at £2 to £2-10-0 a ton, though later the captain and storekeepers cut it to 35/- which caused a teamsters’ strike. The centre of the strike was at Dan O’Leary’s Sod Hut Hotel. Captain Chase led the strike and stopped teams at the Sod Hut camp. Eventually he had between 80 and 100 there. Storekeepers had to come out there from Burra to get their goods. One day a man called Hobby, in charge of five teams belonging to Bell Freeman of Dry Creek, talked his way through to Burra on condition of no back-loading. He broke his word and took a load back to Tothill’s Belt. When about 150 men working at the Belt heard of his dirty trick they took action. In the morning Hobby found himself 18 bullocks short and he spent two months looking for them, eventually he found three hides. Eventually the strikers went into Burra and unloaded and proceeded to the ore floors to reload. When Captain Chase appeared Captain Roach set four dogs on him, but the bullockies in turn set their dogs on Roach, who beat a hasty retreat to his office.

The roads were bad. Hele had seen 12 and 13 teams bogged in a half-mile’s length – some with broken poles, broken axles and broken wheels etc. – especially at a place called Bald Hill.

‘Grissley Fred’ drove the mail in a two-wheeled spring cart pulled by three horses in tandem. The mail contractor was Jimmy Chambers of Adelaide. Mail was due to start at 6 a.m. from the Burra Hotel and up to five or six days was sometimes required for the journey. Hele had seen the mail cart towed in behind a bullock wagon because the roads were so bad. One night when ‘Grissley’ was taking passengers to Burra it was dark and wet and they got to a sticky spot that he thought he could get through, but actually only managed to get half way. He asked the passengers to get out, but some objected. ‘Grissley’ got down and unfastened the belly band and asked the passengers to sit back a bit and when they complied they found themselves suddenly in the mud and slush. He answered their vows of vengeance with the comment it was his new way of unloading them when in difficulties.

Mr Hele is 70 years old and lives in Coward Springs. [136 km west of Marree.]

Advt. W. Bentley offers drawing and painting classes at the Burra Institute on Tuesdays and at Jubilee Hall on Saturday. Each is 2-4 p.m. Drawing 10/6 per quarter, painting £1 per quarter.

VX, 692, 6 Sep. 1905, Page 4

Editorial on Peace between Russia & Japan.

Tennis. Saturday: Burra 9-60 defeated Prospect 2-40

Monday: Aberdeen 13-122 defeated Terowie 12-110.

Eight Hour Day Celebration Dance at the Institute on Monday was fairly well attended, though some stayed away due to the rain between 8 and 9 o’clock. Dancing continued till about 2 a.m.

Trinity College Exams at Clare 10 July. Results:

Intermediate (Harmony) Miss Hettie Perkins pass

Miss N. Milligan pass

Preparatory Miss Alice Hiddle 95%

Snow has fallen in the last day or two from Petersburg to Mt Bryan. Though none fell in Burra, some could be seen from the town in the distant gullies on Monday.

Redruth Methodist Floral Fair in the Institute on Friday was very successful and nett proceeds were c. £60.

Springbank Estate was sold on Friday at £3-9-0 per acre. The Government was represented, but Mr Ker was the buyer.

Iron Mine has had an Arbor Day at which the congregation of the Methodist Church planted trees. George Finch gave some ground adjoining the church and the Hanson Council allowed the fencing of part of the reserve. On 30 August 50-60 people assembled and over 200 trees were planted. Mr Cox of Ayers’ Forest supplied trees including red and sugar gums, river oaks, white cedars, tamarisks and pines (pinus insignis)

Obituary. C. Stasinowski died at the home of his daughter, Mrs Abbott, suddenly on Wednesday afternoon, of an apoplectic fit. He was 55. The deceased was among the earliest settlers at Baldina. He had lived there for 30 years combining farming and wood carting. He leaves a widow and five daughters and two sons. The youngest child is only 4. [Johann Carl Stasinowski died 30 August 1905 aged 51.]

Court.

Rosie Gladstone, barmaid, sued Charles Christopher Heinrich of the Burra Hotel for £2 in unpaid wages and for £3 compensation. The bench awarded the wages due and costs. The details of the case occupy most of a column.

VX, 692, 6 Sep. 1905, Page 5

Snow in the surrounding districts was widespread and is reported in about three columns of detail. The snow had persisted on the summits for some five days at the time of printing.

Paull’s Consolidated Mine. C.A. Fuss has attended a board meeting in Adelaide and also paid three visits to the mine near Leigh Creek. There is a favourable report on activities.

W.J. Edwards, employed for many years at Drew & Crewes, is to remove with his family to Broken Hill. He is a prominent member of the Poultry Club and has some of the finest geese, ducks and fowls in the state. He has also been assistant secretary for the Burra Racing Club.

VX, 693, 13 Sep. 1905, Page 3

Cricket. The annual meeting of the Burra Cricket Club was held in the Burra Club rooms on Tuesday 5 September with Dr Sangster jun. in the chair. Elected:

President: Hon. J. Lewis MLC

Captain Dr Sangster Jun.

Vice-Captain F.T. Harcus

Secretary Rev. Father Redden

Subscription: 5/- p.a.

The secretary’s report for 1904-05 season is printed. It recounts the history of the club in recent years.

1901-02 A successful year

1902-03 Quite dead

1903-04 As good as dead, but with one foolish and ill-fated effort

1904-05 10 matches played of which 7 were won, 2 lost and 1 drawn.

Much is due to F.T. Harcus for his enthusiasm and also for top aggregate of 306 and highest score of 88 for an average of 51. Best bowling figures went to F.H. Clare with 15 for 155 at an average of 7.6, followed by J.I. Sangster with 19 for 177 at an average of 9.3.

Finance was difficult and the books only balance due to a donation of 10/- each from Dr Sangster jun., Father Redden and Messrs Drew, Harcus and A. Gebhardt.

VX, 693, 13 Sep. 1905, Page 4

Editorial on The Season.

Rev. S. Knight, a former Methodist minister at Kooringa, is back to conduct a convention for the deepening of spiritual life.

Burra Teachers’ Assoc. held its quarterly meeting at the Burra School on Saturday. Mr G. Scott, President.

Mr Stasinowski was buried on Saturday 2 September at Baldina Plains Cemetery. 21 vehicles attended. Deceased was a regular churchman and a lay reader for many years.

VX, 693, 13 Sep. 1905, Page 5

Snow. The correspondent from Mt Bryan reports snow still lying on the summit of Mt Bryan, having been sustained by a further fall last Monday.

Football. Final match for the Association for 1905.

Aberdeen 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.5

Kooringa 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3

An Earth Tremor was felt in Burra on Saturday morning.

A Storm on Saturday night removed roofs from several outhouses.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. There are rumours that operations at the mine will cease, but there have been no definite answers to enquiries.

VX, 694, 20 Sep. 1905, Page 4

The ‘Continental’ arranged by Miss Coglin in Rev. Father Redden’s garden on Wednesday had to contend with heavy rain and a hurricane wind, despite which a fair number attended. Supper was provided.

Amended Education Act. An amendment introduced on Thursday aims to increase attendance requirements from 35 to 48 days each quarter and to raise the leaving age to 15, unless they student has reached the compulsory standard and is employed in definite work, or has been exempted by the head teacher of the nearest school.

Paull’s Consolidated Mine continues to issue positive reports.

VX, 694, 20 Sep. 1905, Page 5

W. Edward’s, who is soon to leave for Broken Hill, was presented with an elegant silver salver from his sporting friends at R.D. Pascoe’s rooms on Monday.

Obituary. Mrs J.M. Hunt died early last Wednesday morning following a stroke 12 months ago. She was 82 and had been married for 57 years. Mr Hunt is 79 and until recently nursed his wife.

[Margaret Hunt, wife of John Mitchell Hunt, died 13 September 1905 aged 82. She was born Margaret Rees.]

Fred Kemble has taken Bert Knevitt into partnership in his Thames St blacksmith’s business.

Rev. Samuel Knight who was a resident of Gawler 30 year’s ago is visiting SA from Victoria. Of 700 men on the colonial enrolment of the Wesleyan Church Mr Knight is the only one who has 50 consecutive appointments for circuit work.

Show Night Concert Program: Burra Institute, 27 September. Reserved seats 2/6, others 2/- & 1/-.

Overture

Song La Serenata Braga

With violin obbligato

Song Sunshine and Rain Blumenthal

Recitation The Riding of the Rebel Will. H. Ogilvie

Humorous Song The Man with the Single Hair M.B. Spurr

Song La Serenata Braga

With violin obbligato

Song The Skipper W.H. Jude

Song Il Bacio Arditi

INTERVAL

Quartette Softly Fall the Shades of Evening

Song Goodbye Tosti

Song Bedouin Love Song Pinsuti

Song May Morn Denza

Recitation Old Ace Emerson Brooks

Song All in the Hush of Twilight Piccolomini

Humorous Song When Father Laid the Carpet Nelson Jackson

Song The Land Across the Sea Auvergne Barnard

VX, 695, 27 Sep. 1905, Page 4

Petherton Estate, between Hallett and Mt Bryan, was purchased last week by the Government at £3-12-0 per acre, to be cut up for closer settlement.

Iron Mine Methodist Sunday School Anniversary services were held on 17 September with the tea meeting the following Sunday. Rev. R.C. Yeoman preached.

Fairview Phosphate Claims. A.H. Hassell from Victoria has lost no time in securing claims previously held by E.N. Finch, S. Baker, P.L. Killicoat and C. Fawcett.

These gentlemen have approached the Mines Dept. pointing out the delay in the office not acceding to the request of the claimholders to renew their licences. Renewals were sought, but before replying the Dept. granted a licence to Mr Hassell. The gentlemen concerned have done considerable work and have not been deprived through any infringement of the regulations. We understand the original holders will be reinstated.

St Mary’s Rectory Opening Ceremony.

Rev. Canon Webb of Clare dedicated the new rectory on Saturday. Tables decorated with wattle blossom held every kind of eatable. Oysters in aspic, salmon croquets, corned beef, lamb, roast goose, roast and boiled fowl, rhubarb tart, apple tart, vanilla creams, jellies and cheese. Dinner was in the large double room. J.C. Sandland as clerk of works summed up the building.

The foundations had to be dug 2’ instead of 1’ to find solid ground, adding £33 to the cost, bringing it to £388-19-10. The contractors had worked very well and in a friendly spirit. Robertson Bros. of Gawler carried out the work. He would like to see a verandah, but that could come later.

Mr Winnall outlined the financial arrangements. They had started with £54 and had borrowed £50 each from three gentlemen. Collecting since Easter had been successful so that only a debit of £150 remained.

Mr Fuss of Fuss Bros. appreciated the kind remarks with reference to the workmanship and thanked Mrs Wightwick for her hot tea throughout the cold weather. [This suggests that Fuss Bros. did the carpentry since the Robertson Bros. appear from the above to have had the principal building contract, but the report then says the Robertson Bros. had done the plastering and the Tiver Bros. must also feel proud of their work.]

Rev. Wightwick thanked the Hon. J. Lewis, Mrs T. Sandland and Mr Barker, who had lent sums of £50 each. [Either Mrs T. Sandland was one of the gentlemen mentioned above, or this is a misprint for Mr.]

The rectory is entered from the eastern side through a large door of ecclesiastical design at the sides of which are cathedral glass. This leads to a hall 17’ x 10’ fitted with hat racks etc. To the left is a bedroom 17’ x 13’ x 12’ high. The drawing room is entered through a passage door where it is divided from the drawing room [sic] by double folding doors 10’ wide to make, when open, a large room 38’ x 14’. The study is entered from the passage and is 13’ x 13’. The new building is built up close to the front verandah of the old. The whole has been pointed and lined though in the absence of the much needed verandah it presents a naked appearance when approached from the south.

VX, 695, 27 Sep. 1905, Page 5

Marriage. Kate Cope, who was for a while barmaid at the Burra Hotel, married Charles Thoroughgood at Broken Hill last week.

W.E. Edwards was presented with a travelling rug by employees of Drew & Crewes before the family left for Broken Hill on Monday night.

Mr Valentine, late inspector of stock, was presented with a cheque for £700 by those interested in the pastoral industry last week.

Football. The final meeting for the season of the Kooringa Football Club was held on 22 September. The club ended in credit £1-3-0. They played 10 matches for the season: 5 against Ramblers and 5 against Aberdeen. It lost 3 with Aberdeen and 1 with Ramblers. They lost the premiership to Aberdeen by 2 points.

A Telephone link between Adelaide and Port Wakefield was opened last week.

Paull’s Consolidated Mine has made a call of 10/- per share.

VX, 696, 4 Oct. 1905, Page 3

Burra Show was held last week and the Prize List occupies columns 4 & 5.

[Personal interest:

Prizes for growers of vegetables went to Ah Chin for his cabbages, cauliflowers, lettuces, parsnips, rhubarb, carrots, red beet, celery, green onions, marrows and a collection of vegetables.

A. Forrest won prizes: Draught horse (entire) 2nd Pair of plough horses in harness 2nd

Hereford cow 1st Berkshire sow 2nd

Fat pig 1st Bacon pig 1st

Wheat 1st & 2nd

Mrs Forrest: Ham 1st

Flowers:

C. Fuss 12 cut 1st 6 cut 1st

12 pansies (No 1st) 2nd 6 pansies (No 1st) 2nd

Hand bouquet 2nd

A. Fuss 6 hyacinths 1st 3 hyacinths 1st

6 pelargoniums 1st 3 pelargoniums 1st

1 pelargonium 1st]

VX, 696, 4 Oct. 1905, Page 4

Court Pride of Burra holds its annual picnic at Princess Royal today at Johnson’s Creek.

Football. The Aberdeen Football Club holds a social at W.J. Richard’s shop in Redruth tonight.

St Mary’s Rectory. A house warming for the new building was celebrated with a dance there last Friday with dancing to the early hours.

Obituary. Major Plummer, Inspector of Schools, died at Georgetown on Thursday.

[Isaac Arthur Plummer died 27 September 1905 aged 57.]

Salvation Army. Ensign Good is seeking big results from the self-denial effort at the end of October. Ensign and Mrs Good have brought the local corps out of the mire in which it was placed when they arrived.

Obituary. Mrs Elizabeth Hanford, wife of William Hanford of Redruth, has died aged 79. Her husband came to Burra in 1848 and she came soon afterwards. They were married by Rev. Pollitt in the old Church of England on Limestone Hill. Later they took up farming at Mt Bryan and then Terowie, returning to Burra 18 months ago. The deceased leaves three daughters: Mrs Clapp (Adelaide), Mrs Roberts (Broken Hill), Mrs W.G. Lock (Whyte Yarcowie) and one son whose whereabouts is not presently known. [Died 28 September 1905.]

Redruth Post Office closed on Monday and henceforth letters will be addressed to Aberdeen.

The Telegraph at the Burra Station has been closed and it is said that in lieu of it a telephone will be installed at the Aberdeen post office. Mr Tiver, who was the telegraph operator at the railway station, has been told to go to Cockburn. [It would seem that the telephone at the Aberdeen post office would have allowed people to send telegrams by having them phoned through to the Kooringa telegraph office.]

‘Interested’ writes expressing the view that the directors of the Burra Mine have no intention of getting it going. Last year it was under offer in England: this year he expects it will be Germany. The cutting could easily be unwatered and so provide work for 100 tributers. The old machinery could easily be made to serve for milling the ore.

VX, 696, 4 Oct. 1905, Page 5

Ensign & Mrs Good thank all for the support that made the annual show dinner a success that raised £10-10-0 – half of which goes to the local corps and half to missionary and social work.

William Paddock left the Bon Accord Hotel on Friday headed southwards and Mrs Jones has taken over the ‘Bon’.

Mr Percy Seddon, who arrived three weeks ago from Port Lincoln to take the position of teller for the Bank of Australasia in Kooringa, has been transferred to Adelaide.

Burraites in Broken Hill.

Fred Bromley is horse buying in Queensland.

Walter Lasscock is in the Manchester department at Pellew & Moore’s.

Eddy Bennetts manages the Co-operative Stores.

Will Edwards is getting ready to open his monster clothing palace on 7 October.

Sam Hill, brother of Dick Hill of Burra, swept the board at the poultry show there for black-red games.

Burra Town Council.

W.R. Ridgway is willing to continue occupying the Ellen St [sic – Helen Terrace] Reserve if the Council will repair the fence, though he thinks 15/- p.a. is excessive for less than 1 acre of poor grass and a broken fence. The fence will be repaired.

Burra Show was held last Wednesday 27 September.

There was rain on the 26th and up to about 9 a.m. on the 27th, but by noon the weather was very good and the largest crowd for some years was seen at the park. Almost £80 was taken at the gate. The secretary, Mr John McLaren, remains the main pillar of the society. Agricultural entries were down, but the quality was up. Dairy produce was a good display and poultry was one of the highlights. Draught stock entries were larger. Blood stock entries were few, but roadster stock was quite nicely represented. Dogs were more numerous this year, but cattle and pigs were very scarce. Sheep as usual were the main feature of the show and Thomas Sandland was the main prize-taker. Over £20 was taken at the door of the evening concert.

VX, 697, 11 Oct. 1905, Page 4

Court Pride, the Juvenile AOF Lodge, had a successful picnic at Princess Royal on Wednesday.

Hyland’s Circus visited Burra and performed to fair houses on Friday & Saturday nights. The horsemanship displayed was the highlight and the wire-walking by Miss Hyland was exceptional. The performance was at the rear of the Commercial Hotel. At the conclusion of one performance a youth in charge of the horses somehow allowed two of them to go on the narrow footbridge which spans the creek leading to the circus ground, but two horses got onto the bridge from the other direction. On of the horses did a miraculous turn, but Sovereign the most valuable animal in the circus fell about six feet into the creek. Fortunately it was not hurt.

Maurice Fuss, son of August Fuss, fell off a wall while bird nesting on Saturday and broke his leg.

St Joseph’s Bazaar was held on Friday and Saturday and good weather produced a good attendance. Rev. Father Redden opened it – the Hon. John Lewis being unable to do so at the last minute. He recounted the history of the church and its debt.

8 February 1857 St Joseph’s school-church opened in Commercial St

1870 Sisters of St Joseph took over the school

8 November 1874 Present St Joseph’s opened

1881 Old school & house sold to Hon. John Lewis: new convent & school erected

1885 St Joseph’s [presbytery] built by Father O’Dowling [word missing in text]

1886 Rev. Father O’Dowling comes to live in Kooringa

The original contractor for the church tendered too low and abandoned the work. The building was then carried on as ‘day work’ and the cost nearly doubled. The debt amounted to £1,920.

The untiring efforts of Father Kriessel reduced it to £1,004 by 1880.

Then the erection of the school and convent in 1887 [sic, but see above 1881?] and in 1885 the presbytery saw it rise to £2,430 by 1886.

The debt then grew until by in 1890 it was £2,882.

Since then the debt has been reduced by £876 and on 30 September, a month prior to Rev. Father Redden taking charge, it stood at £2,006.

But in the last four years it has crept up again and on 30 September 1905 it was £2,230.

Rates, taxes and insurance premiums are c. £150 p.a. and sundry expenses such as repairs and lighting etc. cost c. £25 p.a.

The bazaar raised over £100.

VX, 697, 11 Oct. 1905, Page 5

Mrs Ward’s cow, which is being cared for during her absence by Mrs Beven, is normally turned into O’Leary’s paddock. Yesterday morning it was found to have been shot in the udder and on investigation no fewer than 40 distinct shot wounds were counted and about 12 in the flank. The wound was sickening to look at and the animal was in excruciating pain. About three weeks ago the same animal was stabbed in the flank. Police are investigating and we hope the public will give any aid they can to clear up this atrocious and abominable incident.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club presents Our Boys, the original drama by H.J. Byron, in the Institute on Friday.

Kooringa Methodist Church Anniversary was held last Sunday when Rev. Kessell preached. The tea meeting was on Monday.

School Picnic at World’s End today.

Fire: R.J. McBride’s Outalpa Station was burnt down last week.

Football. Aberdeen Football Club awards:

Best all round player for 1905, Mr Stuart.

Best gentlemanly player Jim Richards.

VX, 697, 11 Oct. 1905, Page 6

Football. The Aberdeen Football Club social last Wednesday in W.J. Richard’s bicycle depot is reported in over 2 columns.

VX, 698, 18 Oct. 1905, Page 4

Advt. Under instructions from the Trustees of the Estate of the late A. McCulloch:

Sale of Princess Royal Copper mine with surrounding 245 acres of freehold land c. 6 miles from Burra.

Salvation Army. Our Lads’ Band under Brigadier Veal arrived from Pt Augusta on Saturday and on Sunday livened up the Barracks in a memorial service to the late Consul Booth Tucker and gave a concert on Monday evening. Proceeds to the missionary and self-denial funds were satisfactory.

Redruth Tennis concert in Jubilee Hall on Wednesday evening next. 6d.

The shot cow case has made no progress.

Fair View Phosphate Mine. Work continues. There is no news regarding the claims of Messrs Killicoat, Finch, Rosewall & Baker. Mr Arthur Haselle writes to us in response to the article in the Record of 27 September saying: I have never jumped a claim in my life; for the past eight years I have held large interests in S.A., on Yorke’s Peninsula; I have a business at Port Adelaide, and until recently had my steamer trading in S.A. waters.’

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club’s performance of Our Boys at the Institute on Friday evening drew a splendid attendance. The large hall was well filled and over £13 was taken for the reserved seats. The performance was very good, and is reviewed in something over a column. In all over £22 was taken.

Mr C. Fuss left Burra on Monday for Paull’s Consolidated Mine near Leigh Creek and he will be away a fortnight. He will inspect the work in progress and the mine’s prospects.

‘Jock’ Watt passed through Burra on Saturday en route to Adelaide.

Rev. Father Redden has been at a conference of priests in the diocese at Gladstone and will conduct services at Pt Pirie next Sunday. He is confirmed for another term of office in Burra.

VX, 698, 18 Oct. 1905, Page 5

Mr G. Rooke has lost 150-200 acres of wheat to black frost at Baldina.

Court.

David R. Jones was fined for failure to send William David Jones and Samuel Albert Jones to school as required. There are ten previous convictions since 22 March 1902 and fines totalling £3-12-6 have been imposed. He was fined £1 for each information and in default distress and in default of that 14 days jail on each information.

Burra Town Council.

A.H. Haselle writes asking whether the town bridge will safely carry the weight of a traction engine and wagons conveying phosphate to the Burra railway station – a total load of 13-14 tons. The question was referred to the main road surveyor. [It would seem likely that this question would relate to the Redruth Bridge rather than the Kingston St Bridge as it was on the most direct route from the east to the station.]

Burra Mine

The reporter was told by Mr Pryor, the manager, that it has been decided to pump water from the open cut to a depth of 50ft. The contract is understood to have been signed and the operations will begin in a couple of months. This is a commendable action. This will enable work to be done on a huge body of ore that was passed in the last drive and expose what ore was in sight when the mine shut down. About 20 tons of ore has been sent away – estimated at 20% – from the drive being developed. The result of the pumping will decide if it is worthwhile putting in the machinery to treat the ore here. The directors are hopeful and intend to lose no opportunity that the pumping discloses. Residents are looking forward to good times and a revival of the town, though it is not likely much progress can be made before the New Year.

St Mary’s new pipe organ has arrived.

It will be played next Sunday and has cost about £350. Harold Davies, Mus. Doc. has been engaged for the day.

The Ramblers did not do much rambling at their picnic at Princess Royal on Wednesday.

Advt. St Mary’s Church, [Sunday next.]

11 a.m. Matins and Holy Communion

3 p.m. Short Service and Organ Recital

7 p.m. Evensong and Organ Recital

VX, 699, 25 Oct. 1905, Page 4

M-C Grosser, who has been in Burra for three years and eight months has been transferred to Angaston and will probably be succeeded here by M-C Clark.

Court.

On Friday afternoon George Browne was committed for trial in Adelaide on a charge of having stolen three purses and their contents from the Commercial Hotel.

St Mary’s pipe organ was played at services and concerts on Sunday and arrangements have been made for the school children to see and hear it on Friday afternoon. The collections raised £12.

The Burra Musical & Dramatic Club’s production of Our Boys will be repeated on Friday 3 November.

Obituary. Mr James Dawes Sen. died on Sunday morning [22 October 1905] aged 69. He had worked in various parts of the north for many years and for twenty years at the Princess Royal. He spent the last four years in Burra. He leaves a widow and six sons and six daughters.

James (Baldina) William (Mumpowie)

Albert (Waukaringa) Henry (Burra)

Walter (Burra) Norman (Unknown)

Mrs Chedley (Adelaide) Mrs A. Hirschausen (Broken Hill)

Mary (Adelaide) Grace (Watervale)

Amy (Burra) Bertha (Gum Creek)

Hallett Sports will be held on November 13.

Mr Hasselle has given instructions for 5 tons of phosphate rock to be sent to the city as a trial to see if it is of sufficient value to enable his firm to export large quantities.

Marriage. Miss Mabel Bullen marries Mr W. Morgan today.

George Brown’s robbery case is reported in exhaustive detail in 11⁄4 columns.

VX, 699, 25 Oct. 1905, Page 5

St Mary’s New Pipe Organ

The organ was made by Mr Dodd of Adelaide. It is 14’ in height, 8’6” in width, with a side case 14’ x 5’6” and every pipe is ‘speaking’.

There are two composition pedals and one balanced swell pedal; radiating and concave pedal boards and the keyboard is overlapping.

Great Organ:

1 Open diapason 8’ CC to G 56 pipes

2 Claribel 8’ CC to G 56 pipes

3 Dulciana 8’ CC to G 56 pipes

4 Principal 4’ CC to G 56 pipes

5 Wald flute (prepared for) 4’ CC to G 56 pipes

Pedal Organ:

Bourdon 16’ CCC to F 30 notes

Two Composition Pedals. One Balanced Swell Pedal

Swell Organ

1 Open diapason (Prepared for) 8’ CC to G 56 pipes

2 Hohl flute 8’ CC to G 56 pipes

3 Violi d’orchestra 8’ CC to G 56 pipes

4 Flauto traverso 4’ CC to G 56 pipes

5 Oboe 8’ CC to G 56 pipes

Couplers: Swell to Great, Swell to Pedal, Great to Pedal, Swell to Great sub-octaf

The afternoon concert included:

Sonata No. VI Mendelssohn

Allegretto Wolstenholme

Solo ‘Angels Bright and Fair’ Handel

Melodie & Cantilena Salomé

Quartette ‘God so Loved’ Stainer

Suite Gothique Boellmann

Verset de Procession Dubois

Solo ‘It is Enough’ Mendelssohn

Romance Wolstenholme

Toccata Dubois

Burra Mine

We hear from the best authority that a contract to unwater the mine has been signed and work will be pushed on as soon as possible, though nothing of note will be done till the new year. Sceptics still think this is only to allow further time to do something else. Captain Pryor has gone to Kapunda to have a look at some machinery there which, it is said, is suitable for the treatment of ore here.

Rain. Heavy falls to the east in the last few days have ranged from a minimum of 30 points at Sturt Vale to 116 points at Old Koomooloo and Mongolata. 115 points fell at Woolgangi and Baldina.

The shot cow case has still made no progress.

VX, 700, 1 Nov. 1905, Page 4

St Mary’s: Hospital Service, 12 November. Members of the Friendly Societies are cordially invited to attend.

Miss Louie Bush, who used to live in Redruth with her parents, was a member of the Amateur Orchestra Society that won £100 under their conductor, Mr Dawson, in the Ballarat competitions.

The Burra Musical and Dramatic Club has bought the Burra Young Men’s Club in Bruse’s old buildings and will in future meet there. The services of the present caretaker will be retained.

Marriage. Last Wednesday W. Morgan, son of John Morgan of Baldina, married Mabel Bullen, 5th daughter of W. Bullen.

Telegraph Changes.

With the telegraph work of the railways to be done away with it is proposed that a messenger from the Kooringa Post Office is to meet the train four times a day to take delivery of telegrams for distribution in the town. This would considerably hamper the telegraphic department of the Kooringa Post Office as the messenger would be absent from there for three hours a day and would also have to be on guard from 6.30 a.m. to all hours at night. This is unworkable and is sure to raise protests.

United Friendly Societies Sports will be held on Boxing Day at Victoria Park.

Salvation Army. At the Barracks on Monday night a very fair attendance, despite the poor weather, heard Major Graham’s lecture on ‘Missionary Work of the Army’. Other stirring addresses were also given.

Ensign Good announced the self-denial collection for 1905 was a surprising £72-10-0 which was £32-10-0 over target and £5 more than ever before.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. half-yearly report.

Development in the period cost £374-8-2 in the area mainly of Peacock’s Shaft and Peacock’s Bye-shaft. 20 tons of ore assaying at 23-35% was sent to Wallaroo. The company has contracted with Messrs C.A. Smith & Co. to lower the water level in the mine from 25 to 50 feet, on most satisfactory terms.

C.A. Fuss has returned from Paull’s Consolidated Copper Mine. He reports the mine looks good and erection of the big plant is being pushed on with and should be finished in about two months. The ore bodies now showing promise big returns when treated by the plant.

M-C Grosser was given a farewell social on Friday night by members of the Masonic Lodge in a large room adjoining the hall and there was a large attendance despite the rough weather with both wind and rain from 7 p.m. Mrs Grosser was presented with a handsome silver sugar basin, afternoon spoons and tongs and a set of carvers and cutlery in a case. Vocal and other items by ladies and gentlemen were followed by refreshments. With his departure for Angaston the town loses a courteous and capable officer, who has done some very clever work in the 3 years 8 months he has been here.

The season is not more than fair in Baldina, but the crops get steadily better towards Robertstown and are very good by Eudunda. Manoora crops are good and Farrell’s Flat area has pretty fair average crops and at Leighton and Gum Creek they are good. Further north crops are a bit thinner, but looking good. Rain in the last week will have been a help generally to these crops.

[Page 5 adds that in the last week 294 points have fallen in Kooringa with 184 since last Friday.]

VX, 700, 1 Nov. 1905, Page 5

Mr C. Fuss has gone to Adelaide for the usual meeting of Paull’s Consolidated Copper Co.

The Burra Record seeks to clarify its position with respect to the charges of claim jumping by Mr Hasselle and says it did not mean to imply that he had come by the claims unfairly. After conversation with the gentleman ‘we find that the reported jumping was out of the question.

[They may not have implied that he had acted illegally, but most readers would undoubtedly have gained the impression they thought the move was unfair.]

Dr Sangster Jun. is going to buy a motor car.

M-C Clarke from Manna Hill has taken over at Kooringa.

Telephonic communication between Kooringa and Redruth will begin on 1 December.

[Presumably actually between Aberdeen and Kooringa as the previous announcement said the phone would be at the Aberdeen Post Office.]

Moves are afoot to connect Adelaide and Clare – what about Burra?

Telegraph operations at the Burra railway station will cease on 1 November.

Tennis. Aberdeen Tennis club held a successful concert in Jubilee Hall on Wednesday last which raised £3-10-0 for the club.

VX, 701, 8 Nov. 1905, Page 4

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club presented Our Boys for the second time on Wednesday night and it was even better than the first performance. It raised £10 at 1/- for seats to all parts. [Indicating an attendance of 200.]

J. Drew has agreed to stand for Mayor and S. Burns has agreed to stand for West Ward if no one else comes forward.

Guy Fawkes Night was celebrated with more than usual enthusiasm on Saturday night, though some of the young of the town thought Saturday inappropriate and kept it up on the Monday. [The actual date fell on Sunday, hence the possible confusion.]

The united Friendly Societies Sports will be different this year. Some of the juvenile events and the tug-of-war go and a pony and hunter’s jumping contest comes in, together with a three mile time event for motorcyclists.

Mr & Mrs E.A. Johnson leave Burra this afternoon to take up residence in WA. In his younger days Ted was a formidable hurdler.

Court.

There is a 1 column report of a case in which Albert Ludwig* was charged with stealing a rug from Charles Cassaretto of the Court House Hotel. The evidence was rather confusing and the case was eventually dismissed.

• In the issue of 15 November page 4, the name is corrected to Albert Lutwich Hartwig.

VX, 701, 8 Nov. 1905, Page 5

Court.

There is a 1 column report of a case of Albert (Alf) Whicker v. Fred Dew of Blue Bell Farm for 5/- wages and 15/- in lieu of notice. Whicker was formerly employed by Hyland’s Circus. The case is [for once] genuinely amusing. Whicker comes across as a rather astute con man, but this time his case was dismissed.

Tennis. At Aberdeen on Wednesday: Aberdeen 5-39 defeated Kooringa 3-32.

Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday in the opening match of the season Burra 8 for 115 & Gum Creek 27, in a match hampered by the length of the grass around the pitch.

Obituary. Former M-C Jemison, died at the Central Hotel, Kadina. After leaving Burra he went to Wallaroo where he contracted an illness from which he never recovered. An inquest has been opened.

[Joseph Richard Jemison born at Pt Elliott 28 November 1863: died Kadina 5 November 1905.]

The Motor Car and the Horse.

A local storekeeper’s horse saw something very rare in Burra on Saturday, but it didn’t strike him as being very acceptable to the eye, so he decided to ‘do a get’, taking the hospital road for it. The introduction of Dr Sangster’s motor car was the cause of the trouble, though nothing serious happened; this was owing to the smartness of Billy Barkley jumping on a sort of offspring of a motor, and overtaking the animal just as it was meditating about seeking admission to the hospital for treatment for nervous debility. The quadruped was taken back to the shop and cautioned. No damage was done; therefore Billy has no need to raise the price of groceries.

Departures. More Burra residents are leaving us.

VX, 702, 15 Nov. 1905, Page 3

Advt. A. Wallace, late of Edithburgh, has taken over the Farrell’s Flat Hotel which has been thoroughly renovated. He is prepared to make all kinds of harness including collars and saddles and repairs. Boot repairs neatly and promptly attended to. The Clare coach leaves daily at 11 o’clock.

VX, 702, 15 Nov. 1905, Page 4

Obituary & Inquest. The late M-C Jemison who died at Kadina last week leaves a wife and six children.

M-C Jemison’s life ended sadly at the Central Hotel in Kadina on Sunday 5 November. He will be remembered in Burra where his term was marked by a variety of unusual circumstances. About 3years 8 months ago he was transferred to Wallaroo and later to Stirling. He resigned from the police and kept a store at Paskeville. His death was sudden, but not entirely unexpected.

A letter from Mrs Jemison caused P-C Baker of Kadina to seek him out and he was found to be very ill at the Central Hotel. Blake asked him to go home, but by 11 o’clock he was too ill to travel and appeared to be having a fit. He had been drinking whisky and an envelope nearby bore the word ‘strychnine’, but he denied having taken any. He complained of head and chest pains, but insisted they were only ‘the old complaint’. When the doctor arrived he was already dead.

Ebenezer Phillips of the Salvation Army has spoken to him on Sunday morning at the railway station when Jemison had admitted he had contemplated suicide and said he had been fighting the night before and expected the police were after him.

Dr Powell said the symptoms matched strychnine poisoning.

Mrs Jemison said her husband had recently taken to drink because of severe head pains and the previous Saturday he had experienced a fit and for fifteen minutes they had thought him dead.

The verdict was death by poisoning but with no evidence to show whether by alcohol or strychnine.

[Joseph Richard Jemison was born 28 November 1863 at Pt Elliott and died 5 November 1905 at Kadina.]

Albert Ludwig Hartwig is the name of the man charged with the theft of the rug from Mr Cassaretto’s Hotel.

St Mary’s hospital service was conducted on Sunday last by Rev. H.T.H. Wightwick.

G.F. Gardiner, organist at Walkerville Church, will give an organ recital at St Mary’s next Sunday 3 p.m.

Hon. J. Lewis is to introduce a Bill into the Legislative Council to prohibit smoking under the age of 16.

Telegraph Department. The idea of having the telegraphic messenger absent from Kooringa post office for three hours a day [so he could meet every train] has been abandoned after complaints in the paper.

Redruth Court

Robert Gordon on 4 November was fined 5/- for drunkenness.

On 8 November he was fined 5/- for drunkenness.

On 10 November he was drunk again and sentenced to 14 days in Adelaide Gaol.

Obituary. Rev. James Allen died last week. He preceded Rev. R.C. Yeoman in Redruth and was in poor health while here. At one point he had an extended holiday and on his return was relieved by Mr Tilbrook. [James Allen died 8 November 1905 at Malvern aged 65.]

Miss F. McWaters, eldest daughter of Stuart [Steward] McWaters, visited friends at Terowie before leaving for WA. For eight years she had run the Leighton post office. She was active in the old Leighton Wesleyan Church. She intends to start in business in Perth. Miss L. McWaters has taken over the Leighton post office.

Hallett Sports were held on the Public Holiday and they are reported briefly.

[Personal interest: In the 440 yards J.C. O’Dea won from Callary and Fuss.]

VX, 702, 15 Nov. 1905, Page 5

Rabbits are threatening crops at Baldina.

Broken Hill has been experiencing above century temperatures combined with dust storms reducing visibility to a few feet.

Redruth Methodist Sunday School held its anniversary last Sunday & Monday. The celebrations were well attended. On Monday the picnic was held at Sod Hut.

Cricket. Saddleworth 8 for 110 and Burra 95.

Tennis. Burra 11-86 defeated Clare 5-55.

Porter Orchard has been dismissed from the SAR for an oversight in misplacing points at the station.

M-C Clarke has replaced M-C Grosser at Kooringa.

Paull’s Mine has a Government grant of £350 for the erection of a fine machinery plant.

VX, 703, 22 Nov. 1905, Page 4

Wildflowers are prolific this year between Mt Bryan and Hallett.

Snakes are very numerous at present.

Burra Citizens’ lists show the town’s decline.

In North Ward 17 names have been struck off.

In West Ward 6 names have gone.

In East Ward 19 names have been struck off.

Against this in the three wards 20 names have been added.

Citizens are still leaving for Broken Hill. About 20 intend to leave Burra after the festive season.

William Paddock formerly of the Bon Accord Hotel has taken the Edinburgh Hotel at Mitcham.

Mr Neville has agreed to stand for Council in North Ward.

The Unicorn Brewery Sale on Saturday saw the disposal of the old vats. They mainly went as horse feeders, but one set went to Watervale for the wine trade. Many items were sold, but the engine and boiler remain. Wood and iron from outbuildings sold well.

Hallett Sports attracted about 60 from Burra by train.

A Bolt. Ted Wall was driving from Booborowie last week and stopped to pick up a dog. While he was out of the trap the horses bolted, knocking him down. In the trap was 11-year-old Lily Oates, who with great fortitude managed eventually to pull them up without damage after negotiating ruts and two nasty washaways.

Court.

John Williams was given 24 hours in the cells for drunkenness and Thomas Bannon, a passing traveller, was similarly dealt with.

Burra Town Council Elections

Mr Winnall retires after two years as Mayor and will be replaced by Cr J. Drew.

Mr S. Burns will represent West Ward.

Father Redden has great difficulty in throwing off the influenza that has plagued him.

Cricket. At Douglas on Wednesday: Burra 7 for 95 declared defeated Mongolata 38.

Obituary. W.H. Pearce died on Friday at the residence of his daughter Mrs John Turner of Copperhouse. He was 76. He was born at Tuckingwell [Tuckingmill] in Cornwall and came to SA in 1885 [sic] with his wife and brother John in the South Seas. He found employment in the Burra Mine for three years before trying the Victorian goldfields. He bought a farm at Chiltern and lived there for 21 years before returning to SA with his wife and family. He carried on farming at Ironmine where his wife died three years ago. He then went to live with his daughter at Copperhouse. He leaves a brother, John Pearce of Mt Bryan, and two sisters in England [and children:] Mrs R. Oats, H.A. Pearce (Chiltern Victoria), Mrs J. Carr (Balmain, Sydney), James Pearce & Mrs J. Turner. There are 25 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. [William Henry Pearce died 17 November.]

[The year of arrival cited is clearly wrong and 1855 would be closer. There is a child born in Kooringa in 1857.]

VX, 703, 22 Nov. 1905, Page 5

Petherton Estate is to be gazetted this week and it is understood it will be cut into eight blocks.

Railway Accident. The Broken Hill express was delayed between Mt Bryan and Hallett on Friday night for some time after running into a horse at Hile’s crossing.

Mt Bryan Literary Soc. continues to meet.

Tennis. Terowie central 12-111 defeated Burra 5-87.

Hallett Sports are reported in detail and the results are printed.

Burra Town Council

Tenders for lamp lighting in Kooringa:

R. Ockenden 10/- per lamp per month

W. Carpenter’s offer was accepted.

Mr Ockenden is however, to be given the option of lighting the lamps at the same price as last year.

T.H. Pearse of ‘The Gums’ writes of the effectiveness of using an IXL Phosphorised Pollard Distributor to poison rabbits. Mr Pearse has been using the phosphorised poison known as S.A.P. He laid 147 miles of trail for £2 and has reduced his rabbits to a minimum.

Matron Henniker is leaving Burra Hospital.

Obituary. J. Sheedy & J. Clarke have been killed at Broken Hill in a fall of earth and A. Cassan has been badly injured.

Obituary. F.J. Clements, a jockey at the Burra Races and the Whyte Yarcowie Races last year, was killed at Gawler a day or two ago. [Born as Fredrick John Clements 9 May 1873 at Broughton and died as Frederick John Clement 13 November 1905 at Gawler.]

VX, 704, 29 Nov. 1905, Page 4

Obituary. Mrs Mary Jane Cundy, relict of the late John Cundy who lived for some years on Cemetery Flat, died at the Burra Hospital on Sunday morning aged 67. She leaves a stepdaughter Mrs E. Sellars (Redruth) and Mrs Edward A. Moore (Kooringa) and one son James at Broken Hill. [Mary Jane Cundy died 26 November 1905 having been born Mary Jane Thomas and having at some time also been known as Mary Jane Uren.]

Miss Ada Wise was farewelled by the Methodist Church Choir after practice on Friday evening. She is leaving to live at Williamstown. She was presented with a silver butter dish and on Sunday afternoon she received a cream jug and basin, a silver jam spoon and a silver butter knife from the Sunday school.

The Burra School Board summoned four parents on Wednesday to explain the absence of their children from school. Only two attended and they were excused. In the other two cases action will be taken.

Mr J.H. Sinclair the new SM took his seat on the Bench for the first time in Burra on 21 November and he impressed those present with his capabilities and fair dealing in the cases.

The Ratepayers’ Meeting on Wednesday night drew only a small attendance.

Mr S. Burns as a candidate told ratepayers that when they elected someone to Council they should allow him to do the work in his own way.

Cr Neville has agreed to stand again with some reluctance.

Cr Launder felt Councillors could be satisfied with the work done.

Cr West missed his first ratepayers’ meeting for 13 years and Cr Snell was also absent.

Snakes are numerous according to reports from both farms and the town.

Tennis. Aberdeen 5-42 defeated Kooringa 3-28.

Redruth Court

Joe Ford sued William Paddock, late of the Bon Accord Hotel, for £11 being the rent allegedly owed on a block of land used by the latter.

Mr Ford said a woman, Mrs Hingles now deceased, had acted as Paddock’s agent and he had let the two blocks of land near the hotel for 2/- a week.

Mr Winnall for Paddock said Mrs Hingles was not Paddock’s agent. She had been a pensioner of Mr Ford’s and lived in one of his houses. Ford admitted she had paid no rent for the house she occupied.

Mr Sinclair said Mr Ford might ask for recompense under ‘use and occupation’, but even that was not certain. Though he was reluctant to stop a case where there was any possibility of justice, he could not see the use of proceeding under the circumstances.

21 November

The English & Australian Copper Co. appealed against their town assessment. Mr Gall appeared for the appellants and F.J. Packard for the Council. Mr Packard objected that the property was not identified by the appellants because the lot numbers used appeared in more than one ward. Mr Sinclair ruled that nevertheless their identity was not really in doubt and he was more concerned over the omission of the word ‘rateable’. Mr Gall said the property must be rateable to be assessed.

The E. & A. Copper Co. wanted the assessment of a property in East Ward reduced from £24 and the Council agreed to £22, but Mr Killicoat for the E. & A. Copper Co. said its real value was c. £19. He said repairs to it had averaged £3-18-6 p.a. for the last five years. Mr Packard said its annual rental was £27 and that made the assessment fair. Eventually the assessment was reduced to £18.

The SM then said that if the other cases were on a par with that a conference between counsels was advisable and accordingly he adjourned the court. An agreement was then made to reduce the following assessments:

No. 53 in North Ward from £5 to £2-10-0

No. 57 in North Ward from £20 to £15

No. 58 in North Ward from £3 to £1

No. 3 in East Ward from £22 to £18

No. 4 in East Ward from £22 to £18

No. 5 in East Ward from £5 to £3

No. 7 in East Ward from £10 to £5

[The significance of this case lay in the general decline of property values in the town and the consequent need for a new assessment to avoid a flood of appeals in the following year.]

Burra United Friendly Societies’ Sports on Boxing Day will have £33 in prize money for cycling events. There will be new horse and pony jumping events. The track is being prepared and one of the local ‘cracks’ is training to capture the £16 wheel race.

VX, 704, 29 Nov. 1905, Page 4-5

Annual Ratepayers’ Meeting, Burra Institute on Wednesday evening.

Only three or four were present at 8 p.m. Mr C. Fuss was elected chairman. During the evening numbers increased, but never to more than twenty.

The Mayor Mr Winnall read his report. The year’s work had been carried out with economy and on the whole harmoniously.

Cr Drew had little to add. He agreed with the Mayor and said he was in favour of making footpaths, tree planting and tar dressing.

Cr Neville thanked Councillors for their assistance and hoped he had given ratepayers satisfaction.

Cr Launder’s remarks were in a similar vein.

The Mayor’s Report was adopted.

Mr Drew as candidate for the Mayoralty said he had no fixed policies, but to promote the interests of the town. He would like to see the footpath from Kooringa to Aberdeen tar dressed, but present money did not allow it. Additional lights were needed and a new assessment too.

Cr Launder was in favour of kerbing.

Mr S. Burns said electors should allow him to do work in his own way if he were elected.

Candidates agreed that if a new assessment were made it would be lower than the present one and therefore the rate would have to rise.

Mr Hardy asked Councillors if they were in favour of refraining from ‘looking for work’, seeing that so much money had been spent on public works.

Generally the response was that there was more than enough that yet needed to be done without looking for projects to spend money on just for the sake of spending it.

VX, 704, 29 Nov. 1905, Page 5

Marriage. 22 November at Redruth Methodist Church

Maria (Dollie) Vivian, youngest daughter of Mr H. Vivian of the Commercial Hotel, married

H.E. Tame, youngest son of Mr H. Tame of Adelaide Railway Depot.

Marriage. 22November at St Mary’s Burra

Miss J.E. Gillett of near Gum Creek [Jane Elizabeth, daughter of George Benjamin Gillett] married

M-C James Pearce late of Ironmine, [son of the late William Henry Pearce]. They will live at Echunga.

Marriage. 29 November at Kooringa Methodist Church

Ada Wise, fifth daughter of Mr John Wise, married Mr D. Quinn late of the Hallett District.

Broken Hill Notes tell of high temperatures of 100°F to 102°F and an obituary for a Mr Burgess who fell 300ft in the Central mine on Friday. [It was a bad year for mine accidents in Broken Hill.]

Former Burraite Mr George Strachan was running an electric light plant in Broken Hill, but it seems to have been unreliable and the City Council was considering taking it over.

Tom Nicholls, another old Burraite, played in the City Band that had won the brass band competition recently in Broken Hill.

John Drew, uncle of the Burra Mayor (John Drew), is very ill with diabetes at Menindie. He left Burra 23 years ago.

Rev. Father Redden has been seriously ill with pleurisy.

Mrs John Morgan is critically ill with cancer in Burra Hospital.

Alf Collins of Mt Bryan has sold his farm to Dick Webber and will move to a property in NSW.

Burra Town Council Elections

Mayor J. Drew elected unopposed

North Ward W. Neville re-elected unopposed

West Ward S. Burns elected unopposed

East Ward J. Launder re-elected unopposed

VX, 704, 29 Nov. 1905, Page 6

The Mayor’s Report 1905

The change to the financial year to make it coincide with the municipal year will give a better idea of the financial state of Council at the end of a term of office than previously when it ended on 31 December.

At the end of 1904 the general account was in credit £45-16-3 compared with £92-1-10 at the Ratepayers’ Meeting that year. It is now £47-19-2, showing that the year’s income has been expended.

Work done by ward:

North Ward £88-11-3 leaving £4-3-11 in hand

East Ward £109-5-5 leaving £7-6-2 in hand

West Ward £64-15-9 leaving £7-7-1 in hand

Rates for the year:

North Ward £100-0-1

East Ward £112-4-71⁄2

West Ward £106-4-41⁄2

Other major income:

Government Subsidy £78-2-11

Dog Licences £25-0-0

Portion of Hawkers’ Licences £79-12-4

Total income £516-12-1

Major salary expenditure was Town Clerk £64-3-4 and Inspector £36-13-4.

The cost of street lamps at £32-6-6 is less due to the purchase of the improved ‘Best’ lights.

Public works cost £241-3-6.

Parklands.

Most expenditure was on Victoria Park. Of the approx. £53 spent tree guards cost £12-15-0 and trees £3-0-9, while labour cost £22-4-10 and materials £13-12-5.

The Cemetery

Income from grave fees was £22-7-6 and from blocks sold £15-0-0. The account was in credit £44-6-6.

Main Roads

Of the main road grant of £273 expenditure on maintenance was £262-1-11.

Local Board of Health

The rate income this year was £180-3-6 and expenditure was light. Principal costs were the Inspector £36-13-4, The Officer of Health £22-18-4 and the Scavenger £68-10-0.

The credit balance is £104-14-1.

VX, 705, 6 Dec. 1905, Page 4

Weather. Last Friday & Saturday high winds combined with high temperatures to bring down many trees and branches and there was the loss of much fruit.

Matron Henniker is leaving Burra for Melbourne after two years in charge here. Nurse Mosey will fill the place for the time being. Miss P. Stevenson, daughter of Rev. Stevenson becomes charge-nurse.

Telephone. Since the telegraph business has been done away with at the railway station telephones have been installed at the Aberdeen post office and the Kooringa post office. Anyone can chat for 3d for 3 minutes. [The main use of this line may have been to deliver telegraphic information to the Kooringa telegraph office since virtually no one had a private telephone and there was no line to Adelaide.]

St Mary’s Strawberry Fete was held at the Burra Institute on Friday afternoon. The strawberry’s caused some concern when they failed to arrive on Thursday night, but 250 lb of them found their was there by noon on Friday and every one was disposed of by day’s end. Over £94 was raised.

[Personal interest: Assisting at the fete were Mrs C. Fuss and two Misses Fuss.]

Accident. The 8-year-old son (Eric) of Thomas Vivian of Opie’s Hotel unwisely rode a horse faster than he was told to last week and when it stopped suddenly at a gate he was thrown off. He is recovering nicely.

Accident. Mr George Tiver was twice thrown from his horse a few days ago when it stumbled in rabbit holes. He injured his arm and was shaken. He too is getting on well.

Burra Schoolteachers’ Association, in existence since 1886, met at Burra on Saturday and this time invited parents and friends along for the first time. George Scott as President welcomed them and the first speaker was Rev. T.H. Wightwick on Ideal Education. C.L. Witham, Assistant Inspector-General of Schools, spoke on discipline and on a new drawing system being taught. Miss Trehy B.Sc. gave a paper on science. The schools represented were: Burra, Copperhouse, Booborowie, Hallett, Mt Bryan, Mt Bryan East, Baldina, World’s End, Hanson, Gum Creek and Koonoona.

Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, last Wednesday

Daniel James Quinn of Williamstown married Ada M. Wise, fifth daughter of Mr John Wise of Burra and late of Hallett.

Marriage. Wednesday 29 November at Mt Bryan

Lucy Rush, only daughter of Mr Benjamin Rush of Mt Bryan, married

Fred G. Dawson of Giles Corner near Riverton.

Rev. S.E. Hansen (Lutheran) celebrated his 25th year as a minister on Thursday when about 90 people gathered at the Bright Church. Rev. Nickel of Eudunda preached the ‘Jubilee’ sermon and Rev. Kempe of Balaklava presented Rev. Hansen with an illuminated address. F. Duldig spoke for the congregation and presented an illuminated address and a purse of sovereigns. Rev. Hansen has had a hard time of it since his congregations are widely scattered, ranging from Bright to Brinkworth to Allendale and east to the Murray, taking in Lindley, Shomburg [sic: for Schomburgk] , Bower and Eba.

The Broken Hill correspondent reports a further obituary with the death of another miner Mr Stracke, crushed by a fall of rock at the Central Mine. He was 41. Alf Bevan of Burra assisted in the recovery of the body.

Mr W.T. Rabbich. There is a brief and somewhat oblique reference, giving only his surname, to William Thomas Rabbich, a former Burra Mayor who had gone to live in Boulder WA. He was apparently standing for election, but for what is not made clear. [Later reference discloses that it was for election as Mayor of Boulder.] His political opponent ‘stigmatised Rabbich as a political weathercock, a beer and brick politician, a prevaricator, a strange old man, who had been an unsuccessful aspirant for the only position in Boulder that he could satisfactorily fill – the position of Sanitary Inspector’.

[This suggests he was as controversial a figure in local politics in Boulder as he had been earlier in Burra where he was a Councillor 1880-1882, 1888-1892 & 1894-96 and Mayor December 1892 –November

1893.]

R.M. Harvey, former manager of the Bank of Australasia in Burra, reports that his son Bruce who many will remember here as ‘a knickerbockered little fellow’ has gone to Hong Kong to fill a good and responsible position. Mr R.M. Harvey is now at Shepparton Victoria.

[Another paragraph on page 5 gives the following slightly different version of this report.]

Bruce (18) has been appointed operator at Singapore with the Eastern Extension Cable Co. and will holiday in Hong Kong briefly before taking up his position.

The Burra Labour Bureau. An attempt to form a Labour Bureau here collapsed when hardly anyone attended the initial meeting and Jack Richards refused the attempt to draft him as President.

VX, 705, 6 Dec. 1905, Page 4-5

Jack Winnall [J.E.H. Winnall] went to the city last week to welcome home his mother from the old country, but got his hand crushed against the steamer and needed medical help.

VX, 705, 6 Dec. 1905, Page 5

Jack Drew, the present Mayor, fractured a bone in his instep at a cricket match on Saturday.

Accident. A newly-arrived porter Mr Carless suffered concussion at the Burra Station when he fell from a railway truck. He was to have left Burra this morning to fetch his wife and two children from the city.

Mr Thomas Goode, father of Messrs Goode Bros. of Sheoak Hills and of Dr Goode of Terowie, is leaving Petherton following the sale of that estate and will take up land near Farrell’s Flat. He is over 70 and the father of 14 children of whom 11 survive.

J.L. Kemble, son of John Kemble of Thistlebeds, writes from Katanning WA pleased with the agricultural prospects there.

Miss M.A. Geake has so far survived a serious operation yesterday morning for the removal of a growth in her left breast.

Burra Town Council, 30 November

Cr West took the chair in the absence of Mayor Winnall.

R. Ockenden accepted the lighting of lamps in Kooringa at the old rate.

4 December

First meeting of the new Council. Committees were appointed.

A letter was received from A. Hassell asking for a reply to his earlier letter re the carting of phosphates from the eastern mines by the aid of a traction engine.

The Mayor (J. Drew) was granted six weeks leaves due to his injured foot.

Cricket. Saturday: Stockbreeders 290 defeated Burra 86.

Obituary. Mr John Drew died at his Medindie residence on Monday night. He was one of the firm of Drew & Co. of Burra and Broken Hill and had been ailing for some time. He was 67 and leaves a widow and grown-up family. [Died 12 April 1905.]

Obituary. Mrs John Morgan of Baldina, who has been ailing for some time with cancer, died at Burra Hospital on Sunday aged 50. She leaves one daughter: Hetty Melair (Burra).

[Mrs Morgan is hard to trace in registrations of births etc. She seems to have been born Amelia Mitchell, daughter of Simon/Symon and to have married Lem Soey at Kapunda 10 May 1871. The couple had a daughter, Amelia Laura born at Laura and died at Burra, both in 1880. Another daughter, Amelia, lived for about a week in 1883. On 10 November 1883 she married Michel/Michael Millear and had two children, Harrietette was registered at Kooringa in 1884 and James Edgar in 1888. She married John Morgan on 13 January 1903. The deaths of the first two husbands do not appear to have been registered in SA, but given that Lem Soey appears variously as John Lem-Soy, Lemsoey, Lam Soey, Lem Soey and Soy it may be there somewhere. Millear is also susceptible to many variations. The various sources give her birth between 1850 and 1855.]

VX, 706, 13 Dec. 1905, Page 4 [Number of the issue is jumbled in printing as 6 ___ 70.]

Paull’s Consolidated Copper Co. Mr Chapple has resigned as a director and Mr James McDonald of Leighton has replaced him. With C.A. Fuss already a director Burra investors now have two representatives on the Board.

The weather has been windy and dusty, but so far not hot except for three or four days.

C.A. Fuss, who has been absent from the town for a week, returned on Saturday afternoon after checking on progress at Paull’s Consolidated Copper Mine. Machinery is being erected and Mr Fuss says he expects crushing will commence about February in the New Year. The mine is reportedly looking well.

Burra School Visiting Day was held on Friday. The children recited and sang for their guests and were subsequently addressed by Mr Winnall, Rev. S. Kessell and head teacher Mr Scott.

Obituary. Mr T.W. Pearce who carried on a carpentry and undertaking business in Kooringa for many years has died. Though he had been ailing for some time the death was unexpected. He had been papering a room on Wednesday and returned for dinner feeling unwell. He died shortly afterwards.

[Thomas Whitney Pearce was born 1836 and died 6 December 1905.]

Mrs A.L. Lockyer appeals for ‘loading’ for the Burra Hospital Christmas tree. Though she is no longer in the town, the festivities will continue under the management of Miss Edith Cave.

Harvest has begun. Recent frost and wet weather has resulted in some shrivelling of the grain, but at World’s End the crop looks better than last year and is expected to come in at 12 to 13 bushels per acre.

Mr Carless, who was recently injured in an accident at the railway station, has recovered enough to go to his family in the city for a few days.

Mr Winnall’s badly crushed hand is painful, but improving.

Mr J. Drew’s broken bone in his foot will keep him off work for five weeks.

Frank Moore aged 5, son of Mr A.E. Moore, fell from the ‘Pig & Whistle’ footbridge and received a nasty blow on the head. An operation was needed to lift a piece of skull that was pressing on the brain.

W.F. McEvoy needed medical treatment after a fall from a horse at Hill River on Sunday.

D.B. Kale was charged with non bona fide stock travelling by pretending to take 2,200 sheep to Riverton Market, but then turning back to the Burra Market. He claimed he was acting under instructions from Bagot, Shakes & Lewis. He was fined £22 reduced to £3 + £2-5-0 costs for a first offence.

Rabbits are in plague proportions to the east. Netting of dams is catching hundreds each night and one person reported getting 1,850 in an hour. At Thistlebeds it is easy on a hot day to knock over 300-400 as they come to water. Rabbiters can be seen in almost every paddock. Some are working for wages, some for scalps and carcases. The latter are for export, but the weather is now against this. One rabbiter was bringing in 2,000 on Thursday, but the heat beat him and they had to be unloaded. As many as 45 rabbits are being taken from a single burrow. The Burra District Council last meeting decided to buy several drums of poison to assist in eradication. [On page 5 there is a claim that someone killed over 2,000 in an hour.]

Non-payment of debts to businessmen has increased and now a group of them have formed a fund to finance the taking of debtors to court. Last week a photographer took a man to court over the non-payment of 12/6 and by the time it was heard the debt had increased to £1-10-0. It had been incurred by the man’s wife, who seemed quite unconcerned at the sentence of 10 days in gaol imposed on her husband. At the last minute a friend came forward with the money.

[Page 5 adds details to the above as follows.]

Mrs George Lines with her mother had a dozen photographs taken after assuring the photographer of her ability and intention to pay for them. She then intercepted each account as it arrived in the post and consigned them to the fire. George Lines thus unknowingly ended up in the difficulties described.

George Brown who was charged at Redruth recently with having stolen certain monies from Samuel Ford was tried in Adelaide last week and on being found guilty was sentenced to two years hard labour.

VX, 706, 13 Dec. 1905, Page 5

Matron Henniker has left after two years in the job and has returned to Victoria.

‘Her time spent in the institution has not been likened unto that of an angel therefore the change is welcomed.’

Mr William Thomas Rabbich has been defeated as Mayor of Boulder and the Sun (WA) commented on his defeat:

‘It is as well that Mr Rabbich should be reminded in good time that he has been weighed in the balance and found wanting. Therefore it would be wise for him to take philosophically the lesson he has been taught, which, however painful and expensive, seemed to be necessary in order to teach him modesty and humility. When the citizens want him henceforth, if ever they do, they will doubtless tell him. Till then, meek retirement will excellently become Uncle Tom.’

The Office of Inspector in Burra incorporates the following:

Inspector of Cattle for the Town of Burra

Inspector of Slaughterhouses

Inspector of Meat

Inspector of Brands

Inspector of Weights & Measures

Inspector under the Width of Tyres Act

Inspector under the Sale of Bread Act

Inspector under the Guns & Firearms Act

Inspector under the Food & Drugs Act

Inspector under the Thistle & Burr Act

Inspector of Lights on Vehicles

Inspector of Public Vehicles

Ranger & Inspector under the Municipal Corporations Act 1890.

Mr Cassaretto of the Court House Hotel has taken over the Mt Bryan Hotel and will move there early in the New Year. He formerly worked for Citizens Life Assurance.

Petherton Estate is to be offered for sale, but the costs imposed appear to be such that no one will be able to make a living from it. It will be two years before a crop can be reaped and before that a hefty interest payment will fall due. To meet it the crop will have to be 12 to 13 bushels per acre and at present much of the adjoining land is yielding only 7 or 8 bushels per acre.

The Broken Hill City Council has purchased the electric lighting plant of Messrs Strachan & Mars.

Baldina School Concert on Monday evening was a success, but the attendance of parents was disappointingly small. Dr Sangster Sen. presided. He was impressed with the quality of the schoolwork on display. Four Compulsory Certificates were earned, but Leslie James and Roy Winders were over 13 and so are not entitled to one. Two Certificates were thus awarded to S. Honeychurch and A. Winders.

Tennis. Aberdeen 4-38 defeated Kooringa 4-35.

A Bolt. Two horses attached to a trap from Booborowie Station were tied to a tree opposite Drew & Crewes yesterday when they were frightened. They managed to break the rope and charged across the street straight for the doorway to the shop. Ten yards from it one of the horses fell and was dragged to the footpath by the other. But for that, they must either have shot into the door or the plate glass window. The animals were gradually calmed and no damage was done to them.

VX, 707, 20 Dec. 1905, Page 4

Editorial. This carries the usual rather saccharine comments on nostalgia for Christmases past, family, peace on earth, Santa Claus and stockings. There is a nod towards the woes of war in Manchuria and revolution in Russia.

Weather. Monday was a hot 97°F.

Kooringa Methodist Church annual hospital service was conducted by Rev. Kessell on Sunday.

W. Dearlove of Ketchowla has sent in £2-2-0 to Drew & Crewes and Jesse Humphrys has contributed £1-1-0 for the poor of Burra and further donations for Christmas cheer would be welcomed.

St Mary’s. A recent concert in the schoolroom on Friday night drew only a small attendance. Dr Sangster delivered an address on Hygiene to the young folk. He spoke in language suitable to their age and perhaps too plainly for the liking of some young listeners on the subject of smoking.

Accident. Mr J. Edwards, son of Harry Edwards of Spring Bank, was coming into Burra with a load of hay and had just crossed the railway line with his team of five horses when a culvert gave way and the front wheel on one side descended to the bottom of the culvert. The hay fell off and with it a younger brother who was lucky not to be hurt. Mr Edwards doesn’t recall how he escaped from the bottom of the hole, but others believe he must have climbed over the shafts to get free from the opposite side. He slightly injured a leg and needed some stitches in a hand.

Father Redden is recovering from his pleurisy that has kept him low for about five weeks.

Miss Geake has returned home after her operation.

The Harvest. Yields have been very disappointing. The heads often look good, but contain little and crops with the appearance of 18-20 bushels per acre are returning one third of that.

Mr & Mrs John Pearce, who are retiring from the Mt Bryan Hotel due to being afflicted with rheumatism, are the most obliging, upright and courteous of people. At one time they ran the Burra Hotel.

VX, 707, 20 Dec. 1905, Page 5

Roy Edwards, late of Burra and now of Broken Hill, had his horse bolt in Argent Street and eventually after careering around the town it fell, breaking its neck.

Burra Town Council

Two special constables were appointed for duty on 23 & 30 December.

J.E.H. Winnall was retained as Council solicitor.

Redruth Court.

Fines of 2/6 +5/- costs were imposed for stray animals on:

Harry Goodwin Alf Bennetts A. Ward

Emanuel Frederick Fred Carey

C.A. Fuss reports on his visit to Paull’s Consolidated Mine.

He arrived at the mine on 2 December. The erection of the large concentrating plant was being carried out and was almost completed. Crushing operations should begin at the end of January. A good supply of water in the main shaft at a depth of 300ft is expected to be sufficient for the mine’s needs. The mine is looking well and should give good returns when the machinery starts. Considerable attention has been given to the installation of a slime plant in the near future which should be independent of the vanners that will be attached to the present concentrating plant. The contract for sinking No. 2 shaft to 150ft has been completed. Another contract has been let for a drive to enable stoping to be carried out more efficiently. The main and No. 2 shaft are to be fitted with cages to facilitate hauling ore. The plant has the capacity for handling c. 100 tons a day. Mr M. May is supervising the erection.

Accident. Rev. Wightwick’s wife with two children was driving near the Mine Store on Thursday afternoon when a wheel came off her trap. Fortunately no one was injured and after finding the axle cap and replacing the wheel the journey could be continued.

Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Burra 6 for 228 defeated Robertstown 154.

At Terowie on 16 December Ketchowla 162 drew with Terowie 8 for 101.

St Joseph’s School midsummer display on Tuesday evening drew a crowd of parents and friends. A musical program was creditably performed and the results of the year were announced. [The program is printed.]

Baldina School’s Annual Picnic was held on Wednesday.

Mt Bryan East School held its visiting day on Friday last.

Mt Bryan East Methodist Sunday School will have its anniversary on 24 December.

Advt. E.C.D. Thomas of Ellen Terrace Aberdeen will open a Private School 29 January 1906. Vacancies exist for Music Pupils.

Characteristics of the paper in 1905

Page 1

A useful business directory of the town and larger advertisements mostly not local.

Page 2

Civic directory of town services etc. and large advertisements that are a mixture of local and other.

Page 3

Some news and advertisements for patent cures.

Page 4

News, public notices, sales advertisements etc.

Page 5

News of the district and surrounding areas with a few small advertisements.

Page 6

Dominated by advertising for patent cures. News or general interest items here are generally not local.

Pages 7 & 8

Large advertisements that are a mixture of local and other.

The paper gave only a fair coverage of local events.

Numbering of issues in 1905

Volume XV which started 7 December 1892 finally ended with issue number 683 of 5 July 1905.

The year began with Volume XV Number 658 on 4 January 1905

And continued to

Volume XV 683 on 5 July 1905. Within this series number 668 was used twice.

Then

Volume VX began with Number 684 on 12 July 1905

And continued to Volume VX Number 707 on 20 December 1905

The type for 706 is jumbled so that it appears as 6 __ 70.

VX is of course not a proper Roman numeral and was presumably simply a mistake in setting XV.

The error was perpetuated till the end of 1910 when the paper reverted to Volume XV.

VX, 708, 3 Jan. 1906

Page 1

Business Directory

KOORINGA

Importers

Drew & Crewes

Pearce Bros

Drapers

Urwin & Hiddle

Ewins & Son

J.T. Walker & Sons

Storekeepers

W.E. Jordan

A. Bennett

E.J. Harris

L. Day

W. Barkely

Watchmaker

L.L. Wicklein

Bootmakers

M. Pederson

J.T. Walker & Sons

F.B.C.

H. Harris

Auctioneers

Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd

Painters

D. Jones

E. Bowen

Carriers

E.T. Robertson [sic: T.F.?]

L. Grow

Cab Drivers

Thomas P. Halls

George March

Charles Grow

Undertakers

T.W. Pearce

C.J. Pearce

Butchers

D.J. O’Leary

W.T. Truscott

Banks

National

Bank of Australasia

Tailor

J.T. Hartnett

Bakers

C. Parks

W.A. Gebhardt

C. Morgan

Hairdresser

R.D. Pascoe

Stationers

T.W. Wilkinson

Mrs Giles

John Snell

Carpenters

J. Pearce

T.W. Pearce

C.J. Pearce

Wood Merchants

Drew & Crewes

A. Harris

E.J. Harris

Boarding Houses

E. Frederick

Mrs Goldsworthy

Confectioners

F. Harris

C. Morgan

Misses Tobin

Dressmakers

Misses Tobin

Miss A. Wilson

Miss Hudson

Mrs T. Ford

Blacksmiths

W. Henderson

F. Kemble

S. Burns

Saddlers

A.J. Hunt

P. Lane

Photographers

W.J. Davey

E.A. Pearce

Chemist

T.W. Wilkinson

Hurdle Maker

T.H. Broad

ABERDEEN

Drapers

J. Tiver & Sons

N.J. Tiddy

Storekeepers

J. Tiver & Sons

T. Harvey

T. Williams

Ridgway & Sons

Carpenters

C. & A. Fuss

G. Bartholomaeus

Bakers

H. Goodwin

C.H. Lowe

Saddler

E. Cox

Confectioners

Miss Bentley

A. Richards

Mrs Kellaway

Photographer

W. Bentley

Road Contractor

T.W. Woollacott

Butchers

H. Rabbich

R. Austin

Hotels

R. Burns

T. Vivian

C. Casaretto

R. Paddock

Bicycle Agency

W.J. Richards

VX, 708, 3 Jan. 1906

Page1, Advertisements

August Bartholomaeus Agent for Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society

S. Burns Blacksmith & Wheelwright, Commercial St

Page 2, Advertisements

T.W. Wilkinson Chemist & Agent for ‘Zulu’ Magnetic Belts

Frank Harris Fruiterer & Confectioner, Market Square

C.C. Williams Ironmonger, Tinsmith & Galvanized Iron Worker, Commercial St

W.T. Truscott Butcher, Market Square

Luke Day Grocer, Fruiterer & General Dealer, Market Square

A.R. Creswick Dentist, Commercial Hotel

R.D. Pascoe Hairdresser, Tobacconist, Stationer & Perfumer

Agent for Havelock Watches, Market Square

Page 3, Advertisements

F. Harris Registry Office [For Domestic Servants]

Page 4, Advertisements

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Auctioneers

Elder, Smith & Co. Auctioneers

Page 7, Advertisements

Drew & Crewes Merchants & Importers

W.J. Davey Photographer at the Record Studio

W.A. Gebhardt Baker, Lower Thames St, Kooringa

F.J. Carey Wheat Buyer

Jack Richards Burra Bicycle & Motor Depot, Aberdeen

Page 8, Advertisements

[W.J. Davey] General & Commercial Printing

W. Barkley Grocer & Fruiterer has commenced business in the shop known as Dobbies next to the Commercial Hotel

VX, 708, 3 Jan. 1906, page 2

Town Directory

This page carries as a regular feature a directory of useful information about the town comprising details of: Municipal Officers, Burra Market, Burra Institute, Banks, Postal Regulations, Courts, Train Timetable, Lodges, Cab Timetable, Burra District Council and Churches.

VX, 708, 3 Jan. 1906, page 3

Burra High School [Bleak House] held an ‘At Home’ for prize distribution. Rev. Wightwick presided and Mrs John Drew gave out the prizes. The entertainment program is printed as is the list of prize winners. Among the latter Hazel Bartholomaeus was Senior Division Dux and Vera Fuss won a prize for 2-years Full Attendance, Mrs Roach’s Arithmetic Prize, the Rector’s Scripture Prize and was second in Senior Division. In the Intermediate Division Flossie Richards was top and in the Junior Division Jack Richards had highest marks. Attendance in 1905 was remarkably broken. Of the staff, Miss Sangster is leaving after 41⁄2 years and Miss Vera Wilkinson intends to pursue her interests in science and will probably take her University Science course in 1906. This means a substantially new staff in 1906.

Annie B. Millar, Principal.

Advt. E.C.D. Thomas Private School, Aberdeen, will open on 29 January 1906.

Vacancies for Music Pupils.

Notice. I, W.J. Richards challenge to beat W. Crowle’s time of 5m 24 secs for 2 miles put up at Burra Oval on Boxing Day 26 December 1905, with a Minerva Engine, for the sum of £5.

VX, 708, 3 Jan. 1906, page 4

Editorial on The New Year

1905 was not marked nationally with any great event. Here we should look forward with hope. Commercially Burra has little prospect of prosperity. The harvest is fairly good and farmers’ incomes should be encouraging, but late frost damage reduced a very promising yield. There is little employment in the town. There were hopes that the mine might be in full swing, but this was not to be. This has been long promised and nothing has resulted. Residents have now lost hope and many are leaving as quickly as possible. The promise of a pumping plant has not yet been fulfilled. Some still believe the open cut at least will be unwatered and that a few men will find work there.

Burra School broke up on 21 December and a concert was given in the large room before a fair audience. Mrs J.C. Sandland distributed the prizes.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club quite successfully staged a concert and the play Who is Who? on Boxing Night at the Institute.

Municipal Election. Result of election of an auditor:

J. Pearce 40

W.H. Hardy 20

Kooringa Methodist Church held a picnic at Sod Hut on Monday.

Rabbits. The drought has not reduced the rabbits yet. Mr E. Kickebusche of Baldina has netted four dams and caught 8,596 rabbits without noticeably lowering their numbers. Poison carts are busily at work.

The Salvation Army held special meetings over Christmas with dinners and teas and a lecture on phrenology.

New Year’s Eve saw few pranks, though someone lifted the turnstile off the bridge by the old Bible Christian Church. Some guns were fired at midnight and various churches held Watchnight Services.

The Holidays in Burra passed quietly. Christmas Day was very hot. On Boxing Day the United Friendly Societies Sports were held on the park.

The Annual Kooringa Methodist Church picnic was held on Monday at Sod Hut.

The crowd in the streets on Christmas Eve was smaller than in previous years, reflecting the smaller population. Juveniles made plenty of noise with trumpets etc. The old habit of decorating shop fronts with green boughs has almost died out and only two or three places continued it this year. Hotels did a good business, but patrons were well behaved and the police had practically nothing to do.

Redruth Court, recently

Charles Adams sued George Ford for £9-10-0 damages.

Ford conducted his own defence and his wife sat by and guided him, ‘but at times his superior knowledge of the law oozed from between his lips and he told the Court what they ought to do.’

Adams owned a block of land near Hampton fir 15 years. Ford put up a division fence, but it was evidently not enough to prevent them seeing each other. Ford bred superior fowls and got annoyed when Adams’ fowls entered his yard. When Ford took down the fence to repair his poultry yard some nine months ago Adams asked him to repair it and after no action sent Ford a second letter that had no more effect. Ford and his wife are illiterate and someone else had to read the letters to him. Ford also contended that Adams had erected a fowl yard using the post holes that Ford had dug. Other witnesses gave evidence and eventually a verdict for 40/- (£2) was given against the defendant. Ford narrowly escaped being charged with contempt of Court for his reaction and left defiantly vowing not to pay anything. [The case is reported at some length mainly because Mr Ford’s idiom was a source of amusement when reproduced in the paper.]

VX, 708, 3 Jan. 1906, page 5

Terowie: the correspondent’s report occupies 1 column.

Mr John Thomas, the stationmaster at Mt Bryan, has moved to Manoora and been replaced by Mr Hancock, the son of the Rev. J. Hancock.

Mt Bryan Methodist Sunday School Anniversary was held on 24 December with a teameeting on 25 December.

World’s End School held its visiting day. Four students gained their Compulsory Certificates. Thanks were expressed to the teacher, Miss Adams.

Hanson Methodist Church held its annual tea on Christmas Day. A little over 100 people travelled from Burra by train. Numbers were down a bit due to the heat. Rev. R.C. Yeoman gave the main address followed by several others.

Obituary. John Dowd was killed by a falling building at Whyte Yarcowie on 22 December. He was formerly of Farrell’s Flat. [More details on page 6.]

Mr C. Pressick who has been blind for some months is now in failing health and has been admitted to the Burra Hospital. Mrs Pressick has care of a family of five young girls.

Rev. Fr Redden has gone to Robe for two months rest on account of recent illness. Rev. Fr Reshaeur of Sevenhills will conduct services in his absence.

The Mayor Jack Drew refused to sign the necessary papers to allow hotels to trade after 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Wirth’s Circus performs in Aberdeen tonight.

World’s End Sports were held last Monday in perfect weather. Results are printed.

Obituary. Mrs Honora O’Brien, formerly of Baldina and lately of Burra, died in Burra Hospital on Sunday morning. She has a grown-up family. [Died 30 December 1905 aged 67, wife of Daniel. See next issue also for conflicting place of death.]

Obituary. The Rt Rev. Fr Maher, Catholic Bishop of Pt Augusta died and a conference is being held in Burra to select a new Bishop for the Diocese of Pt Augusta. [James Maher died 20 December 1905 at Pekina aged 66.]

VX, 708, 3 Jan. 1906, page 6

Tennis. Aberdeen ‘A’ played Aberdeen ‘B’ at Aberdeen 23 December.

[Personal interest: H. Tiver & R. Fuss defeated P.A. Roach & H.W. Tiver 6-2. H. Goodwin & N.J. Tiddy defeated H. Tiver & R. Fuss 6-3. N.J. Tiddy defeated R. Fuss 6-1.

Burra United Friendly Societies Sports were held at Victoria Park on Boxing Day in excellent weather. Farmers are reaping and so attendance was down somewhat. Pedestrian and cycle events were keenly contested and the results are printed.

[Personal interest: Mr Fuss (C.A.?) was one of the three judges while P. Fuss won the under 18 100 yds (15/-) and also won the Members 135 yds trophy.]

Obituary. J. Dowd [John Joseph] was killed at Whyte Yarcowie on 21 December 1905. He was helping to pull down an old two storey hotel, his former home. The workers had been camping in a small room in the building and a partition wall above it was to be pulled down. Mr Dowd said he wanted a drink before continuing and entered the small room. As he did so the wall fell into the small room and continued on taking out the floor and ending up in the cellar. Mr Dowd was completely buried in the debris and the body could not be extracted for some time. He was 48 and is survived by a widow and ten children.

VX, 709, 10 Jan. 1906, page 4

Obituary. Honora O’Brien aged 67 died at her residence in Welsh Place on 30 December 1905. She was the wife of the late Daniel O’Brien. [Apparently neither born nor married in SA.]

Editorial. Hotel Permits

Following considerable discussion over the unreasonableness of the failure of the Mayor to allow extended trading hours for hotels over Christmas the editor prints the relevant section 61 of the Licensed Victualler’s Act No. 191 of 1880. This says that any two JPs, living within 10 miles of a hotel, can give such a permit, except that if the hotel lies within a corporate town one of them must be the Mayor. [Or a Special Magistrate or a Commissioner, Superintendent or Inspector of Police – none of whom reside within 10 miles of Burra.] The editor asks whether these criteria are fair. Another issue turned out to be that of whether the Mayor was a JP by virtue of his office. Section 62 makes it clear he was not, until properly sworn in. As Mr Drew had not been sworn in, he could not have given consent in any case.

W.J.M. Schultz of Black Springs was fined 2/6 + 10/- costs for failing to send his child to school as required.

Harry Austin noticed a large heap of manure in his father’s paddock had ignited and he called for assistance. It was soon extinguished, but had he not been so prompt the flames would have threatened 300 sheep and 400 bags of wheat in the paddock.

Weather. The past week has been the hottest in memory. From 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. there has been little relief with not a breath of wind. On four successive days temperatures were excessive and temperatures of 114°F in the shade were recorded.

Burra Burra Copper Co. Some very slight effort is being made to raise some ore, but there is really little activity at the mine. The pumping plant promised for mid-December has not yet appeared. Copper prices are high enough to induce some action, but nothing much is done. Some little development work has been done in shafts and about a dozen tributers are still at work. Hope is wearing out.

Miss Margaret Johnson has been committed to the Adelaide Lunatic Asylum.

Obituary. James Launder died at his residence on Friday morning aged 58. He leaves a widow and one step-son (Mr George Birt of WA). A severe attack of colic and other complications caused his death. He was Superintendent of the Methodist Sunday school, a member of the Town Council and Treasurer of the Kooringa Lodge of Freemasons. A mason by trade, he had built many houses in Burra. [Died 5 January.]

Obituary. Mr Edward Cox who had a harness making business at Redruth for many years died on Wednesday after a short illness. He was 56 and leaves a wife and five daughters & three sons: Miss E. Cox (Adelaide), Ida, Florrie, Gurtie & Isabel (Burra) and Herbert (Burra), Stanley (Broken Hill) & Clement (Adelaide). [Edward Cox died 4 January 1906 at Aberdeen. He appears to have been the Edward Cox born 11 October 1849 at North Adelaide.]

VX, 709, 10 Jan. 1906, page 5

Council Vacancy. At 11 a.m. on Friday, not much more than an hour after Cr Launder’s death a candidate for his position came forward and started a vigorous canvas with the assurance he was first in the field and therefore entitled to the confidence and support of East Ward.

‘He was assured that there was not another individual in the town who would venture such a speculation until, at least, a few days had elapsed out of sympathy for the bereaved.’

[Though this person is never identified further, the tone of the writer and the nature of the action both suggest that it was most likely to have been W.H. Hardy.]

VX, 710, 17 Jan. 1906, page 4

W. Heinrich thanks Fred Robertson Jnr for stopping a team of six horses on Tuesday. They had departed unasked from Roach’s Mill with the brake on and were stopped near the Post Office.

Editorial on the New Education Act. The Act now required children to attend school not less than 4 times a week if the school were open 6 times a week, or 6 times a week if it were open 8 times, or 8 times a week if it were open 10 times. (Mornings and afternoons were considered ‘times of opening’.) This applied only to the Electoral Districts of Adelaide, Pt Adelaide, Torrens and other Corporate Districts. This latter provision included Burra. Thee result was to increase compulsory attendance from 35 to 48 days each quarter.

A young son of F. Fradd drank some liniment last week and became drowsy before suffering a fit. Dr Sangster was called and after treatment the child is now out of danger.

Extraordinary Municipal Election. Nominations are now required to replace the late Cr Launder.

A J. Dowd Relief Fund has been set up at Whyte Yarcowie to aid his widow who has 10 children.

A Bolt. Mr Duldig’s team of four horses took exception to motor cars and cycles at the Burra Station after unloading wheat there last week. They bolted for home, but in crossing the line the leaders fell down a culvert and brought everything to a halt. Fortunately they were not damaged.

Henry Bolton, third son of Mr E. Boulton, lately of Broken Hill, was poisoned when he drank some water from a creek at Mr Fred Dew’s where he was engaged in harvesting. Dr Sangster administered emetics and he recovered, though suffering considerably from a swollen face and annoying red pimples.

Robert Woollacott, fourth son of T.H. Woollacott of Redruth, gained honours in first year Chemistry and Geology at Broken Hill Technical College.

Obituary. Mrs Weaver, wife of Mr W. Weaver of Hallett, was taken ill with cancer about four months ago. She was treated at Burra Hospital to alleviate pain and subsequently moved to a residence in George St where she died on Saturday morning. She was 26 and leaves two small children. She was the second daughter of Mrs J. Hemmings and was born in Burra. She leaves two sisters and two brothers: Mrs Julius Voumard (Burra), Mrs Matthews (Hallett), Mr C.D. Hemmings (Lilydale) & Mr J. Hemmings (Bimbowrie). [Registration details are inconsistent. Born Emily Hemmings 30 May 1881. Married 1 November 1900 in Kooringa when year of birth given as 1879 and name as Emily Ellen Hemmings. Died 13 January 1906 at Kooringa, residence Hallett and name Emily Marie Weaver.]

Obituary. Mr John Kelly who carried on business for many years in the shop destroyed some time ago by fire in Commercial St has died. Since the disposal of his shop he has lived a retired life, but was in good health until one day last week when he had an apoplectic fit and died the same day aged 70. [Died 12 January 1906 at Kooringa.]

The late James Launder was remembered at a Lodge of Sorrow at the Masonic Hall in Kooringa on Sunday evening. Rev. S. Kessell also paid tribute to him at the Kooringa Methodist Church.

Rabbits are being killed in great numbers, but with no apparent impact on their population. Mr F.T. Jones of Mongolata recently netted a dam and on the first night caught 8, on the second 1,000 and on the third 700. For the week the total was 6,335. Others have reported catching 10,700 in a week and tolls of 3,000 to 4,000 are common. Rabbiters are averaging £4 a week and one £5. On the western side of the town numbers are fairly low, but men are still employed actively poisoning and digging out burrows.

Tennis. Aberdeen ‘A’ 8-48 defeated Kooringa 0-21.

VX, 710, 17 Jan. 1906, page 5

J.M. McBride was ‘At Home’ on 12 January to celebrate his 75th birthday. Five sons and six daughters and their families responded from all over the state to the invitation to attend. A large picnic tent was erected with a table to seat almost 70. A sumptuous feast included a large birthday cake. The five sons and then the sons-in-law sat on his right and the six daughters and four-daughters-in-law sat after Mrs McBride to his left. 42 grandchildren were also seated.

Mr John Kemble of Baldina after farming there for many years left Burra on Tuesday en route to WA where he intends to take a farm. He will be missed in the district in all church matters.

Bundey farmers are commonly catching 800 to 1,000 rabbits a night.

Mt Bryan Literary Soc. had its first meeting for the year on 6 January.

Obituary. Mary Ann Heneker, wife of Mr T. [Thomas] Heneker of Whyte Yarcowie died on 4 January after a ten-year illness. She leaves a family of four sons and three daughters.

[Age on registration of apparent marriage is not quite consistent with that of 57 given for death, but she was probably born Mary Ann Murray.]

‘Constant’ writes complaining of C. Heinrich’s not being taken to court for keeping the Burra Hotel open on Boxing Day on the signature of two JPs when he should have known that the Mayor’s signature was required. He also thinks it unsatisfactory that the Mayor signed a permit for the Royal Exchange Hotel when not authorised to do so: though in this case the proprietor could not be expected to know that the Mayor had not been sworn as a JP. The legal situation needs sorting out.

Burra Burra Copper Co. It is stated on good authority that J.M. McBride offered to give the mine £5,000 and have an interest in the mine if the directors would only do their part, but even this did not have any effect on the management. [The words ‘give’ and ‘have an interest’ would need clarification before one could make a reasonable judgement about this.]

Burra Town Council, Monday

Nominations are called for the vacancy created by the death of Cr Launder.

A letter of condolence to be sent to Mrs Launder.

Footpaths in Chapel St from Commercial St to the Methodist Church are to be tarred.

Other routine matters were handled.

Mr Crewes’ fine pony mare Dolly died last week.

VX, 711, 24 Jan. 1906, page 4

Editorial: Settlement on the Land

The writer is in favour of closer settlement and feels that the Government should be doing more to see people settled on land and making it more fruitful. If not by actually paying them then at least by giving cheap leases and assisting with setting-up costs of implements, clearing, fencing and the like.

The weather has been more congenial after a heatwave in which working horses were sunstruck and birds died by the score.

Municipal Election. The ratepayers responded to our call to keep undesirables out of the Council and unearthed a worthy candidate in Mr Alfred Bennetts. He was declared elected unopposed.

[While not provable, it is likely that the ‘undesirable’ candidate would have been W.H. Hardy in the eyes of the editor.]

Fire. Mr John Morgan of Baldina was driving home from Burra on Friday night and was near ‘Jilbert’s Well’ when a fire broke out in the back of his trap. A cloak, dress and other apparel were alight and in a high wind it was difficult to put out the flames. Mr Riggs came to his aid with water and extinguished the blaze. It is thought that a spark from a blacksmith’s shop must have smouldered until fanned into flame by the wind.

Burra Racing Club AGM was held on Friday at the Burra Institute. Mr A.B. Hiddle was in the chair. It was resolved to apply for 21 March for a meeting. There is a substantial credit balance in hand. W.H. Hardy was elected Secretary in place of W.T. Truscott who retired due to failing eyesight. Patron, Hon. J. Lewis MLC; President, Mr J. Tennant; Treasurer, W.T. Truscott. Stakes of £80 were arranged.

Clare Races on Wednesday were not as successful as in the past. Attendance was down and some of the most important races were poorly competed for. [Results are printed in column 5.]

Burra Burra Copper Co. Miners at Bunts’s Shaft made a remarkable discovery last week. At some 70ft they found a wheelbarrow that had been there about 35 years. It crumbled away when touched. Nearby milling ore was found.

Paull’s Mine. The new machinery has been erected. It is expected that the first run will be made at the end of February. Matt. May of smelts frame [sic: fame?] is on the job there, busy preparing cages, vanners etc. to deal with the ore that is said to be present in large quantity. Charley Fuss, metaphorically speaking is the daddy of local shareholders and a perfect idol amongst them. This is on account of his reliability and genuineness of purpose. ‘It is as good as a first in Tatt’s for them that he is a director, and having a swooping command in the venture takes great interest in it and looks after its welfare O.K.’

Alf Bennett’s election to Council eliminates objectionable fellows and those comprising the Council now are desirable [sic: desirous?] of harmony rather than dissention.

Pranksters recently cut the brush from the tails of Mr C. Heinrich’s two cows. Walter Truscott’s horse suffered a similar fate.

VX, 711, 24 Jan. 1906, page 5

‘Equity’ writes complaining at the inaction of the police in curbing Sunday trading at Burra Hotels.

‘Dustbin’ complains that the scavenger appears but twice a year.

Tennis. On 20 January Kooringa 5-37 defeated Aberdeen 3-34.

Marriage. Farrell’s Flat Catholic Church, Wednesday last

Miss B. Monaghan married Mr P. Sexton, formerly of Yatina & Mintaro & now of New Zealand.

The couple will live in New Zealand.

[Bridget, daughter of Patrick Monaghan. Patrick, son of John Sexton.]

Advt. Burra Institute 31 January: Steele-Payne Bellringers – The Original Payne Family.

Burra School.

Miss O.P. Pearce has gone to the University College and her place has been taken here by Mr. C.N.C. Miller. Miss Treahy B.Sc. will take up duties at a city school and be replaced here by Miss Robertson. Mr A. Lott has gone to Pupil Teachers’ School. Miss Johnson transferred to Wellington and Miss Barkley to Provincial School at Wandearah. Burra School resumed yesterday.

Fire. As we go to press a fire has started south of Farrell’s Flat in a paddock owned by Mr Lee.

VX, 711, 24 Jan. 1906, page 6

Paull’s Consolidated Mine. Work continues at 250ft level in No. 1 Shaft in preparation to strip ore from the hanging wall. No. 2 Shaft East is showing ore. Erection of the plant continues on the surface and carpenters will start housing the machinery tomorrow.

VX, 712, 31 Jan. 1906, page 3

Advt. Miss Millar’s Burra High School begins Term 1 on Tuesday 30 January 1906.

Advt. Private School in Aberdeen opens 23 January 1906: apply to E.C.D. Thomas Ellen Terrace, or to Mrs Rule. [Presumably a mistake for Helen Terrace.]

Advt. F. Harris has opened a Registry Office for General Servants, Parlour Maids, Charwomen, Labourers, Cooks etc.

Advt. The Steele-Payne Bellringers (originally the Payne Family) will appear at the Burra Institute 31 January.

VX, 712, 31 Jan. 1906, page 4

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Promises that a pumping plant would be erected are now two months old and nothing has happened. The property is being held on sufferance. A few tons of ore are expected to be despatched to Wallaroo for treatment soon - the second such in twelve months - to help the expense in getting it.

Nothing more has been done at Bunts’s Shaft.

Mr Charles Pressick, who lost his eyesight about two years ago through contracting a disease is now seriously ill and has been transferred to Adelaide.

Iron Mine Sports will be held on 7 March.

Weather. The long dry spell is aiding the slaughter of rabbits, though the heat is preventing the sending of carcases to Adelaide.

Copper consumption is growing, forcing up the price which has reached £80 a ton.

Erney Crewes [sic] is laid up with gastric influenza.

Paull’s Mine investors are expecting great things and there are few sales of shares with too few sellers for the purchasers.

Miss Thomas, daughter of Lance-Corporal Thomas of the police, who was in Burra some years ago, is visiting the town. L-Cpl Thomas has left the police and lives in Adelaide. His son Teddy worked for the Record for a while.

VX, 712, 31 Jan. 1906, page 5

Burra Racing Club met on Monday evening and attendance was large. Correspondence from SAJC approved the program and the date of 21 March for the next meeting. E.N. Finch has granted the use of his paddock. (W.H. Hardy was secretary.)

C.C. Heinrich of the Burra hotel has, through his solicitor, Mr Winnall, demanded the name of the anonymous writer who accused the Burra Hotel of trading on Sundays. W.J. Davey, editor, dismissed the demand with contempt.

Paull’s Mine. A new discovery there has boosted hopes.

G.E. Dane is arranging a musical for 21 February in the Institute.

Hanson Methodist Church is beset by a disagreement between preachers, choir and the flock.

Obituary. Mr Dawes, an old Burra miner, died last week at Barossa. He worked at Port Wakefield as captain of a barge after leaving Burra. [William Richard Manley Dawes died 19 January 1906 at Barossa Goldfields aged 74.]

Obituary. A lad named Shand, from Clare, died at the Burra Hospital last week and was buried at Kooringa. [This boy is surprisingly hard to identify, but he seems to have been registered at birth as Ignatius Cheon born 31 July 1891 near Seven Hills and to have been registered on death as Ignatius Cichon who died 24 January 1906 at Kooringa, residence White Hut near Clare.]

Fire. Yesterday afternoon about 4 o’clock a fire started in Mr W. Bullen’s rubbish heap near the baths near what is known as Mr Snell’s Garden. It spread to the adjoining allotment. Mr L. Day was attending to the garden and his and other aid prevented damage beyond about a quarter of an acre of grass and two or three fruit trees. There are many wooden structures in the vicinity that were threatened.

VX, 713, 7 Feb. 1906, page 4

Obituary. Colin Pearce, third son of C.J. Pearce, died of blood poisoning on Sunday morning. [Charles Colin Pearce born 5 March 1895 at Kooringa: died 4 February 1906 at Kooringa.]

Captain Watt passed through Burra on Saturday on his way home from Broken Hill.

Also visiting were K. Ewins and Jimmy Bennetts

Mrs W.A. Stewart, daughter of the late Mr B. Preece and sister of Harry Preece of Kooringa post office, is in Burra recuperating from an operation for cancer. She and her husband have in the past been in charge of the White Hart, Royal Exchange and Bon Accord Hotels. She has recently returned to SA from WA.

A Shooting. On Friday night between 9 and 10 p.m. at the rear of Charley Morgan’s baker’s shop a shot passed close to Mr H.A. Bohme, a recent arrival in Burra. It came from a point between Bridge St East and Kingston St and lodged in the roof of an opposite house. Mr Bohme says he has private reasons for suspecting a particular person. The matter is being investigated by M-C Clarke, but in the absence of witnesses it will be a difficult matter to sheet the offence home.

VX, 713, 7 Feb. 1906, page 5

Burra Town Council, Monday.

£273 has been allotted by the Crown Lands Dept. for main roads. The Government is to be asked to provide a free water trough in Best Place. (i.e. the Council asks to be allowed a rebate on water supplied to the trough.)

Paull’s consolidated Mine. The mine has some 400 Burra shareholders. It reports the erection of the large concentration plant is going well. No. 1 and No. 2 shafts are both in ore that is payable.

The Eastern Country is very hot and dry and feed is very scarce. No rain has fallen for 13 weeks.

Anthrax has been reported in Adelaide.

Harry Austin has taken over his father’s butchering business.

Fred Bromley, a former butcher of Burra, is still operating as such in Broken Hill.

Marriage. Today Miss May Sangster will marry Mr A. Gebhardt at St Mary’s.

Advt. J.B. Griffiths of Roach Town wishes to sell two houses in Hampton and two allotments of land.

VX, 714, 14 Feb. 1906, page 4

Editorial on the Wheat Harvest. A late harvest, but generally a good one is reported from Gawler to Petersburg and this has notably boosted employment.

Obituary. Mrs McNamara died at her residence in Welsh Place on Saturday. She was the eldest daughter of the late Mr D. O’Brien, who met his death at Baldina Creek several years ago. A husband and four small children survive, the youngest aged 5 weeks. The family lost Mrs Honora O’Brien only a few weeks ago. [She appears to have been Mrs Lawrence McNarmara, born Honora O’Brien according to the birth of the child mentioned above: Lawrence John, born 11 January 1906. She was apparently registered at birth on 4 October 1871 at Honorah O’Brien.]

The Shooting. There is no fresh news on the shooting near Charles Morgan’s recently. Mr W. Geake had just passed as the roof of Mr Morgan’s shop was struck.

Petherton Estate blocks have been allocated: there were over 100 applicants. The allocations are printed.

The Smelts. A heavy load seen in town in the last week excited interest as people thought it to be the pumping engine for the mine, but it turned out to be merely the remains of the old smelts, purchased some time ago, but only now being taken away.

VX, 714, 14 Feb. 1906, page 5

W.E. Jordan is leaving Burra after some 20 years.

Obituary. Mary Jane Drew, relict of Charles Drew, died in Adelaide on Monday. [Born Mary Jane Hancock 1839: died 12 February 1906 at North Adelaide.]

W. Batchelor, an old Burra boy, now working in Pt Adelaide Customs Office, is visiting Burra.

Court.

Thomas Woollacott was fined 10/- + costs for stray horses in Redruth.

Marriage. May Sangster, eldest daughter of Dr J.I. Sangster Sen. married Albert Gebhardt, fourth son of the late A.G. Gebhardt of Mackerode. Rev. A.G. King came from Mt Gambier to officiate at St Mary’s last Wednesday. Details take almost 1 column. The reception in the Institute was followed by a ball.

The Eastern Prospecting Syndicate has decided to resume work in its shaft, already at 96’ in material stained with copper. A hill close to the old works 32 miles east of Burra has yielded a sample giving 9 dwt gold and a trace of silver.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Machinery to dewater the mine has arrived and will be placed in position. The aim is to lower the water in the open cut by 50’ to allow tributers to work there.

Burra Institute held its usual monthly meeting on Monday with C. Fuss presiding as President.

Redruth Court, Monday.

Star Thistle Cases against A.G. Gebhardt and L.W. Gebhardt were heard. A.G. was fined £2 and will appeal. L.W. was fined £2 with the conviction suspended for a month. Mr Winnall (for the Council) said he didn’t know what the outcome of that would be.

Sir F.W. Holder preached twice at Kooringa Methodist Church on Sunday.

VX, 715, 21 Feb. 1906, page 3

Kooringa Methodist Church Harvest Thanksgiving Services were held last Sunday when Rev. R.C. Yeomans and Rev. S. Kessell preached. Rev. H.T.H. Wightwick will conduct St Mary’s Thanksgiving services next Sunday.

Robert Woollacott, whose parents live in Burra, has passed 1st grade in Physics, Heat, Electricity and Magnetism at the Broken Hill Technical College.

Salvation Army. The Austral Band under Brigadier Veal visited Burra on Monday and held both an open-air meeting and one at the Barracks. Yesterday they went on to Jamestown.

Rain finally came last Sunday after 13 weeks of heat. The half inch fall at Kooringa was the first since October.

Burra Mine. It is anticipated that if there is a decision to lower the water in the mine completely that the Wandillah Scheme will be developed to serve the town, but at present the 50’ lowering of water level as projected will not be a threat to the town supply.

Fanny Carbis, who was an inhabitant of the Redruth Reformatory about 12 months ago, took ill while there and was sent to the Burra Hospital. There she met Mr Fred Camp, who was also a patient. As a result the two were married and left the hospital, but a few days later she was arrested to complete her sentence. After some time she left Fred, having rifled the boxes of his deceased wife. She then lived quite reputably in the town for some time before going to Adelaide under the name Mrs Douglas, accompanied by a man. Last week she was sentenced to three months for having left her four month old child on the steps of the house of Mr R. McGee of Mercy St.

Court.

The case of William John Gray is reported. He got two months for obtaining £10 from the Burra Hospital cook by false pretences - having first promised to marry her. Details extend 11⁄2 columns.

VX, 715, 21 Feb. 1906, page 5

Burra Burra Copper Co.: The Burra Mine

After months of waiting the company has at last introduced a pump to unwater the open cut, but the concentrating plant has not appeared and is not likely to if the proposed scheme proves unsuccessful. Compared with the old pump at Morphett’s Shaft the one being erected now is a miniature. It is said to be capable of pumping 30,000 gallons an hour. A start is expected in about three weeks. The pump will be immediately on the water’s edge and the water will be carried to the small channel that leads to Burra Creek. Surprisingly the company has decided to suspend all tributing work. On Friday the tributers were told to expect no more work after the present ‘take’. The directors are to concentrate all efforts on the latest drive where excellent ore was discovered a few months ago. They propose a shaft with three shifts of workers and if they meet with success more will be done, but if they run into old workings (which we are assured will occur) it will be ‘as you were’. Apparently the idea of unwatering the open cut to set a number of pitches for tributers has been defeated. The men who have worked there for at least 20 years and who have returned thousands of pounds to the directors of SAMA [and to the BBCC?] feel aggrieved. One old miner said if tributing is taken away ‘it will spell ruination’ for the mine. Obviously the system would have to change as the open cut was unwatered, but arrangements could be made to use the water pumped from the open cut and work could have been found for 20 to 30 men. The scheme embarked upon does not suggest success for at least many months and putting down the shaft and other preliminary works will carry us well into 1907 and even then we will have to wait for the directors to say whether it is worth while entering into negotiations to develop the mine further. On the other hand unless ore is being raised the finances of the company will soon be exhausted. Surely this suggests that putting on as many tributers as possible could only help. Twenty men on tribute could pay the wages of those engaged in digging the shaft. At present the prospects are gloomy and unless the present cloud has a silver, or even a copper lining, no one need expect to see the Burra Mine any other than at present – practically dormant.

Rev. H.T.H. Wightwick has decided to accept a very good offer of a position in England. He will be much missed here where he has shown himself able to adapt himself to any topic, social or otherwise and his discourses are always interesting. He came to Australia about five years ago and first had charge of a church in Sydney and then in Pt Lincoln before coming to Burra about 18 months ago. So far as he knows he expects to leave for England at the end of March.

Whyte Yarcowie Methodist Church Harvest thanksgiving was held last Sunday.

Marriage. Wesley Bi-Centenary Church Hanson 14 February

Edward Arthur Albert Beckwith, fourth son of Mr J. Beckwith of Mt Bryan, married

Harriet Ann Dixon, fourth daughter of Mr George Dixon of Hanson

Golden Wedding of Mr & Mrs George Dixon of Hanson was celebrated on Wednesday 14 February with a tea at the Wesley Bi-centenary Church at Hanson. W.G. Hawkes was MC and told how Mr Dixon had carried out his duties at Koonoona Station under his supervision for 25 years, having been at the station for 41 years. The couple were presented with two purses of sovereigns and other presents. Mr Dixon was born at Bennefield in Northamptonshire in England on 2 August 1834 and Mrs Dixon at Chew Stoke in England 23 August 1835. They married at the parish church in Aberdare, Wales, 14 April 1856 and arrived in Adelaide on the Gomalza [Perhaps Gomaza: the print is unclear.] 12 June 1856 and came directly to Koonoona. There are four daughters and five sons: Mrs E. Williams (Farrell’s Flat), Mrs G. Taylor (Gawler), Mrs John Earle (Yongala), Mrs E.A. Beckwith (Belalie North), Mr John Dixon (Yongala), Messrs W.T. & R.J. Dixon (Hanson), Mr G.T. Dixon (Black Springs) & Arthur Dixon (Koonoona). There are 42 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Burra Town Council on Monday dealt with routine matters.

Paull’s Mine. The half-yearly meeting will be held in Adelaide 1 March. The new concentrating plant can handle 120 tons per day with three shifts. With the present price of copper good profits should be made. In the year 98 tons 10 cwt of concentrates had been sent away at an av. 18%. Hopes are that the machinery will be operational by mid-March.

VX, 716, 28 Feb. 1906, page 4

G.E. Dane’s concert of combined Clare and Burra performers in the Institute on Wednesday evening drew a large attendance.

Joseph Parks (16) son of Charles Parks fell off a cart last week and the wheel passed over him just above the hip joint. He was not seriously hurt.

Burra Show for 1906 is scheduled for 26 September.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. The tributers in the open cut are busy cleaning up their work which will cease about Saturday unless something unforseen occurs.

The directors seem to have killed the goose that laid the golden egg by not allowing tributers to work. The residents of Burra seem now to have lost all faith in them and the exodus of people has recommenced. Last week four left for Broken Hill and others will follow, though at present there is little prospect of work there either due to the recent fire.

W.E. Jordan, who is leaving the town, having disposed of his business, was farewelled at R.D. Pascoe’s hairdressing saloon [sic] and given a nice travelling bag, presented by the Mayor, John Drew.

[He was leaving due to the lack of business opportunities in the town.]

Mr W. Nelson was trapped almost to the waist in a couple of tons of rock fall in the quarry behind Victoria Park on Monday morning. One foot was bruised and a toe crushed, but he was soon extricated and sent to the Burra Hospital.

W. Pearce, 2nd son of William Pearce, is visiting on holiday from WA.

Edgar Pearce, 2nd son of John Pearce, is visiting on holiday from WA.

The Burra Mine. The Burra Burra Copper Co. The new pumping plant has been erected and should start operation during the next fortnight. The engineers have been quick at getting the plant together, especially as they had to move a couple of tons weight at a time with ropes, pulleys and rollers. Two steep embankments had to be negotiated with the last one leading to the water if any piece had got away. It is now said that when the water is lowered to the 50ft level a few men will be ‘set’ there. Others say that the water will be forked before the 40ft level. Some say test shafts will be sunk around the pool. The decision to stop all tributing came as a great surprise, as up to then it had been expected that on beginning pumping at least 30 men would be put on. Old hands that have been there years are now looking for other situations. Work at Bunts’s is progressing with not very gratifying results.

The Record reporter paid a visit to the mine and the reporter suggests that the Manager, Mr Pryor, was not very happy about the report in the paper the previous week. He said they were pumping out the water so why the gloomy response. He did not agree with the dire predictions attendant upon ceasing tributing work. The Record accused him of hugging the old works. Mr Pryor asked how he could get clear of them. The reporter suggested that if he had to answer that he would want Mr Pryor’s pay.

VX, 716, 28 Feb. 1906, page 5

Residents are still leaving Burra for Broken hill and WA.

Scarlatina is very prevalent among children in Burra at present.

The late Mrs Charles Drew left £7,000 to various religious and charitable societies.

Jack Richards used his motor to tow a bike rider in 40 miles from the east last week.

[Probably both ‘motor’ and ‘bike’ here refer to motor cycles.]

A. & J. McDonald of Rockhill Farm at Leighton had the idea of cutting wheat when in a doughy state and allowing it to ripen in the straw with the intent of chaffing it and threshing it in the one operation. This was successfully done on 22 February and the experiment is reported in 2⁄3 column.

A. Abbot employed by A. Mann at Baldina had a toe crushed when a dam scoop suddenly overturned last week.

Rabbits are scarce at Baldina and Mongolata, but plentiful further east.

Miss A. Bernhardt was presented with a silver tray and tea set by the Girls’ Friendly Society at St Mary’s Hall on Friday. She was about to marry Alfred Walker.

Advt. Mrs Gebhardt of Mackerode was advertising for an Experienced General for Glenelg: no washing.

‘A Resident’ writes suggesting that the Special Magistrate should have dealt with such cases as recently brought under the Thistle Act which dates from 1862 and has had a number of Amending Acts. It is unfair to expect JPs to have to cope with such. Also the sitting day should not be a Monday, as when counsel is required from Adelaide they must come up on Saturday to be in Burra for court on Monday at 10 a.m.

VX, 717, 7 Mar. 1906, page 4

Salvation Army. Ensign Good conducted Harvest Thanksgiving services on Sunday and on Monday the Methodist Choir assisted.

Rev. H.T.H. Wightwick leaves for England on 12 April and will preach at St Mary’s for the last time on 1 April.

Miss Alice Hiddle has been successful at the junior division of the Trinity College [Music] Examination in Clare on 2 December. She is a pupil of the Sisters of St Joseph in Kooringa.

Burra & District Horticulture

Mr McKenzie at Lilydale has grown pumpkins measuring over 6’5” [presumably in circumference] and trombones 2ft to 4ft long and also sugar and water melons by the score along with other vegetables and a fine crop of tomatoes.

At Glenora (Radford’s) there are good fruit trees and grapes with bunches up to 6 & 7lbs.

Redruth has had special services at the Mission Tent for the past two or three weeks.

Paull’s Mine held its half-yearly meeting which was attended by C. Fuss and J. McDonald. When local buyers got into the market shares were £8. They then rose to £15-10-0 before falling to £4-10-0. Good reports from the mine have seen a rise in value and sales on Saturday in Adelaide were at £13.

E.W. Crewes has returned from a holiday in Sydney.

Rev. Fr Redden has returned from two months holiday in the South East and is looking well.

Court.

Thomas Woollacott was fined £1 for five stray horses in Best Place.

Harry Goodwin was fined 10/- for two stray horses in Best Place.

Weather. Fine rains last week were welcome and extended well to the east. Just over the hills about 2 inches fell in an hour, doing damage as well as good. To the east Braemar had 60-70 points; Faraway Hill got 80 and Lilydale 110 points. There were good falls along the peg-line.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Tributing work ceased on Saturday. Pumping out of the open cut should begin in about two weeks.

VX, 717, 7 Mar. 1906, page 5

Obituary. Oswald Caldicott, eldest son of J. Caldicott, died at his home on 21 February aged 13 following scarlatina. [Born John Oswald Caldicott 14 July 1893 Mt Bryan East: died John Oswald Caldecott 21 February 1906 Mt Bryan.]

Tennis. 24 February Kooringa 4-37 defeated Aberdeen ‘A’ 4-36.

[Personal interest: I. Macindoe & J. Burns defeated W. Neville & R. Fuss 6-1; N. Burns & C. McLaren defeated W. Neville & R. Fuss 6-5; C. McLaren defeated R. Fuss 6-5.]

Season: Played Won Lost Points Sets won Games won

Aberdeen ‘B’ 6 4 2 8 25 225

Aberdeen ‘A’ 6 3 3 6 28 224

Kooringa 6 2 4 4 19 190

‘Interested’ writes re the Burra Mine

Having read the Record’s report and its gloomy outlook ‘Interested’ wrote to a friend to see if the paper had overdrawn the case, but was told it was much underdrawn. He came therefore to Burra to judge for himself and was surprised to see the town such a dull place. A weekday in the shopping area looked like a Sunday. He knew the mine was being worked in a small way, but any smaller and he would not have found anyone there at all. It is a disgrace that it has taken five years to do so little. He called it pig-rooting not mining. The stopping of the tributers is one of the biggest mistakes possible. They are the mainstay of the mine. Talk of the difficulty of pumping out the open cut is tommy rot. He then goes on to speculate on the possible richness of ore to be discovered when the water is lowered.

Weather. Eastern Country rains. Falls are listed for 15 places and most range from 70 at Woolgangi to 165 points at Baldina, but Oakbank with 13, Quondong 50 and Pine Valley 40 were lower.

Burra Town Council, Monday

Council cannot see its way clear to erect a lamp in Chapel St.

Five chains of kerbing will be done in Quarry St.

Other matters were of a routine nature.

Mr Hemmerling lost 15 turkeys last week – presumably to a fox.

Advt. Mrs Gray of Redruth is supporting herself and children and will take in sewing, mending and darning.

Advt. Mr A. Bartholomaeus of Kooringa has for sale a 10-ton weighbridge.

VX, 718, 14 Mar. 1906, page 4

W. Barkley has removed from the shop known as Dobbies to that lately occupied by W.E. Jordan in Market Square.

Dry bible is prevalent in the area now and has caused the death of several cows.

The Burra Hotel Footbridge is in a dangerous state and we draw the Councils attention to it. The footboards are hardly safe for the traffic and the side rails are broken.

Salvation Army. Ensign Good, who has had charge of the local corps for 14 months has been transferred and will be given a farewell on 18 March. He came when there was dissension in the ranks and has been able to raise the tone.

Burra Races next Wednesday.

The Elder Claim is being developed south of Princess Royal and the shaft is down 150’ with a 90’ drive. Indications are good for an ore strike soon.

Dutton’s Troughs Claim is not being worked though copper is believed to be there in payable quantities.

The Eastern Mining & Prospecting Syndicate claim 15 miles east of Burra has been stopped by lack of water, but resumption is hoped for soon. [Is this the same claim that was 32 miles east in VX, 714, 14 Feb. 1906, page 5, or do they have more than one claim?]

The Rev. Humphrey T.H. Wightwick, [Rector of St Mary’s 1904-06] is preparing to return to the UK.

Iron Mine Sports last Wednesday were contested in poor weather with rain after 11 a.m. Results are printed.

VX, 718, 14 Mar. 1906, page 5

The Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. The tributers have ceased to work in the open cut. A visit on Monday found the place almost deserted, but for one man. The pumping machinery is not yet ready to work. It is not known how long it will take to pump out, but it is hoped to start within a fortnight. It is expected some 30,000 gallons an hour will flow down the creek and it is the intention of some men to be allowed to fossick in the creek.

[The tone of the whole report is one of extreme scepticism.]

‘Boulder Block WA’ writes about the Burra Mine asking why the directors do not go in for thorough development of the mine instead of merely allowing tributers to get at stuff known to exist around the open cut. The mine should, he says, be drained to the 100 fathom level of Morphett’s Shaft and Grave’s Shaft be sunk to the same level.

Salvation Army. Ensign and Mrs Good thank their friends and sympathisers for their good time in Burra over about the last 15 months.

‘Abomah’ & her company showed at Burra on Wednesday to a fair house.

Albert Ward will soon leave Burra.

The Institute: there is a move to lay on acetylene gas.

Weather. More rain in the last week saw Oakbank get 125 points and Balah 115. Again it was very patchy in the east with falls varying from 10 to 125 points.

Court.

D.R. Jones, labourer of Redruth, was fined a total of £3 for not sending his children to school as required. The JPs felt he was unfairly dealt with by the Education Department which had waited nearly six months to bring the case, during which time the children had been attending regularly. They could not reduce the penalty, but waived hearing fees.

VX, 719, 21 Mar. 1906, page 4

Advt. To Let: the Court House Hotel of 17 rooms, stables etc. for a term of three or more years from 3 May 1906.

Ralph Giles who has been clerk of the Redruth Court for some time has been transferred to Pt Augusta, which is a promotion. Mr Olson, the new clerk, arrives today.

Salvation Army. Ensign & Mrs Good leave for Wallaroo tomorrow to be succeeded ‘by two lassies’ Captain Coombes and Lieut. Crocker from Melbourne who are due on 28 March.

Star Thistles. The writer complains that a recent £2 fine is absurd and should have been £50. If Mr Laidlaw and Mr C. Bowman can keep their large runs free of it then others can too, or they should be made to forfeit the land for closer settlement.

Rev. H.T.H. Wightwick is having W.J. Davey make lantern slides of his many pictures of Burra and District. He has a very nice collection.

Fire. A fire started close to Mr W.I. Short’s garden on Monday afternoon and several acres of grass and some fencing were destroyed. Fortunately Mr Short was present and with difficulty got the fire under control. The west wind fortunately saved Mr R. Austin’s stubble paddock. Mr Short lost the best part of his grass feed and several fruit trees were badly damaged. Mrs Short managed to secure the haystack in the garden.

Burra Races will be held today in a paddock near Copperhouse lent by Mr Finch.

‘Shareholder’ writes re the Burra Mine

He was glad to see the paper reminding the directors of their duty. The Government lent a diamond drill on the understanding that if anything was found the company would work the mine. In each of two bores sulphide ore was discovered, but nothing followed. Then a pumping plant was offered from Sliding Rock if directors would promise to do their bit, but again there was no result.

Now there is a pumping plant being erected, but still no plant to treat ore. With copper at £80 a ton and up-to-date machinery and the costs of carriage for coal so much less than when the mine was operating something should be possible.

‘Sanitary’ hopes the new scavenger will come more than one a year.

Whyte Yarcowie Races. The annual meeting was held last Wednesday and the results are printed.

VX, 719, 21 Mar. 1906, page 5

Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday:

Burra 7 for 244 declared. I. Macindoe 61 retired, F.T. Harcus 70 retired, Hartnett 25 retired & Jones 51 retired.

Farrell’s Flat only batted 7 men and scored 6 for 68.

[The paper says six men, but there were six out.]

Farrell’s Flat Sports. The Annual Sports and Horse Racing was held on Wednesday last in lieu of St Patrick’s Day. Attendance was unusually small. Results are printed.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Some work continues, but any hope of success is meagre. Some ore has been struck in the drive and work is now directed to the westerly direction. A few months ago Mr Jack Sanders probably one of the oldest miners in the town worked up to a patch of ore he knew was resting there when the mines stopped and he succeeded in cutting a nice lode from a tributer’s point of view and should, from our observations, have made a decent wage for the best part of the take.

Mr Thomas Drew, one of the directors, was in Burra from Saturday and left on Tuesday morning. He inspected the mine and admitted that little work had been done. He himself is not cheerful and says that if the property cannot be disposed of fairly soon they will have to stop.

We have said that the funds of the present company will run out and it will be useless for them to make a call, for not one in a hundred would respond. The property would fall back into the hands of the directors and the tide is drifting that way. Work on the pumping plant has stopped because the lifts for the pumps have not arrived and will not come till some time in April.

[Personal interest: the Jack Sanders mentioned above is almost certainly my great-grandfather John Sanders of Copperhouse.]

Mr Laidlaw, manager of Alex Murray’s estate, recently caught three foxes and showed them to the Mt Bryan schoolchildren, many of whom had never seen one before.

Petherton Settlers are busy setting up their homes with sheds & houses and dams are being sunk. This closer settlement will make a big difference to Mt Bryan.

Maurice Collins gashed his leg with an axe while cutting wood last week.

Kooringa Football Club met in R.D. Pascoe’s room on Monday and elected: Secretary, J. Allen; Captain, J.A. Knevett; Vice-Captain, N. Pearce.

Aberdeen Football Club met at the Bicycle Depot. W. J. Richards presided. Elected: Patron, Mr J. Bowen; Vice-Presidents, Messrs C. & A. Fuss, W. Rule, N.J. Tiddy & T. Nevin; Secretary & Treasurer, W. Neville, Captain, J. Richards; Vice-Captain, H. Goodwin.

Burra Town Council, Monday

Ramblers Football Club was granted use of Victoria Park on the usual terms.

Other items were of a routine nature.

Paull’s Mine. Mr E. Pryor has been appointed underground manager. He was in old days a timberman in the Burra Mine and for years has been foreman timberman at Broken Hill. He will give good value for money.

Mr Joseph Phillips of Waterloo has been admitted to Burra Hospital with gangrene of the toe and diabetes. He was formerly a blacksmith, but latterly a farmer. He is the father-in-law of Mr F. Harris and Mrs Ensign Aberg of Broken Hill. [See obituary next issue.]

Mr R. Burns of the Royal Exchange Hotel will leave Burra for Adelaide on 26 March after six years in charge. Mr M. Naylon late of Manoora is the new landlord.

Mr Cassaretto leaves the Court House Hotel on 1 May for Mt Bryan.

Dry bible is easing.

Ensign & Mrs Good were farewelled at the Salvation Army Barracks on Sunday.

Two new cars will soon be seen in Burra, as Messrs Gebhardt and Warnes have bought one each.

A Concert was given to patients and staff of the Burra Hospital last night by the Burra Musical and Dramatic Club.

Adelaide Show. At the recent show W.I. Short got 1st prize for pickled onions.

St Patrick’s Day services were held at St Joseph’s by Rev. Fr Redden.

Ted Pryor of Paull’s Mine is brother to Bill Pryor of World’s End.

VX, 719, 21 Mar. 1906, page 6

Burra Institute has appointed a committee comprising Messrs [C.A.] Fuss, Winnall, Hague, Drew & Dr Sangster Jnr to enquire into the installation of acetylene gas.

VX, 720, 28 Mar. 1906, page 4

Rain. We received 97 points last weekend.

Paull’s Mine concentration plant is now ready and will probably begin this week. Mr C.A. Fuss, one of the local directors, will go to the mine on Monday to see the results and report to directors and shareholders.

Salvation Army. The two new lady officers, Captain Coombes and Lieut. Crocker, arrived unexpectedly on Friday and conducted their first open-air service on Saturday. Ensign and Mrs Good left Burra on Thursday morning and will succeed Captain Ross who did not leave a favourable impression behind him when he left Burra.

Burra Amusement & Dramatic Club presented a concert at the Burra Hospital last week. Musical items were followed by the farce Supper for Two.

Obituary. Joseph Phillips died on Monday from complications and shock following an operation on gangrene of a toe as a result of diabetes. He arrived in SA in 1850 and found employment at Mintaro and for the last 42 years was a resident of Waterloo. He leaves a widow and five daughters and five sons:

Mrs F. Harris (Burra) Mrs R. Holland (Birkenhead)

Mrs Ensign Aberg (Broken Hill) Mrs A.J. Farley (Chicago USA)

Nellie (Waterloo) James (Waterloo)

Bert (Waterloo) Phillip (Burra)

Edwin (Pengelly WA) William (Pengelly WA)

There are 22 grandchildren.

[Died 26 March aged 72 at Kooringa, residence Waterloo.]

VX, 720, 28 Mar. 1906, page 4-5

Burra Races last Wednesday were very successful and a credit to the officials, especially to the secretary, Billy Hardy. They were held in Ted Finch’s paddock and a profit over £40 will result. Last year the old club was resuscitated with some difficulty and a loss of £5 resulted. This time there was a large attendance. The main race was the Burra Handicap which paid £16 for 1st and was won by M.F. O’Dea’s Curate, which also won the Welter Handicap.

In the selling Hack Race, Mason, riding Miss N.M. O’Dea’s The Blackhawk pulled up most obviously to allow Mr A.T. Fairchild’s Honeyboy, ridden by Williams, to win. The Blackhawk was disqualified and Mason has been banned from racing for 12 months.

The writer of the report wondered why so many police were at the track with such light work for them there, and why they didn’t stop the illegal betting that was going on.

VX, 720, 28 Mar. 1906, page 5

D. (‘Dud’) B. Fleming has left the town after a disagreement with the management of Drew & Crewes, though the matter was eventually sorted out by his father acting as his solicitor.

Dicky Burns, publican of the Royal Exchange hotel, has left for Adelaide after 6 years - apparently his application for renewal of licence was turned down and Mr Naylon from Manoora will take over.

Ralph Lonsdale Giles, late clerk of the Redruth Court, has left Burra for Pt Augusta, which represents a substantial promotion.

Rev. Wightwick managed to photograph the last two ex-tributers still at work on some ore bearing stuff at the mine - Tom Kellaway and his son Stan. [Then c. 21 years old.]

Tom has worked there for many years and his five sons have all struggled for an existence on the property. Tom ‘worked there when it stopped, and have worked there ever since, and have seen almost every movement of the ground’. He will now be seen in England on the screen on a lanternslide.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. The best we can learn is that there is no fixed policy decision about the action when the water is pumped from the pool. The pump is still idle. Mr Pryor says shafts will be put down near the water’s edge and if ore is struck it will assist the directors in making a decision. There is not enough cash to go on much longer. The pumping house has been closed for three weeks. Pumping, it was said, would begin last December, but only a little has been done. We do not condemn the mine which we believe is one of the best, but the method in which it is being worked.

Phosphate Fields. Work at the fields some 15 miles east of Burra has been suspended for about three months due to difficulties in finding a purchaser for the product.

VX, 721, 4 Apr. 1906, page 4

Hanson School Concert tonight organised by head teacher Mr Bray to aid school funds.

St Mary’s. Rev. H.T.H. Wightwick preached for the last time at Burra on Sunday and left the town on Tuesday afternoon. Rev. Ebbey [sic: error for Ebbs] from Broken Hill will follow him at Burra.

Paull’s Mine. After considerable delay in setting up the machinery it is expected to start operation today. There is plenty of ore in reserve in different drives and arrangements will be made to run three shifts when 750 tons will be treated weekly. Mr C.A. Fuss left Burra on Monday to meet the new manager Mr E. Pryor at Petersburg and they travelled on together.

W.R. Ridgway writes to say the ‘Dicky’ Burns was not unfairly treated on leaving the Royal Exchange Hotel and might have gone on there for another six years if he had chosen.

The editor comments that Burns’s evidence is a direct denial of this.

Accident. Last Saturday Harry Baynes was cycling in from Mongolata. He met Mr Isaac Villis near the Baldina Creek and soon after travelling at 20 m.p.h. his machine completely collapsed and he was thrown along the ground for 10-15 yards. He suffered severe bruising and abrasions and was rendered unconscious. Mr Villis assisted his recovery and Baynes then insisted he was alright to walk into Burra. He did so, pushing the bike by its back wheel (all that was salvageable) and arrived exhausted.

Mr Hassel, who had enquired of the Town Council about the strength of the town bridges to carry a traction engine and loads of phosphate rock, has not been seen for some time and no work is being done on the claims that he somehow got hold of. A letter has been sent to the Minister of Mines and if he does not carry out the requirements to work the claim the leases will again be open for selection.

Rev. Wightwick’s sale went surprisingly well. He got more for his horses than he paid for then after getting about two years’ hard work out of them. The sale realised £280-£300.

Redruth Court, 3 April

The following were charged with being idle and disorderly:

John McGuire & Joseph Lund: sentenced to 14 days in jail.

Joseph Dennis & Henry McDonald sentenced to 1 month in jail.

Mr Dudley Fleming was given a farewell by members of the Burra Musical & Dramatic Club on Tuesday evening.

VX, 721, 4 Apr. 1906, page 5

At ‘The Gums’ lambing has started and half an inch of rain fell on 24 March. N.H. Pearse took a fall from his motor cycle in the slippery conditions on the way back from Mt Mary on 26 March and sustained a sprained ankle, bruises and contusions.

‘Short & Sharp’

Scarlatina & colds are common in Burra at present.

Mr F.W. Liebing, a former teacher at Burra School and lately of Jamestown is said to be going to resign from the Department at Easter.

Rev. Wightwick has returned to England with 250 lantern slides to assist in talks about Australia. [They were made by the Burra Record.]

Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday Mongolata 148 v. Gum Creek 94.

Mrs Gerald Dow has survived a very serious operation in North Adelaide for the removal of a growth in the throat.

Mr Cyril McBride, eldest son of W. McBride, left Burra for Perth a few days ago. He had been employed at Drew & Crewes. He was a member of St Mary’s Choir, the Burra Orchestra and the Burra Musical & Dramatic Club.

Obituary. R.Z. Jones has died aged 81. He was a schoolteacher at Stony Gap for a number of years and later lived in a house now almost demolished in Commercial St. He moved to Adelaide and then to Jamestown, where he lived with his son. Mrs Jones died some eight years ago. John, the youngest son, served his time as a printer at the Burra Record and is now in WA.

[Robert Zincraft Jones died at Jamestown 29 March 1906 aged 82.]

Mr J.C. Killicoat left Burra on Monday for Jamestown where he will conduct Messrs Strachan, Cheadle & Co.’s auctioneering branch. He was a valued member of St Mary’s Choir, the Burra Musical & Dramatic Club and was on the committee of the Burra Racing Club. He has been secretary to numerous dances and was a most efficient master-of-ceremonies.

Burra Town Council held a special meeting on 26 March and decided to take no action concerning the purchase of the slaughterhouse to be auctioned during April. An ordinary meeting on Monday conducted routine business.

Accident. Two horses attached to Mt Tom Halls’ cab became fractious at the station and after some interaction with Edwin Harris’s horse and dray they brought the cab into contact with the corner fence post damaging the cab considerably.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co.

A large belt wheel was cracked when it fell off the trolly because the horses moved and it had to be repaired at Henderson’s. On Saturday the first run of the engine was made and it worked silently and beautifully. We expect the bottom of the pool to be exposed at about 20ft. Pumping should begin in about three weeks. When we [Mr Davey] visited the Mine Mr Pryor ordered us away from the site and refused to talk to us. But if we did not go to the Mine to see for ourselves the shareholders would have to rely on the information released by Mr Pryor and would not know the true state of affairs. At present there is nothing showing that gives promise of anything valuable from a mineral point of view. Work at Bunts’s Shaft continues and the intention of management is to get below the old workings.

VX, 722, 11 Apr. 1906, page 3

Advt. Mrs S.J. Watson has opened a Maternity Home in Redruth.

VX, 722, 11 Apr. 1906, page 4

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. The last equipment needed to enable pumping at the mine to start has now arrived. There is little other activity to note at the site.

Braefoot is being opened to closer settlement and should accommodate about 15 families.

Obituary. Henry Skewes of Booborowie, aged 71, died at Burra Hospital on 4 April. He was a colonist of 52 years. He died from injuries received when harnessing a young horse some two years and three months ago. He leaves two daughters and one son.

W.J. Richards brought a car to Burra on Friday for L.W. Gebhardt. It is a 10 h.p. Clement-Tablot [sic] [Talbot?] with accumulators and magneto ignition. It did the trip from Adelaide to Burra in four hours.

Seventh Day Adventists are taking up winter quarters in the old Kooringa Primitive Methodist Schoolroom. They have been established in a tent at Redruth for some weeks.

Foxes are becoming numerous around Burra.

Obituary. Mrs C. Thoroughgood, nee Kate Cope, once one of the best barmaids ever employed by Carl Heinrich has died. She was an accomplished musician and as well as being barmaid at the Burra Hotel for a time was for another period cook at the Commercial Hotel. She went to Broken Hill about 15 months ago and got married. She died of fever. [Most likely born Catherine Cope 28 February 1873 at Farrell’s Flat.]

George Camp, brother of Elliott Camp, and a former great jumper at Burra sports is visiting.

Hanson School Concert is reported in c. 1⁄2 column.

VX, 722, 11 Apr. 1906, page 5

A Night Adventure.

A column is devoted to the misadventures of ‘King’ Herbert, Dick Pascoe, Jim Pearce, Tom Kitchen, Edgar Pearce and Alf Bennetts, who all went seeking hares etc. around Ayers’ Forest and in the dark lost the ‘cabe’ they had arranged to bring them home to Burra.

St Mary’s. The Rev. H.L. Ebbs will soon take up duties as rector.

Obituary. Charles Trevelyan, formerly of Burra, has died at Broken Hill. He was cut in half by a fall of rock in the South Mine and leaves a wife and two children. [Charles Trevilyan born 9 July 1875 at Copperhouse. See more at VX, 724, 25 Apr. 1906, page 4.]

Paull’s Mine. Mr C.A. Fuss arrived at Paull’s Mine on Wednesday with the new General Manager, Mr E. Pryor. Ore treatment is due to start today.

Burra shareholders appreciate the great and noble work of the local director Mr C.A. Fuss.

Fred Liebing has resigned from the Education Department and is going in for gardening near Adelaide.

Hanson Methodist Church Harvest Thanksgiving was held last Sunday when Rev. R.C. Yeoman preached two sermons.

Mr W. Taylor of Booborowie has sold his farm to W. Barker of Baldina after being a resident for 35 years.

F. Treloar left Burra on 27 February on a trip to WA. He had a good trip and feels much benefited by the holiday. He was interviewed about WA and gives his impressions in an article of about 1⁄2 column. He felt that anyone from here contemplating taking up farming there should go and have a look first because the land was very different from here.

VX, 723, 18 Apr. 1906, page 4

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held its Anniversary on Sunday when Rev. S. Kessell preached. The tea meeting was on Monday.

A Race of Sorts!

There is a humorous account of a race held at Finch’s paddock between A. Moore’s Dick and Mr Ward’s Honeyboy. There is a lot of humorous discussion about the antics in getting to the starting line. At the start Honeyboy tossed its rider and headed for home. Dick meanwhile got off to a confused start, but eventually ran the mile in 61⁄2 minutes and won, having galloped a while, then cantered and finally trotted home. Eventually when the laughter subsided the race was restarted and this time they both got away, but once again Dick won easily.

Accident. On Saturday last Mr Allen, on going to H. Roach’s Flour Mill missed the stallion Bellatrix from the stable. The horse was found, having fallen into an underground tank whose roof had fallen in. Tom Vivian got to the site before Mr Roach and set to work to get the horse out. Slings were arranged and the tank bailed out till it got down to 4’6”. By then a winch and ropes and pulleys were procured. When it was ten months old Mr Roach had practically sold the horse for £100, but reneged on the deal and now it is 21⁄2 would not sell him for £250. He is a fine horse 15.3 high. Much of the credit for the successful rescue goes to the quick and effective work of Tom Vivian.

VX, 723, 18 Apr. 1906, page 5

Hanson Methodist Church Anniversary was held on Good Friday. 120 attended from Burra by train and others on bikes and in traps etc. There was then a public meeting. Proceeds were c. £12-16-0.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Pumping is to start this week. Thomas Rosewall, who worked there 53 years ago, is preparing a ‘jiggy’ near the old floors to treat dumps that were not properly worked before. There is plenty of room for more jigs, but two will be erected to start with. The bottom is expected to be about 25’ and another 25’ into the mullock will then be excavated to drain it. The pool contains a large quantity of crayfish. About 2-3 tons of ore are ready for despatch.

St Mary’s Picnic will take place today at J.C. Sandland’s paddock.

Mr Stockman’s homestead at Shafton has been sold to E.N. Finch.

[Somewhat oddly a correction on 2 May changes the seller from Chapman to Stockman.]

Cricket. Mongolata beat Gum Creek at Victoria Park on Saturday.

Mr Beasley head teacher at Booborowie has been transferred to Euralia.

VX, 724, 25 Apr. 1906, page 4

Obituary. Charles Trevilyan died 5 April at Broken Hill aged 30. He was the husband of May and the fourth son of Mary and the late George Trevilyan of Copperhouse. He is survived by a wife and two children.

Burra Town Council has decided to add more trees to the town and to remove the dirty and forsaken lamp in Market Square to the depot. The Burra Hotel Bridge is to be repaired and also the one over which Mrs Develaing toppled not long ago and later young Moore. [George St.]

A Concert was held in the Kooringa Methodist Lecture Hall Wednesday evening.

Rev. H.L. Ebbs who succeeds Rev. Wightwick conducted his first service here on Sunday last. He comes from Broken Hill. Arch-Deacon Bussell will attend Rev. Ebbs’s induction service on Friday evening.

St Mary’s Sunday School Picnic was held on Wednesday in J.C. Sandland’s paddock.

Obituary. Mrs Voumard, wife of Mr James Voumard, died in Burra Hospital on Thursday. The deceased died of fever after an illness of a few days. She is survived by a husband and four little boys, the youngest only three years old. [Death registration says Caroline Voumard died 19 April 1906 aged 34. I can find no marriage of a James Voumard and a Caroline in SA, though there is a James Amos Voumard who married Catherine Nicholls, who would have been the right age, but she has four boys and a daughter.]

Jack Richards has taken over the shop in Kooringa known as Jenkin’s and will conduct a motor garage and bike shop.

Paull’s Mine machinery has had a trial run with satisfactory results. It is expected to process 500 to 600 tons per week. Charley Fuss has been on the field for some three weeks and his writings to his brother August are full of interest and pithy. Arrangements are being made for a second shift and the property is looking well.

Marriage. At Mt Bryan Methodist Church last Wednesday

Mrs G.A. Maggs nee Clara Collins, third daughter of Henry Collins of Lucernedale Mt Bryan, married

George James Hanlin, eldest son of George Hanlin Esq. of Tualkilhi Station near Terowie.

Mr Casaretto’s sale takes place this Friday. He is moving from the Court House Hotel to that in Mt Bryan.

The Booborowie Methodist Church supper in connection with the thanksgiving services developed into a disgraceful fracas last Wednesday. The supper was eaten and the public meeting that followed was concluded when the unsuitable behaviour of one male present towards one of the ladies stirred up old conflicts and a disgraceful brawl followed involving as well ‘Billingsgate Galore’.

[The report is flowery and indirect and names no names, but about 3⁄4 column in all is devoted to what was clearly an amazing conclusion to a church function.]

Burra Town Council, Wednesday evening

The Dayman and Chairman of the Public Works will inspect the footbridge in George St and that behind the Burra Hotel to ascertain if repairs are required.

Local Board of Health

The shed at the rubbish depot will be repaired and the night cart painted.

VX, 724, 25 Apr. 1906, page 5

Burra Football Association met on Monday evening. Rev. Father Redden was elected Chairman and Mr Macindoe the secretary. The first three matches were arranged and the meeting adjourned.

[Among the delegates was R. Fuss.]

‘Wapstraw’ writes regretting that small landholdings were being bought up by larger landowners as in the case recently when Mr Chapman sold his farm at Shafton to E.N. Finch. He feels the Government needs to act to prevent this.

‘Well Wisher’ writes advising the Burra Burra Copper Co. directors to get a much larger pump and use Graves Shaft which was already equipped to receive one and he goes on with other advice encouraging them to become more active.

Obituary. Mrs Stewart, wife of Mr W.A. Stewart and eldest daughter of the late B. Preece, died at Aberdeen on Saturday [21 April] aged 54. She was born in Hereford England and came to SA about 52 years ago with her parents. She has been associated with Burra most of her life. Mr & Mrs Stewart were connected with the White Hart Hotel in the 1870s and later with the Bon Accord which was built by Mr Stewart’s father. In 1882 Mr Stewart, in consequence of his wife’s ill health, moved to Port Victor for some years. They later returned to run the Royal Exchange Hotel in Burra and later still went to Petersburg, Glenelg, Murray Bridge and Beaconsfield, Victoria. Some six months ago Mrs Stewart became seriously ill and underwent a successful operation in Adelaide. She decided to return to her people in Burra, but the malady returned and she gradually sank until her death on Saturday. She leaves a husband and six children: Mrs Jack Phelp [sic: Philp], Mrs J. Heithersay (Petersburg), William Stewart (Hamley Bridge), Douglas Stewart (Riverton) & Miss Greta and Gordon (Beaconsfield). There are also two sisters and eight brothers. [Born Harriet Preece.]

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Company: Ninth Half-yearly Report

There is £2,988-19-5 more to spend. For the half year 271⁄2 tons of ore sold for £371-10-2 for a loss of £188-18-5. There are 50,000 unallotted shares.

The editor observes that the Tributers contributed £41-0-1 and it is a wonder they were not encouraged to do more. He also observes that the remaining shares if allotted at 10/- each could raise a further £25,000. [This of course supposed that investors could be found.]

The editor says he visited the mine on Monday and Mr Pryor wanted to know who had given him permission to be there. He claimed the right as a shareholder. He inspected the engine and engine house and found the pumping to be going smoothly. A couple of tributers were using the water to treat hitherto useless stuff. He then reports that Mt James S. Pryor has sent the editor a letter informing him that he is not allowed on the mine property without permission and if he persists he will be prosecuted for trespass, menacing and using threatening language to the company’s manager. He says that is nonsense because all the threatening language has come from Mr Pryor’s side. He continues to assert that the paper has told the public more than Mr Pryor wants them to know, but not to aggravate, but to induce those who were responsible for the delays to proceed with the development in a proper manner. The old works must be got under to discover something better than has so far been found.

VX, 725, 2 May 1906, page 4

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Water is flowing down the Burra Creek in a gentle stream from the mine pump. The stream is small, but the pools are filled and footbridges (such as they are) are now used. The flow extends to Princess Royal where it meets natural springs. Children are having a great time paddling.

John Morgan replaces the late T.W. Pearce on the Burra School Board of Advice. Compulsory attendance has been increased form 35 to 45 days a quarter. Dr Sangster is the Chairman.

The Copper find towards Canowie has been abandoned.

Time payment. A husband in Burra recently pawned the time-payment pram to get ‘the wherewithal for a night with the boys’. Now three people want it: the agent, the wife, and the little chap it was obtained for.

The Gadfly. There are references to and quotations from this Adelaide journal in a number if issues of the paper. It was published by A.E. Martin (20) formerly of Orroroo, Beaumont Smith (20) born at Hallett and C.J. Dennis formerly of Laura.

VX, 725, 2 May 1906, page 5

Mr & Mrs John Pearce, host and hostess of the Mt Bryan Hotel, have retired to Burra.

St Mary’s. Archdeacon Bussell preached at the induction service on Friday night.

Fake Coins. Spurious shillings, florins and half crowns are in circulation.

Obituary. Tom Fitzgerald has died in Sydney only a few weeks after his brother Dan in Melbourne.

[A Thomas Fitzgerald was born in Kooringa 18 April 1860, but I can find no brother Dan.]

Obituary. The three months old baby of Mr McNamara, whose wife died a few weeks ago, has died.

[Lawrence John McNarmara born 11 January 1906 at Kooringa: died 24 April 1906 at Burra.]

Paull’s Mine. Things are looking up. The crushing machinery has been running successfully and a new set of hands were taken on and underground problems are being set right. A truck of concentrate has been despatched south to the smelters and a large amount is ready to be milled.

Mr Wallace has left the Farrell’s Flat Hotel and an ex-civil servant has taken over.

‘Wapstraw’ says that recently he reported Mr Chapman had sold his farm, but it should have been Mr Stockman.

Burra Mine: The Burra Burra Copper Co.

Pumping operations have been suspended. There was not 50ft of water in the pool and we have been proved correct when we said the bottom would be reached before 23ft of water had been pumped out. Slush is causing trouble for the pump. The contractors say they were engaged to pump and will not undertake to dig a shaft in the centre of the pool to enable the water to be lowered below the 50ft level. It is just as well to have stopped now, as the management have no fixed policy to carry out and to drive anywhere without getting under the old workings displays no ingenuity or knowledge of mining in Burra. One thing that could be done is to pump from Graves’ Shaft, but we think it best to dispose of the company at once and not disappoint shareholders further. Tributers who fixed their jigs on the embankment at considerable trouble have had to abandon them on account of the suspension of pumping operations.

‘They Say’

That at Paull’s Mine ‘Ned’ Pryor is doing good work and Charley Fuss is running him close.

That Rev. Ebbs is a first rate cyclist and a good tennis player, held back only by an ankle injury.

[The paper describes him as a ‘bikist’.]

That it took a man more than a day to find a suitable man to assist in lowering a solar in Graves’ shaft.

[A solar or sollar is a platform in a shaft.]

Obituary. Mrs M. Threadgold died of cancer at her son-in-law’s (Mr Alfred Smith) at Booborowie, on Monday, aged 75. She was the relict of the late Anselem Threadgold farmer of Iron Mine who died about three years ago. She leaves two daughters and two sons: Mrs A. Smith (Booborowie), Mrs J. Reynolds (Ulooloo), Thomas and William of Bimbowrie. [Martha Threadgold died 30 April 1906.]

Obituary. Richard Snell died in his Quarry St residence on Sunday last, aged 77. He was a devout Christian and local preacher for the Wesleyans who came to SA on 17 October 1848. In 1851 he went to California, returning to Australia and the Victorian diggings in 1852 and to SA later the same year. He then returned to Victoria where all his children were born. [The next issue says late of Campbell’s Creek, Victoria.] About 1885 he returned to Burra. He is survived by a widow, three daughters and two sons: Mrs J. Hocking (Yackandandah), Mrs H. Young (Long Plain), Mrs F.J. Carey (Burra), Frederick (Kangarilla) and John H. (Angaston). (All but one of them school teachers.) [Died 29 April 1906.]

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. There is a series of small snippets that offer carping remarks on various aspects of mismanagement at the mine.

Mrs Gerald Dow is seriously ill in a private hospital in Adelaide.

Alex Gosden left Bright last week.

VX, 726, 9 May 1906, page 4

Editorial on the death of Doris May Saxon under suspicious circumstances.

An Accident occurred near Messrs Elder, Smith & Co.’s paddock, north of the railway station, on Saturday when Mr C.B. Warnes’s car frightened the horse in Mrs Hoffman’s trap. The horse ran into a fence and the trap was upset. Mrs Hoffman received several scratches and a little girl was shaken. One of the shafts was broken. Mr Warnes stopped and rendered all possible assistance.

Paull’s Mine has sent away 15 tons of ore in the last few days and several months’ supply has been disclosed. The ‘satisfactory state of affairs are mainly due to Mr C. Fuss’. Mr Ned Pryor, the underground manager is doing a very good job.

Obituary and Inquest on the body of Doris May Saxon, aged c. 14 weeks.

The inquest was conducted at the Royal Exchange Hotel, Aberdeen, on Saturday. P.L. Killicoat was coroner and W. Neville was foreman of the jury.

Dr Sangster Sen. had attended the child, but refused a death certificate, being unsure of the cause of death and also ‘in consequence of certain reports which I heard as to the care of the child’. The post mortem showed the baby weighed 81⁄4 lb, had no signs of violence and an unusual absence of fatty tissue with pale muscles. Believed the cause of death was marasmus accelerated by diarrhoea. [i.e. wasting away due generally to malnutrition.]

Mary Lepley, wife of J. Lepley of Redruth had fostered the child from Mrs Graves of Adelaide and was paid £18 for keeping it forever. She had the child 13 weeks. The child started to fail two weeks ago. Mary Lepley had got the child to clear herself of debts and had done so before - three weeks before Christmas - but had passed that child on to a better home. On that occasion she had got £15. The earlier child had been registered as Louisa Lepley. Mary Sleeman gave evidence that the child had been well cared for. The verdict agreed with Dr Sangster’s conclusions.

[Doris Mary Saxon born 20 January 1906 to Myra Saxon at East Adelaide: died 4 May 1906 at Redruth.]

Burra Institute. A Quadrille Class will begin next Wednesday. Jack Pryor of Baldina will be the MC and Mr W. Mason will instruct.

Burra Benevolent Society AGM was not held as scheduled last Thursday because too few people attended.

VX, 726, 9 May 1906, page 5

‘Shareholder’ writes that as the Record’s estimate of only 20’ of water in the open cut has now been proved correct, the best place for a shaft is in the southeast corner where there is known to be an ore body and a shaft of at least 60ft would allow for its exploitation as well as draining the mine.

Football, at Victoria Park last Saturday in a ‘friendly’: Aberdeen 5.8 (38), defeated Ramblers 4.9 (33).

The rain has not continued and grass after the last rain has now perished. The eastern country is very poor with lambing now upon us. In some places lambs have had to be destroyed to save the ewes.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. A solar [i.e. a platform] is to be put lower down in Graves’ Shaft and as soon as completed driving will commence. The drive where a lot of money has already been spent is not giving good results and the grade there won’t pay. The pump is having trouble which is believed to be due to the slush being worked up. The inrush of water below 10 or 12ft is considerable and it is not yet known if the pump will cope with it, but so far the indications are positive. On going to press we learn the Graves’ Engine Shaft operation has been suspended on account of one miner going away, yet capable men are on hand to do the work.

The mine pool level has fallen 8-10ft.

A fox was seen out Mongolata way last week.

E.J. Rumball, an old Burra boy, has been appointed stationmaster at Mt Bryan.

VX, 727, 16 May 1906, page 4

Gold. A party of Burra speculators is seeking gold at Mintaro.

Seventh Day Adventists will conduct a series of winter evening lectures in the old Primitive Methodist Schoolroom. The subjects will include: Who is God?

Spiritualism

The Binding of Satan

The Christian & Civil Law

The Sabbath

The New Birth

The Signs of the Times

The Coming of the Lord, etc.

Next Sunday evening Pastor T.H. Craddock will deal with The Eastern Question and on Tuesday the subject is From Eden to Eden.

Paull’s Mine. Work continues satisfactorily. The machinery is working smoothly and another consignment of ore has been despatched.

Tennis. On Wednesday 9 May: Aberdeen 7-46 defeated Mintaro 1-19.

Weather. There have been splendid rains and farmers are jubilant. Locally 150 points were recorded in the last week.

Divorce. Elizabeth Hancock asked for the dissolution of her marriage to Henry Thomas Hancock on account of cruelty and misconduct. They were married at Redruth in 1879 and had six children. She gave evidence of severe assaults in 1899 & 1901 when his ill treatment compelled her to leave the house. She also alleged misconduct with a woman at the respondent’s house. As a result of the mistreatment she said she was blind in one eye. The judge said he would report to the Full Court that the allegations of adultery and misconduct had been proved.

[Actually according to the registration data Elizabeth Esau/Esaw/Easaw married Henry Thomas Hancock on 1 January 1879 at the residence of William Hancock, the groom’s father, at Broughton. There were five sons and one daughter born either at North Adelaide or the Clare Valley and also he had a son by Ellen Thrush at North Adelaide in 1904. Since Elizabeth was born at Riverton in 1853 there is no clear Burra connection without further information.]

Football. Wednesday at Victoria Park: Ramblers 9.14 (68) defeated Kooringa 0.1 (1).

‘Straight Out’ writes commending the editor for his stand on the recent death of an infant at Redruth.

Opals. Mr Fitzpatrick an expert who knows White Cliffs and Queensland opal fields has given a high opinion of the area at Millerton where opal was found a couple of years ago. On the strength of this a new local syndicate is being formed to develop claims there.

The Burra Mine: The Burra Burra Copper Co.

A decision has been made to get samples from various parts of the mine with the object of refloating the property, but this has been done before and is futile unless exploration gets below the old workings.

Since the water level was lowered 9 or 10ft an old drive has been exposed and found to contain some ore, but it was abandoned long before the mine closed and the presence of ore does not mean it will repay working expenses.

In the past week the pump has had several good runs, but it has stopped on several occasions, as muck is being disturbed at about 12ft. It is a pity the level has not been lowered 50ft or even 25ft as that would make all the difference. We believe nothing can be done until sufficient capital is found for systematic development. We would not alter our opinion if all the unallotted shares were showered upon us. An attempt to find sulphide ore is to be made from Allen’s Shaft as we had earlier suggested.

VX, 727, 16 May 1906, page 5

‘They Say’

That people are anxious to know if the Government will really purchase Braefoot Estate.

That the girl cabbies looked alright, but they put themselves away when they sung out [sic] r-r-railway. They would rather drive horses than cook a meal.

‘Short & Sharp’

Pumping at the mine is not carried on on Sundays.

A meeting of schoolteachers was held at Hanson School on Saturday.

Elijah Dowie is critically ill after another stroke.

Mr C. Fuss returned from Paull’s Mine to Burra yesterday afternoon. He speaks well of the property.

Obituary. Mrs S. Pearce, relict of the late Samuel Pearce, died at Adelaide on Thursday after several months’ illness. She arrived in SA in 1855 with her parents in the Lady McDonald and came to Burra in a 14 day trip by bullock wagon after nine weeks at Bowden. She was married at Burra and her husband took land at Leighton when it was first surveyed and she has lived there ever since. Mrs Mary Ann Vivian of Thames St aged 94 is her mother, while the host of the Commercial Hotel Harry Vivian is her brother. She leaves six daughters and a son: Mrs Fidge (Adelaide), Mrs H. Lihou (Pt Pirie), Mrs Gould (Adelaide), Mrs Rogers (WA), Mrs Patterson & Miss Martha (Leighton), William John & Samuel (Broken Hill) and Thomas & Sydney (Leighton). [Born Anna/Ann Maria Vivian 1838 and died 11 May 1906 at North Adelaide, residence Kooringa.]

VX, 728, 23 May 1906, page 4

Social & Dance in St Joseph’s Schoolroom tonight 8 p.m.

Burra Benevolent Society AGM was held last Thursday. The Secretary Mr T.W. Wilkinson read the balance sheet showing that in 12 months 453 orders for goods had been given, an increase of 22 on the previous year. There were 372 for firewood, 58 for groceries, 21 for drapery and 1/- worth of tobacco was given to each smoker for Christmas. They had assisted 5 aged couples, 10 families, two single women and 4 old men. Income plus money in the bank totalled £145-9-9 and expenditure was £57-18-9. Firewood was the greatest expense at £43-14-6. The credit balance was now £87-11-0.

Elected were President, Dr J.I. Sangster; Vice-President P. Lane; Treasurer J.F. Moore; Secretary T.W. Wilkinson and Assistant Secretary J.F. Moore.

Burra Teachers’ Association met at Farrell’s Flat on Saturday 12 May and about 40 attended. Mr George Scott of Burra presided and the Director of Education gave an address.

Burra Mine: Burra Burra Copper Co.

The pumping engine managed by Mr Oremann is now running smoothly. At present it is able to cope with the water by pumping during the day only. We believe nothing of material good will be done unless the pumps are put onto Morphett’s Shaft.

Rev. T.A. James. A report continues an item of the previous week where this Methodist evangelist fled from WA apparently to Canada with a lady friend, leaving Mrs James behind.

Marriage. At Broken Hill last Saturday

Dora Ockenden, eldest daughter of Mr R. Ockenden, married Ralph Hill, an old Burra boy.

VX, 728, 23 May 1906, page 5

Paull’s Mine. Mr C.A. Fuss local director addressed local shareholders on Friday evening at Mr Winnall’s office and gave an interesting account of the mine’s present and future after spending some six weeks at the site. He was there when the machinery started and has pushed work on in an extraordinary fashion. Several lots of ore have been sent to Wallaroo and returns are anxiously looked for. A vote of thanks was passed for Mr Fuss’s work.

Foxes. [There are widespread reports over much of the year about people sighting foxes all over the mid-north. They were a new phenomenon and although isolated reports had been coming in for several years many people had yet to see one and they were still only around in very low numbers. The first reports of foxes locally date from 1901.]

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday Aberdeen 9.14 (68) defeated Kooringa 1.7 (13)

Burra Town Council

The Postmaster General has replied that it is impossible at present to connect Burra with Adelaide by telephone because there are electrical difficulties in the way and even the connection with Clare is far from satisfactory. When there is a possibility of a good connection it will be made.

Council has decided it cannot pay the 3d a week rent to W. Henderson to rent a shed to house the lamps. If satisfactory arrangements cannot be made fresh tenders for lighting will have to be called.

Condolences were sent to Cr Burns on the death of his sister. [Not readily traced.]

Local Board of Health

John Wise requests a licence to slaughter small cattle. Left in the hands of the Mayor and Inspector.

A. Clode won the scavenger’s tender for £8 a month. [Despite there being lower tenders for £6-10-0 and £7 a month.]

‘They Say’

A boy was caught damaging trees last week and will be dealt with by the Council.

Mrs W. West Sen. has purchased the house known as Dunstan’s near Redruth. [St Just St.]

The Quadrille Class has collapsed because not one lady or gentleman could be induced to take on the secretaryship.

‘Short & Sharp’

Braefoot land will accommodate 14 families.

Seventh Day Adventists commenced their services in the Primitive Methodist Schoolroom on Sunday Evening.

Braefoot Estate has been bought by the Government for £3-17-6 [per acre].

Mr John Lane, Kooringa postmaster for 25 years, is being moved on.

A request has gone to the Burra District Council to reopen the former opal shaft [near Millerton].

Ex-Corporal Noble formerly of the Redruth Police Station is now in possession of the Rob Roy Hotel in Halifax St Adelaide.

Obituary. H. Mills an old Burra identity died on Wednesday.

[Henry Mill died 16 May 1906 at Firewood Creek aged 75. He married Elizabeth Ann Mayne and they had seven children.]

VX, 729, 30 May 1906, page 4

Salvation Army. Magic lantern address The Life of Christ and The Story of ‘Little Mike’ was presented by Captain Trigg with readings by Lieut. Crocker. On Monday night Adjutant Hardy gave an address on Grace before Meals.

Weather. There had been no rain in the last week until Sunday when a steady fall set in. Saturday and early Sunday blew a hurricane and several outhouse roofs were removed and the end of one resident’s house blew down requiring hasty patching with sheets of iron.

The Catholic Social & Dance on Wednesday was very well organised by Rev. Father Redden and about 40 couples enjoyed themselves. Proceeds were very satisfactory.

A fox poisoned last week at Springbank on Bagot’s Farm (now occupied by Mr Ker) was displayed in the town and drew many to inspect the carcase because they had not previously seen on dead or alive.

Empire Day was celebrated at Victoria Park on Thursday. Burra Primary School children assembled at the school at 10 o’clock and the Mayoress unfurled the Union Jack and the children sang The Red, White and Blue. A series of patriotic addresses followed:

Dr Sangster (Chairman of the School Board) Significance of the Flag

The Mayor, Mr John Drew Loyalty

Rev. Father Redden (Catholic) How Australia is connected with the Empire

Rev. Kessell (Methodist) The Navy

Rev. R.C. Yeoman (Methodist) The King

Rev. Ebbs (Anglican) Heroic Deeds in War and Exploration

After the singing of the National Anthem they adjourned to Victoria Park for sports where they were joined by pupils from St Joseph’s Convent School, Copperhouse School and Burra High School [Bleak House]. Results are printed.

[Personal interest: among the winners were Kate Griffiths (Junior Burra Girls) & Doris Fuss (Burra Class IV).]

Phosphate Rock. Some nice examples from the north of the town have been sent away for analysis and if rich enough cartage from this site would not be a great cost.

Gold. Three prospectors have found some indications in the Mt Bryan Ranges.

Mintaro prospectors are continuing.

Work at Ulooloo is being revived, but a sluicing plant is needed.

Burra Mine: Burra Burra Copper Co.

There have been no great changes this week. A shaft in the cutting to enable the open cut to be drained to a greater depth is being arranged, though great care will be needed in this unstable ground.

Work at Allen’s Shaft proceeds, but so far nothing very sensational has been found.

Tributers on the embankment are kept busy as long as pumping continues.

Aberdeen Lawn Tennis Club Annual Social was held in the German Schoolroom at Redruth on Wednesday evening. A good attendance was achieved and the hall was well decorated. There was an evening of cards and round games etc. followed by supper.

‘They Say’

Mat. May got the shunt from Paull’s Mine with a week’s notice and a month’s pay in advance.

Leighton Methodist Church is to go the way of all earthly things with the seats and other furniture to be sold by public auction directly.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club held a social in their rooms in Commercial St on Tuesday evening. A billiard table is due soon.

Notice. Paull’s Consolidated Copper Proprietary No Liability gives notice of a call, the 16th, of 10s per share.

Obituary. Mrs T.H. Wheare died a few days ago at Lake St Trafalgar WA. She had lived for many years in Thames St Kooringa and leaves two sons and five daughters, 29 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. [Possibly the wife of Thomas Henry Wheare. She was born Caroline Sparnon (or Sparnall in one source) and they had 8 children in Kooringa, but the balance of sons and daughters does not seem to find a ready match with the two sons and five daughters that are said to survive.]

Football. On Saturday Kooringa 3.10 (28) tied with Ramblers 2.16 (28).

On Wednesday Aberdeen 5.11 (41) defeated Ramblers 5.5 (35).

‘Short & Sharp’

A ball was held in the Institute on Friday evening.

The Hon. John Lewis & family are about to leave Burra.

It is said part of Bungaree Estate is to be disposed of for closer settlement.

H.W. Collins of Mallet Dam [sic] is to sell his farm and go to NSW.

A.J. McBride has called tenders to erect 20 miles of vermin-proof fencing on the boundary of Teetulpa.

VX, 730, 6 June 1906, page 4

Redruth Methodist Sunday School Anniversary was held last Sunday when Rev. R.C. Yeoman preached.

John Lane, the departing postmaster was given a presentation at the Kooringa Methodist Schoolroom on Monday.

Miss Sanderson, who is also leaving town, was given a book on the same occasion.

Several ‘undesirables’ are around the town at present pestering people for food and a number of petty thefts have been reported. It is time they were moved on.

A successful dance was held in the Institute on Monday night for over 60 couples.

Mr Jordan, the new postmaster, arrived on Monday.

Paull’s Mine’s dismissed manager, Mat. May, passed through Burra yesterday.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Driving is continuing in Bunts’s Shaft, but as yet to no real purpose. Work is proceeding in other places, but with no apparent fixed purpose. Pumping continues. A consignment of ore left the mine in the last few days, but with better management more could have been done.

Football, on Monday at Victoria Park drew c. 200: Burra 27 55 65 101

Clare 7 10 18 26

Aberdeen also played Kooringa who played 4 men short for the 1st half.

Aberdeen 64, defeated Kooringa 32.

Obituary. Matilda Marie Dow, wife of Gerald Dow, died on 30 May, aged 32 in North Adelaide.

[Born Matilda Augusta Maria Oppermann 2 January 1872 near Redruth.]

Mrs G. Dow, wife of G. Dow, the popular relieving telegraph operator, died following an operation for cancer in the throat. She was 32. She was in fact entirely responsible for the prizes won at numerous flower shows under the name of her father Mr C. Oppermann. Her displays were the greatest attraction of the shows. She was also noted for her fruit displays. She was a sister of Mrs E.A. Topperwein and Amelia of Parkside also William, Albert and Charles of Burra.

The late Mrs Dow complained of a throat affection last September and it was first thought to be the result of a severe cold, but was later discovered to be a growth. Eminent city physicians said it was a most unusual case with the growth right in the larynx. An operation never before attempted was performed about three weeks ago. In spite of the seriousness of the operation the patient rallied and was bright and hopeful. After a while the illness had to receive further treatment and even then she did not suffer a collapse. The case was watched with keen interest by medical men, but on Thursday news was received of her sudden death and on Friday she was buried at Kooringa. 30-40 traps formed the cortege and members of the Lily of the Valley Tent IOR marched in front of the hearse. Sister A. Snell read a Rechabite service at the graveside. Rev. Ebbs conducted the church service. Mrs Dow had taken a prominent part in church matters, especially in the annual strawberry fete.

For many years the Burra Horticultural Society had benefited by the contribution of the Oppermann family to shows and though the prizes were in the name of Mr C. Oppermann, the late Mrs Dow was entirely responsible for the unqualified success of her father’s exhibits, for to her the growing, arranging and staging was confidently left. How well she accomplished her work is still fresh in the minds of all lovers of flowers in the district. Her displays were invariably the greatest attraction of the show, containing as they did designs novel and unique in addition to an array of beautiful colours that blended admirably together. Her successes ranged from the miniature buttonhole to giant chrysanthemums.

VX, 730, 6 June 1906, page 5

Court.

Much of the page is devoted to reporting the case of Jack Gray who was accused of stealing a pair of boots. The case is remarkable for the sloppy prosecution and the manner in which the bench appears to have accepted doubtful evidence. Later evidence suggests the charge was utterly wrong and that even if Gray was guilty of something it wasn’t what he was charged with. It all reads like a botched job, but in any event he got two months. He was charged with stealing a pair of boots from M. Pederson, but it became clear that they had actually been taken from Kelly’s trap in Aberdeen. He should have been charged with being in possession of items reasonably believed to have been stolen. The report of the court hearing extends for 21⁄3 columns and there is a further 1⁄2 column of editorial comment reflecting on the inept way the case was handled by the policeman, M-C Clarke. The writer concludes that the bench would have been quite correct to have dismissed the case.

Accident. Mr J. Nelson was thrown from his dogcart about 3-4 miles east of Burra on Saturday night when one wheel passed over a load of road metal. While he was attempting to calm the struggling and fallen horse it kicked him above the eye and inflicted a nasty wound. Fortunately he and the horse were rescued by two passers-by and Nelson was brought into Burra for medical attention.

Advt. An Address on Current Politics will be given at the Institute on 8 June by the Hon. L. O’Loughlin, Commissioner of Crown Lands and C. Goode MP.

[This advt. was corrected in 13 June issue to show that they were actually at Farrell’s Flat that night.]

‘They Say’

Rev. James the hypocritical parson who fled Perth recently took with him on his journey from Melbourne a servant Annie Kindred aged 25 or 26.

The person or persons who poured kerosene on the rear part of that faithful animal and set alight to it ought to be tar and feathered. [sic] [See further at the court case, next issue page 4.]

Pumping at the mine is affecting the depth of water in the well from which is obtained the town supply.

The Mayor deserves a pat on the back for supplying 25 prizes for juveniles on Empire Day.

VX, 731, 13 June 1906, page 4

Redruth Court House is being repaired: plaster ceilings are being replaced where necessary with small corrugated iron. Spoutings have been cleaned out and repaired.

Burra District Council is offering 5/- per head for foxes. Several District Councils are offering 10/-. One was seen at Springbank on Friday - probably the same one that was seen at Shafton on Saturday.

Mr Williams is to re-open the shaft near Millerton and deepen it to see if prospects warrant a drive to be dug for opals. Present funds are limited, but should be enough to double the present depth.

Itinerants. Most of the ‘Weary Willies’ have taken the hint and moved on.

Court.

Francis Ford and Arthur Collins have been charged on the information of T.P. Halls jun. with cruelly torturing and injuring a greyhound, the property of Halls, on 4 May. He claimed £5 compensation. [The allegation was that they poured kerosene over the dog and set it alight.] Due to the illness of Collins the case was adjourned for one month.

Burra Town Council.

A letter from the Commissioner of Crown Lands advises that the pumping at the mine is likely to lead to all wells at a higher level than the depth reached by pumping, going dry.

Young St Ford is to be paved with stones 12ft wide the full width of the road.

VX, 731, 13 June 1906, page 4-5

The Farewell to J. Lane is reported in detail over 11⁄2 columns. He had been postmaster at Kooringa for 25 years. He was a very active participant in the Methodist Church for that period. Speeches are reported from: J. Drew, the Mayor

S. Burns: Mr Lane had been the backbone of the movement to establish the World’s End Church and in former years had been a great help to the Bible Christian Church.

Mr Crewes said he and Mr Lane were the two oldest local preachers on the plan.

Mr Pryor, Rev. S. Kessell, Dr Sangster Sen., Rev. Father Redden.

Mr Lane reflected on his contribution to the Hanson, World’s End and Leighton Churches and thanked all friends for his presentation.

VX, 731, 13 June 1906, page 5

The Martindale [Gold] Sluicing Co. formed in Kooringa has tested the ground at Martindale and hopes to work on sections 2153 and 2154.

Paull’s Mine’s new engineer is Mr Stokes.

Football at Victoria Park on Wednesday: Burra 2.5 (17) defeated Broken Hill 2.3 (15).

On Saturday at Victoria Park: Ramblers 6.15 (51) defeated Aberdeen 3.6 (24).

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. The present directors will clearly not work the mine to any good account. Before the present owners acquired the mine Messrs Martin & Co. made a good offer to the old owners, but for some reason it was not accepted. Messrs Martin & Co. then offered the present directors to work the mine on tribute and pay 121⁄2% to the owners, but this too was not accepted. Martins also offered to unwater the mine and to keep it dry for twelve months and hand the machinery over after that, but the price for that was also unacceptable. Nothing much is doing at the site and we note the promoters’ shares are on the move which does not augur well. With a favourable opportunity at Morphett’s Shaft it is hoped lives will not be risked in the proposed shaft [in the open cut].

Female Fisticuffs. There are oblique references in a paragraph reporting that Burra has at least three or four ‘women pugilists who seem to have met on ‘Charley Grow’s Bridge’.

[No doubt their identities were well known at the time. The bridge would be the one in Ayers St.]

VX, 732, 20 June 1906, page 4

Weather. Steady rain this week was one of the best falls for the year. 117 points fell in Kooringa, but very little fell to the east.

The Opal Fields. The Burra DC has assented to the re-opening of the shaft near Millerton. Mr W.J. Williams is deepening it and samples similar to those previously discovered have been uncovered. A cemented layer of rock is now being removed which is believed by experts to be a good sign.

Paull’s Mine is said to be going fairly well and the new general manager Mr Stokes will take charge in a few days.

‘The Corricks’ will perform at the Institute next Tuesday and Wednesday. There are ten artists: vocalists, instrumentalists, bellringers, dancers and humorists. Also the performance features Lennards English Biograph Co. [Moving pictures.]

Marriage. 13 June in WA

Albert Opie AIA son of Edward Opie, who years ago kept the hotel at Aberdeen named after his grandfather, and grandson of James Tiver, married Miss Mary Young.

Mr Opie was born in Burra, but has spent much of his life at Broken Hill and in WA and is presently clerk at the Golden Horseshoe Mine.

Henry Charles Rainsford Batchelor, eldest son of the late W.H. Batchelor of Kooringa, has been appointed Deputy Examiner of Trademarks in the Commonwealth Patent Office in Melbourne. He was educated at his uncle F.R. White’s Commercial College in Kooringa and then at Glenelg Grammar School before joining the SA civil service as a cadet with the Marine Board in 1880. In 1884 he married Amy Dempster the daughter of a Pt Adelaide solicitor J.E. Dempster. Their eldest daughter is at Adelaide University and their second has an appointment at the School of Mines as a cadet.

[The article gives details of his rise through the civil service and through the militia infantry where he rose to be the senior captain in the SA Infantry.]

Burra Mine: Burra Burra Copper Co. Two or three additional tributers have started work. One of them unearthed a nice show of sulphide ore last week a couple of feet above the present water level and about 13ft below the level before pumping began.

Driving continues from Allen’s Shaft, but with no results.

There has been no further action on a shaft in the cutting to allow the water level to be lowered further.

James Tiver JP celebrated his 77th birthday last week. He has lived in Burra for 51 years. Mr Tiver with Mr Thomas Burgoyne placed the first bridge over the Redruth Creek, [the Burra Creek at Redruth] built the first Wallaroo Smelters in conjunction with Messrs Pulsford and the late David Bower, the first public house in Kadina, the first woolshed at Gum Creek, the first house for Alex McCulloch at Gottlieb’s Well [South of Terowie: Parnggi Well since 1918.] and had many large contracts in the northeast. He has had the Aberdeen store for over 30 years. He has five sons and five daughters – all married. He and his wife are still hale and hearty and he is a typical Welshman standing something like 6ft and his sons and daughters are also tall.

The Phosphate Mines. Lily Dora Mine has been shut down because the payable phosphate rock has been exhausted. Mr H. Hassell took over the claim along with other claims some time ago and about 250 tons of selected rock have been despatched, but cartage costs means only high percentage rock is economic.

Martindale Sluicing Co. It is expected that matters will have progressed to the stage where the prospectus can be issued in a few days.

VX, 732, 20 June 1906, page 5

Mary Heinrich of the Burra Hotel writes to complain of the ineptitude and/or laziness of M-C Clarke following on from the recent case involving the stolen boots. Some larrikin locked some of Heinrich’s fowls and a duck in one of the hotel’s bedrooms and all M-C Clarke did was to suggest they see a solicitor. He was also asked to compel a dismissed ‘boots’ to return the hotel’s keys to the gas-house, cellar and stable, but refused to take any action.

[The editor comments that the constable’s actions call for a reprimand and that there is no place in the town for ‘a man of Clarke’s calibre’.]

Football. Wednesday: Ramblers 4.11 (35) defeated Kooringa 4.8 (32).

Burra Town Council

Council is drafting a new by-law to control the riding of bicycles on footpaths and concerning lights on bicycles.

An offer of Mr Mussared [sic: for Mozart] to lend a lamp for a month to be placed on the Redruth Bridge was accepted.

Other matters were routine in nature.

Court.

James Ogilvie [who was mute] was sent to jail for three months for obtaining 3/- from Rev. Ebbs by falsely telling him [in writing] a story of needing funds to send his two children to the Blind, Deaf & Dumb Institution at Brighton.

Burra District Council: Nominations

Kooringa Ward J.C. Sandland elected unopposed

E. Bowman elected unopposed

Baldina Ward John Rogers elected unopposed

King Ward W.P. Barker elected unopposed

Auditor J.A. Pearce

F.J. Carey

An election for auditor will be held 7 July.

Mr Mat. May & Tom May are at Broken Hill where Tom has found employment as a fitter at the Central Mine.

‘They Say’

Carl [Heinrich] has lost another barmaid during the past week making the 15th and the 2nd in a fortnight.

There are numerous complaints about unlit motor cars being driven about town at night.

W. Gillett and Miss Wise will marry today.

[Walter Bendell Gillett married Gertrude Mabel Wise at Kooringa Methodist Church 20 June 1906.]

Weather. Some nice falls to the east from 80 points at Baldina to 150 at Braeside and The Gums. All other reports were for at least 100 points.

VX, 733, 27 June 1906, page 4

An Electrical Storm this week was quite severe and also dropped 1.39” of rain.

A Bolt. On Saturday afternoon Billy Barkley’s horse bolted just as Joe Woollacott was about to get into the cart and drive off. Joe stuck to the runaway from the shop until it was perilously close to the pump where he had to let go. The vehicle caught the guard enclosing the pump and turned over, taking the horse with it. No great damage was done to either.

Dance. The first hop for the season for the Burra Cinderellas was held at the Institute on Monday night when about 30 couples danced from 8 to midnight on a very stormy evening. W.J.C. Ewins was M-C. Their next dance is on 10 July.

Football saw the second clash between the Warriors (Schoolboys) and the Imperials (Storeboys).

The Warriors reversed the earlier result and won by 13 points.

On Saturday: Kooringa 27 defeated Aberdeen 10.

The New Assessment for the town is being undertaken to take account of depreciation of property values in Burra, but of course if the assessment falls the rate will have to rise.

Paull’s Mine near Leigh Creek is held mostly by Burra People and now a new company in Burra is being formed to develop a gold bearing property near Mintaro.

VX, 733, 27 June 1906, page 5

Obituary. Charles Barnett, one time landlord of the Commercial Hotel, was buried at Broken Hill on 24 June. Alf & Sam, sons of the deceased, are butchers in Broken Hill. [Born 1836.]

Stuart McWaters, son of Thomas McWaters of World’s End, leaves next week to take up land at Penola.

George Finch at Leighton is said to have sold his land to I. Warnes.

Jimmy Bentley is about to take the northeast tour for Drew & Crewes.

The Burra Music and Dramatic Club has a new billiard table.

Mr Gilchrist has purchased the business of Mrs Giles. On page 4 Mr James MacGilchrist, is reported to have resigned as District Clerk of Naracoorte to take up a business in Burra.

Marriage. Last Wednesday Mr Gillett married Miss Wise.

VX, 733 (2), 4 July 1906, page 4 [Second use of No. 733]

St Joseph’s Annual Subscription Dance is held tonight in aid of the school.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club presents a grand concert at the Institute on Friday next.

Eastern Mining & Prospecting Co. will meet at Mr Pascoe’s shop on 7 July. A call of £1 per share is payable at the meeting.

Mr Williams is still sinking the old opal shaft at Millerton. The cemented layer has given way to a glassier reddish layer.

The Corricks Co. played to a good house on Tuesday and a better on Wednesday last. They intend to return about September. [The performance is not described, but it must have been a vaudeville type variety program since reference is made to marvellous singing, a wonderful comic, Mr Chris Young, and to beautiful pictures thrown on a screen.]

Obituary. Porter Elliott of Terowie was run over by a train shunting at Terowie.

[John Elliott died 27 June 1906 at Terowie aged 48.]

He had written to his daughter who was attending school in Burra, saying that she could stay in Burra much longer than originally intended. Within an hour of receiving his letter a telegram arrived calling her to Terowie because her father had been killed.

W. Correll has taken over management of the Farrell’s Flat Hotel.

Henry Pinch. There are few residents better able to tell tales of the past as far as Burra is concerned than Mr Henry Pinch. He has been a resident for a very long time, and was among the first, if not actually the first, buyer of allotments in Aberdeen in the early days. [The reference should here be to Redruth.] He is now 78 years of age, while his better half is his senior by about ten years, and of the two Mr Pinch enjoys the best of health. Mrs Pinch has been ill for some time, and a father time does his work her condition is getting more serious, and she cannot be left alone. ‘Harry’ as he is familiarly called, served his time as a blacksmith in the old country, but when he came to SA he failed to get employment at the trade and so put in 20 years as a miner at the Burra Mine. He has lived a retired life for some time.

VX, 733 (2), 4 July 1906, page 5 [Second use of No. 733]

A memorial wreath will be put on the grave of the late Mrs Gerald Dow (Mrs M.M Dow) by the wives and sisters of Freemasons.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Two directors visited Burra on Friday and it seems the mine could change hands soon. This has caused a proposed meeting of shareholders to be postponed.

It is well known that the finances of the present company are almost exhausted.

The Eastern Mining & Prospecting Syndicate has made a call of £1 on its shares.

The Opal Claims near Millerton continue to be worked.

Burra Town Council

Mr Hardy writes referring to an ‘unruly crowd’ congregating around the post office window and asking that a barrier be placed there to keep them back. Council will bring the matter to the attention of postal authorities.

Local Board of Health

Mrs Jordan will be cautioned as to her liabilities for using an unlicensed house as a Maternity Home in George St.

VX, 734, 11 July 1906, page 4

Obituary. James Cullen, husband of Kate, died at Broken Hill, aged 63. He is a brother to Mrs Fred Lewis of Hampton and to Mr W. Cullen of Terowie. James Cullen was formerly engine driver at Roach’s Mill. He leaves a wife and eight children: Mrs Fred Dew (Blue Bells near Burra), Elizabeth (WA), Alfred, Polly, John, James, Ethel, George and Ruby. [Which makes nine!] There are also two stepchildren: William & Mrs John Lewis of Broken Hill, and 8 grandchildren.

[He seems to be James Cullen born 10 October 1845 at Canterbury, Kent UK and died 28 June 1906 at Broken Hill, but that James Cullen was married to Adelaide Barber Griffiths.]

Burra District Council. Election of an auditor:

J.A. Pearce 11

F.J. Carey 0

(Not even Fred Carey’s seconder bothered to vote for him.)

Burra Institute. Mr Mozart is installing an acetylene generator which will be capable of supplying gas for 40 lights.

St Joseph’s Subscription Dance was a success last Wednesday night.

Mrs [Mary] Simpson in George St Kooringa entered a house with her son and daughter and seized furniture in lieu of rent the other day. The tenant complained to the law and Mrs Simpson had to pay substantial compensation for illegal trespass and seizure of goods. [Mary Simpson from a p.5 comment.]

Mrs C. Pressick has started business in the store previously occupied by Mr w. Barkley and known as Dobbie’s. She will sell groceries and haberdashery. Mr Pressick lost his sight some time ago and then canvassed the town selling from a handcart, but he is now too weak to continue. Five small girls depend on Mrs Pressick.

Burra Music and Dramatic Club concert was poorly attended. Mr E.A. Shakespeare, who was specially engaged gave dramatic recitals which were the best heard here. The musical selections were very well done.

Football, Saturday: Ramblers 5.10 (40), defeated Kooringa 1.7 (13).

Wednesday: Imperials (Shopboys) easily defeated Warriors (Schoolboys).

Albert Ward, butcher, is leaving Burra for Kadina.

Obituary. Arthur Collins died in the Burra Hospital from paralysis last week.

[Born 2 May 1882 at Hillside, Burra District: died 5 July 1906 at Kooringa, residence Hampton.]

Father Redden is expected to be absent on sick leave for about twelve months. Since coming here he has been active in many aspects of town life and took a special interest in the young and in football. He is an everyday gentleman who has endeared himself not only to his own congregation, but to those of other denominations.

Burra Mine: Burra Burra Copper Co.

There have been no further developments regarding a possible sale. It is amazing that with copper prices so high nothing is being done with the property. Modern treatment processes have costs that are half those of the old mine. In the last couple of years the opportunity to ascertain the potential wealth of the mine has been wasted. At present little or no development is being done and that in hand is not remunerative. Some men have been put on to treat material that was handled in the past. Why some men doing this are on day work and others on tribute to treat precisely the same dump seems strange. The pump is still working periodically. Its potential is not realised as the pumps are not deep enough and the inrush of water is not strong enough to keep it going all the time.

Eastern Mining & Prospecting Syndicate failed to get its money in its call of £1 per share recently. The board have called a meeting for 21 July when a balance sheet and list of assets will be produced. The claim is about 30 miles east of Burra and some good examples of gold were won.

Martindale Sluicing Co. is making slow progress towards being floated.

Harry Goodwin leaves for Norwood and will be given a farewell social at the Exchange Hotel tomorrow evening. He will be missed in the sporting fraternity.

VX, 734, 11 July 1906, page 5

R.M. Harvey is said to be going strong at Shepparton and is active in all kinds of sport and often casts his thoughts back to playing gold on the Brewery Flat at Kooringa.

Paull’s Mine is making a £1 call.

Millerton. There is no sign yet of opal at Williams’ diggings.

‘A believer in sluicing’ writes recommending that promoters who receive bonus shares should be prevented from selling them until the venture has proved itself.

Court, 7 July.

James Holder given two months for stealing bed clothing from George Tiller.

5 people [not named] were each fined 15/- for allowing stock to stray in the Burra streets.

Francis Ford was charged with pouring turpentine over T.P. Hall’s dog and setting it alight. Halls claimed £5 damages. The case was ultimately dismissed as unproven. Ford’s co-defendant, Arthur Collins, died recently in the Burra Hospital.

Obituary. Mrs James Lewis died at Balaklava on Thursday. She was the mother of the Hon. John Lewis MLC and she arrived at Kangaroo Island in 1836 when 12 years old, on the Cygnet, a vessel of 250 tons. She is survived by 11 children, 35 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. The children are Mesdames Shillabeer, Daw, Ruddock and McLeery and the Misses Lewis and Messrs John, James, Philip, Stephen and Harry. [Born Eliza Margaret Hutton Bristow in 1825: died 5 July 1906.]

Kooringa Masonic Lodge installed R.H. Steele as Master last Wednesday.

VX, 734 (2), 18 July 1906, page 2 [Second use of No. 734.]

The Burra Record. This issue saw a change in the size and organisation of the paper. It increased in size to become seven instead of five columns wide. It changed from eight pages to four and many items were printed using an annoyingly smaller typeface. The reason given was that with an increased circulation they needed to print the paper more quickly and the new format cut the number of times the paper had to run through the printing machine.

A Bolt. A horse in a trap driven by Mrs H. Roach was frightened by Dr Sangster’s car at Henderson’s corner on Thursday afternoon and bolted up Thames St. No damage was done to the vehicle or occupants, but the horse has been suffering from palpitations ever since.

Mr Mozart who is installing gas at the Institute has placed a street lamp at Henderson’s corner for a month’s trial. It was lit for the first time on Saturday evening and gave a steady light, but the old ‘best’ light [kerosene] illuminated the area better, having been placed much higher. There is the need for one or two more lamps in town whether they are to be acetylene or other.

District Councils have been told they cannot pay a bounty for fox scalps taken from private land, only for those taken on Crown Land.

IOR. Half-yearly meeting of the Rose of Sharon Tent was held at the Institute 8 July. Bro. H. Steele is PRC, Bro. W. Geake is CR and Bro. E.J. Harris is DR. The Secretary is Bro. C.J. Pearce and there are 152 members with flourishing finances. There are 35 juvenile members.

The half-yearly meeting of the Lily of the Valley Tent (female branch of the IOR) was held on Wednesday evening. Membership is 143. PCR is Sis. A. Snell assisted by PCR Sis. Pressick, Sis. L. James is CR and Sis. Ethel James is DR. The secretary & Treasurer is Bro. C.J. Pearce.

‘Broadminded’ writes questioning whether Christians and specifically church-goers are more likely to lead purer and better lives. ‘Is it not true that other factors play a more important part in forming character than mere belief – such as heredity, pre-natal influence, environment etc.? As Pope wrote: ‘For forms of faith let senseless bigots fight; he can’t be wrong whose life is in the right.’

‘Unity’ writes commending the paper for advocating public recognition for Rev. Father Redden for his service to the town and hoping some public farewell will be arranged.

The editor says that it is being attended to.

Football. The Imperials defeated the Warriors at Victoria Park on Wednesday.

On Saturday Aberdeen 48 points defeated Kooringa 24.

Mr H. Goodwin who has sold his bakery business and will go to the city was given a farewell at Mr Naylon’s Royal Exchange Hotel on Thursday evening. The main speaker was W.J. Richardson who eulogised Mr Goodwin as a thorough sportsman and regretted his removal and the ill health that had occasioned it.

VX, 734 (2), 18 July 1906, page 3 [Second use of No. 734.]

Rev. Father Redden is confined to his room and too ill to start on his proposed holiday to regain his strength.

Obituary. Mrs W. Ker died at the Burra Hospital last week. She was the second daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Theodore Bock, old Burra identities. [Born Augusta Ellen Bock 4 May 1867 near Kooringa and died as the widow of William Innes Ker 13 July 1906.]

Mr J.C. Killicoat, son of P.L. Killicoat, has been elected to the board of the Belalie Hospital.

Obituary. Mrs Eliza Lambert relict of the late John Lambert has died aged 62. Five weeks ago she contracted pneumonia and died on Sunday despite being sent to Jamestown Hospital for treatment. She was a colonist of 49 years, coming to SA in the Grecian. She came straight to Burra and was a resident here for about 28 years before her husband and family went to Nackara where they have farmed ever since. She is survived by four sons and one daughter. Mr Lambert died about six months ago.

[Born Elizabeth Jones and died 15 July 1906 at Jamestown. John Lambert had died 1 December 1905 at Burra.]

Salvation Army. The annual meeting regarding social work was held on Monday night and drew few people due to the rough weather. Adjutant Smith gave the address on the work of the Prison Gate Brigade and Lieut. Crocker spoke on the Old Men’s Home at Pakenham, Victoria. E.W. Crewes occupied the chair. Offerings were very satisfactory.

Burra Town Council on Monday dealt with routine matters only.

A Motor Trip. On Saturday afternoon a number of motor cycles and three motor cars left the Kooringa Garage for Morgan and Koomooloo. After a pleasant run they reached these places. Excitements occurred on the return run which will be reported next issue. Though they got lost in a dust storm and had other misadventures they all voted the trip ‘a real “boshter”’. Mr Harold Pearse was lost and has not been heard of since, though it is believed he eventually got home to The Gums all right.

‘Short & Sharp’

There was a rumpus at the mine last week when one of the tributers was wrongfully accused of ‘shaking’ ore.

The late W.H. Duncan has left the Burra Hospital £250.

Paull’s Mine has made rapid headway in the past fortnight.

Obituary. Carl Heberle an old Burra resident died in the hospital last week.

[Died 12 July aged 67. He was survived by a wife nee Caroline Christiana Sophia Pulz who died 1912.]

VX, 735, 25 July 1906, page 2

Weather. Very cold, but no rain.

Mr Williams’ Opal Shaft near Millerton is down to 12ft, in milky-blue stone, but so far no opal.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Work continues at Allen’s Shaft and a handful of tributers continue to treat old stuff.

Street Lamps. The lamp has been replaced at the pump, but one also at the Black Bridge would be an advantage. The one at Charley Morgan’s corner improves that dark and lonely spot.

Miss Lizzie Vivian has taken over the Court House Hotel. She will be missed at the bar of the Commercial where she has been for many years.

A Concert at St Mary’s Schoolroom on Wednesday evening aided the pipe organ fund. [The program is printed.]

E.K. Collins of ‘Lucernedale’ Mt Bryan has moved to Adelaide for a time and is active in two literary societies.

Rev. Father Redden is able to get about a little and is preparing for a month’s holiday at Belair.

L.W. Gebhardt writes from ‘Mokota’ Mt Bryan denying he has recently had a motor accident and also that he has frightened teams with the ‘awful row the car makes’.

VX, 735, 25 July 1906, page 3

Football. Burra Association visited Petersburg and Petersburg 29 defeated Burra association 9.

At home Aberdeen 8.19 (67) defeated Ramblers 2.7 (19).

Redruth Girls’ Reformatory. On Friday afternoon a young girl aged about 18 escaped. She hid in the Police Paddock and after dark followed the railway south to Saddleworth where she was captured on Saturday morning after a long brisk walk.

Advt. Postcards of the Motor Trip to Morgan are available 2d each. Also photos for 6d and 1/-.

Report of the Motor Trip to Morgan. [Details in 11⁄3 columns.]

[Some of the report is in a whimsical style with references to the adventures of individual participants without using their names. They were doubtless identifiable to many of the readers by the references to their vehicles or other hints.]

On 14 July nine motorcycles and three motor cars set out from Jack Richardson’s Garage in Commercial Street. The cars headed for Koomooloo while the motorcycles went to ‘The Gums’ which they reached in about 11⁄2 hours. Here they had a sumptuous tea. From there it was a 40 minute ride into Morgan, arriving at 5.30 p.m. They were met by Captain Oliver and shown over the P.S. Gem. In the evening they attended a dance.

On Saturday morning they inspected the river etc. while waiting for the cars that were due that morning from Koomooloo. These duly arrived about 11.30. Late in the afternoon the cars returned to Koomooloo via Florieton, which was a better road than the route they had used in the morning. The cycles reached ‘The Gums’ about 5 p.m. where they had tea and enjoyed a good night, though the elements outside were rough.

On Monday morning they set out for Burra. Harold Pearce went along to show them a better route to follow via the stock road, but they had not gone far when a severe dust storm struck reducing visibility virtually to zero. They could not even hear the noise of the bikes. Riders had to dismount and push their vehicles, which was a very hard task in the wind. They managed to reach a fence and follow it to a gate to get their bearings again. Mr Pearse, who had come as a guide, was lost soon after leaving the homestead and never seen again, though the telegraph confirmed that he eventually found his way home. One rider managed to get to Burra about 12 o’clock. Torr from Mintaro got a hole in his petrol tank that had to be plugged with a mud-pie. He then did all right until striking a heavy hail storm at Ford’s slaughterhouse. He then abandoned the machine and walked into Burra Station and caught a train home.

[The adventures of the others become hard to unravel, but the following at least gives a feel of their troubles.]

The remaining riders struggled on contending now with wind, rain and hail. One made a dash for the light of a farm and ended up with a generous handful of German sausages. A group of riders made it to the ruins of Midwinter’s old hotel [near where the road leads off to Robertstown] and for a time they sought the shelter of its crumbling walls. One was missing, but they found him at a fire where he was enjoying some roley pole* that he had extracted from the tucker box of a passing teamster. Somewhere along the way they acquired a horse and cart to transport a damaged machine. They finally struggled on to Ford’s slaughterhouse where they were met by the ambulance and eventually got back to Burra. The cars are reported upon more sketchily, but one of them had difficulties getting to Koomooloo on day one, but finally managed it. Another gave trouble between Koomooloo and Morgan. Their adventures in returning in the storm are not recounted, but presumably they made it home eventually. Everyone is said to have enjoyed themselves despite mechanical difficulties, an overdose of German sausage and the weather. [* Roly-poly: a strip of suet-crust pastry spread with jam or fruit or sometimes a savoury mixture and rolled up, wrapped in grease-proof paper and steamed or boiled as a pudding.]

‘They say’ that “Barty” is now adjudged an expert of German sausages.

VX, 736, 1 Aug. 1906, page 2

Henry James was fined 15/- or 7 days in jail for travelling from Hallett to Mt Bryan without a train ticket. The information was laid by E.J. Rumball stationmaster at Mt Bryan.

A Bolt. On Thursday afternoon Mrs T. Ford was about to unharness her pony at home when it took to its heels. Eventually the trap capsized and so did the pony which ended up under the hood of the vehicle. Mr Tom Halls extricated the pony.

Obituary. Mrs Galle the wife of Mr R.G. Galle, school teacher of Copperhouse, died this week. She had been ill for a fortnight when complications set in. She was the eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs Passow of Golden Grove Gardens Wirrabara and had only been married about 10 months. She arrived in Copperhouse immediately after the wedding. Death occurred on Thursday and the funeral on Friday saw numerous wreaths including a beautiful one from the WM, officers and brethren of the Kooringa Lodge of Freemasons of which Mr Galle is a member. Mrs Galle was a member of the Redruth Tennis Club. She is survived by her husband and an infant two weeks old. [Born Agnes Maria Sophie Passow in Germany in 1884 and died at Copperhouse 26 July 1906. The infant Gwendoline Agnes survived and married.]

Obituary. Mrs Jane Duell relict of the late Thomas Duell died at World’s End on Sunday having been ailing for some twelve months. She was aged 81. She arrived in SA in 1836 from Scotland in the Navarino and was married in Adelaide. With her husband she went farming at Beaumont and then in 1855 to Kapunda, moving in 1871 to Eudunda and in 1876 to World’s End. Her husband died some 22 years ago. She is survived by a daughter and seven sons: Mrs McCallum (WA), Thomas (Islington), James (Gawler), John (Mt Gambier), Henry (Parafield), William (Baldina) and Charles & Albert (World’s End). Mr Thomas Baird of St Kitts Creek, Truro is a brother of the deceased and Mrs Brock of North Adelaide is a sister. [Born Jane Baird 1825 in Scotland and died 29 July 1906 at World’s End.]

Marriage. Saturday evening at the residence of the bride’s parents

Florence Minetta Brandt, only daughter of Mr Albert Brandt of Kooringa, married

William Voumard, youngest son of the late John Voumard.

Marriage. Maughan Church Adelaide 4 July

Harry C. Gillis, late of Leighton and son of Mr J. Gillis of Boolcunda East, married

Mary Lendoris Mason, daughter of Mr J. Mason of North Adelaide.

VX, 736, 1 Aug. 1906, page 3

Football. In a return match at Victoria Park Burra 70 defeated Petersburg 35.

George Finch and his family leave Burra tomorrow for a life at Medindie.

Obituary. J. Winnall’s mother died in Adelaide last week.

[Born Mary Ann Moody and died 26 July 1906 at Malvern SA aged 67.]

Paull’s Mine is going ahead and the last returns were very satisfactory.

Mt Bryan School Arbor Day was held last Friday.

Mrs Bartle whose husband was once the engineer at Burra Waterworks is dangerously ill at Broken Hill with little hope held for her recovery.

W. Short is growing fine vegetables at Redruth including 300 cabbages and 300 cauliflowers of enormous size.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club AGM was held on Monday evening and Elected were President, W.J.C. Ewins; Musical Director, G.E. Dane; Stage Manager, C.H. Hague and Hon. Secretary & Treasurer, W.B. Page.

VX, 737, 8 Aug. 1906, page 2

M.J. Gurry has been promoted senior porter at Jamestown and on Wednesday afternoon he was given a travelling rug and farewelled by the traffic and loco staff at the station.

Sheep Dog Trial entries have been disappointingly low and the contest may not be run this year.

Frank Treloar brought back a new kind of wheat from WA and it seems to be doing well. If this turns out to be so no doubt more will be brought across next year.

A. Edwards writes to say he has heard Mr Gebhardt’s ‘silent-running’ car from a distance of considerably over one mile and after careful enquiries concludes that it startled Mr Linnane’s horses and a collision resulted – fortunately without any serious consequences.

Football. On Saturday Aberdeen 29 defeated Kooringa 16.

VX, 737, 8 Aug. 1906, page 3

A Dance was successfully staged at the Institute on Friday evening with Setaro’s Band from Adelaide. F.T. Harcus was the MC.

‘They Say’ that the Government has bought some land near Wandillah close to Burra for closer settlement.

That A. Woollacott has taken over Harry Goodwin’s bakery.

Mrs Henry Bolton (64) suffered an apoplectic fit at Dr Sangster’s on Monday morning and has not yet regained consciousness. [Subsequently corrected to Mrs E. [Edwin] Boulton.]

Burra Town Council.

The Deputy Postmaster General can see no reason for changing arrangements at the Kooringa Post Office counter.

Other business was of a routine nature.

VX, 737 (2), 15 Aug. 1906, page 2 [Second use of No. 737.]

Field Sheep Dog Trials have been cancelled this year as Mr R. Laidlaw was the only person to nominate. They were to have been run today.

Obituary. Miss Helen Burke, aged 72, died at Burra Hospital on Thursday. She was a sister of the late Mrs Bock and Mrs Charles Schultz. [Ellen Bourke died 10 August 1906 at Burra.]

Mrs E. Boulton, and not Mrs Henry Boulton as reported last issue, is gradually recovering from her collapse and paralysis.

Rev. Father Redden was farewelled at the Institute on 7 August by a fairly large crowd which presented him with an illuminated address and a purse of 46 sovereigns. On medical advice he goes to Belair for one month’s holiday, then to his family at Pekina before an extended sea trip. He will be missed by many friends and in the cricket, football and ‘other manly recreations’.

Burra Railway Station. The railway platform has been enclosed with a picket fence and entry to it to meet a friend or to say goodbye will be charged 3d.

‘[For] many years past numbers of young men and women have paraded the platform out of mere curiosity - it is said - to the detriment of those who wished to have egress and ingress to the carriages, a change was at last necessary.’

Now it will be necessary to make more room for cabs, as they will now stand in the main entrance, unless regulated. More room for them and other vehicles need be made by cutting away the bank in front of the station. Another needed change is for the stop here to be ten rather than five minutes - actually only four when the bell is rung. The refreshment rooms are second to none, but the public are always complaining of the altogether too short stay.

‘The urinals are only open now during the arrival of passenger trains, and closed, like a prison gate, immediately on departure.’ On Saturday the Manoora footballers were provided with a carriage, but no other convenience was made and the result in the immediate neighbourhood of the closed urinals was a scene of the filthiest description. [The footballers had arrived, of course, by a goods train.]

Football, Saturday at Victoria Park: Manoora 56 defeated Burra 52.

Wednesday at Victoria Park: Aberdeen 23 defeated Ramblers 18.

VX, 737 (2), 15 Aug. 1906, page 3 [Second use of No. 737.]

Burra Institute Committee met on Monday with the President, C. Fuss in the chair. The Institute is in credit £208-10-0. Acetylene gas has been installed and the generator house erected.

Mr P. Scott, the late chairman of the Burra Racing Club, was given a farewell at a smoke social at the Commercial Hotel on Monday. He is going to NSW to take up pastoralism. The new chairman is A.B. Hiddle. Speakers were A.B. Hiddle, W. Neville, Thomas Vivian, E. Cock, W.H. Hardy and W.T. Truscott.

VX, 738, 22 Aug. 1906, page 2

Football. The match against Petersburg was postponed last Saturday due to the rain and very cold wind. It will be held today.

F. Treloar and F.A.S. Field, the late Chairman of the Hanson DC are arranging a meeting to consider a suitable way to recognise the services of Mr George Finch to the district. Mr Finch has recently sold his farm at Leighton and gone to Adelaide.

Salvation Army. The Army under Captain Coombs and Lieut. Crocker have declared war in Burra and Commissioner McKie will visit on 5 September accompanied by Brigadier Hammond and Adjutant Palmer.

Paull’s Mine raised 104 t 2 cwt in the past week and at the 105’ level the drive is now 23’. The stope at 200’ level looks good. 104 t on ore were treated and 12 t 15 cwt of concentrate were despatched.

‘Eyespy’ takes the occasion of an Adelaide murder to voice racist sentiments against Indian hawkers and the ‘Hindoo race’ generally.

Mr P.R. Scott of Elder, Smith & Co. is moving to NSW and on Wednesday morning the Mayor Mr J. Drew presented him with a case of cutlery containing about 106 items. Other speakers at the presentation were Mr Moore, Mr Winnall, Mr John McLaren, Dr Sangster Sen., Mr H. Thomas, Mr P. Killicoat, Mr F.T. Harcus, Mr H. Roach & Rev. H.L. Ebbs.

VX, 738, 22 Aug. 1906, page 3

Obituary. Mr John Rogers died at Kooringa last week, aged 66. He came from Cornwall when a young lad and worked at Gum Creek. About 25 years ago he began farming at Baldina, but about 3-4 years ago turned to dairying. He was a Burra District Councillor and was active in church and school affairs. He leaves a wife and adult family. [John Rogers died 15 August 1906.]

Mr J. McGilchrist who has taken over the shop known as Giles’s had a send-off from Naracoorte last week.

D.A. Crosby, once a tailor in Burra, is said to be going to stand for Parliament for the Labor Party.

Burra Town Council met on Monday and transacted routine business.

Advt. R.G. Galle is selling a Metters Stove, a phaetonette and set of double harness (new) and a pair of ponies (anchor brand), seven and eight years old with a foal of 10 months.

VX, 739, 29 Aug. 1906, page 2

Sir Frederick Holder has advised that he has interviewed the Postmaster General with reference to the displacement of bars in front of the delivery window at Kooringa post office and the request of the deputation will be granted.

Obituary. John McGilchrist, eldest son of James McGilchrist, who carried on a watchmaking business here in the shop now used as a storeroom by C.C. Williams, met a sudden and tragic end a short time ago. He went into a hotel for refreshments and almost immediately took seriously ill and died three hours later.

[John McGilchrist was born 9 July 1877 at Naracoorte and died 12 August 1906 at Naracoorte, residence Bordertown. It seems strange not to have mentioned the J. McGilchrist who only in the last issue was said to be coming to Kooringa from Naracoorte to open a shop. The latter would seem to be the deceased’s father James, because James McGilchrist dies in Kooringa 3 October 1909 aged 73.]

Redruth Court, Friday

Three young men were charged on information of R.H. Finch with having entered his dwelling at ‘Tarkee’ near Burra and stealing two suits of clothes and other articles. They were John Nash, Thomas Heffernan and George Bryant.

Mr R.H. Finch gave evidence of leaving the stolen items at the locked house and of returning to find the building had been broken into and the items stolen. He identified the men as having been in the neighbourhood and identified the items produced.

Henry Finch gave evidence of a similar nature and valued the goods at £6.

Other evidence was given by John Thomas Neate, manager of Springbank Station, John O’Leary railway packer, who was missing an oilskin coat that had been seen with the accused and Murray Phelan clerk of Redruth.

M-C Phelan recalled the reporting of the offence and recounted the enquiries concerning the three men, the discovery of the missing items and the subsequent arrest at Hallett in the bedroom of a hotel.

M-C Clark gave evidence corroborating the above. The accused were committed for trial.

VX, 739, 29 Aug. 1906, page 3

Court.

A young man named William Vick, aged 19 and retarded, was arrested for being idle and disorderly. He was supposed to be living with Mr & Mrs Howell of Mt Bryan, but wandered off when given any task to do. The best solution the court could come up with was a month in gaol.

Burra Hotels. Members of the Vivian family currently run three of the town’s hotels: Old Harry at the Commercial, his son Thomas at Opie’s and his daughter Lizzie at the Court House.

16 Motor Cars from Adelaide are expected in Burra on Saturday to join with local cars for a run to Morgan.

Advt. McGilchrist & Co. (Late Mrs F.G. Giles) announce a Special Clearing Sale of the whole stock to make way for new stocks of stationery, books, periodicals, post cards, silver, crystal ware, tobacco products, basket and leather ware, cutlery and fancy goods. Opposite the Commercial Hotel.

[Check if this was ‘The Emporium’ building.]

VX, 739 (2), 5 Sep. 1906, page 2 [Second use of No. 739]

The Second Concert in a series organised by W.B. Page to aid the St Mary’s Pipe Organ Fund was held on Wednesday before a fair audience.

Postcards are being published by the Record. The first series includes views of the interior and exterior of the old Bible Christian Church just before Methodist Union, a bird’s eye view of Kooringa & the 120,000 tons of slag just before it was treated by the Slag Extraction Co. Any two of the above for 1d.

Weather. Very seasonable rain set in on Saturday. Sunday was fine till about 2 p.m. Rainfall for the week was 93 points.

VX, 739 (2), 5 Sep. 1906, page 3 [Second use of No. 739]

Mrs E. Bolton is gradually improving. [Her name alternates between Bolton & Boulton.]

Baldina Methodist Church held Anniversary Services on 26 August when Rev. Kessell preached in the afternoon and evening. The church has a new organ. The tea meeting was on 29 August. The anniversary raised over £8.

Harry Edwards of Springbank broke his collarbone in a fall from his overloaded dog cart last Thursday. He had called at the station to collect five bales of bags and while turning the vehicle he fell from the top of the load.

‘Short & Sharp’

Nice rains to the east last week.

The opal claim at Millerton has been abandoned and the show blocked up with mullock.

VX, 740, 12 Sep. 1906, page 2

Salvation Army. Commissioner McKie, leader of the Salvation Army in Australasia, visited Burra on Wednesday last, accompanied by Brigadier Hammond, Staff-Captain Hardy and Adjutant Palmer. The visit has infused new energy into the local corps.

Trinity College Music Exams in June saw success for students of the Sisters of St Joseph: Alice Hiddle, Olive Carey, Glen Finch, Nelly and Rita Vivian.

Burra Musical and Dramatic Club will give a concert on 19 September in the Institute.

The two act Vice Versa will be performed.

Burra Town Council, 4 September

Council was invited to attend St Mary’s on 7 October for the annual Friendly Societies’ church parade in aid of Burra Hospital. Accepted.

Sir F.W. Holder advises that the Government has accepted the request to cut iron bars in front of the Kooringa Post Office window and replace them with a guard.

It was resolved that the dayman receive 30/- for lighting acetylene gas lamps for two months.

Other routine business was dealt with.

A Fancy Dress ‘Cinderellas’ Dance’ was held in Burra Institute on Wednesday 5 September when Setaro’s Band from Adelaide was unavailable and Mr & Mrs McLachlan of Terowie proved to be good substitutes. The hall was gaily decorated with a poppy theme. A list of the fancy dress costumes is printed.

VX, 740, 12 Sep. 1906, page 3

Weather. Rainfall to the east has ranged from 15 points at Glenora to 54 at Koomooloo and 79 at Woolgangi.

Burra Institute Committee has accepted the tender of D. Jones for the renovation of the building.

Mt Bryan Methodist Church held Anniversary Services last Sunday with the tea meeting on Wednesday. Rev. Milton Tresise officiated.

‘Short & Sharp’

Paull’s shares suffered a great blow on Friday and Saturday, falling as low as £4-5-0.

Fred Robertson Jnr had an unpleasant experience last week when his load of wool capsized due to the bad state of the roads.

The Cinderellas had a ‘rorty-torty’ time at the Institute on Wednesday evening.

Ben Rounsevell is reported to be on his last legs and does not intend to go for Parliament again.

[W.B. Rounsevell survived till 1923!]

Marriage. At Broken Hill last week

Philip Lane, son of P. Lane of Burra, married a daughter of Matthew Birt.

Copperhouse School. The annual inspection produced an excellent result for the head teacher Mr Galle. The school has 71 children on the roll: 36 boys and 35 girls. 58 of them were examined. (7 were absent and 6 withdrawn) 9 of the 11 in the fourth class gained their Compulsory Certificate and in the 5th class 6 of the 8 gained their Honour Certificates. This is an excellent outcome. In a recent poll among students Frank Schuyler was voted best-liked boy and Gerty Robinson & Teresa Field tied for best-liked girl.

Notice. Caution. If Mr Joseph Cartwright of Kooringa insists on coming to my house, making improper overtures to my wife, legal proceedings will be taken against him without further notice. A. Willmott.

VX, 741, 19 Sep. 1906, page 2

Apology

‘ . . . we understand the said advertisement has caused Mr Joseph Cartwright much uneasiness, and we are indeed very sorry it was published. Mr Cartwright has not asked us for an apology, but in all fairness to him we offer him an unqualified one and can assure him that the advertisement was not inserted in the slightest vindictive spirit, or with a tinge of malice towards him as far as we were concerned, and we are willing to assist him in any way possible to clear his character of the serious reflection cast upon it.’

Rev. Father Redden has returned briefly to Burra from his treatment at Nunyara, at Belair, for pleurisy etc. He is much improved and goes now to see the Administrator of the Diocese to make further arrangements.

St Joseph’s Bazaar will be held on 5 & 6 October in the Institute.

The Franchise will be discussed at a meeting on Friday in the Institute.

Redruth Reformatory had another escape the other day. The girl was arrested the same day near the Bank of Australasia.

Mrs E. Boulton is recovering her speech and there are hopes of regaining the use of her arm. [After a stroke.]

The season is looking promising and the eastern country looks better than in any year since 1898 and the same can be said of the land towards Robertstown.

The Broken Hill piano, bought by the Mayor and for which the Council refused to pay, is still playing ‘soft and low’.

VX, 741, 19 Sep. 1906, page 3

‘Unfortunate’ writes on The Burra Mine as an old worker there. The present operations have no prospect of any active operations eventuating. No common miner would carry on the work in the way it is being done at present. Sticking all sorts of equipment in the old workings is not ‘trying new ground’. The lowering of the water has not resulted in more tributers getting work. At present things from a mining point of view are as dismal as they can possibly be.

Rabbits. It is reported that between 1 November 1905 and 1 March 1906 over 26,791 rabbits have been killed on Quondong East.

Koonoona Estate, about 11 miles from Manoora, has been bought by the Government for a little under £3-18-0 an acre and they will make 3,000 acres available for closer settlement.

All cars & motorcycles now have to be registered.

Paull’s Mine. A party left Burra on Monday to visit the mine and Mr Matthews, Inspector of Mines is with them.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club Grand Concert tonight in the Institute.

The Burra Record 2nd series of post cards is in preparation: the 1st series enjoys unparalleled sales.

VX, 741 (2), 26 Sep. 1906, page 2 [Second use of No. 741]

British & Foreign Bible Society annual meeting in St Mary’s Schoolroom on Friday evening. Rev. Penry Jones [sic] was the deputation.

The Franchise Question was dealt with on Friday night at the Institute, by Messrs Roberts and Vaughan, but they drew only a small attendance. This was probably also affected by the thunderstorm and hurricane winds which blew for about an hour in the evening.

The Corricks Combination returns for performances at the Institute on 29 September and 1 October. Each evening will be an entirely different performance. They have been in Broken Hill and Adelaide since their last visit and will leave SA for WA and India. The chief feature is a set of moving pictures shown by Leonard’s Biograph Co.: Trip Round the World.

Ladies of Burra gave a return ball to the Cinderellas at the Institute on Thursday and about 45 couples attended.

Burra Musical and Dramatic Club’s third entertainment on Wednesday evening drew a fair audience. As well as successful musical items Vice Versa was a success. The extensive review runs for 1 column.

Burra Town Council

Council is requesting that the road from the Bon Accord crossing past Drew & Crewes’ store to join the main road to Mt Bryan be placed on the schedule of main roads. The Hon. W.B. Rounsevell will be asked to see the Commissioner in this matter.

Other routine business was transacted.

Court

John Oatway was fined £1 or 7 days in jail for indecent language in Market Square on 22 September. On the same date he was charged with assaulting M-C Clark while being arrested. For this he was fined £2 or 1 month in jail.

VX, 741 (2), 26 Sep. 1906, page 3

The Record is being sued for £199 damages. [Over the advertisement placed by A. Willmott VX, 740, 12 Sep. 1906, page 3.]

Obituary. Mr W. Trelevan [sic], one time railway carrier in connection with Mr Brown at the Burra Station, has died at Pt Pirie last week. [William Treleaven died 20 September 1906 at Pt Pirie, residence Woodville aged 71.]

The Anglican Bishop of Adelaide, Rt Rev. Dr A. Nutter Thomas, will pay his first official visit to Burra on 5 October. On Saturday 6 October he will conduct confirmations at the Church of the Ascension Black Springs and on 7 October will preach at St Mary’s.

The Corricks. The Trip Around the World film of over 3,000’ includes scenes from Switzerland with snow and tobogganing, an eruption, Cairo, the Nile, the Sphinx, the Pyramids, Japan, India, China, Burmah, Arabia, Russia, London Streets, beautifully coloured scenes of the illuminated fountains of Versailles, and the San Francisco earthquake. There are also humorous pictures: The Meddlesome Husband, The chase for the Trousers, The Lost Spectacles and The Conjuror and the Tramps etc.

3/-, 2/- and 1/-.

VX, 742, 3 Oct. 1906, page 2

Rev. H.T.H. Wightwick, formerly of St Mary’s, prior to Rev. H.L. Ebbs, is teaching at Cambridge University.

Obituary. Mrs Hempel, wife of J.T. Hempel of Stewart, near Morgan, has died aged 36. [Page 3 adds that she was the youngest daughter of Mr W. Pryor of World’s End.]

[A difficult person to trace, but may have been born as Jamima Prior 18 June 1871 at Redruth and married as Jemima Emmalina Prior, father called William, 10 April 1890, but Marriages CD gives the husband’s name as Kempel. Died Jemima Emmeline Hempel 24 September 1906 at Morgan.]

Burra Show. ‘A Rare Exhibit’: A vixen and six young were exhibited at the Burra Show last Wednesday and attracted much attention from the many who had never seen a fox before.

The show just escaped the heavy rain of Thursday, which brought the creek down higher than for some time.

The floodwaters on Thursday threatened the small footbridge in front of the Post Office, (comprising simply three boards without side rail) when it rose to within two inches of the boards and over them in places. Some children diverted to the Burra Hotel crossing which also need attention.

While the creek was running strongly in the morning Howard West, son of William West Sen. amused himself by running back and forth over the footbridge opposite the Post Office until he became giddy and fell in. His screams and those of his brother were attracted Mr Vardey, who plunged in fully clothed and caught the drowning boy with some difficulty. He was taken to the home of John McLaren where he was bathed and comforted before going home in a trap sent for him.

The Corricks attracted a great deal of excitement with people assembling on the steps before 7 p.m. by which time at least 200 people were present. Sales of 1/- tickets were suspended at 7.20 and 2/- ones at 7.40 when there was no more seating available. Forms were set in the aisle and right up to the stage. People crammed like sardines onto the wings of the stage and many were turned away. The program was intensely funny and particularly refined. Monday saw another bumper audience. Mr Chris Young convulsed the audience both nights.

VX, 742, 3 Oct. 1906, page 2-3

The Burra Show was a great success at Victoria Park on Wednesday with c. £70 taken at the gates.

The weather was threatening with wind and dust until 9 a.m., but then a change brought good conditions.

Agricultural products could have been much better represented, but those on show were of the first quality.

G. Bailey scored the prize for wheat and Thomas Reynolds of Booborowie that for chaffed hay.

In Dairy produce the best collection and display was by E.N. Finch.

Draught stock was only a small section, but the quality was very good and much the same applied to blood stock. Roadster stock was of good quality and a popular section. Horses in action were as popular as ever.

Cattle numbers were up and better than formerly.

Dogs were good this year and though some years have seen more greyhounds there have not been better.

Pigs were not numerous and Hon. J.J. Duncan was the most successful exhibitor.

Agricultural implements could have been more numerous, as they attract great interest.

The exhibits of local coach-builder Mr S. Burns attracted interest: express buggy for C. Parks, masher cart for T. Pearse of ‘The Gums’, a hooded buckboard for J. Reed, a jump-seat sulky for Mr Neate and a masher cart for T. Turner.

The wood-chopping contest caused much excitement and the crowds left other attractions when it was announced. Four contestants put in an appearance and the winner was E. Cahill from WA, ahead of local Sam Finch.

Sheep entries were better and larger than previously and additional pens had to be erected. T. Sandland won Champion Merino Ram as well as Special. He also won the pen of 5 rams.

Poultry entries were a record. Messrs Flamank & Dennison were the most successful, having sent along between 60 & 70 entries.

Flowers were hardly up to earlier years’ standards and entries were well down.

Cookery entries were up.

The small display in the School Class section is disappointing and will have to be worked up. Needlework was the one area of first-class work.

In fruit and vegetables Ah Chin practically scooped the pool with exhibits far superior to any hitherto seen at a local show. His collection was a credit to any gardener.

The Terowie Brass Band played throughout the day.

A committee of ladies ran the refreshment booth better than ever.

E.J. Harris displayed an impressive pyramid of dairy produce of a great variety of product and great quality.

F. Harris showed a fine collection of dried fruit from Renmark.

Miss McMinn’s & Mr W. Bentley’s pupils displayed some really creditable paintings.

The concert in the evening was a great success.

The list of prize winners is printed.

[Personal interest. Results in Flower Section:

12 cut flowers Miss Fuss 1st

Antirrhinums C.A. Fuss 1st & 2nd

3 Daffodils H.A. Fuss 2nd

Pelargoniums Miss M. Fuss

Fern C. Fuss 2nd]

VX, 742, 3 Oct. 1906, page 3

Paull’s Mine. Messrs Fuss & party returned from the mine on Tuesday afternoon. The mine is looking good.

Mr George Finch received a presentation at the Show.

The Burra Institute is being thoroughly renovated by D. Jones.

Rev. Father Redden leaves for Pekina early next week. He has spent the last few days with his brother at Yongala. After the Pekina visit he returns to Nunyara for a week or two before a sea trip.

VX, 743, 10 Oct. 1906, page 2

St Joseph’s Bazaar raised £78-11-10, somewhat beyond expectations.

The bazaar on Friday & Saturday last was opened by the Mayor who was welcomed by Rev. Father Redden. Stall holders are listed. The total amount taken was £107-14-10.

Rain has continued and the Burra Creek is in flood and all other creeks flowing strongly.

The Austral Biorama Co. visited Burra on Monday in the interests of the Salvation Army. The company comprises male and female instrumentalists with a grand bioscopic display of fine pictures. The attendance was smaller than hoped for, but the program was much appreciated.

Burra Record libel case. The case brought by Cartwright against W.J. Davey and A. Willmott resulted in the awarding of £50 against Davey and Willmott. (Details next issue.)

Supreme Court, Wednesday.

John Nash (19), John Bryant (19) & Thomas Heffernan (18) were charged with stealing articles to the value of £6 from R. Finch. The jury gave them the benefit of the doubt and they were discharged. Heffernan was then arrested to complete a term at Magill Reformatory, but he escaped and has not been seen since.

Lawrence Farrell from Jamestown, porter at the Burra Railway Station, broke into a case of whisky in the goods shed on Tuesday night. He was found at his home on Wednesday night asleep with a whisky bottle half empty. He claimed he had bought it at the Royal Exchange Hotel, but enquiries showed otherwise. He was charged with unlawful possession and given seven days, rather than with larceny which carries a heavier sentence.

VX, 743, 10 Oct. 1906, page 3

Burra Racing Club held its AGM at the Institute and decided to raise the stakes to £90 for its next meeting on 6 March.

The Copper Price has risen to a phenomenal £93 a ton, and still nothing happens at Burra.

Land Sale. 13,000acres of J.J. Duncan’s Gum Creek Estate was offered for sale last week.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. The rumoured sale of the mine to an English company has not taken place.

The Friendly Societies’ Church Parade last Sunday at St Mary’s aided the Burra Hospital.

Rev. J.H. Norton of Petersburg has been appointed the new Catholic Bishop of Port Augusta in succession to the late Dr Maher.

A Branch of the United Labor Party was formed on Saturday at a largely attended meeting at T.A. Gregg’s at Redruth. Elected were M. Huppatz, President; R.J.J. Ockenden, Vice-president; F. Mussard, Chairman; T.A. Gregg, Treasurer and W.F. Carless, Secretary.

Burra Cricket Club AGM at the Institute last Tuesday.

Rt Rev. A. Nutter Thomas, Anglican Lord Bishop of Adelaide, visited Gum Creek Mission on Friday afternoon and the Girls’ Reformatory on Friday evening. On Saturday he confirmed 8 candidates at Black Springs and in the evening attended a reception and musical program in St Mary’s Hall. On Sunday morning he conducted Holy Communion in the morning, confirmed 20 candidates and gave another service in the evening.

Burra Institute Committee met on 8 October. Mr C. Fuss, President, occupied the chair and it was reported that renovations are well in hand.

VX, 744, 17 Oct. 1906, page 2

Mr George Scott, head of Burra Public School, has been enthusiastic about forming a cadet corps at the school. It would be a branch of the Commonwealth Corps of SA. Boys must be over 12 and at least 4’6” in stocking feet. Uniforms cost 17/- and Government provides 7/6 on each uniform. The required numbers have come forward.

McGilchrist & Co. have decided to erect a large showroom on the western side of their present premises. The company has an extensive stock of cricket, golf, tennis, croquet and other sporting equipment.

Burra Orchestra & Madam Amy Sherwin & Co. will present a grand concert on Monday 22 October in the Burra Institute. 4/-, 3/-, 2/-.

Albert March, aged 11, had a lucky escape from death when a length of railway line suspended from the rafters in their horse shed, fell at one end and pinned him to the ground by the head. He suffered a broken nose and was at times delirious. Had the other end of the rail fallen he would have been crushed to a pulp.

The Record challenges W.H. Hardy, witness in the recent libel case, to prove or produce the slightest tinge of evidence that Mrs A. Willmott had a perambulator in Market Square or any other street of the town on 7 September 1906 - £5 will be handed over on production of the same.

VX, 744, 17 Oct. 1906, page 2-3

The Record libel case.

This is reported in great detail.

On 12 September the paper ran an advertisement in which it was suggested that Joseph Cartwright had visited the house of Mrs Alfred Willmott and made improper proposals to her. Cartwright then sued the Record and Alfred Willmott as defendants in a libel case. On Monday 8 October the case ran from 11 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. and the court was filled in the day and crammed at night. The defence of The Record contended that the paper’s apology in the next issue was ample for anyone, but ‘a money grabber of the worst kind’.

Louisa Jane Willmott, wife of Alfred Willmott gave evidence that Joseph Cartwright had called several times at her home while her husband was away. Cartwright’s wife was a cousin to Alfred Willmott. The vital day was 7 September when she said he called before she was up and dressed, because she was not feeling very well. He went away, but later returned when she was dressed and after some conversation had suggested they go into her bedroom and he had placed his hand under her clothes. She had told him she would not and was not such a d______ fool. She said she would be telling his wife and had also complained of his behaviour to her sister and mother. Her children Frank (9) and Mary (7) were present throughout.

The counsel for the plaintiff tried to show her as promiscuous and a habitual liar.

She admitted the marriage had been in difficulties, but said she and her husband were now getting on fairly well. However, she could not say ‘I have been faithful to my husband altogether.’

Her version of events was supported by the two children and Alice Moore (her sister) and her mother Mrs Lines.

Mr R.G. Nesbit for Mr Davey of the Burra Record gave a long address contending that the apology published and a letter sent to the plaintiff were adequate in the circumstances.

The evidence tendered on behalf of the plaintiff was an absolute denial that the whole event took place and a denial of ever being to the house. [Cartwright would scarcely admit knowing which house they lived in, though they had previously been neighbours in East St.] Much of the evidence sought to show Cartwright’s whereabouts on the day in question to account for his movements and to show he could not have been at Mrs Willmott’s house. His reasons for going to the saleyards near the Burra Hotel seemed a bit thin, but a number of respectable witnesses saw him there and/or spoke to him.

After the evidence was presented there were long addresses by both Counsels and the bench adjourned. When the court reassembled the SM reviewed the evidence and said the court was unanimous in fixing damages at £50 against Willmott and the Record.

VX, 744, 17 Oct. 1906, page 3

Ben Rounsevell visited Burra on Monday to bid a political farewell to his friends. [He had been a long serving member of Parliament for Burra District and elsewhere.]

J.C. Sandland has decided to call ‘Flagstaff’ by its original native name of ‘Koonoowarra’.

Recent Land Sales on Friday in the Institute:

H. Scott & Sons’ Redcliffe of 27,477 acres leasehold, 2,875 sheep, buildings etc. to J.M. McBride for £7,000.

‘Nolan’s’ 15,885 acres & 1,282 sheep etc. to C. Warnes for £3,200.

‘Greigg’s’ leasehold of 13,184 acres & 1,993 sheep to Messrs T.H. Paerse & Sons for £4,700.

P.L. Killicoat purchased the 1,000 acres of freehold and 3,685 acres leasehold (with 500 sheep) bearing his name, for £950.

Messrs H. Scott & Sons sold ‘Pulpara’ & ‘Saltbush’ comprising 30,115 acres leasehold and 3,536 sheep to Mr J. Collins for £9,000.

‘The Oak’ of 19,645 acres leasehold with 1,929 sheep was also sold to J. Collins for £3,015.

Mr W. Berriman of Stony Gap’s 1,590 acres went to J.M. McBride for £33 per acre.

Gum Creek Estate of 13,000 acres freehold will be offered in lots of 500 to 1,000 acres on 2 November, under instructions from Hon. J.J. Duncan MLC.

VX, 745, 24 Oct. 1906, page 2

A Petition is being circulated to have hotels opened between certain hours on Sundays.

Rabbits are multiplying dramatically in the good season with plenty of feed about.

Mr Hardy has not taken up our challenge and we will now take other steps to compel him to admit he either told deliberate falsehoods under oath or was suffering from hallucination at the time.

The second series of Burra Views post cards is now completed - on ivory surface board of a beautiful chocolate brown.

James Baird, shunter at the Burra railway station, was crushed between the buffers one night last week. Amazingly beyond being severely crushed, medical examination revealed no other injury and he is now progressing well.

A Bolt. T.P. Halls and two friends were thrown from a sulky at Mitchell Flat on Sunday. When a reluctant horse was given ‘a moderate supply of long oats’ it leaped forth snapping the traces and dashed off, pulling Halls over the rein guard and shooting his companions from the vehicle. Fortunately a shaking was the only consequence. The horse got to Baldina Creek before being recaptured.

E.N. Finch broke a rib when he fell out of his trap while turning Cobb & Co.’s Corner a few days ago.

Obituary. Mrs Morris, aged 83, has died. She was a long time resident of Mitchell Flat and once kept a small shop there. Her husband died some years ago.

[Elizabeth Morris died 18 October 1906 at Kooringa.]

Trip to Booborowie by ‘Mick & Royal’

The writers say they got a ride to Booborowie Station with some shearers in a cart.

They went around Shafton where they got great views of magnificent crops. They passed the home of Mr Stockman – the former home of the late Mr Cockrum. The plains gave a tremendous yield of hay or wheat. To the right lay Mr Chapman’s and towards Braefoot Mr Forrest’s and then Mr Webster’s. These were three new houses and out houses. As they passed Gum Creek there was land under lucerne and the wheat crops were in places as high as the fences. The most notable farm in this area belonged to the Bailey Bros. and was a model from an agricultural point of view. At Braefoot the feed was extremely short and the land seemed to have been overstocked generally. There was more feed around the homestead, but by the end of shearing this would have gone. There were some fine crops towards Booborowie; often higher than the fence and a number of neatly kept farm houses were passed. They arrived at Booborowie Station in time for afternoon tea. This substantial meal was served on spotless tinware and ended with ‘brownie’ – a novelty for them. It was an agreeable surprise being a very nice cake, although they were told it comprised only fat, currants and flour. They inspected the shearing shed of 20 machines, 10 on each side. It is one of the largest and loftiest in SA and was all in keeping with the cleanliness of the dining room. The night accommodation for the shearers was satisfactory. The shearers they found to be well mannered, courteous and of refined language. They returned by the main road past Ayers Forest which looked like natural growth. The trees were doing well and they felt sure that very few people in the town were aware that they had such a magnificent forest within a few miles of their doors.

VX, 745, 24 Oct. 1906, page 3

The Burra Post Cards include:

St Joseph’s Church and presbytery.

The Burra Creek in flood.

The Black Bridge, Kooringa, with the corner of Paxton’s Square and floodwaters.

The main entrance to Kooringa.

The Burra School.

The Burra Institute.

The Burra Creek in flood with the bridge known as Carey’s, the Black Bridge & the creek in flood as far as The Mill.

New plates of the interior and exterior of the Bible Christian Church.

A bird’s eye view of Burra.

The Slagheap.

Madam Amy Sherwin and her talented company performed at the Institute on Monday night and submitted a select program. Attendance was not as large as anticipated, but those there vociferously applauded every item.

Senate Elections. Hon. D.M. Charleston & Mr Joseph Vardon will address electors on Friday at 7.30 p.m. at the Institute.

IOR held a successful social in the Institute last night.

Copper is now quoted at £100 a ton.

Mr D.A. Crosby, once Burra’s only tailor, is seeking election to Parliament.

Tom Ryan, once a porter at the Burra railway station is a candidate for Wooroora District.

Obituary. Mrs G. Morris, wife of the late ‘Georgie’ Morris, died at the Burra Hospital last Thursday, aged 83. She had been a Burra resident for 50-60 years. [Elizabeth Morris died 18 October 1906.]

The Bank of Australasia opens a branch at Farrell’s Flat today. It will operate every Wednesday from 10.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.

VX, 746, 31 Oct. 1906, page 2

Golden Wedding. On 1 November 1856 at St Mary’s Burra

Richard Thomas of Penzance Cornwall married Mary Jane Nankivell, eldest daughter of the late Philip Nankivell of Tavistock Devonshire. Presently living in East St Kooringa.

The Salvation Army. The Self Denial Appeal has raised £100 this year.

Cricket. In the opening match of the season Gum Creek 149 defeated Burra 48.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. The 10th half-yearly report showed income of £112 from tributers, and expenses of £1,227-19-8 with proceeds of £334-4-2 for a loss for the half-year of £893-19-2.

In several places in the report large quantities of milling ore are reported as being found, but there is no mention of extracting it or any estimate of its earning potential. There is no available machinery at the mine to treat milling ore, so what is the point of going after it? The sale of ore was within £6 of the tributers’ contribution. In effect it was costing 60/- to get 20/- worth of ore.

Capitalists are said to be negotiating to buy the mine.

Redruth Court.

Christina Schultze was sentenced for drunkenness to 24 hours in prison, suspended if she left the town by 4 p.m.

Alex McDonald was fined 10/- or 24 hours in jail for being drunk and further sentenced to two months in jail for being idle and disorderly.

Edward Leichfield [perhaps Litchfield] was sentenced to two months for being idle and disorderly.

VX, 746, 31 Oct. 1906, page 3

Aberdeen Football Club celebrated winning the premiership with an annual social at the Royal Exchange Hotel on Thursday evening. Attendance was disappointingly low. W.J. Richards took the chair. There was the usual series of toasts for which the speakers were: W.J. Davey, C. Tiver, W. Neville, Mr Chapman, T. Harris, James Richards, R. Neville, Thomas Tiver, W.H. Hardy, A.G. Shortridge & W. Barkley.

R. Neville got the award for all-round best player. The most effective service medal went to J.D. Kelly and P. Casey was the most gentlemanly player. W. Neville Jnr gave the club report [which oddly enough revealed there were fewer financial members than there were players in the team.]

Kooringa Club was not represented and only a couple of men represented the Rambler Club. For them Mr Hardy said ‘he had watched most games for the season, and considered football was the only game worth going very far to see. He congratulated Aberdeen on appropriating the Premiership. The Ramblers were not hardly strong enough, but they might come along next year. As soon as the season was over Ramblers and Kooringas dropped all interest in it like a hot spud, they were going to hold a picnic directly to celebrate the success they had made during the season.

IOR District Officers visited on Tuesday to examine the workings of the order and were entertained in the evening at a social. Secretary C.J. Pearce was congratulated on his work. 70-80 members from the three branches attended.

World’s End School held its annual picnic on Wednesday in fine weather.

Obituary. The Monkey Jack Wall died last week at Booborowie. [Presumably this animal was well known in the district as no information leading up to his death is given. It would seem reasonable to assume he was owned by a human Jack or John Wall.] Apparently he escaped from his cage and created all sorts of trouble including taking the top of his Captain’s little finger nearly off. It was decided he had to die and having been hunted into a toilet and ending up down the hole was left there to die. The next morning he emerged in a filthy state and was finally killed.

Election. Sir F.W. Holder will address electors at the Burra Institute on Monday 5 November.

Burra Record Postcards: Second Series

These include St Joseph’s Church & Presbytery, Burra Creek in flood, The Black Bridge with the corner of Paxton Square and water rushing under the bridge, the Main Entrance to Kooringa, Burra School, The Burra Institute, The Creek in flood showing Casey’s Bridge, the Black Bridge and the creek in flood as far up as the Mill. Popular from the first series and reprinted: the Bible Christian Church inside and outside, the Slag Heap and a bird’s eye view of the town.

VX, 746 (2), 7 Nov. 1906, page 2

Advt. Institute Hall Tonight and Tomorrow Night.

Living London, 4,000 ft of remarkable moving pictures showing everything that occurs in mighty London.

Also Sunny Ceylon, Romance of the Railway, Comic Pictures and Illustrated Songs.

The management carry complete electric plant and the pictures are shown by powerful electric light.

[People were disappointed when the company failed to visit Burra after all.]

Weather. Two days of very severe heat have severely damaged crops. Through so much wet weather earlier the crops had made rapid growth and were too tender to withstand the heat.

Guy Fawkes Night was celebrated on Monday with bonfires, guys and fireworks.

Hanson Methodist Sunday School celebrated its Anniversary on 28 October. Rev. R.C. Yeoman conducted the services. The tea meeting was held on Wednesday.

State Election. With three to be elected: O’Loughlin 4,170

Miller 3,908

Newland 3,529

Rounsevell 3,107

Jenkins 3,047

VX, 746 (2), 7 Nov. 1906, page 3

Paull’s Mine. Burra shareholders are said to have bought in at £15 and the value is now 40/- [£2].

Burra Town Council. Routine matters only are reported.

VX, 747, 14 Nov. 1906, page 2

Redruth Methodist Sunday School held its 50th Anniversary last Sunday with Rev. W.H. Harton [printing unclear] President of SA Conference preaching. In the afternoon the service of song was March of Time. The school picnic was held on Monday.

J. Drew has declined to stand again for Mayor.

Mr W.G.M. Martin in charge of the Burra Railway Station for 18 years is about to move to Murray Bridge. He came here from Naracoorte. During his stay he has filled various positions in St Mary’s Church. Mr George who was stationmaster at Hallett will take charge of Burra directly.

VX, 747, 14 Nov. 1906, page 3

Weather & the Season. The hot weather has much reduced the anticipated yield of wheat in the east. Haymaking has commenced much earlier than expected, but the quality will be lower than expected. To the west the crops are better and were much less damaged by the heat, though here too the yield was reduced. Rain fell yesterday when 114 points were recorded. The creek rose and Market Square was flooded due to blockages in drainage.

Hallett Sports were successfully conducted on Monday and the results are printed.

W.J. Edwards [previously of Burra] is starting business in Broken Hill in the new premises erected by the Democratic Club.

‘Shareholder’ writes on the Burra Burra Copper Co. & Burra Mine. He thanks the paper for its report, given that he had not received a balance sheet from the company. He wondered why Burra Mine could not be worked at a profit when copper prices were high and other mine miles from rail transport were paying a dividend on 7% stuff and tributers at Burra could clear up to £4 a week. It makes him think something is wrong.

H. Parker has completed No. 1 fence in connection with the Oakbank Vermin Board. It is very substantial and will last a lifetime.

A Successful Concert was held in St Mary’s Hall last evening.

W.H. Hardy suggests two local justices be selected to hear his case concerning the pram incident, but as the evidence would probably take a day it is not reasonable to expect people to so spend their time. The Mayor was named as a responsible party to hold the money, but His Worship declined to interfere in the matter.

[See the challenge made in VX, 744, 17 Oct. 1906, page 2.]

VX, 748, 21 Nov. 1906, page 2

Pt Pirie Music Competitions

Miss Consie Killicoat, daughter of P.L. Killicoat JP came 3rd in soprano solos. [Constance Killicoat.]

Miss Madge Killicoat was 1st in piano solos and the two Misses Killicoat won the vocal duet section.

Burra Town Council. W. Farrell was given permission to erect a verandah over the footpath at the Court House Hotel. Other matters reported were of a routine nature.

Weather: Saturday Storm

Last Saturday was very windy and dusty. To the east it was very bad with one report describing a great rising spiral of dust that was brown lower down and changing to red and then spreading out over the horizon to hang like the aurora borealis. Heavy clouds then gathered and some light rain fell, but not enough to settle the dust.

In the town the wind rose further towards evening and from 11 p.m. to midnight blew like a cyclone. Trees, fences and roofs of both dwellings and outbuildings were removed by its force. The accompanying rain was light but steady and caused the creek to begin to flow. Buildings shook as in an earthquake.

In Kooringa George Herbert had the verandah ripped from the house and the picket fence was flattened. The roof of the old Primitive Methodist Schoolroom was badly damaged. The wind from the northeast caught the iron and ripped it from its beams depositing it on the other side of the building. What was not carried away either fell in or was twisted into many shapes.

A large tree fell across the tennis court fence.

A large piece of ridge-capping was ripped from the old Bible Christian Church and carried across the creek and another two lengths travelled over a quarter of a mile to land in Thames St. A house in Stock St lost its roof and a number of places lost windows; either from the force of the wind or from flying debris. Many roofs had guttering torn from them. Tons of fruit has been stripped from trees and flower gardens have been cut down as with a mower.

On farms wheat crops were laid flat and not bent over, but broken off. Farmers are trying to collect it for hay, but are having trouble getting it off the fields. Cocked hay was blown completely away and one farmer lost about four tons.

In Redruth George Bartholomaeus lost the roofs from his outhouses and the iron fowl house was uplifter and rolled along the road. Several roofs there were lifted and will need repair. One resident saw his roof lift as much as two feet, but with his weight and that of a couple of buggy wheels he managed to stop it leaving altogether.

A Concert at St Mary’s Hall in the Pipe Organ Fund series is reported.

VX, 748, 21 Nov. 1906, page 3

Tom Kitchen has returned in better health to Broken Hill after his trip to the WA goldfields.

[Given that Thomas Kitchen Jnr formerly of Burra died in Broken Hill in November 1908, this probably refers to him, though it might be his father. He was 35 when he died.]

Cricket. At Farrell’s Flat on Saturday Burra 89 defeated Farrell’s Flat 58.

Mr & Mrs & Miss Martin were given a farewell at St Mary’s Schoolroom on Monday afternoon. Mr Martin had occupied several important church positions. Presentations were made, but that for Mr Martin could not be procured in time and will be sent on. At the railway station on Saturday he received a nice smoking outfit from the employees there and on Saturday afternoon Mr Bowman gave an ‘At Home’ to Mr & Mrs Martin at Wandillah.

Weather. The storm at Hanson was similar to at Burra. Outbuildings suffered in particular and one fowl house was found floating on a dam the next morning. In areas where the crops were not flattened they have benefited from the rain.

Terowie Railway Station is to be lighted with acetylene gas. Why has Burra been passed over?

VX, 749, 28 Nov. 1906, page 2

Marriage. At Grote St Methodist Church Adelaide

Miss May Lewis, youngest daughter of Mr Lewis blacksmith of Kanmantoo, married

Mr Charles Kiekebusche, eldest son of Mr E. Kiekebusche of Baldina.

Charles Opperman dug out nine young foxes on Wandillah Estate recently proving they are breeding and will soon overrun the district.

Municipal Council Elections: nominations.

Mayor W.C.L. West elected unopposed

West Ward John Wise elected unopposed

North Ward J. Walker elected unopposed

East Ward R.J. Ockenden

W.H. Hardy

The East Ward election will be held on 1 December 1906.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co.

An Adelaide gentleman is reported to have paid £250 deposit and so considerable changes are expected in the near future.

The Storm that passed through recently has given carpenters considerable work. In one place the wind, being unable to lift the roof forced the ceiling in the front room to fall down, doing much damage to the furniture and destroying a large overmantel. A house on Cemetery Flat, vacated only the day before, was unroofed and the covering carried a couple of hundred yards and placed against Mr Thomas Broad’s residence.

Miss Kiekebusche is getting along well after her recent serious operation in the Burra Hospital.

W. Kellaway writes concerning the report of a loss of £893-19-2 for the Burra Mine recently. He says the company had no need to look for milling ore. They just needed two or three jigs to treat the hundreds of thousands of tons that have been staring them in the face for years. Pump the water out and spend the money searching virgin ground. The mine ought to be employing a thousand men, but there seems to be no go in either the directors or the management.

The Canowie Estate proprietors have bought a stud Merino ram Donald Dinnie reportedly for 1,200 guineas.

The United Labor Party held a large meeting on Saturday night at the residence of Mr T.A. Gregg at the old Smelts. The branch was formed on 6 October 1906 and has since got some 80 new members. Offices were declared vacant to allow new members representation and Elected were President, T. Davis; Vice President, E.C. Sedgman; Treasurer, T.A. Gregg (re-elected); Secretary, F. Carless (re-elected); Assistant Secretary, J. Lepley.

W.H. Hardy seems to have had a hard time running from ward to ward to get a couple of people to nominate him. He complained that Cr Snell was giving him a hard time by not saying whether he would stand again. Mr Hardy says many persons have asked him to come out for different wards, but on the face of it he is compelled to waltz around town with his nomination forms practically begging someone to place their monogram on the paper. He went first to North Ward, but no one was taking the bait and eventually when [J. Walker] came out for that ward he decided not to oppose him. When he heard Mr Ockenden was coming out for East Ward he said he didn’t care if 500 Ockendens came out. Then he was told that john Wise was running in West Ward and Hardy then fell back on East Ward. He spoke [at the Ratepayers’ Meeting] in a most disjointed fashion about the rubbish depot and said microbes were blowing all over the town from it. He accused the Council of being stagnant. He also said ‘When I was in Council there were many shady things done.’ This calls for some explanation. He did not tell ratepayers who was responsible for those things, but it is a strange thing that since he has been out of Council there have been no ‘rumpuses’. In his time it was certainly a pantomime and a bear garden and the dignity of Council was buried deep and beyond all rhyme and reason as well as sensibility. What he said ‘savoured very much of inconsistency, indiscreetness and ignorance.’

VX, 749, 28 Nov. 1906, page 3

Ratepayers’ Meeting at the Institute last Wednesday. Attendance was small with about 20 at the start and a few more as time went by. Mr Crewes took the chair.

The Mayor’s Report for 1906

The Council did good work with the funds available. During the year it adopted model by-laws prepared by the Municipal Association.

One Councillor Mr Launder died during the year. He served a little over two years as Councillor for East Ward and his loss was greatly regretted. He was replaced by Cr Bennetts.

At this time last year the general account was in credit £47-19-2 and tonight it is in credit £42-18-8, but this will largely be gone after the next pay sheet.

North Ward is in credit £3-0-4, East Ward is in debit £5-12-1 and West Ward is in debit £3-17-7.

This year we have paid £31-10-0 for anew assessment and as a result there is a reduction in the aggregate of c. £594, which will on the present rate mean less income in 1907.

Lighting cost £44-15-10. We purchased two acetylene gas lamps for £12 leaving £32-15-0 for running costs. The new lamps have been economic and give a good light. Lack of funds prevents the extension of gas lighting for the time being.

Park Lands. Regrettably vandalism to young trees continues. The account is in credit £7-11-0.

The main road grant was £273 and this has been expended.

The Cemetery has received much attention and has been improved. The account is in credit £57-5-8.

The Local Board of Health has had no significant outbreaks of infectious disease to deal with this year with only a few cases of scarlatina reported. The sanitary condition of the town has been maintained. The account is in credit £79-0-8.

The Council has worked very harmoniously this year and thanks are extended to Councillors, the Town Clerk and other Council workers.

C.A. Fuss moved the adoption of the report.

Cr W.C.L. West said he had decided to retire as a Councillor after 14 years on the Corporation.

The retiring Mayor Mr J. Drew said the town could do with 10 or 12 more acetylene lamps. He was disappointed with the destruction of young trees by lads. Tar paving of paths was cheaper than gravelling and almost as good as asphalt. He could not see his way clear to nominating for Mayor again.

Mr Davis tried to move a vote of thanks to Cr Roach, but when he turned it into an attack on Council for black-balling him over the scavenging tender he was ruled out of order.

R. Ockenden then moved a vote of thanks to the retiring Mayor and Councillors and was seconded by C.A. Fuss.

Mr Davis then got in his complaint about not getting the scavenging contract when it was awarded to the highest tender. He thanked Cr Roach for trying to be fair, even though he was overruled.

Cr Roach said he didn’t appreciate Mr Davis’s remarks at all and in retrospect thought he deserved censure for revealing what had gone on in the Council Chamber and now endorsed the actions of his colleagues who had done the proper thing in accepting the highest tender.

Candidates were then invited to speak.

Cr West said his experience in Council over 14 years made him well qualified to become Mayor. He favoured the planting of trees and tar dressing and was against any increase in rates.

J. Walker thought he was well known and if elected would do his best for town and ward.

R. Ockenden said it was only that day that he had decided to stand, but he would strive to do justice to all and side with no party.

Mr Hardy said he was in a bit of a fix. He had asked Cr Snell if he was going to stand in East Ward, but he had said he didn’t know. This left him [Mr Hardy] in a hole, as he didn’t want to ‘run amuck of the present councillor’. He had promised North Ward ratepayers he would represent them, but now they had a candidate from their own ward and he would not oppose him. He had been to Mr Wise and that gentleman had signed a nomination paper for West Ward, so he was now going for East Ward. He heard Mr Ockenden was coming out for East Ward, but in reply had said ‘I don’t care if 500 Ockendens are coming out I am too.’

The Mayor and Councillors had worked well together. There could be too much stagnation in Council. ‘There were many shady things done while I was in Council.’

The rubbish depot was in the wrong place and it was common to see papers of all sorts blowing down the main street from the depot.

The Mayor said a man goes every day and burns the rubbish and if Mr Hardy were to go up there now he would not get enough paper to fill his hat.

The speaker then said he didn’t know what the depot was like lately, but it used to be bad. (laughter)

Even if paper was not blown out of it microbes were blown all over the town from it.

World’s End. The recent storm on the 17th brought with it over 170 points of rain and considerable crop damage. Wheat yet green will recover, but early varieties were too far advanced to come back. Many houses and outbuildings suffered damage. F. Duldig’s horse stable lost about 70ft of its 100ft roof, but the iron essentially slid down the wall and was little damaged. It was soon replaced.

Wandillah and Cartapo Blocks bought by the Government for closer settlement are in the hands of the surveyor.

VX, 750, 5 Dec. 1906, page 2

The Old Smelts. Not long ago Messrs Martin & Co. of Gawler successfully extracted copper by treating the old slag heap. Now a gentleman proposes to treat the fine stuff and on paper it appears all right. Samples have been sent away for assay and it is believed it is the intention to float a company.

The Ramblers will have a moonlight ramble on the occasion of their annual picnic tonight at the Princess Royal. Drags will leave Market Square at 1.30 p.m.

Mr Hardy’s candidature for East Ward will cost the Council about £4 that could well have been saved, but ‘Mr Hardy was determined to blow off in one of the three wards at all hazards and he is now blown out.’

The New Council has one blacksmith, one storekeeper, two graziers, one labourer, one manager, and one carpenter. Five are Methodists and two Church of England. Two are Foresters, two are Rechabites, three are Oddfellows and there are two local preachers.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. The new company which anticipates taking over the Burra Mine is making arrangements to commence operations after Christmas. Men at present there will work up to Christmas, after which the mode of procedure is unknown.

Mr ‘Watty’ Truscott has fitted a cool storage room to keep beef, mutton, lamb, pork, sausages etc. for a month if necessary. We inspected it recently and were glad to get into the warm weather again. Little meat will now be kept in the shop window or even in the shop. Customers will be served direct from the cool chamber.

A Concert at Hanson on Wednesday evening in aid of the local school was popular, with every seat taken and some looking through the windows despite the unpleasant and stormy weather. [Details in 1⁄2 column.]

Obituary. John Carey of Thames St died at the age of 87. He was born at North Molton in Devon and came to Australia in 1853. After working briefly in Adelaide he came to Burra, but then went on to Booborowie where he worked as a carpenter for about 20 years. He then returned to Burra and started a chaff-cutting business. Aged eventually caused him to stop work, but he was never laid up with a serious illness. About three years ago he fractured his leg and although with care he recovered, he had since had to use a crutch and stick to get around. He used to wear glasses, but late in life lost them and found he could read without. He leaves a son Frederick with whom he had lived for the last 18 years and two daughters: Mrs A.G. Muller (Broken Hill) and Mrs R. Webber (Mt Bryan East). There are 22 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Mr Carey’s wife died about 20 years ago.

[John Carey born 10 Feb 1820 and died 27 November 1906 aged 86. His wife died 20 March 1878 aged 51.]

Burra Town Council.

The last meeting of the old Council was held on Thursday and dealt with routine matters.

The first meeting of the newly elected Council was held on Monday and accepted an invitation from Rev. S. Kessell to attend the Hospital Service on 16 December. Other matters were of a routine nature.

VX, 750, 5 Dec. 1906, page 3

Cricket. A team from Burra will journey to Robertstown by motor cars on Saturday.

United Labor Party, Burra Branch met at Mr Gregg’s on Saturday and seven new members were admitted. A member was elected to Council at the East Ward election.

Municipal Election, Burra Town Council

East Ward R. Ockenden 55

W.H. Hardy 35

Obituary. While out rabbiting for Mr R. Collins Messrs W.H. & C. Lomman discovered the scattered skeletal remains of a human. Whether the deceased was Aboriginal or white is not known. They were found in the place that W. Parkins used at one time at Pine creek and about a mile southwest of his residence.

‘They Say’ that Paull’s Mine & the Burra Mine are struggling for the worst position in the copper world.

Stanley Watt, [born in Burra] son of Captain Watt, is going to Quorn to act as secretary to his father. Captain Watt was well known here in connection with the military and is at present in charge of a large hotel in Quorn.

Advt. World’s End Sports New Year’s Day 1907. £23 in prizes.

Sheffield Handicap £5, Hurdles £2-10-0. J.A. Duldig, Secretary.

VX, 751, 12 Dec. 1906, page 2

Burra School. The annual Visiting Day was on last Friday. After an interesting report from Mr G. Scott the headmaster and an address to children from Dr Sangster as Chairman of the School Board of Advice the students were given a half-holiday.

Federal Elections

Senate candidates: Blundell (Labor), Charlston (Liberal), Crosby (Labor), Playford (Ministerialist), Russell (Labor), Symon (Liberal), Vardon (Liberal). Electors must vote for three candidates.

For Wakefield in the House of Representatives: Sir F.W. Holder & Mr Vaughan. Only one is required.

Obituary. Mr James Wheller of Farrell’s Flat died on Saturday night aged 57.

[James Emanuel Wheller died 8 December 1906. See extended obituary VX, 752, 19 Dec. 1906, page 3.]

William Dearlove of Ketchowla has sent in £3-3-0 to be distributed among the poor of Burra.

Miss Kiekebusche’s condition has deteriorated and a second operation will be required.

Ramblers Football Club held their 4th Annual Picnic at Princess Royal last Wednesday in perfect weather. Drags and private vehicles took the group to Johnson’s Creek. Afternoon tea was followed by various games and tea followed at 7.30 p.m. Colin McLaren was presented with a medal for most improved player.

Burra Racing Club held a well-attended meeting at Kooringa on 4 December with President A.B. Hiddle in the chair. Secretary W.H. Hardy reported the SA Jockey Club had allotted them 20 March 1907 for the next meeting. L.W. Gebhardt has granted the use of the paddock a mile north on the Mt Bryan Road. Stakes will be a little higher this year and for the main race, the Burra Handicap, £20.

Weather. A heatwave set in last week. On Friday, Saturday & Sunday the temperature reached 94°F before 10 a.m. Flower gardens were destroyed and birds sought refuge in houses. Others fell dead from trees. A number of valuable fowls also succumbed. Monday was cloudy and somewhat cooler, but very sultry with a cool change in the evening and a few points of rain.

Frank Alfred Willmott (10) was charged on information of his mother with being an uncontrolled child. He was called before the court at 2 p.m. on Monday, but went rabbiting and had to be captured by the police. He was sent to Edwardstown Reformatory till the age of 18.

Ulooloo goldfield is still being worked by a few prospectors.

VX, 751, 12 Dec. 1906, page 3

Burra School. Mr Scott’s report on Visiting Day said there were 308 on the roll and 267 had been examined. 14 Compulsory and 10 Honours Certificates were obtained and 5 students under 12 had gained the necessary marks for a Compulsory Certificate. He said unfortunately not enough lads had enrolled to form a cadet corps.

Burra Teachers’ Association met on Saturday morning. Speakers were Inspectors Burgan and McBride and the Vice-President of the SA Teachers’ Union, W.H. Cherry.

Cricket. At Robertstown on Saturday Burra suffered a record defeat: Robertstown 110 defeated Burra 12.

James Tiver was presented with a framed address in recognition of past services at Redruth Methodist Sunday School last Sunday afternoon. Age has caused him to retire as superintendent, a position he has filled from time to time over the last 40 years. [He was 77.] H. Preece takes over that role.

Mr W.C. Neville is about to move to Bute and was given a farewell at the same time. He was a past scholar and later the Sunday school librarian.

Weather. Rain averaging about half an inch fell fairly widely in the east on Monday following temperatures of the previous few days that had been between 108°F and 120°F.

St Mary’s Strawberry Fete was held at the Burra Institute last Friday and was very successful. Mr W.G. Hawkes opened the proceedings. A little over £140 was raised. Stallholders are listed.

[Personal interest: Mrs C. Fuss was on the strawberry stall.]

‘A working Man’ writes on early closing. For several years storekeepers have been closing at 6 p.m. on week days and 9 p.m. on Saturday and have given their assistants a half-holiday on Wednesday. As a working man I feel that 8 hours a day is quite long enough to work. We can all help by refusing to patronise storekeepers who persist in opening till 10 or 10.30 on Saturday. If business demanded such an extension it would be different, but several storekeepers have told me that business after 6 p.m. on Saturday scarcely pays for the kerosene.

Alice Hiddle was successful in the Intermediate Division of Trinity College Examinations held at Clare on Wednesday 5 December 1906.

‘Short & Sharp’

Burra Mine shares are still going up. A local speculator bought 166 at 4/- and sold a few days later at 6/-.

Obituary. Mrs Trevilyan, late of Copperhouse, died at Adelaide last week and was buried here on Friday.

[Born Mary Thomas 2 May 1846 Cornwall? and died Mary Trevelyan at Kilkenny, residence Burra, 6 December 1906 aged 60.]

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. At last something has happened. A Melbourne-Adelaide syndicate has paid a small deposit on purchase of the mine and is said to be determined to set to work almost immediately to develop the mine in a proper manner. For pig-rooting the recent work has taken the cake. Long ere this the mine should have been dressing thousands of tons of ore and competing on world markets. The human machinery has been wrong and the financial part of the venture has gone backwards. The company sold a few tons of ore for the year at a good price, but it was a trifling amount. Even given the slipshod way things have been done we cannot understand why better progress has not been made. Twelve months ago the directors promised if a concentrating plant were not erected the mine would be pumped dry. The pump is an excellent machine, but not suitable for unwatering the mine to any great depth. Has any satisfactory work resulted? No. Unless radical changes are made by the new management they will meet with dire disappointment. That in bygone days much ore-bearing material was neglected can be seen when by proper treatment tributers in the past six months have made better wages than when the mine was in full swing and that from abandoned stuff. We have gone into this and have tested the output by the tributers and the returns received. This will surprise many and we can give the public something more astounding directly. We have not traversed the drives and shafts without taking notes for future reference. Things were so peculiar that we were convinced long ago that no headway would be made and we said so. In the face of past folly we welcome news of a revival in town and do not doubt that with efficient management and the old workings left alone and a greater depth exploited there will be a much better result. The concentrating work should be abandoned and a smelter erected. Then every particle of ore would be saved. Present inspections have led people to be at a loss to know how the mine could have been allowed to remain idle for so long, especially when the ore exposed is of such a character as to impress anyone of its importance. Now the prospect of the sale of the mine is a major topic of conversation. We can only hope for a return to prosperity to be the result.

On Monday a man and a boy were seen to go down Peacocks-Ayers Shaft [sic: Peacock’s Air Shaft?] with a pick and a pound of candles. Some time ago it appears the boy lost a number of candles near there and it is likely they were in pursuit of them.

There are now three shifts at Paxton’s Shaft where very fair ore is being won.

We said at the start of work at Allen’s Shaft that the wrong direction was being pursued to recover the grey ore lode and though some poor stuff has been found the lode has not been exposed. We recommended the starting of operations there, but under very different conditions to those which have been followed.

VX, 752, 19 Dec. 1906, page 2

Editorial on Christmas. After the usual comments on Christmas traditions, Father Christmas and the like, the writer says that commercially 1906 brought little change to Burra. The Mine is still doing nothing, though it now has better prospects than for some time. Farmers have had a hard time, but even so the yield will be better than that reaped three or four years ago. Except for the wool industry Burra has nothing to commend itself at present and it is surprising that it has kept up so well.

The Corricks visited Burra for the third time on Saturday to an excellent reception. The various items on the program were all well carried out.

W. Salter of Farrell’s Flat has erected a nice large roomy place to answer the needs of dancing and holding a concert. It has a good smooth springy floor.

Harvesting is revealing further problems caused by the recent storm. G. Bailey of Gum Creek reports plants are very tangled and much grain is therefore being lost. Other farmers are also complaining of harvesting difficulties, but the quality of the grain is good.

Cyclists are warned that a new by-law makes it an offence to ride on footpaths.

St Joseph’s School. The annual examination of pupils took place last week and prizes were distributed on Tuesday. Dux of the school was Nora Melligan [sic: Milligan?]

A laden Christmas tree gave much pleasure to the little ones.

Miss Kiekebusche came though her second operation successfully and is doing well.

H.H. George the new stationmaster has settled in to his job.

Obituary. Thomas Nicholls boarded a train at Yunta yesterday morning to go to Adelaide for the holidays. At a point about a mile and a half on the Broken Hill side of Ucolta he fell from the end platform of a carriage and was cut to pieces under the wheels. He was unmarried.

[Thomas Nicholl died 18 December 1906 near Petersburg, residence Lilydale Station. Aged 40.]

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Men are clearing up for the holidays and preparing for the handover to the new company. It is believed this will occur at the start of January 1907. The tributers expect to send away the ore they have on hand and so draw down the curtain on one of the most curious attempts in the world to work and develop a mine.

‘They Say’

Poor old Charley Cucumber [Heinrich] is leaving Burra and good old ‘out-back’ will take control of the Burra Hotel directly.

Sir Frederick beat Mr Vaughan by 2 to 1 on Wednesday.

We are to have a Lord as Boniface of the Burra Hotel.

W. Barkley writes about early closing. He says it is incorrect to say that storekeepers have been in the habit of closing at 9 p.m. on Saturday. Only drapers have done so and their carts continue to run about delivering goods, which is just as bad. It is impossible for fruiterers to close promptly at 9 and is it fair to ask a man to close at 9 when 9-10 is his busiest time during the summer months? As for 8 hours, most chop assistants work a 91⁄2 hour day. I do not wish to take away privileges and always pay overtime. As for Saturday night not paying for the kerosene, he must have asked that question on a very cold, wet winter’s night. [Fruiterers probably got a late delivery by train on Saturdays.]

VX, 752, 19 Dec. 1906, page 3

Obituary. Mr James Wheller of Farrell’s Flat died after a long and painful illness. He was a friend to everybody and many a person has had much to thank him for. He was born at Watervale in 1849 and lived there with his parents for some time. He married his present wife in 1875 at Mintaro Church and then moved to Tarlee where he carried on business as a blacksmith for a number of years before moving to Farrell’s Flat where he has been a blacksmith and general dealer for 16 years. He took a great and active interest in town and district affairs and was an energetic Councillor for a number of years. He was a staunch Methodist and an enthusiastic worker for the Farrell’s Flat Methodist Church. That the church is comfortable, well maintained and free of debt owes much to the work and liberality of Mr Wheller and his family. A few months ago he contracted cancer and has been largely confined to his bed for some time. He died on Saturday evening 8 December and was buried in Mintaro Cemetery. He is survived by a widow, three sons and two daughters: E. Wheller (Farrell’s Flat), Rev. Harold Wheller (studying for the ministry in Brisbane), Norman Wheller (Farrell’s Flat), Mrs W.T. Venning (Adelaide) and Lily Wheller (Farrell’s Flat). There are several grandchildren. [James Emanuel Wheller died 8 December 1906. Registration records say he married Mary Jane Gullidge 15 September 1875 in a house at Mintaro.]

Redruth Court, Thursday

Henry Degenhardt was fined 2/6 + 7/6 costs for riding a bicycle on a footpath.

Leslie James was fined 2/6 + 7/6 costs for riding an unlit motor bike.

Ann Sara was fined 2/6 + 5/- costs for a stray cow.

T.H. Woollacott was fined 10/- + 15/- costs for two stray horses and the same again for the same offence on another occasion.

T. Vivian was fined 5/- + 5/- costs for a stray horse.

Federal Election.

House of Representatives, Seat of Wakefield

Sir Frederick Holder 6968

J.H. Vaughan 3951

Senate

Sir J.H. Symon 33338

W. Russell 31503

J. Vardon 31343

D.A. Crosby 31221

R.P. Blundell 31067

D.M. Charleston 30501

T. Playford 12722

Oddfellows Lodge. District Officers visited the Loyal Aberdeen Lodge on Thursday and after an ordinary lodge meeting they were entertained at a social in the old German Chapel Schoolroom. P.G. W.G. Neville was in the chair supported by P.G. J. Sampson.

[Personal interest: among those proposing toasts Bro. C.A. Fuss proposed ‘Oddfellowship.]

Hanson Methodist Church will celebrate its Anniversary on Sunday 23 December with the usual great tea meeting on 25 December with tables ready at 4 p.m. It has been arranged that the passenger train from Burra at 3.30 p.m. will stop at Hanson and the express will stop to pick up returning passengers at 8.30 p.m.

Mr Isaac Tralaggan bade farewell to Mt Bryan folks on Thursday. He is going to WA.

Weather. Rainfall in the east for the past week ranged widely and most falls were 25 to 35 points, but Old Koomooloo recorded 66 points.

Burra Town Council on Monday night conducted routine business.

The Aberdeen Ballast Quarry is presently employing a number of men and seems likely to continue to do so for some time.

Numbering of issues in 1906

Volume VX continued for the whole year, having started 12 July 1905

The year began with Volume VX Number 708 on 3 January 1906

And continued to Volume VX Number 752 on 19 December 1906

Within this series the numbers 733, 734, 737, 739, 741 & 746 were used twice.

Characteristics of the 1906 paper.

Page 1

A useful business directory for the town.

Large advertisements that were a mixture of local and others.

Page 2

A town directory with information on Municipal Officers, Markets, the Institute, Banks, Postal Matters, the Court, Train Timetables, Lodges, Cabs, District Council and Churches.

Then large advertisements, mostly of local origin.

Page 3

Advertisements, some of which look deceptively like news items. Sometimes a news item, but rarely if ever local.

Page 4

Some smaller advertisements: sales and public notices. Local news dominates the page.

Page 5

Local news and reports from regions and Adelaide etc. Also padding in the form of humour and quirky items from around the world.

Page 6

Some advertisements that look like news, more ‘fillers’ some other advertisements and sometimes some reading matter. For most weeks from 24 January to 11 July there was an episode from Charles White’s Australian Bushranging.

Pages 7 & 8

Large advertisements.

VX, 734 (2), 18 July 1906, page 2

This issue saw a change in the size and organisation of the paper. It increased in size to become seven instead of five columns wide. It changed from eight pages to four and many items were printed using an annoyingly smaller typeface. The reason given was that with an increased circulation they needed to print the paper more quickly and the new format cut the number of times the paper had to run through the printing machine.

Page 1

Large advertisements some local and others not.

Page 2

A few smaller advertisements, sales and public notices, but not as many as in earlier years. News begins early on the page, but is heavily mixed with news-like advertisements for things like toilet soap, or haemorrhoid cream. A column by ‘Eyespy’ of passing events concentrated largely on events from beyond the local area.

Page 3

Similar to page 2 with very wordy advertisements for items like Dr Williams Pink Pills, Clements Tonic and Zam-buk Balm, which surely no one ever read!

In general the paper was of fairly poor quality. Events that were foreshadowed were not always subsequently reported. The Council received perfunctory treatment: perhaps because it went so smoothly. ‘They Say’ & ‘Short & Sharp’ columns contained references to matters that could have been developed and which locals probably knew about, but are now obscure. There are many items that are essentially fillers. The actual printing is also poor with many pages faint and hard to read and the type size is very small and must have been hard to read by the artificial lights in use at the time.

VX, 753, 2 Jan. 1907, page 1

Advertisements

E.J. Harris Fruiterer, Kooringa

R.D. Pascoe Hairdresser, Tobacconist, Stationer, Perfumer, Kooringa

S. Burns Blacksmith & Wheelwright, Commercial St

W.T. Truscott Meat Store, Market Square

A.R. Creswick Dentist, Vivian’s Commercial Hotel

F.J. Carey Agent for W.R. Cave & Co.

Luke Day Grocer, Fruiterer, General Dealer, Market Square

Frank Harris Fruiterer & Confectioner, Market Square

Jack Richards Bicycle & Motor Depot, Aberdeen

W.A. Gebhardt Baker, Lower Thames St

VX, 753, 2 Jan. 1907, page 2

Advertisements

McGilchrist & Co. The Emporium, Kooringa

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd. Auctioneers

Drew & Crewes Grocers etc., Kooringa

A.C. Woollacott Baker (late the business of H. Goodwin), Redruth

Miss Thomas School & Music, Redruth & Kooringa

Annie B. Millar Burra High School

VX, 753, 2 Jan. 1907, page 3

Advertisements

F. Harris Registry Office, Market Square

E.K. Collins Wheat Agency, Burra

VX, 753, 2 Jan. 1907, page 4

Advertisement

Drew & Crewes Merchants, Importers, Universal Providers, Kooringa

W. Barkley Grocer & Fruiterer, Kooringa

C.C. Williams Ironmonger, Tinsmith, Galvanised Iron Worker, Commercial St

VX, 753, 2 Jan. 1907, page 2

Advt. A. C. Woollacott has taken over the business in Redruth recently run by Mr H. Goodwin.

Advt. Burra high School begins 5 February. Annie B. Millar.

Wheat. The first wheat for the season arrived at Burra railway station last week.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. The present operations are expected to close on 10 January when the pumping plant will cease. ‘In the closing scene of the last two years’ shoddy and pig rooting operations there is nothing from any point of view to commend itself.’

Burra Town Council has increased the rate from 9d to 10d to avoid a shortfall of £20-£30.

Accident. J. Harry was working in a well at Yacka when a badly secured length of pipe fell down and struck him in the pit of the stomach, tearing his overall and shirt from his body. His escape from death seems miraculous.

C. & T. Tiver has a lucky escape at the Bon Accord crossing. They were in a spring cart with two little boys and were just crossing the line when several trucks were sent down the track to the ballast quarry. The trucks struck and smashed the cart and threw the occupants out. The horse leapt clear and no one was injured. The crossing remains unprotected.

John Collins of Collinsville has sent £2-2-0 to Drew 7 Crewes to provide for the poor of Burra. On the Mayor’s orders eight 3/- orders have been sent out from the shop.

Marriage. On 16 January Alice McWaters, daughter of Mr Thomas McWaters of World’s End, married Mr E.F. Inman at World’s End Methodist Church.

Redruth Court.

Alfred Andrewartha and W. Farrell were each fined 2/6 + costs for failure to chain or secure the wheels of their vehicles.

W.J. Richards & Lucy Gully were each fined 2/6 + costs for stray goats.

Local Views, Post Cards:

Black Bridge

Rustic Bridge on the Adelaide Road

Burra Creek in Flood showing the Black Bridge and Bridge St Bridge

Bird’s Eye View of Burra

Interior and Exterior of the Bible Christian Church

Burra School

Burra United Friendly Societies’ Sports were held on Boxing Day at Victoria Park. The report occupies 12⁄3 columns. The events were a mixture of flat races, hurdles and bicycle races. There was a good concert in the evening at the Institute.

The Holidays. Good weather prevailed. Crowds were down somewhat due to the smaller population. Mr H.H. George, the stationmaster, allowed fruit arriving by the late train between 7 & 8 on Christmas Eve to be removed at once, so saving losses and catering better for the public. McGilchrist & Co. specialised in toys and the interior of the old auction mart was transformed. The town was remarkably free of drunks. In the absence of any band this year, the Salvation Army serenaded a number of residents with carols.

Christmas Day saw the usual services and a cricket match and a fair crowd at the Boxing Day Sports at Victoria Park.

VX, 753, 2 Jan. 1907, page 3

Burra High School held its prize day on 20 December in St Mary’s Schoolroom. Vera Fuss was dux for 1906. She was also credited with not missing a day of school for three years. She won the Rector’s scripture prize, Mr Roach’s Arithmetic prize and one for drawing and mapping. Other excellent scholars for the year were Clara Bartholomaeus, Benta Williams and Rita Vivian. The report of the Principal, Miss Annie Millar, is printed and occupies almost 1 column.

Burra Primary School also ended the year with a concert on 20 December. Enrolment for the year was 367. £1-8-0 was raised at the concert for the Burra Hospital. Prizes were distributed by the Mayoress, Mrs W.C.L. West. [Personal interest: among others H. Fuss and M. Fuss did not miss a day for 1906. Without further checking the identities are not clear: possibilities are Hilary, Hasle & Morris. The latter two being sons of H.J.A. Fuss.]

Copperhouse School had a treat organized by the head teacher, Mr Galle, on 20 December when a concert at 11.30 was followed by refreshments and sports.

Cricket. On Christmas Day at Victoria Park: Robertstown 148 defeated Burra 146.

Hanson Methodist Church. The Christmas Day tea meeting drew 140 from Burra by train and others in buggies etc. Rev. Yeoman and Messrs Woollacott & Bray addressed the crowd and the choir rendered some splendid singing before supper was served. In total the anniversary functions raised £14-16-6 which was considered very satisfactory.

‘Working Man’ writes saying visitors to Burra have expressed amazement at stores keeping open till nearly midnight on Christmas Eve and others doing business on Christmas Day. The excuse that it was to save the spoilage of fruit would be more believable if only that were being sold. All stores should close at 9 p.m. or the Early Closing Act should be invoked.

‘Ratepayer’ writes that too many tree guards in the town are dilapidated. Cattle are destroying trees between St Mary’s and the Mine Bridge on the western side of the road. The cedar trees need the removal of sprouts growing from the trunk.

Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, 27 December.

Mr R.R. Lee of Adelaide married Miss Bessie Isaac, second daughter of Mr J. Isaac of Burra.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School annual picnic was held at Sod Hut yesterday and passed off well.

New Year’s Eve saw a few mild larks, but no damage was done.

World’s End Sports were held on 1 January and the results are printed.

VX, 754, 9 Jan. 1907, page 2

Obituary. Daniel James O’Leary, eldest son of the late John & Margaret O’Leary, died 2 January at Kooringa, aged 62.

John Lord has taken over from Charley Heinrich at the Burra Hotel.

‘If Mr Lord is looking for something hard he will find it in restoring the lost trade of the Burra Hotel.’

Captain J.A. Watt DSO has been awarded the long-service medal. He moved to Quorn about 6 months ago. He joined the SA Infantry Volunteer Corps as a corporal in 1864, [Check date: this is clearly wrong and 1884 would be closer.] was promoted to colour-sergeant and was instrumental in forming the Burra Rifle Corps and the Wallaroo and Kadina Volunteer Force. The latter he commanded up to 1901 when he was appointed to command a squadron of the 5th SA Imperial Bushmen, and served in South Africa. Later he commanded the 5th & 6th contingent and was mentioned in dispatches by Lord Kitchener for bravery. On return to Adelaide he was presented with an illuminated address by his contingent.

‘Ratepayer’ writes objecting to the habit that shopkeepers have of leaving packing cases on footpaths and [advertising] boards as well. On windy days they lie about causing people to be diverted into the street and horses to shy.

Fire. A fire broke out in H. Collins & Sons paddock at Mt Bryan c. 1 mile north of the railway station soon after a train passed on Saturday about noon. It ran northerly and jumped a chain road to Josiah Thomas’s paddock. Thomas O’Connell narrowly escaped being caught while trying to save some sheep on John Harris’s property. The fire then entered Collins & Sons 2nd paddock, jumped a road and entered Mt Bryan Sheep Station. Reaching the main road by the church, it entered Richard Collins’s paddock and surrounded the residence. It threatened Pearce Bros wheat crop, but turned N-E towards their homestead, but was halted at the road near the house. The gusty wind then re-ignited it near the house and it again headed towards the wheat. This time it was extinguished just three chains from it. Richard Collins lost the most: principally grass and his garden. His sheds etc. were saved. H. Collins & Sons lost grass, but saved their stock and Messrs Thomas and Harris lost considerable grass. Mr Harris had some stock caught, but it is thought they will survive. It was over a mile wide and two miles long. A small portion of Wandillah estate was burnt.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. The new company was expected to close the deal on Monday at 12 o’clock, but news later arrived that a gentleman representing a London company has made overtures to the new company, which set aside the first proposal for a day or two. News might be expected any day.

The prospects of something being done are looking up and a more systematic development of the property is hoped for. It was thought at first that the new company would keep the pumps going, but they will stop tomorrow. All but three of the tributers have knocked off. Had they been allowed to work systematically they would have returned some handsome profits, but they were limited to abandoned stuff. ‘We say without fear of contradiction that the Burra Burra Copper Company has lost a golden opportunity in not allowing the tributers to develop the mine, and thus prove it at no cost, but a profit to shareholders and the sooner a revolution takes place the better it will be for the town.’

It is probable Morphett’s Shaft will be repaired from top to bottom. The Burra Mine has been allowed to remain idle while smaller and less significant shows have been worked to advantage. To get a return a smelter is essential. There is every reason to believe 1907 will return prosperity to the town.

Obituary. D.J. O’Leary of Queen St, Kooringa, died last Wednesday, aged 62. He was a Burra Town Councillor for four years. He was of a kindly disposition and a true gentleman and was respected by all. He was a member of the Hibernian Soc. For over 40 years. His parents died in 1904 and there remain four brothers and two sisters. He was also a member of the Burra Hospital Board.

Cricket. Wednesday at Victoria Park Burra 88, defeated Ketchowla 47.

[Note: this is incorrect and was amended in the next issue.]

Burra Smelts. [Burra Copper Slag Smelting Co.] A company has been formed to re-smelt the tailing produced when the Burra Slag Extraction Co. crushed the large blocks of slag at the old smelts. Assays have been encouraging and a smelter arrived from Leigh Creek last week and will soon be erected. The process could also easily produce building blocks. The smelter could also be used to process thousands of tons of low-grade ore on the mine site. Some time ago an attempt was made to extract copper from this source by the magnetic process, but it failed. Several small shows of copper near Burra could also make use of the smelter. Some thousands of tons of material passed over by the Slag Extraction Co. could also be processed.

[Concluded on page 3 where it says all this is helped by a copper price which was over £100 per ton.]

Accident. Fred Dew of Spring Bank slipped while getting off his harvester and his hand got caught between the beaters. The skin was laid back from wrist to fingers and Dr Sangster placed 14 stitches in the wound.

VX, 754, 9 Jan. 1907, page 3

World’s End Sports on 1 January receives a 3⁄4 column report.

Redruth Court

Margaret Ann Jones of the Bon Accord Hotel was fined £10 + costs for Sunday trading.

Obituary. John Howell of Mt Bryan died in Adelaide on Thursday, leaving four daughters and two sons.

[Died 3 January 1907 in Adelaide, residence Mt Bryan.]

Weather. Saturday in Burra was very dusty and windy.

Burra Town Council

Mr Winnall was retained as the solicitor for 1907.

The Town Clerk to issue cab licences for six months at 7/6 per cab and trolley licences for 5/-.

VX, 755, 16 Jan. 1907, page 2

Cricket. Correction to cricket results of the last issue.

Ketchowla 106 & 47 defeated Burra 88 on the first innings.

Court Pride AOF is planning its annual picnic.

Burra Racing Club. A well-attended committee meeting last Thursday decided the prize money for the next meeting would be £87.

Burra Automobile Club was formed at a meeting on Friday in W.J. Richards’ Motor Garage.

Patron, Hon. J. Lewis; President, Dr Sangster Jun.; Vice-Presidents, Messrs W.P. Barker, W.T. Mortlock (Martindale), J. Tennant, J.E.H. Winnall; Secretary & Treasurer, G.E. Dane; Marshall, L. Gebhardt.

Committee: L. Gebhardt, A. Gebhardt, W.J. Richards, A. McDonald and C.B. Warnes.

The first run will be to Morgan on 26 January, returning on 28 January.

Obituary. Mrs Margaret O’Brien died suddenly last Friday, aged 69. She was a resident of 14 years, after having lived in Farrell’s Flat. Mr O’Brien was a packer on the line since 1874. She leaves a husband and one daughter (Burra), and seven sons: Frank (WA), James, John & Terrence (Burra), Patrick (Adelaide), Michael (Quorn), Thomas (Broken Hill).

[Margaret O’Brien died 11 January 1907 at Redruth, but her age is registered as 56. Marriage data suggests she was born Margaret Vaughen.]

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. On 8 January we expected the mine to be sold to an Adelaide-Melbourne Syndicate. A sale has been suggested as likely several times in recent years, but none seemed as likely as this most recent. When the news came through that it had failed property values in Burra fell and people hanging on in the town in the hopes of change have decided to move on. The pumping plant is now idle and the jigs forsaken. Shafts and drives have been abandoned and the mine more dormant than it has been since the old mine whistle ceased. The directors are blamed for this sad state of affairs, rightly or wrongly, and the Government is to be approached to see if they can make an arrangement with them to get the property working. [The writer hints at various things that he doesn’t spell out, but certainly believed that the directors have botched the whole operation and had employed a manager who had undoubtedly erred.]

‘During the past six months over £1,227-19-8 has been expended in so-called development – we call it pig-rooting of the very worst kind – and in return about £334-2-2 was received.’

The writer believed the mine could have been developed allowing parties of miners to take sets on tribute and allowing them to put drives in new ground, properly timbered, the directors to find the timbering. Messrs Smith & Co. ought to be approached while the pumping plant is still intact at the site.

‘We venture to say that there are tributers on the mine whose experience places them head and shoulders above the present manager to take sole control of the proposed work.’

The tributers have made something like £400 - £500 this last ‘take’ by simply working up cast-off stuff. There is some talk of a London Co. being interested or of Block 10 Mine of Broken Hill, but all such must be taken with a grain of salt. Tributers have now been given the option of resuming work in the cutting as before.

A disgusted Adelaide shareholder writes re the Burra Mine, saying he understands the directors wanted 1⁄3 of the mine and the right to have three directors on the board. Those proposing to buy considered if the directors were not competent to manage it before they will not be now, and so withdrew their offer – demanding outright purchase or nothing. Shareholders in Burra should have met and demanded the mine be worked in a proper manner. Now the Government should step in with some capital.

‘Go for the directors straight out, do not be too gentlemanly.’

Tennis. The 1st match of the season was played at Aberdeen on Wednesday.

Kooringa 9-77 defeated Aberdeen 7-62.

VX, 755, 16 Jan. 1907, page 3

Court.

James Sampson Pryor, ‘the alleged manager of the Burra Mine’ was charged with unlawfully beating Frank Anthony Meyer West on 13 December 1906. The boy gave evidence that with other boys he had been sliding down a slate roof on the mine when Mr Pryor came along and chased him. He caught him in the coach shed and struck him with a stick several times, which broke. Roy Hammer, a somewhat older lad, gave evidence corroborating the above. John Smith also gave evidence and all agreed that the defendant had struck the boy, Frank, and had said ‘I’ll cut the blood out of you, you young scamp.’ (Or similar words.)

Mrs W. West, wife of W. West Sen. Gave evidence that on another occasion Pryor had threatened the boy, saying ‘I will cut his liver out.’

Pryor was unrepresented. He said he saw three little boys sliding up and down an old slate roof.

[The editor thought they were clever to slide up!]

He believed they were in danger on the old roof. He claimed he went after Frank to prevent an accident and with great emphasis said: ‘Hi ham the manager of the Mine.’

He rushed up and gave his own little boy one stroke and sent him to his mother crying.

The court fined the defendant £1 reduced to 10/- + costs: in all amounting to £2-11-0.

The Burra Institute. The committee met on Monday when Mr Winnall said the fence had been erected to the satisfaction of the committee. Mr Fuss, the President, reported the re-arranging of the flags in front of the building and that the tar-paving was in hand.

Nine members attended the annual meeting of subscribers. There were 3,979 volumes in the library on 30 June 1906 and 4,050 at the end of the year. There were 93 subscribers and the building had been thoroughly renovated this year for £57-10-6.

Tenders were called for acetylene lighting in June and H.S. Mozart of Gawler was successful. The building was lit by gas on 14 July 1906 for a cost of £60-13-4.

Elections for 1907: President, J. Drew; Vice-President, Dr Sangster Jun.; Treasurer, Mr Wilkinson; Hon. Sec., Mr Winnall.

R. Woollacott, son of T.H. Woollacott of Redruth, has received his certificate of competency as an electrical motor driver in Broken Hill.

Burra Races will be held 20 March.

W. Berriman’s sale at Stony Gap is announced for 30 January. ‘Mr Berriman is going to Nu Sou Wales.’

VX, 756, 23 Jan. 1907, page 2

Redruth Court, Saturday

Thomas McBride was fined £1 + 5/- for having cattle branded on their loins contrary to the Brands Act.

Weather. The last week has been very hot and was frequently over 100°F in the shade, while Friday added wind and dust to the mixture.

Fire. On Thursday the midday train for the north seems to have started a fire that burnt c. 30 acres of grass at Cross Roads.

The SAR has put up a gate at the station and now demands a 3d platform ticket for admission. Season’s tickets are available for 10/-.

McGilchrist & Co. are having a large showroom built next to their present toy emporium. The windows will be plate glass and the inside furnishings will be of the most modern design.

Kooringa Post Office. The removal of the bars has facilitated letter delivery and better order has prevailed. Now there is a barrier restricting the collection of letters to one person at a time. If the rule is broken letters are not given out.

Miss Butler was giving a music lesson on Wednesday when about 30 young people arrived for a surprise dance and social with supper. Among them were the Mayor W.C.L. West and Mrs West.

Obituary. William Condon, a nephew of the Misses Tobin, died after being crushed between two trucks at Pt Pirie last Thursday. He had worked at the Smelting Works and was steady and industrious. He was a member of the Hibernian Lodge. His father was well known in Burra.

[William Alfred Condon born at Kooringa 7 February 1888: died at Pt Pirie, residence Port Pirie West 16 January 1907.]

Aberdeen Ballast Quarry is in full swing with a second shift operating and about 20 men are employed. Operations are booked until March.

‘Passing Events’ There is no clear statement, but there is an implication that the deal to sell the Burra Mine unravelled due to the actions of a ‘third party’ – presumably one with substantial voting power.

Miss Kiekebusche is making satisfactory progress.

VX, 756, 23 Jan. 1907, page 3

Mr F. Pressler porter at Mt Bryan Railway Station has been transferred to Callington.

Marriage. World’s End last Wednesday

Mary Alice McWaters, third daughter of Mr Thomas McWaters married

Edward Francis Inman, son of Mr W. Inman of Broken Hill.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co.

Since the failure to dispose of the mine things have gone very flat. On Monday a dozen men were bagging 10 tons of ‘Penny’s Dump’. 5 tons goes to Gawler and 5 tons to Melbourne for special treatment to see if arrangements can be made to treat the stuff other than by the water process which it must be admitted is useless for Burra ore. But there are not many hundreds of tons of this ore on the spot and not enough to warrant spending on machinery to treat it. A new rule has appeared at the mine that no one is to work on tribute unless approved by the ‘manager’.

‘Another Disgusted Shareholder’ writes accusing the directors of the Burra Burra Copper Co. of being dogs in a manger. Copper prices are over £100 a ton which 30 years ago would have kept the old mine going and enabled them to go down to a decent depth and to have opened up the sulphide bodies. The last shots fired at Morphett’s Shaft are said to have broken ore of 45%. Another old miner reports rich ore at the 300ft level of Peacock’s Shaft and there are other reports too. A mine in Queensland is said to be paying on 7% ore and that with cartage of scores of miles to the railway. The only inference to be drawn is that the directors are incompetent and should give way to better men.

‘Short & Sharp’

Works at the Smelts are being pushed on and in due course the smelter will be ready for use.

Burra Automobile Club is going ahead very nicely and the first trip is being looked forward to with great interest.

Burra Town Council, 21 January.

Tar dressing was approved for Sudgman St [sic: for Ludgvan St] from the Wesleyan Church to Tancreed St [sic: for Sancreed St] on the north side and from Farrell’s to Tancreed St on the south side.

Also for Bridge Terrace from Kingston St to Bridge St and Thames St from Commercial St to the Bridge on the western side. [This description appears to refer to the footpaths.]

Other routine matters were dealt with.

VX, 757, 30 Jan. 1907, page 2

Rabbits are an increasing problem out east.

Burra Automobile Club held its first outing on Saturday when six cars and several motor bicycles went to Morgan. On Sunday they chartered a steamer on the river and they returned to Burra on Monday.

A Bolt. One of the local cabbies had a horse bolt in Kingston St on Thursday morning, running from Market Square across the bridge into Kingston St. No damage was done.

Court.

E.N. Finch was fined £4-5-0 last week for failure to destroy thistles and a case against W.G. Hawkes comes up today.

Burra Railway Station.

Since the railway station platform has been fenced off and a charge made to enter, it has become fashionable to parade the platform in view of those not wealthy enough to purchase a ticket.

‘The other evening on of the girls was “doing the grand” when someone asked “Who’s she?”

“Oh that’s Miss So-and-So.”

“Oh, good gracious, there’s nothing in going onto the platform if she is allowed on it.”

Then Miss So-and-So, hearing the remark, flicked her dress some more, pouted her lips, put out her tongue, and put on a frill that completely nonplussed the one on the outside.’

The new arrangements have also barred cabbies from presenting themselves at carriage doors. Passengers now have to find their own way to the cabstand.

Larrikinism. In the early hours of Tuesday morning someone upset a vehicle in Market Square and placed the cushions on the roof of Mr L. Day’s fruit shop. The seat was damaged and the matter reported to police.

Obituary. Miss Phoebe Wilson, aged 22, a member of the Methodist Tennis Club, and youngest daughter of William Wilson, has died.

[Born 1 January 1885 at Kooringa: died 25 January 1907 at Kooringa.]

Obituary. Mrs Susan Dunstan has died at Mt Bryan East, aged 75 and a colonist of over 53 years. She was the widow of the late Capt. John Dunstan and was born in Cornwall and came to SA 4 August 1853 with two children, John & Richard William. Mr Dunstan found work in the Burra Mines and with two others found the great malachite lode, which returned £612 per man for 8 weeks. Later with her husband she went to live at Bundaleer and later still on an exploring trip to the far north. Capt. Dunstan was near Cooper Creek where Bourke and Wills died. They then went into business for several years and later farmed near Mt Bryan and Mt Bryan East, living in the latter place about 28 years. They are now both buried at Hallett. Mrs Dunstan leaves four sons and two daughters: John (Sydney), Richard William and Benjamin H.K. (Mt Bryan East), William (Broken Hill), Mrs S.W. Cherry (Broken Hill), Mrs J.A. Caldicott (Mt Bryan), 20 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

[Born Susan Sophia Williams April 1831: died 21 January 1907 Mt Bryan East.]

Kooringa Methodist Tennis Club met on Wednesday and decided to have one of the courts tar-paved.

VX, 757, 30 Jan. 1907, page 3

Redruth Court. Star thistle cases continue.

A.R. (Bob) West, the eldest son of the Mayor, left Burra on Monday to work for Martin & Co. of Gawler.

Fred. Wheatley, employed by P. Lane as a saddler, leaves Burra on Friday for work in Adelaide – he is the third son of the late Alfred Wheatley and the last of a large family of boys to leave the town. He was a member of the Burra Orchestra.

Burra Smelts. [Burra Copper Slag Smelting Co.] The smelter on the scene of the old slagheap is making satisfactory headway.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. 10 tons of ‘dumps have been sent away for testing. Tributers are doing a little. Mining experts have visited and guided by W. West Sen. have discussed the workings and the waste ore heaps.

VX, 758, 6 Feb. 1907, page 2

Baits have been laid for foxes on Wandillah. Other foxes have been tackled at Baldina, Gum Creek and to the east of Hallett.

Tommy Halls has purchased a bus from the city bearing the words ‘Hyde Park to Unley’.

A Concert will be conducted next Wednesday in the old Primitive Methodist Schoolroom (lent by Miss Butler) by members of the Court Pride AOF. Silver coin admission. (As indicated in the next issue, the venue was also known as Sampson’s Hall.)

Poem. There appear six stanzas of doggerel entitled ‘The Burra Mine: The Sale is Off.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. A shareholder writes hoping reports that there are prospects for some operations at the mine are correct. ‘We have had quite enough of the system which has prevailed for over three years.’

Martindale Races will be held on 13 February with prize money of £350 and have attracted record nominations.

VX, 758, 6 Feb. 1907, page 3

Aberdeen Ballast Quarry is working with a night shift as well.

Franklyn. A correspondent’s report indicates that at this time it had a Methodist Church from which Mr & Mrs I’Anson were farewelled on 29 January.

Burra Town Council.

New by-laws are being considered, but the advice is they need to be laid before Parliament as required by Section 316 of the Municipal Act of 1890.

The footbridge near Allen’s in Church St to be attended to.

United Labor Party, Burra Branch, met on 2 February.

Burra Smelts. [Burra Copper Slag Smelting Co.] The work of erecting the smelter on the scene of the old slagheap is proceeding.

Obituary. Stephen Gallagher, well known in Burra and a brother of Mr James Gallagher of Braemar was killed in a fall of sulphide at the South Mine, Broken Hill last Thursday. [Born 28 January 1875 at Kooringa, died Broken Hill 31 January 1907.]

VX, 759, 13 Feb. 1907, page 2

Court Pride concert in Sampson’s Hall in Thames St tonight. [Old Primitive Methodist Schoolroom]

Court.

Charles William Preiss was fined 10/- for being drunk in charge of a vehicle. He left Kooringa for Baldina, but being ‘kinder queer’ fell into a sound sleep and the horses went off along the wrong road. At the Mine Bridge they turned left and finally pulled up at Mr West’s residence. The police were notified and Mr Preiss spent the night in a cell. He was also fined 5/- + costs for driving without a light.

Marriage. William (Billy) McDonald of Copperhouse married Ethel Beatrice Florence Maude Beckwith of Mt Bryan, youngest daughter of John Beckwith on Wednesday. He has tinkettled many newly-weds in his time and had the tables turned on him this time.

VX, 759, 13 Feb. 1907, page 3

Tennis. On Saturday at Kooringa: Aberdeen 8-57 defeated Kooringa 2-40.

Copper is over £107 a ton in London.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Nothing is stirring, but hopes are that a sale will take place soon. Engineers are dismantling the pumping plant with the engine to be sent to Ediacara [west of Beltana] to the mine there.

VX, 760, 20 Feb. 1907, page 2

Obituary. ‘We have to record this week the death of an old and well-known resident in the person of Mrs John Sanders of Copperhouse, who passed away on Monday afternoon at 5.30 p.m., at the age of 60 years. The funeral will take place today, leaving Copperhouse at 2 p.m.

[Born Ellen Oliver in Cornwall 12 May 1845: died at Copperhouse SA 18 February 1907.]

Motor Cars. Of the 301 cars in SA, more than 50 are owned by doctors. De Dion is the most fancied make followed by Oldsmobile.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Mr W.A. Horn has put down £10,000 deposit and secured a three-month option over the mine. This is a much more businesslike deposit than the £250 put down the other day. If satisfactory arrangements can be made it is believed Mr Horn will begin to gat things going even before the three months are up. It did not take him long to float the Great Cobar Mine. The remaining tributers are not doing so well and on Saturday three left to ‘crack stones’ for the Corporation.

Burra Smelts. There are still some heavy pieces of machinery to be lifted into place, but so far the progress has not been anything like satisfactory, but with the change in managership the work is being done in a more systematic way under Mr T. Kittell. He comes from the Blinman Mine where the smelters turned out c. 180 tons a day. Tenders are called in The Record today for carting the uncrushed slag in the vicinity of the works and as soon as possible the furnace will be blown into.

[The tender notice gives the name of the company as the Burra Copper Slag Smelting Co.]

Court Pride Concert at Sampson’s Hall on Wednesday last was an unqualified success: in fact numbers were found seats on extra forms placed on the platform and still some had to stand.

Obituary & Inquest. Annie Lomman, aged 8 days, the daughter of Annie Lomman, died and was the subject of an inquest at Burra Hospital last Saturday, but the case was soon adjourned until 6 March to enable the mother to be present. [Birth apparently not registered. Died 16 February 1907 aged 9 days.]

Mr Olsen, who succeeded R.L. Giles as Clerk of Redruth Court a few months ago, has been transferred to Port Pirie.

VX, 760, 20 Feb. 1907, page 3

Fires. There was a big fire on Mt Bryan Estate last Wednesday. It started on the TSR about two miles south of Hallett, possibly from a drovers’ camp at Gumbowie crab holes. It soon spread to the corner of the Gumbowie Paddock and then a SW change carried it towards Hallett in high grass. It reached a road in about a mile, but falling trees carried across Price’s Gully and it ran on for several miles. Back burning saved the Kerklo Paddock and Mr Norriss’s property. Towards evening it broke out again in the Gumbowie Paddock and was brought under control about 2 a.m. Thursday, though there was a later small outbreak. The Hallett Paddock lost c. 2,000 acres of grass and the Gumbowie Paddock about 200 acres. A few sheep were scorched in the former. It continues to burn in scrub, but is considered safe.

On Wednesday there was another fire near Wattlegrove. It got a good hold and headed for Firewood Creek, but fighters stopped it entering Mr Reid’s property. Messrs Thomas & Gare lost c. 250 acres of grass and others also lost some. It was first noticed just after the midday train for the north.

Peake Bros. suffered a small outbreak on Tuesday.

Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday Farrell’s Flat 77 & 6 for 26 defeated Burra 51.

Burra Town Council. Water is being laid on to Mr Sandland’s and the roads in Church & Ware St will be broken for a day or so.

Various town footpaths are to be tar-dressed.

VX, 761, 27 Feb. 1907, page 2

Miss Nora Milligan obtained honours in the senior division of the Trinity College Exam (in counterpoint). She is taught by the Sisters of St Joseph.

Court Pride held their annual picnic at Princess Royal on Wednesday in perfect weather. Two years ago there were twenty good on the books and now there are 92 with 30 added in the last month and there are proposals to bring the total to over 100. Another 3⁄4 column of detail is given as well. There was a procession from the Institute at 9.30 a.m. via Market Square to Dr Sangster’s. After three cheers for the ‘Court Surgeon’ the Doctor gave a brief address after which they marched back to market Square and boarded trollies, cabs etc. for the journey.

Burra School Board of Advice. Will have the pumps on both tanks repaired. The water is good quality, but the schoolyard is in a bad state which prevents drilling. [i.e. marching]

Intensive Settlement. Land under the Intensive Settlement Scheme is soon to be made available at Braefoot and near Mt Bryan.

[Methodist] Tennis Concert tonight in the Lecture Hall in aid of tar-paving of the tennis courts.

Temperature on Monday reached 104°F.

Salvation Army Harvest Thanksgiving services last Sunday drew large congregations. Captain Coombes and Lieut. Crocker conducted the services. A pasty supper on Monday night saw 140 disposed of in 20 minutes.

VX, 761, 27 Feb. 1907, page 3

Closer Settlement. 7,000 acres of Braefoot Estate has been cut up for sale. The estate lately owned by the Duffield Bros. will also soon be ready for sale.

Fires. Another outbreak of fire on Wednesday occurred on a portion of Cartapo and Wandillah Estate, which has been purchased by the Government for closer settlement. It is blamed on phosphorus. This time it did not extend very far. A tin containing phosphorous was found near the origin of the fire by Mr Charles Burton. He picked up the tin and when he shook it, it burst into flames, burning his hands.

A fire started Thursday in Ullmann’s Paddock, east of Mt Bryan township and another broke out near the fire of the previous day, but neither did much harm. M-Cs Phelan and Clarke with a blacktracker have been looking for the person believed to be starting the fires by laying phosphorous.

Burra Rifle Club. A meeting is called at the Burra Hotel next Friday to resuscitate the rifle club.

Iron Mine Sports, today.

‘Disgusted’ writes about how the closing times for shops have crept on from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. No more business is done, but no agreement can be reached. One of the tradesmen has admitted the evening trade doesn’t pay for the lights, so why not close at 8 p.m. or even 6 p.m.?

Burra Smelts [Burra Copper Slag Smelting Co.] We expect the furnace to be blown into in about five weeks. As the plant is not new some little difficulties arise from time to time. Wonderful headway has been made in the last three weeks.

Messrs McGilchrist & Co.’s new shop is nearly ready for business.

Sir Frederick Holder has been re-elected Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Water. Rainwater is getting scarce in Burra.

Entertainment. The Raymond Herbert Dramatic Co. will perform on 2 March only at the Institute.

Charles Arnold’s great musical drama Hans the Boatman.

VX, 762, 6 Mar. 1907, page 2

Burra Defence Rifle Club. A meeting on Friday at Lord’s Hotel considered the resuscitation of the Defence Rifle club. J. Pearce took the chair and Captain Scott proposed the formation of the BDRC. The Military Department was currently paying much of the expense of erecting rifle butts and gave a per capita grant and certain rounds of ammunition to ‘efficients’. Subscription was fixed at 5/- p.a.

Election of officers: Captain, George Lord; Secretary, Mr Penrose.

Committee: Messrs T. Broad, J. Pearce, G. Herbert & C. Parks. Mr Tennant will be approached for permission to select a suitable range on his property.

[This activity seems to have been sparked by ‘so much talk about the Japs invading Australia.’]

The old mounds are still intact and awaiting duty, ‘but I don’t know that the old range is the best for the purpose.’

VX, 762, 6 Mar. 1907, page 3

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Tributers are turning over some stuff, but it is hard work to get it up the incline to the old floors. The water has risen to its usual height and the pumping plant has been cleared away. The directors do not favour doing anything during the period of Mr Horn’s option, so it has been decided to treat the stuff in the Burra Creek near W. Finch’s. It is thought the directors will be out of pocket if they have to pay wages here. In some parts of the creek tributers have made fairly good wages, only not so far down.

The tennis concert on Wednesday was successful and raised £4-5-0, which exceeded expectations. A second concert is planned for 15 March and they have engaged George S. Launder, a female impersonator, who is entirely new to the public of Burra.

Australian Exhibition of Women’s Works. The Mayoress has called a meeting for next Friday to assist in the proposal for this exhibition.

Iron Mine Sports Day was fairly well attended last Wednesday.

Entertainment. There was only moderate attendance when the Raymond Herbert Dramatic Co. staged Hans the Boatman on Saturday and A Sailor’s Sweetheart on Monday.

Cadet Corps. Mr George Scott, the head teacher at Burra School, is trying to establish a cadet Corps.

Paull’s Consolidated Copper Pty Ltd (No Liability), makes its 21st call of 10/- per share, payable by 13 March 1907.

VX, 763, 13 Mar. 1907, page 2

Inquest. The inquest on the deceased child, Annie Lomman, was further adjourned for a fortnight due to the illness of the mother.

Mt Bryan. Item on the local terminology.

Until a few years ago ‘Mt Bryan’ was taken to mean what we now call Mt Bryan East and the area of some seven or eight farms around the railway station was referred to as Mt Bryan Flat.

[The town at the railway station was laid out as a private town in 1878 under the name Mt Bryan. A contiguous subdivision was laid out by the Government in 1907 and called Mt Bryan East. This was obviously confusing given local usage applied that name to another locality. Officially the whole town became Mt Bryan in 1941.]

The Government has purchased a large area for closer settlement. There are already new farms at Petherton. The article goes on to refer to the pegging out of the Government Town without naming it and predicts a great future for the centre.

Redruth Court, Monday.

Thistle cases continue.

L.W. Gebhardt said he had cleared 4,000 of about 8,000 acres and had striven to comply with the Act and believed he had done so. Case dismissed.

A.G. Gebhardt was fined £2 + costs for a similar case.

Mr H. Bowman’s case was dismissed, as he was not the occupier of the land cited.

A.T. Fairchild, who has recently been indisposed, left yesterday for a trip to Kangaroo Island. He spends some time first with George Finch in Adelaide.

VX, 763, 13 Mar. 1907, page 3

Burra Institute. Committee meeting: the President has arranged for Mr Bairnsfather to lecture on Dickens.

Rabbits. There is a series of rabbit recipes ‘now that bunny is becoming so troublesome’:

Rabbit with Tomatoes

Rabbit Pie

Fried Rabbit

Boiled Rabbit

Stewed Rabbit

Aberdeen Ballast Quarries. Work continues.

Copper is over £109 a ton.

Closer Settlement. There are over 600 applicants for the 138 blocks to be soon allotted by the Government.

Methodism. The Methodist Conference has returned Rev. R.C. Yeoman and Rev. S. Kessell to their old circuits of Redruth and Kooringa for another term.

Advt. Burra Races Next Wednesday 20 March on F. Dew’s Paddock

Grand Dramatic Entertainment at Burra Institute in the evening: Alone in London. By a City Company.

W.H. Hardy, Secretary.

VX, 764, 20 Mar. 1907, page 2

Politeness. There is a paragraph reporting that a gentleman from the east passed a group of boys from a certain school, all of whom politely dipped their caps to him. Further on in another group only one ‘displayed the etiquette which grown-ups like to see’.

Burra Races today in F. Dew’s Paddock. Entrance 1/-. Cabs will run from Market Square.

Kooringa Methodist Tennis Club Concert last Friday was a cut above the ordinary. £12 has now been raised. Mr G. Launder’s female impersonation did not take on too well, the audience apparently being more anxious to hear his ventriloquism. In this role he provided half-an-hour’s fun and merriment, leaving the audience wanting more. The proceeds of the night amounted to £14.

[In view of the earlier figure this suggests that £14 was the gross figure.]

VX, 764, 20 Mar. 1907, page 3

Farrell’s Flat Sports on the previous Monday are reported in almost 2 columns. They were mostly flat and hurdle races plus a high jump, throwing the weight, and a bowling contest.

Inquest. The inquest on Annie Lomman eventually was completed. Annie Lomman, daughter of Mr Lomman of Mt Bryan East was delivered of a daughter in Thames St on a Thursday and the child died the Saturday of the following week, when it was found dead in the mother’s bed. Dr Sangster performed an autopsy, which suggested asphyxiation, but was not conclusive. The jury found that death was by asphyxia with no blame attachable to anyone.

Marriage. Miss A. Prior will marry Mr Cuthbert James at World’s End Church on 3 April.

Entertainment. Alone in London will be staged at the Institute tonight.

Ice Cream vendors are having a bonzer time in Burra.

Halley’s Comet continues to occupy some people’s minds.

Burra Rifle Club. Fifty names are now enrolled. A range has yet to be decided upon.

Whyte Yarcowie Races are reported.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Jigging has commenced in the Burra Creek. The present price of copper should make it profitable for the company.

VX, 764 (2), 27 Mar. 1907, page 2 [Second use of number 764.]

Birth. On 7 March at Mrs Woollacott’s Maternity Home, Redruth, to Mr & Mrs D.A. Siegert of Hallett, a daughter, Rhubell May McDonald Siegert.

Accident. Mrs J.I. Sangster Jun. fractured her arm when the king bolt snapped on her buggy on the way home from the races on Wednesday. The buggy was much damaged by the frantic kicking of the horse.

Cadet Corps. There are about 20 boys now enrolled as cadets at Burra. Lieut. Ralph was up for a day or two last week instructing them in drill etc.

Small earth tremor in Burra on Monday.

Accident. J.C. Killicoat lost one of his most valuable horses in a collision in Caltowie the other night, when a shaft severed its jugular vein, penetrating about 18”. The gorse was put down by the police and both drivers involved were fined 1/- each + costs, for driving without a light.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Jigging continues about two miles south of Burra on the Princess Royal property. About 6 jigs and as many men are working for wages and about a ton has been taken out.

VX, 764 (2), 27 Mar. 1907, page 3 [Second use of number 764.]

Burra Races are reported in 21⁄2 columns. Threatening rain, which ultimately did not fall, kept attendance down somewhat. The course was some two miles from Kooringa and was in good order, but a littler ain would have aided its preparation. Tote turnover was down £60 on last year and few ladies were seen on the lawn. The only accident occurred through carelessness in the last race when a horse ran into a post and lost an eye. The concert afterwards was well attended. The committee may have to draw on the club’s reserves from last year to balance the books, as acceptances and nominations were down.

Burra Smelts [Burra Copper Slag Smelting Co.] The furnace to treat the slag is now ready and work is to start after the holidays. In contrast with the outlay of the Burra Slag Extraction Co., behind which were Messrs Martin & Co., this company is poised to make a better profit. It is expected to extract 11⁄2% from stuff that went through the Burra Slag Extraction Co. process and there are hundreds of tons not touched which will go up to something like 50-60%. There will be no washing away of tailings and every bit of copper will be extracted. It is expected to run two shifts of at least six men each.

Football. First meeting of the Kooringa Football Club for the year is called for tomorrow.

Court.

M-C Phelan was attacked on Thursday night by a drunken sailor named James Barry at the back of the Royal Exchange Hotel in Aberdeen. Barry was fined £2 for using indecent language.

[Oddly there is no mention of a charge of assault!]

Cricket. At Terowie on Saturday Burra 112 defeated Petersburg 77.

Closer Settlement

Estate Blocks Persons applying Applications

Braefoot 15 158 662

Cartapoo, Wandillah 17 171 772

Charlton 4 9 22

Koonoona 9 105 332

Mt Templeton 37 186 687

Narrung 49 68 265

Near Pekina 7 8 18

Burra Town Council, 18 March.

The old by-laws have been repealed and the new model by-laws will become effective from 1 July 1907.

Letter from John McLaren asking to stay proceedings with respect to road at the back of his and the Church of England properties until further consideration is received from the party concerned. Allowed to stand over.

Aberdeen Ballast Quarries continue to be busy.

P.L. Killicoat resigns as a JP.

Entertainment. City Co. staged Alone in London at the Institute on Race Night.

Rabbits are increasing.

Court House Hotel has been thoroughly renovated inside and out. It supplies Clare beer.

Sir Frederick Holder preached at Saddleworth last Sunday.

‘A Lady Passenger’ writes that some ladies took the ‘Popular Cab’ to the races on Wednesday and were charged 2/-. Halfway there the horses got knocked up and on looking at them she wonders how they got that far! The ‘popular driver’ did not offer however, to refund half the money when they had to walk from there, though she believes some of the ladies got away without paying at all!

VX, 765, 3 Apr. 1907, page 2

Burra Racing Club appears likely to have lost about £15 on the meeting – a good result under the circumstances.

St Mary’s special services by Rev. H.L. Ebbs on Sunday and an organ recital on Sunday afternoon by George Gardiner from the city.

Football. The Ramblers Football Club met on Tuesday. W.H. Hardy presided. The club is in funds and its affairs are satisfactory. Elected: President, W.P. Barker; Secretary pro tem, C. McLaren; (the Secretary, A.G. Shortridge, is in Melbourne); Captain, W. Barkley.

Kooringa Football Club met at R.D. Pascoe’s rooms on Thursday. L. Lewis presided.

Elected: President, Hon. J. Lewis MLC; Secretary, J. Allen; Captain, R. Hill; Vice-Captain, L. Lewis.

Tennis. Mt Bryan tennis court opened last Wednesday.

Advt. Ada Delroy Co. with 12 Metropolitan Star Artists and latest bioscope novelties [i.e. movies].

[Other Vaudeville type acts are listed.] At the Institute 11 April. 2/- & 1/-.

Messrs Norman G. Burns & J. Burns are leaving Burra for Broken Hill. They leave a gap on the football field.

Copper has dropped from £110 to £99 a ton.

St Joseph’s. Rev. Father Lecky comes to Burra to replace Rev. Father Redden who retires owing to ill-health.

VX, 765, 3 Apr. 1907, page 3

Hanson Methodist Church. Annual Harvest Thanksgiving Tea was held on Good Friday when c. 120 travelled from Burra by train and many others came by road. Tea ran from 4 to 8 p.m. and then there was a public meeting followed by supper from 9 to 11 p.m. The tea raised £12-1-4, the supper £2-2-6 and in all the event realised £18-19-3.

Halley’s Comet. No comet yet.

Aberdeen Ballast Quarries continue to be busy.

Plague claimed the life of a man in Sydney on Thursday.

Marriage. Miss Pryor marries Cuthbert James at World’s End today.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Anniversary last Sunday. Rev. T.B. Angwin preached.

Gaslight. C.C. Williams has installed gas at Walker Bros. Shop, which was lit for the first time on Saturday night.

VX, 766, 10 Apr. 1907, page 2

Tennis. The AGM of the Aberdeen Tennis Club was held in the German Schoolroom on 2 April. Of the three matches for the season, they won two and lost one. Finances showed they were 7/11⁄2 in credit. Elected: Captain, J. Richards; Vice-Captain, R.J. Galle; Secretary & Treasurer, P.A. Roach.

Roads. The district’s roads are in a very bad state with dust often 6” deep and potholes up to 1’ deep. Road grants need to be increased instead of decreased as for some years past.

Copper is quoted at £97-10-0 a ton.

Marriage. At world’s End on Wednesday Annie Pryor, daughter of W.H. Pryor of World’s End, married Cuthbert James, son of N. James of Baldina. Over 300 sat down to the wedding breakfast at the residence of the bride’s father. It was also the 55th anniversary of W.H. Pryor’s marriage. Mr & Mrs Pryor are both a fit 76 years old and both stayed up celebrating till 4 a.m.

[Mr C. Fuss responded to the health of the bride and groom proposed by Rev. S. Kessell.]

The evening passed with songs, music and numerous games, followed (surely unusually for a wedding) by addresses on The Sheep and Farming Industry by Messrs Quinn, Pryor, James and Irlam, before dancing – some of the sets being very well gone through. [There is a tinkettling performance mentioned, but the sequence of events as reported is not very clear.]

Marriage. Also on Wednesday the eldest daughter of Mr C. Duell married Mr R. Baynes and the newly married quartet went to Broken Hill by Thursday night’s express.

Rain on Friday and Saturday produced 160 pts and Burra creek flowed briefly.

Burra Smelts [Burra Copper Slag Smelting Co.] The furnace is expected to be got going on a trial basis this week. The North Mutrooroo Copper Co. has contracted to supply 1,500 tons of ore.

Redruth Court.

William Develaing issued a summons charging Thomas Philip Halls Jun. with abusive and insulting language. The evidence was conflicting and witnesses apparently changed their stories so the case was dismissed.

Accident. Julius Kiekebusche, the second son of Emil Kiekebusche, of Baldina, was thrown out of his sulky on the way home from Burra on Monday evening, about 11 miles from Burra and 5 miles from home. He managed to walk a few yards, but then collapsed and was not found for 12 hours. He was found by J.G. Rooke and brought into the Burra Hospital where he remains unconscious.

VX, 767, 17 Apr. 1907, page 2

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. It has been generally very quiet with very little tributing work going on. Work in the creek about two miles south of Burra is progressing, but the ore bed is cutting out and not much more will be done there. It was expected this would be profitable, but with men on wages of 3/- to 6/8 a day it will likely make a loss. The last returns were 61⁄2%. The option said to be held over the property by Mr Horne expires in about a month.

Foxes are becoming numerous in the east.

A Dog Poisoner has struck again in Burra. Nine succumbed on Saturday.

Burra Institute. The gas lights failed at the Institute on Thursday night during the performance of the Ada Delroy Company. 24lb of carbide ought to have served, but ‘the large lights above the stage consumes more carbide than the lights are useful.’ The performance itself was very favourably reviewed. It was the return of this company after c. 10 years.

Messrs Norman & John (Curley) Burns were farewelled in Mr F. Harris’s rooms on Saturday night. They are leaving tonight for Broken Hill. Speakers included L. Penrose, E.W. Crewes, O.G. Walker, C. McLaren, J. Moy & P. Milner.

Rev. W.F. James returned to the district recently. He conducted the service at Hanson on Sunday afternoon and at Redruth in the evening and gave a lecture To England and Back at Hanson on Monday and at Redruth on Tuesday. He only returned from a health trip to England about eight weeks ago. Mr James has been stationed at Jamestown.

World’s End. An excursionist reports on a trip, taking of the scenery and waterfalls and the pedestrian bridge swung between large trees. Homesteads in the area are well kept, stock is well looked after and the land well farmed. Everyone was busy whether attending to the wheat crops or to cows and dairy produce.

VX, 767, 17 Apr. 1907, page 3

Miss Ella Green has been visiting her parents at World’s End and has now returned to Pupil Teachers’ College in Grote St Adelaide.

Obituary. James Henry Hocking, son of John Hocking late of Burra, died at Broken Hill. He had been suffering from consumption for some time. [Not readily identifiable.]

Accident. Mr Julius Kiekebusche has been unconscious now for eight days. At times he is very uneasy and at other times he is quiet. No bones are broken and nothing can be done but wait. Mr Kiekebusche’s father is of course greatly distressed and said he had urged his son to come home before dark and believed he would have done so had not business prevented him. Mr J.G. Rooke who found the injured man said the horse was a splendid traveller, but rather hot-headed and lively. The injured man is unchanged as we go to press.

Burra District Council

Thomas Lomman was appointed pound-keeper at Copperhouse to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mrs Ellen Sanders.

Marriage. Farrell’s Flat Catholic Church 3 April

Miss Minnie Monaghan, second daughter of P. Monaghan of Farrell’s Flat married

Mr W. Crase of Gum Creek.

Rev. A.R. Ebbs, organising secretary of the Church Missionary Association, visited Burra last week and preached twice at St Mary’s on missionary activity in the Northern Territory.

The Smelts. Delays of about four weeks have occurred. The sulphide ore is not yet to hand, but everything is in readiness and no trouble is expected when the furnace gets going.

‘Short & Sharp’

Splendid pictures of the World’s End Bridge are available from the Record office.

Burra Town Council, Monday

C. & A. Fuss were allowed to erect a verandah in front of their shop.

Cr Neville gave notice he would move next meeting that Council procure four acetylene lamps from Mr Mozart.

Other business was of a routine nature.

VX, 768, 24 Apr. 1907, page 2

Obituary. Julius R.W. Kiekebusche died on the 22 April, aged 25.

[Died at Kooringa, residence Baldina and born Wilhelm Rudolph Julius Kiekebusch 8 July 1881 at Point Pass. See details page 3 of this issue.]

Mushrooms are plentiful just now.

Burra Smelts [Burra Copper Slag Smelting Co.] The machinery was set in motion on Monday and will employ about 17 or 18.

Salvation Army farewelled Capt. Coombes & Lieut. Crocker on Friday. They are leaving after 13 months service. Farewell services were held on Sunday. Capt. Coombes goes to her home in NZ for three months’ rest and Lieut. Crocker to Nailsworth pro tem and then to Glenelg. Staff-Capt McNee & Lieut. Wiseman will replace them in Burra.

Stray dogs have been worrying sheep again. William Finch lost 10 of 14 worried a few days ago and P.L. Killicoat has also had trouble.

St Mary’s annual picnic was held at Sod Hut on J.C. Sandland’s property on Wednesday.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. If the old slag can be made to pay at 11⁄2% copper then surely a handsome profit can be made from the thousands of tons of 4-5% ore at the Burra Mine.

W.A. Horn has cabled from London his intent of exercising his option. Under the terms of option he will spend a considerable sum prospecting and may subsequently purchase at a price agreed upon. The first copper was found in 1845 and in 291⁄2 years the company expended £2,241,170 and raised copper worth £4,749,224. In 1859 1,170 men were employed. Active operations ceased in 1877, but at different periods some work has been carried on. The property is now in the hands of a local company.

Women’s Work Exhibition Committee met at the Institute on Friday.

Obituary. Mrs Tilbarry, mother of the Mayoress, Mrs W.C.L. West, died at Largs Bay on 15 April.

[The next issue adds that she was the relict of the late Robert Tilbarry, aged 72. She was born Jane Hasler.]

VX, 768, 24 Apr. 1907, page 3

Burra Racing Club. W.H. Hardy (Hon. Sec.) presided at a meeting where the recent slight loss was ascribed to the meeting being late in the season so that horses arrived in Burra much run down. The club still has a credit balance at the bank.

Braefoot Estate Land Board Allotments for 15 blocks are printed along with those for 13 blocks at Cartapo & part Wandillah Estate and 9 blocks at part Koonoona Estate.

Obituary. Julius Kiekebusch, who was injured in an accident on the World’s End road about two weeks ago regained consciousness on Saturday and appeared to be recovering well on Sunday and Monday, but convulsions overtook him about midday and he died. He was a member of the Burra Orchestra and had recently composed The Phosphate Waltz.

Burra Smelts [Burra Copper Slag Smelting Co.] The men who signed on for work there demanded higher wages than the 7/- agreed to and on Friday threatened a strike. Mr Kittell, the manager, listened carefully to them, but stood firm and on Saturday they signed again at the original wages.

The work of firing up the furnace was undertaken on Monday and the first charge was prepared and went off without a hitch with molten slag flowing in about an hour. Among those witnessing the scene was John Sampson who saw the first charge drawn from the old smelting works 57 years ago. There will be three 8-hour shifts and a total employment of about 18. The new process is a great invention and cheap to operate. The blast is provided by a 17 h.p. oil engine with 9 oz pressure. The water is recycled, though evaporative losses are likely to be about 3,000 gallons a day. It is built to treat 30 tons of copper per day.

VX, 769, 1 May 1907, page 2

Apology. William Jenkin Davey proprietor of the Burra Record apologises to James Sampson Pryor the manager of the Burra Mine for having published libellous statements in the paper from time to time in 1906-7 reflecting on his honesty and reputation as a mine manager and his cruelty in thrashing a child.

‘such statements were and are untrue in substance and in fact.’

Acknowledgement. The paper acknowledges receipt of a total of £25-16-7 from various sources to help meet any expenses that might be incurred between J.S. Pryor and W.J. Davey.

Aberdeen Ballast Quarry. The scarcity of railway trucks has reduced the workers at the ballast quarry to half-time. About 20 are employed: down from 24.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Eleventh Half-yearly Report. The property is in a dormant state, but has perhaps better prospects than ever before. Mr W.A. Horn’s £1,000 option does not expire till 13 May 1907. It is proposed to spend £15,000 in nine months if purchase goes ahead. It is to be hoped the mine will be completely dewatered and that a smelter will be one of the first things undertaken.

[Note that in the issue of 20 Feb. 1907 the option was cited as one of £10,000!]

The venture in the Burra Creek is turning out stuff at 5-6% and this will not pay expenses. The men will do OK, being on wages, but the company will incur a considerable loss.

Bert Knevitt expects soon to go east to take oversight of Mr R. McBride’s Finger Post station.

Obituary. The late Mrs Tilbarry leaves two children: Mrs W.C.L. West of Burra Mines and Mr R. Tilbarry, stationmaster at Largs Bay. There are 9 grandchildren.

Obituary. The late Julius Kiekebusch had a largely attended funeral at the Baldina Lutheran Church where Rev. Ridel officiated and Rev. S. Kessell (Methodist) also spoke. Burial was in the adjacent graveyard.

Obituary. David Thomas Jenkins, aged 21, of Canowie, died in the Burra Hospital on Thursday of typhoid fever. [Born 1 August 1885 at Petersburg: died 25 April 1907 at Kooringa, residence Canowie.]

Luke Day’s cart, driven by a lad named A. Moore, overturned near Mitchell’s Flat on Saturday and he and a little boy named Blott were thrown out, but escaped injury, as did the cart.

VX, 769, 1 May 1907, page 3

Burra Smelts [Burra Copper Slag Smelting Co.] Despite early signs of success, some difficulties have been encountered. The slag will after all require a flux. It had been thought the previous process would have removed this necessity. An addition of limestone will be needed. The mat copper so far produced tries at 37%: which is considered satisfactory.

Mt Bryan notes. Some new farmers are moving in on the newly provided blocks, though there are grumblings that some went to those who ‘have got more land than they know what to do with already.’ The new township allotments don’t seem to have attracted buyers. The stationmaster is E. Rumball.

[The new town allotments were in the new Government town surveyed adjacent to the original private town and confusingly officially designated Mt Bryan East.]

Burra Institute. The librarian, Mr A. Davey, went to stow some periodicals in the Institute cellar the other day and found 18 bottles of stout and 3 of port – apparently they have been there for over 25 years – possibly from the laying of the foundation stone. (Mr Davey is a teetotaller.)

Burra Defence Rifle Club is keen to get going, but the Government is dilatory in assisting the organisers. So far Capt. Lord of the Burra Hotel has given a gold medal and Mr B.W. Pearse of Caroona has given a silver cup to the value of £3-3-0. The contest to decide the winner will take about 12 months.

St Mary’s annual vestry meeting. The pipe organ fund is now in debt £56. (The organ cost £350 in 1905.) The rectory fund is in debt £78 (From the debt of £400 incurred in the renovations of 1905.) After nearly 30 years as organist Miss Cave has resigned and Rev. Ebbs proposed to appoint W.B. Page as organist and choirmaster. J. Jordan becomes superintendent of the Sunday school. The Sunday school has a balance in hand of £5-9-0.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Tributers have paid the directors £164-14-1 for the last six months and the results of prospecting yielded £173-15-1: little more than the royalty from tributers.

VX, 770, 8 May 1907, page 2

Partnership. The existing partnership of R. Urwin & A.B. Hiddle will be dissolved by mutual consent on 1 June 1907 owing to the retirement of A.B. Hiddle from the firm.

Burra Benevolent Society AGM is called for Thursday 16 May at the Institute.

Chess Club. A move to restart the Chess Club was made on Saturday evening. Permission will be sought to meet every Friday at the Institute. President, Dr Sangster; Secretary, G. Scott.

Acknowledgements. Donations to W.J. Davey re the J.S. Pryor libel case have now reached £47-6-2.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. The Government has at last gazetted the Burra Rifle Club and the rifles should soon be received. The pits for the 200 and 300-yard ranges are being got ready. Targets will be of shutter design, manipulated from the pit by the marker. [There is no indication of the site though.]

Butchers’ licences granted to Messrs John Wise, O’Leary Bros. And H.E. Rabbich.

A Bolt. Dan Mahoney, employed by W.T. Truscott, butcher of Kooringa, was thrown from the cart at the Bon Accord Hotel on Thursday, when the horse plunged forward. He required several stitches to a severe cut under the lip. The horse then made off towards Kooringa, but was soon halted by workmen.

Burra Smelts [Burra Copper Slag Smelting Co.] There was a false start on Thursday, but the problem was rectified and a second start with different fluxing arrangements was made during the night and a good run resulted. There was a shut down on Monday due to the failure of the leather of the pump, which will be replaced by a metal valve. The oil engine is not running well and is the likely source of the next trouble. The run produced 4-5 tons of matte.

Trip to Kangaroo Island. There is a 3⁄4 column report. [Author not stated.]

Karkulta Mine is 15 miles south of Burra, which worked for c. 12 years and engaged 20-30 miners. Some stuff remains on site and a shaft went down 40 fathoms. Surface rights have been sold, but SAMA retains mineral rights.

VX, 770, 8 May 1907, page 3

Football. Saturday at Victoria Park: Kooringa 12.16 (88) defeated Ramblers 2.3 (15).

Letters to the editor re the libel case with J.S. Pryor are printed.

‘Sympathy’ extends sympathy ‘in your recent trouble’.

‘We hope that you may long be spared to vindicate right and expose wrong wherever you may find it for the good of the public.’

‘Cousin Jack from Moonta’ [in dialect] writes to say he “ ’ope that your friends will come forward and pay the bill for ’ee. I do see by your paaper that you have ‘ad over £25 sent ’ee, and I do feel purty pleased at this ’ere, because it is better than tributing with a surly old boss to meddle with ’ee, and try to clip your wings and run up costs.’

‘Justice’ considers the editor ‘a MARTYR to the CAUSE of TRUTH.’ And trusts the day will come when ‘TRUTH and STRAIGHTFORWARDNESS obtain the mastery over hypocrisy, vice and unscrupulous dealing however thickly such undesirable attributes may be covered over by deceit.’

[A donation was enclosed.]

‘Creek Ore’ writes with a small donation and would have sent more if he had ‘any valuable assets, such as was lately said to be found in the Burra Creek (vdie [sic] last balance-sheet of the B.B.C. Co.)’

‘Shareholder’ writes thanking the editor for his stand. ‘Your references to the property have not been shaked in the least notwithstanding last week’s paper’. He encloses an amount collected since the last issue.

Burra Town Council.

The curator of the cemetery reports the wood at the morgue requires painting. [A reference on 22 May suggests ‘the morgue’ was actually the mortuary chapel at the cemetery.] He also requested a small allowance on account there were no burials in March or April.

It was resolved that four acetylene lamps be got and fixed to the lanterns now in use.

Mr McLaren is to remove the obstacle on the road at the rear of his premises.

VX, 771, 15 May 1907, page 2

Advt. Burra Institute Tonight. Dan Barry’s World Wide Wonder Show

A Complete Colossal Carnival of Mirth Music and Pictorial Beauty

Latest Most Enthralling Pictures, Illustrated Songs & Up-to-date Sketches & Specialty Turns

By a Specially Selected Versatile Vaudeville Company. 2.- & 1/-.

Notice. Apology. I, William Jenkin Davey, proprietor of the Burra Record, hereby apologise to James Sampson Pryor, manager of the Burra Mine, for having made and published the libellous statements which have from time to time during the years 1906-07 appeared in my paper reflecting on his honesty and reputation as a mine manager and taxing him with unwarrantable cruelty in thrashing a child of tender years and I further say that such statements were and are untrue in substance and in fact.

Dated April 29 1907.

Messrs Urwin & Hiddle’s Sale to dissolve the partnership will continue fro five more days – closing May 18 1907 and the partnership will be dissolved by mutual consent 1 June 1907.

W.B. Page has grown a fine large lettuce of c. 3lb of the White Heart Cos self-hearting variety – 10 weeks from seed.

The late W.H. Duncan has left £250 to the Burra Hospital.

Burra Show Society met on Friday and decided to hold the Sheep-dog Field Trials on 14 August and the show on Wednesday 25 September despite Kapunda and Hamley Bridge moving to that date without consideration – Burra having used that date for the last ten years.

Lisle Pearce, son of C.J. Pearce, left Burra on Saturday for Yongala where he will fill a position in Messrs Hodby & Co.’s store. He is a steady and trustworthy young man and won the confidence of his employers while working for Drew & Crewes here. On behalf of employees there Mr J. Bentley made a presentation of a handsome travelling rug on Friday.

The Smelts. Since repairs the furnace has been running very well. An expert from the city on Saturday considered that Mr Kittell was doing the best thing possible under the circumstances. After this run the company will be in a position to know how the financial position will stack up.

Football. On Wednesday Aberdeen 3.6 defeated Ramblers 2.3.

VX, 771, 15 May 1907, page 3

Copper Find. Messrs Geach, Cartwright & W. West Sen. have found a well-defined copper lode of high grade ore (samples 25%) about half a mile south of the Princess Royal. It runs north-south and is some eight feet wide. Copper is present in green carbonate, blue [word missing] and black oxide and yellow ore. It is eight miles south of Burra with a good road. A long lease has been secured and a syndicate will be formed directly.

Empire Day. A committee has been formed for celebrations on Victoria Park with all of the town’s children and those from Copperhouse School to attend. Sports and provision committees have been established.

Obituary. Mr Edwin Boulton died on Monday aged 72. He was a resident of 37 years, arriving in SA in the Carnatic from the Parish of Hawkesbury in Gloucestershire in 1857. Mrs Boulton has been in Burra Hospital since suffering an apoplectic fit about nine months ago and is unable to do anything for herself. There are three sons and three daughters: Archibald (Burra), Edwin (unknown), Henry (Broken Hill), Annie (single), Mrs A. Beaven & Mrs J.A. Knevitt (Burra). He leaves two brothers: one a detective in Scotland and the other a schoolteacher in England. [Died 13 May.]

Billy Hill has returned to Burra after having a growth removed from his tongue.

Dan Mahoney, who was fairly seriously hurt when thrown from a butcher’s cart a few days ago, has recovered enough to return to work.

Burra Rifle Club. 39 members were sworn in on Friday & Saturday to bring the total to 70. Firing will begin once the rifles arrive. They are expected this week or early next. The first match will be on 3 June when the Scottish Infantry visit Burra.

‘Short & Sharp’

Target for the Burra Rifle Club’s 200 & 300 yard range is placed in position.

The Smelts did not work last week. There is trouble with the plant owing to the presence of so much iron.

Burra Mine. The Burra Burra Copper Co. has practically ceased to work the mine as Mr W.A. Horn has exercised his option over it and is making arrangements to proceed with work under new conditions. It is expected development work will start almost at once and the new company is expected to spend £15,000 within nine months from Monday last. Mr Davis the new manager has arrived.

Mr J.S. Pryor and the Burra Record.

In the last issue several letters appeared which reflected on that gentleman. We take the first opportunity of refuting the statements in the said letters the import of which escaped our notice in the rush of business. There was not the slightest compulsion about our signing the apology which appears in another column. Mr Pryor displayed a genuine Christian spirit throughout the whole proceedings and accepted the apology mentioned. We are sorry the letters appeared and we do not believe there is a word of truth in any of them so far as they reflect on Mr Pryor’s character.

Tenders are called by A.B. Hiddle for two houses freehold property in Bridge St. One is of six rooms with a large kitchen, cellar, bathroom, wash-house, stable and water service from a good well.

VX, 772, 22 May 1907, page 2

Marriage. On 4 May William Morgan, eldest son of Mr Morgan of Railway Town Broken Hill married Mabel Morgan, youngest daughter of Mr John Morgan of Burra.

Entertainment. A fairly good house greeted the performers of Dan Barry’s organisation on Wednesday. [Films, music, songs and recitations.]

Burra School Board of Advice will manage a celebration of Empire Day at Victoria Park on Friday. Sports commence at 10 a.m. and the flag will be hoisted by Mrs W.C.L. West at noon.

Salvation Army. Rev. W. Laidlaw Toshach, who lived near the site of the Bonny Vale disaster that entombed the Italian Varischetti for nine days, gave an illustrated lecture on the subject in the Salvation Army Barracks on Thursday to a fair gathering.

Burra Musical and Dramatic Club will stage the comedy Tom, Dick and Harry at the Institute after the Empire Day celebration on Friday.

Professor Denton, the wonderful horse tamer, appeared in Burra on Saturday with a recently formed circus on Brewery Flat. He first visited 17 years ago.

Princess Royal. There has been a copper find at Princess Royal and there are prospects of a syndicate being formed to exploit it. [Princess Elise Mine.]

Redruth Methodist Church Anniversary will be held on 2 June when Rev. J. Blacket of Auburn will preach. At the tea meeting on Monday he will lecture on The Founding of SA.

Obituary. Last Saturday Mrs James Honan aged 82 died. She lived the last 30 years at Mt Bryan and has been blind the last 18. She leaves four sons and one daughter: John, Robert & James of Hallett, Edward of Mt Bryan and Mrs Sharpe of Mt Bryan. [Born Elizabeth Mansfield 1 January 1827 in Ireland: died 18 May 1907 at Mt Bryan East.]

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday Kooringa 31 defeated Aberdeen 2.

On Wednesday the Warriors 8.8 (56) defeated Aberdeen Juniors 1.0 (6).

VX, 772, 22 May 1907, page 3

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. It is almost six years since the Burra Burra Copper Co. took over from SAMA and at the time it was thought that mining would be revived, but despite many efforts nothing tangible has resulted. A boring machine has now arrived on the scene from Kapunda and another is due in a week or two. Boring operations will be commenced shortly. A bore will be put down at the rear of the old blacksmith’s shop.

Burra Diary 1846. There is 1⁄3 column of extracts from a diary of April 1846.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. About 12 rifles have arrived. The silver cup is on view at R.D. Pascoe’s. It is 10” high and 6” in diameter: to be known as the Caroona Cup. The range was declared open at Monday’s meeting with practice on Wednesday s and Saturday s.

VX, 773, 29 May 1907, page 2

Redruth Court.

M-C Phelan has been appointed clerk of court, bailiff and registrar of births, deaths and marriages. He has been acting in these roles since Mr Olsen’s transfer.

The Cadet Corps at Burra School were put through manoeuvres by visiting Lieut. E.M. Ralph on Monday and Tuesday.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club president, W.J.C. Ewins, presented James Richards with a handsome travelling bag on behalf of the club on Saturday. Mr Richards is moving to NZ.

Empire Day celebrations are reported with sports results [1 column]. Burra, Copperhouse, St Joseph’s, Burra High School and the private school scholars were all present, making close to 500 in total.

VX, 773, 29 May 1907, page 3

Football. On Wednesday in bad weather with few spectators, Kooringa 5.15 (45) defeated Ramblers 0.2 (2).

Burra Defence Rifle Club will fire their first competitive match against Scottish Infantry next Monday.

Obituary. The late Mrs James Honan once lived in Sunday Row, just east of the Smelts, where her husband worked. She leaves 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Obituary. Grace Richards, relict of the late Thomas Richards and sister of Messrs William and W.H. Prior of Baldina, died last week at Broken Hill. She lived in Burra with her husband in the early days of the town. [This may be incorrect. A Grace Prior born 16 October 1844 married John Richards in 1861 and would appear to be the person dying in 1907. W.H. Prior had two sisters called Grace, both of whom died aged 8 months in 1866 & 1869 respectively. If ‘the early days of the town’ means anything then Grace Prior hardly fits and we may be faced with Grace Gilbert or Gilbart who had children in the District of the Murray in 1849 & 1851 and was married to Thomas Richards!]

George Camp, second son of Elliott Camp of Redruth, has left Burra for Bute. He was an Aberdeen footballer.

M-C Grosser, who was once stationed at Kooringa, paid a visit last week.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club staged Tom, Dick & Harry on Friday at the Institute and it gets a very good review. £17-12-6 was taken at the door.

Women’s work Exhibition exhibits are coming in. The local exhibition is preparatory for one in Adelaide.

VX, 774, 5 June 1907, page 2

Advt. The Show Society Sheep Dog Field Trials are set for 14 August with the Show on 25 September.

Aberdeen Ballast Quarry has been working now for 7 or 8 months with two shifts, but is likely only one will now be needed and eventually work will cease for a time.

Burra Smelts [Burra Copper Slag Smelting Co.] The furnace is now all nailed up and the site abandoned.

Spinsters’ & Bachelors’ Ball at the Institute on 14 June.

Football at Victoria Park on Saturday demonstrated the need for a grandstand.

Advt. Burra Institute, 11 June, the Steel-Payne Company of Bell-Ringers, Part-Singers and Novel Musical Entertainment.

Salvation Army. At the Barracks tomorrow night Col. Hoskins, Chief Secretary of the Army in Australasia will conduct a service.

Princess Elise Mine. The new copper find south of Burra has been named Princess Elise and they are in communication with a large mining firm for the purpose of flotation. The old Princess Royal Mine is about half a mile distant.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Great Fingall Consolidated held a General Meeting in London on 24 April and it was disclosed the company had secured through W.A. Horn, an option on the Burra Mine. The terms involve the formation of a syndicate with capital of £15,000, which will have the option of purchase in consideration of spending £10,000 on prospecting and if they decide to exercise their option a further sum of £70,000 will have to be provided as working capital. Great Fingall will have 5/6 of the syndicate shares with 1/6 in the hands of Mr Horn and associated friends.

John Collins of Collinsville and Mt G.E. Dane organised a concert and supper at Pandappa a few evenings ago, which raised £13 to add to a subscription list to raise £20 to clear out a widow’s dam at Wonna.

Obituary. Robert H. Birt, an old Burra resident who was a boot and shoemaker, has died. He also later worked at Lihou’s cordial factory in which he was a partner. He then went to Adelaide and recently to WA, where he found a job in Perth, but recently fell ill and died of stomach cancer.

[Robert Hocking Birt was born 21 August 1855 in Adelaide: died 26 May 1907 in Perth.]

VX, 774, 5 June 1907, page 3

Football. On Saturday at Victoria Park in a hurricane wind with lightning a fair crowd of spectators saw Kooringa 7.14 (56) defeat Aberdeen 1.1 (7).

On Monday Burra played the Scottish Infantry of SA in fine weather, but on ground slippery from Saturday’s rain. Burra 7.4 (46) defeated Scottish Infantry 5.9 (39).

On Wednesday Warriors 3.8 (26) defeated Aberdeen Juniors 0.1 (1)

[H. Fuss, then aged 11 is listed for the Warriors.]

Burra Defence Rifle Club. The first rifle match since the club’s resuscitation was fired on Monday on the new range in what is known as Symond’s Paddock, over 200 & 500 yards.

Burra 188 & 204 defeated Scottish Infantry of SA 189 & 172.

VX, 775, 12 June 1907, page 2

Advt. For some weeks from mid-April someone was selling ‘White Rabbits. For particulars apply to the “Record” Office.

Weather. In the last week it has been bitterly cold with rain on Friday. Thursday morning had dense fog, as had most of Sunday.

John Pens fell from Henderson’s Black Bridge in Kooringa, on Tuesday night. He fell some 25 feet to the creek and lay there for some time with a broken thigh before being found and sent to the hospital.

Unemployment problems. Messrs D.H. & A. Brandt, A. Morrison, J. Voumard & son, W. Waters and F. Pearce, left Burra on Monday night ‘Humping the Bluey’ to Faraway Hill to carry out dam sinking for Mr McBride. This gives an idea of the local labour market.

The Education Dept. has responded to advice and has cleaned and renovated the classrooms at the Burra School.

Salvation Army. The new lady officers have settled in.

Burra District Council warns those passing through vermin-proof fences, that under the Vermin Act 1905 failure to close such gates carries a fine of £20 or six months in jail. The Vermin board has spent £300 netting Baldina Division and will prosecute offenders with determination.

Redruth Court, Monday.

E.A. Moore, C.H. Stuart, & D. Pizzo were each fined 7/6 for having stray cows.

James Phillips & Walter Allen were fined 7/6 each for stray horses.

Poetry. A football Song to the tune of Onward Christian Soldiers, written by O’Flynn, is printed.

Obituary. John Pearce, aged 71, has died. He came to Burra c. 1856 and worked in the Burra Mine before purchasing a bullock team and with Harry Vivian he then spent time carting flour etc. from Clare to Burra with the late Harry Gray. He then built the Yongala Hotel before coming back to Burra as landlord of the Burra Hotel. Afterwards he took over the Mt Bryan Hotel and was there till c. 12 months ago. His wife and he were afflicted with rheumatism and Mrs Pearce fell a few months ago, putting out a hip and is now forced to use crutches.

VX, 775, 12 June 1907, page 3

Football. On Wednesday in fine weather at Victoria Park the Adelaide Suburban Assoc. team 5.7 (37) defeated Burra 3.12 (30). The game is described as being very rough, especially on the part of the visitors. He also complains of some of the decisions of the umpire – there were 43 bounces or throw-ups in the second and third quarters.

On Saturday at Victoria Park Kooringa 7.7 (49) defeated Ramblers 2.1 (13).

Burra Institute Committee met on Monday. The President will interview police with regards to rowdyism on concert nights.

VX, 776, 19 June 1907, page 2

Weather. Rainfall in the last week was a wonderful 172 points.

Entertainment. The Steel-Payne Co. played to a rather small, but very appreciative audience.

Kooringa Methodist Choir made a presentation to Miss E. Harris on the eve of her marriage.

School of Mines. It is highly desirable that a branch of the School of Mines be opened in Burra in view of the promise of the mine restarting.

Empire Day activities on the oval ended in credit £1-14-21⁄2.

A.B. Hiddle was given a farewell on Wednesday evening at the Burra Hotel by the Burra Racing Club committee. There was a good gathering despite the heavy rain. He goes to Farina, where he will take over the business, which for many years has been run by Mr J.W. Manfield, with branches at Herrgott Springs, Oodnadatta and Innamincka. Speakers were George Lord, W.T. Truscott (Treasurer), J.T. Hartnett, S.M. Lane, W.H. Hardy (Secretary), and Thomas Shortridge.

‘Kleek’, the correspondent from Hallett, gives an interesting and very unflattering description of that town with ‘not the slightest suspicion of a made road’ and a village comprising ‘ruins and dilapidated houses’.

VX, 776, 19 June 1907, page 3

The Spinsters’ & Bachelors’ Ball is reviewed in 2⁄3 column. It was held at the Institute last Friday and though locals went despite the rain, more distant visitors were deterred.

Princess Elise Mine. The lease has been signed and arrangements made to commence operations. The area is nearly 1 square mile. Proprietors are W. West, T. Geach & J. Cartwright. The claim looks very promising.

Burra Town Council

Cr Bennett gave notice he would move that four additional street lamps be procured from Mr Mozart.

On of the old lamps will be placed in Blyth St and the offer of the dayman to light it free of charge will be gratefully accepted.

A notice will be placed on the overway rail bridge in Watts Rd to require all traffic to go through at a walking pace.

Advt. The Marvellous Breton, World’s Emperor of Magic and All Star artists will appear 21 June.

Football. At Manoora on Saturday Manoora 14.7 (91) defeated Burra 1.2 (8).

VX, 777, 26 June 1907, page 2

Advt. Cook’s Pictures at the Institute 27 June. Comedy, drama and beauty spots.

Flies are a major problem out east with the loss of many ewes and lambs as a consequence.

Obituary. Mrs W. Kellaway, aged 25, died on Friday, leaving a husband and small child. (Two children have also died recently.) [Born Anna Wilhelmina Agnes Frahm 5 December 1881 at Nain near Greenock: died as Agnes Hannah Hermina Kellaway 21 June 1907. No recent Kellaway children’s deaths seem to have been registered; the last being that of William Laurence 19 October 1904.]

Football. Saturday Aberdeen 8.15 (63) defeated Kooringa 1.5 (11).

Mrs Nicholls, ‘Old Maggie’ has ‘contracted softening of the brain’ and was taken to Adelaide destitute last week.

Salvation Army. Coffee supper at the Barracks on Thursday was not as popular as hoped. Perhaps as the cold weather continues another attempt will be better rewarded.

Aberdeen Ballast Quarries are taking on men again after a stoppage of about a fortnight and not enough labour is locally available at present.

Entertainment. The Breton Company showed last Thursday to a splendid house. The company included George Lauder and his wooden family. Breton is a conjuror far above the ordinary and Lauder the best ventriloquist seen in Burra.

Marriage. At Redruth Methodist Church on Thursday Mr Harold Pash of North Adelaide married May Camp, eldest daughter of E. Camp of Aberdeen.

Marriage. On Wednesday at the residence of E.J. Harris, Francis Percy Pearce of Mt Bryan married Emily Elizabeth Harris of Kooringa.

Australian Women’s Exhibition. Local Prize List printed.

VX, 777, 26 June 1907, page 3

Football. On Wednesday the Ramblers played Aberdeen, but both sides struggled to field a team. Aberdeen began with only eight men in uniform and co-opted youngsters, though W. Allen and F. Carless arrived later. Ramblers were in a similar fix and eventually a poor game resulted in Ramblers 5.6 (36) defeating Aberdeen 1.6 (12). [W. Allen probably Walter.]

On Saturday Aberdeen 8.15 (63) defeated Kooringa 1.5 (11).

St Joseph’s Annual Subscription Dance was held last Wednesday at the Institute and was an undoubted success. The church will benefit by £16-10-0.

‘Interested’ writes calling for a pavilion or grandstand at Victoria Park.

VX, 778, 3 July 1907, page 2

Cook’s Picture drew only a moderate crowd, but those present certainly enjoyed themselves.

Rabbits. Some men are making good wages rabbiting on Hill River. They are getting 11⁄2d per scalp plus skins.

Obituary. Mrs H. [Hugh] Smith of Leighton died on 25 June, aged 63, leaving one son and three daughters.

[Born Bridget Quigley.]

Bath & Pearce, which some time ago fell into the hands of James & Charles Pearce, has now been sold to Mr Siebery. The Pearce Brothers leave Burra and will be missed. Charles was a valued member of the Musical & Dramatic Club and James a clever painter and sketcher with his work widely published.

[Siebery later also stated as W.L. Seabury.]

Weather. Thursday’s morning’s frost was the most severe on record locally. In shady places frost lingered all day and was over 1” thick on footbridges. Many pipes and pumps froze.

Streetlights. The town could do with more streetlights. The pillar in Welsh Place is a dangerous corner for example.

Mt Bryan. There is a half column report on how Mt Bryan has changed as a result of closer settlement.

Mt Bryan, at one time quiet, has advanced into activity. The beautiful tracts of country which could carry ten times more people lay idle until the present Government seen it wise [sic] to buy up land to keep farmers in the state. Until the past two years Mt Bryan had been a place of retrogression and but for a little lamb and wheat the local railway station was quiet. The church had lost nearly all of its one-time good congregations. The once good farms had given way to sheep. The change that has come extends from three or four miles south of Hallett almost down to Burra. Settlers have come and it is hoped will stay. In conversation one cannot but admire their refined manner and genial disposition and when one hears of their hardships in the northern parts of the state one feels they are men of grit. Nice homes are being built and more goods delivered to the Mt Bryan railway station in the last twelve months than in the previous twenty years. Settlers are hard at it late and early improving their farms. Business flourishes and two of Burra’s largest storekeepers run there three days a week and also one from Hallett. A store if built in Mt Bryan would do well. Alterations have been asked for in the station yard for wheat and other heavy traffic. Hotel business is brisk and church congregations are large. A tennis club has been formed with a nice court in the station yard. A Literary Society still exists and recently a meeting formed an Agricultural Bureau. A cricket club will soon be formed. Mt Bryan is one of the happiest and busiest of districts outside the metropolis.

VX, 778, 3 July 1907, page 3

Football. On Wednesday Kooringa 9.11 (65) defeated Ramblers 0.6 (6).

On Saturday Warriors (28) defeated Aberdeen Juniors (8).

Obituary. Michael Tobin, 2nd son of Mr Tobin of Kooringa was speared to death by Aborigines in WA in April and is believed buried at Wiluna. His brother Joseph was with him and will return in about three weeks with more news. Michael Tobin was in charge of a Government boring party opening up pastoral country. [See more details VX, 783, 7Aug. 1907, page 2.]

Obituary. Mrs James Weston, nee Slate, late of Burra, died at Broken Hill. Mr Weston used to work for W. Henderson and went to Broken Hill over twenty years ago. [Born Annie Slate 13 November 1867 at Piltimittiappa.]

Burra Town Council.

Two acetylene lamps are to be got, one for Chapel St and one near St Mary’s. A new pump is to be procured for Market Square. The Town Clerk has volunteered to light the lamp at the corner of Trembath & Ludgvan Sts.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. Class firing was completed on Saturday and produced 11 marksmen, 13 first-class shots 6 second-class and 3 third-class.

Thomas Parks has been working for Bath & Pearce and then Pearce Bros. For over 40 years and we believe he will continue with the new firm.

VX, 779, 10 July 1907, page 2

Weather. The last week has been cold and frosty.

Obituary. Charles Pressick died on Thursday 4 July, leaving a wife and five children.

[Died at Parkside, residence Kooringa aged 57.]

Salvation Army. Staff-Capt. Perrin will hold a special service tomorrow night at 8 p.m. after the usual open-air meeting in Market Square.

Redruth Court.

M.A. Jones and W. Allen each fined 2/6 + 5/- costs for stray cows.

Burra Defence Rifle Club

The new range will officially be opened on Wednesday 17 July by Mrs B.W. Pearse of Caroona and Mrs G. Lord of Burra.

Marriage. Mary Lynda (Mollie) Day married Alfred Leslie Walker, son of J.T. Walker of Adelaide and late of Burra, in the Kooringa Methodist Church on 3 July. (Details in 1 column.)

VX, 779, 10 July 1907, page 3

Football. On Saturday Aberdeen 4.7 (31) defeated Ramblers 4.6 (30).

T.P. Halls jun. writes complaining of the cruel poisoning of four of his greyhounds on Mr Pick’s Braemar Station. Halls and Mr S. Moore had gone out intending to go kangarooing on Mr Gallagher’s station and had stopped at Braemar with permission overnight. The dogs were on the chain when poisoned.

C. Hawkin appeals for donations to the Blind Deaf & Dumb Institution at Brighton. He is in the area collecting for it.

The [Catholic] Bishop of Pt Augusta, Rt. Rev. J.H. Norton DD, arrived in Burra on Monday and was met by Rev. Father Lecky. He was welcomed in the schoolroom that night and given a framed illuminated address (which is printed).

Obituary. A. Salter died at Farrell’s Flat on 7 July.

[Alexander Salter, registered as 8 July 1907 aged 77.]

Aberdeen Ballast Quarry work ceased last week, but is expected to resume directly.

VX, 780, 17 July 1907, page 2

Burra Show Society. Sheep Dog Trials fell through last year on account of so few entries, but this year looks more promising. Entries close on 6 August for trials on 14 August.

The Women’s Exhibition will be held in the Institute next Friday.

Barmaids. A Bill has been introduced to abolish barmaids, to disqualify female licensees (except widows of previous licensees in the same hotel), to close hotels completely on Sundays, even to bona-fide travellers and to close at 10 p.m. instead of 11 p.m.

Burra Coursing Club. A meeting at Lord’s Hotel last week decided to hold a coursing meeting on 21 August. Elected: Secretary, L. Penrose; Patron, Hon. J. Lewis; President, W.P. Barker.

VX, 780, 17 July 1907, page 3

Bishop Norton’s visit is reported at some length. He spoke in favour of State Aid to Catholic schools. He also addressed the problem of the £2,300 debt of the church in Burra. It was as much as the parish could do to pay the interest of around £100 p.a. [Suggests an interest rate of c. 4.5%.]

Chess Club meets in the Institute every Friday evening.

Marriage. At Princess Royal in WA, on Wednesday Olive Read, eldest daughter of James Read and granddaughter of Thomas Read of Kooringa, married Frederick Hollow.

Football. On Wednesday at Petersburg, Petersburg defeated Burra. [No scores cited!]

Advt. The Famous Kennedy Family performs at the Institute 24 & 25 July.

VX, 781, 24 July 1907, page 2 [Dated 23 April on page 1.]

Burra Defence Rifle Club now has c. 73 members and rising.

J.A. Pearce was presented with a smoking outfit in R.D. Pascoe’s rooms on Monday.

Hallett Railway Station has had its crane removed as well as the engine house and water tanks and part of the goods shed is to go. We hear the stationmaster will go to be replaced by a porter. This is false economy.

Football. On Saturday Kooringa 11.13 (79) defeated Ramblers 3.14 (32).

VX, 781, 24 July 1907, page 3

Burra Defence Rifle Club. The new range was opened by Mrs G. Lord. It is in Mr Warnes’s paddock known as Symons’s. 300-400 were present. Details occupy 3⁄4 column.

W.L. Seabury has taken over Pearce Bros. Shop. He comes from Sevenhills, but had a shop in Redruth about 10 years before a short stint in WA. [Name Seabury earlier spelled Siebery.]

Women’s Work Exhibition was held at the Institute last Friday and was opened by the Mayor, W.C.L. West. The prize list is printed. [The whole event seems to have been rather an upper class affair.]

VX, 782, 31 July 1907, page 2

Kooringa Methodism celebrates its diamond jubilee on 6 & 7 October.

Hon. T. Price Premier of SA will attend a social at the Institute on 16 August.

C. Hawkins reports collecting £59 from the district for the Blind, Deaf & Dumb Institution. [Of which J.M. McBride and family gave £10-6-0.]

Burra Water Supply.

The Burra Burra Copper Co. secretary has promised to give timely warning if there is to be a move to unwater the mine, but no move is anticipated in the near future.

Chess Club. Leaders in the tournament are G. Scott, H. Roach and R.G. Galle.

Burra History. Further extracts from the 1846 diary are printed. Among other information it says that on 11 April 1846 Wallace finished his first cottage in the township which was now ready to roof. [This is a reference to one of the Thames St cottages.]

Football. On Wednesday Ramblers defeated Aberdeen. [No scores given.]

Capt. Jock Watt is Boniface of the Junction Hotel at Quorn and wishes to be remembered to Burra friends.

The Kennedy Family played to fair houses on Wednesday & Thursday.

VX, 782, 31 July 1907, page 3

Burra Cadet Corps. Lieut. Ralph was in Burra on Monday & Tuesday to give instruction.

Obituary. Mr James Ryder died at Redruth on Monday. He was employed by J.M. McBride for many years as overseer. [See also: VX, 785, 21 Aug. 1907, page 2.]

[Born 17 May 1860 at Allens Creek: died at Redruth, residence Baldina on 29 July 1907.]

Burra Defence Rifle Club goes to Clare today for a match.

Burra Coursing Club will run a 16-dog stake in the Wildotta Paddock by kind permission of W.P. Barker on 21 August.

VX, 783, 7 Aug. 1907, page 2

Golden Wedding. Marcus Henry Bruse and Margaret Bruse nee Daw celebrate the 50th anniversary of their wedding, which took place 10 August 1857 at the residence of the late W.L.H. Bruse.

Silver Wedding. George, 4th son of George Anderson of Burra Burra Mines and Margaret, 2nd daughter of M.H. Bruse of Kooringa, celebrated the 25th anniversary of their wedding, which took place 26 July 1882 in the Wesleyan Church, Kooringa. Their present address is Fremantle, WA.

Obituary. Edwin Boulton, husband of Alice, aged 72, died at Kooringa on 13 May, aged 72.

Weather. The last week saw a storm on Wednesday that did some damage to trees and outbuildings and rain on Thursday, which caused the creek to flow.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club. AGM on Tuesday saw the election of: President, Dr J.I. Sangster jun.; Musical director, W.B. Page; Stage Manager, C.H. Hague; Secretary & Treasurer, P. Milner.

C.J. Pearce received a presentation of a purse of sovereigns at the Commercial Hotel on Saturday. He will be missed by the Burra Musical 7 Dramatic Club, which tendered him a social last night.

Golden Wedding of Mr & Mrs Bruse.

Mr Bruse came to SA from Rostach (Germany) in 1846 and soon went to the diggings. In 1849 he came to Burra for the first time, but in a short time went to Bendigo, returning to Adelaide in 1852, where he worked as a cabinetmaker. He went to the diggings for a third time (and each was fairly successful). He married M. Daw in 1857, who came from Penzance in Cornwall. He has now been a resident of Burra for 53 years. Mrs Bruse is 71 and he is almost 81. They have five sons and four daughters.

Joseph Tobin has returned to Burra with his brother Thomas, after the death of their brother Michael. Michael was speared by an Aborigine at Wadda Walla in WA on 6 April. The deceased was in a party opening up a stock route from the gold fields to the far north, led by A.W. Canning. He was speared twice, killing the native with a shot as the second spear was launched. He was conscious for 17 hours after the attack, but knew he was dying. His name is perpetuated in Tobin Lake. The fatality was some 500 miles from Wiluna and news did not get out until 5 July. [Tobin Lake is a significant one that crosses the Canning Stock Route at approximately the latitude of Onslow on the coast of WA.]

[See also VX, 787, 4 Sep. 1907, page 3]

VX, 783, 7 Aug. 1907, page 3

Football. On Saturday Kooringa 16.18 (114) defeated Aberdeen 1.1 (7).

Aberdeen could muster only nine men and added two or three boys. Kooringa played with 15.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. At Clare on Wednesday: Clare 787 defeated Burra 773.

Burra Show Society: the Sheep Dog Trials were abandoned due to too few entries.

Burra Town Council.

A letter from Norwood Cycle & Motor Club advises of a road race from Adelaide to Burra on 10 September.

The Chess Club tournament continues.

VX, 784, 14 Aug. 1907, page 2

Advt. A trial of Cooper’s ‘Little Wonder’ machine shear will be held at the old brewery next to Bagot, Shakes & Lewis’s Yard, Kooringa 16 Aug.

Advt. Social for the Premier of SA and other Members of Parliament at the Institute next Friday 16 Aug.

Burra Hospital. There was a concert at the hospital on Thursday by special request of Rev. William Laidlaw Toshach, who did much of the singing. He is a Congregational minister from WA and has been visiting Mr & Mrs M.H. Bruse. He has charge of the second largest church there: the Kalgoorlie Congregational Church, which will seat 1,500. He has been drawing large audiences to his lecture on the Bonnie Vale Mining Disaster. At Burra Institute on 19 Aug. he will give a popular Theatrescope Entertainment ‘Music, Song & Story’ to conclude with the Bonnie Vale Story. Mrs Torshach, nee Ethel Bruse, who is a contralto, will sing illustrated songs. He will conduct an after-church service on Sunday evening 18 Aug. speaking on A Sunday in the Goldfields of WA.

VX, 784, 14 Aug. 1907, page 3

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday Burra 6.12 (48) defeated Petersburg 3.3 (21).

On Wednesday Kooringa 74 defeated Ramblers 34.

The Petersburg footballers were given a dinner at the Burra Hotel Friday evening, presided over by W.H. Hardy. [The report runs to 3⁄4 column.]

Burra Institute has been presented with a spearhead from the Kimberly by Messrs J. & T. Tobin.

Obituary. Mrs H.W. Collins jun. has died.

[Born Beatrice Annie Dewhirst 28 December 1883 in Hundred of Yongala: died 4 Aug 1907 at Terowie, residence Pulpara.]

Redruth Court.

W.J. Richards, Mrs Gully and T.H. Woollacott were each fined 5/- + 5/- costs for stray cows.

British & Foreign Bible Soc. AGM of Burra Branch was held at the Kooringa Methodist Lecture Hall on Monday. Rev. J.S. McPherson was the deputation and gave the address. Elected: President, J.E.H. Winnall; Vice-President J. Drew; Treasurer, P. Lane, Hon. Sec., W. Davey.

Copperhouse School visiting day was held last Friday. It reflected much credit on the head teacher R.G. Galle. There are 77 children on the roll. 50 odd were examined and 44 promoted to a higher class.

VX, 785, 21 Aug. 1907, page 2

Cooper’s ‘Little Wonder’ sheep shearing machine trial at Brewery Flat passed off nicely. It is a simple machine, well-suited to small farmers with 100 to 3,000 sheep. Set up for two men, it can shear 100 to 120 a day and the engine can be used for other on-farm tasks.

Burra Coursing Club has had to abandon its meeting as it needed 16 dogs to be viable and only 9 were entered.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Men are working to clear the mouth of Morphett’s Shaft in order to install a modern engine to unwater the mine. The boring plants are still at work.

Hanson Methodist Sunday School Anniversary was held last Sunday when Rev. R.C. Yeoman preached. The tea meeting is today. The express will stop for the occasion.

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday Manoora 4.7 (31) defeated Burra 2.6 (18).

Burra started three men short and Manoora with its full complement seemed about twice as heavy. The news of the result was despatched to Manoora by carrier pigeon.

Rev. Toshach’s appearance on Monday at the Institute attracted fewer than expected due to the stormy weather. Those who stayed home missed a rare treat. The singing was good and Rev. Toshach has the ability to carry his listeners from laughter and merriment to tears.

Photograph. There is a rare appearance of a photograph in the paper this issue. It is of the roadster stallion Bellatrix, owned by Henry Roach of the Burra Mill. There is a notice that he will travel the district for the 1907 season. This is the valuable horse that had to be rescued after falling into an underground tank some 18 months ago.

Burra Town Council

Advice from the Municipal Assoc. is that the stationmaster’s house is assessable.

A letter is to be sent to the local MPs seeking Government action to secure the town’s water supply as preparations proceed to unwater the mine. Also to seek from the Commissioner of Railways a lamp at the railway station gate.

Obituary. Mr Ryder, son of D. Ryder, father and father-in-law of S. & J. Nickles jun. died on 29 July.

[See also VX, 782, 31 July 1907, page 3.]

VX, 785, 21 Aug. 1907, page 3

Parliamentary Visit to Burra, Friday 16 August, and Labor Party Social.

[Report runs to about 43⁄4 columns.]

At the last minute the Premier, Rt Hon. T. Price was unable to come, but the delegation comprised the Chief Secretary, Commissioner of Crown Lands & Messrs Denny, Goode, Jackson, Miller & Newland. They arrived by the midday train and were met by members of the Town Council and Thomas Davis, President of the local Labor Party Branch. They went to the school, where the Cadet Corps formed a guard of honour and performed a drill. The school was then inspected and Dr Sangster, as Chairman of the Burra School Board of Advice, raised the matter of the school being made a Continuation School as it would save much expense for parents if children could complete their education locally. Mr G. Scott, the head teacher, gave a history of the school – there are 283 presently on the roll.

The children sang The Song of Australia and Joyce Taplin recited Excelsior.

The visitors then went to the Reformatory, the Mine and the Burra Hospital, among other places.

A sumptuous spread was provided at Miss Vivian’s Court House Hotel, and in the evening the party went to the Institute, where they gave addresses on the current state of politics interspersed with songs. The hall was decorated and bedecked with Labor Party slogans.

Chief Secretary, Hon. Kirkpatrick said the closer settlement scheme was a major plank of the party. Owners of large estates were being fairly compensated: where necessary with a fair price + 15%. Civil servants were getting 7/- a day. The NT problem was being solved and would save them £120,000 p.a. The Party was still pursuing Legislative Council reform and wanted to see household suffrage. At present the Legislative Council represented only 2/7 of the population.

Commissioner of Crown Lands, Hon. L. O’Loughlin (a Liberal in coalition with Labor) said he was glad that despite the lack of compulsory purchase they had been able to buy up Petherton, Shafton, Braefoot and Cartapo, among other estates, for closer settlement. They had only about 5,000,000 acres of agricultural land within Goyder’s Line and therefore these large estates could not be allowed to lock up this limited agricultural land ‘to no good purpose’. He also supported Legislative Council reform.

W.J. Denny.

His speech was devoted to the then current clash between the House of Assembly and the Legislative Council over the reform of the latter.

W. Miller continued on the same theme.

Mr Goode continued on the franchise and on other matters currently blocked by the Upper House, which was ‘on strike’.

Mr Jackson continued on the franchise.

Mr J. Newland basically thanked electors for his recent success and for the success of this Labor Party Social as well as endorsing the reforms already canvassed. The Party had had some local concerns brought to their attention, which would be addressed on their return to Adelaide.

Mr O’Loughlin proposed a vote of thanks to those assisting in making the meeting a success.

Mr Miller proposed the vote of thanks to the chairman.

Mr Davis suitably replied.

Refreshments and a ball followed.

VX, 786, 28 Aug. 1907, page 2

Shearers seem to be in short supply, though some northern and eastern sheds have made a start.

Caterpillars are playing havoc with grass and wheat crops to the east and have entered the town too. One day last week the road to Baldina was literally covered with them.

The Catholic Dance has been transferred from the schoolroom to the Institute tonight on account of the numbers responding.

Mr B. Lowe, son of C. Lowe of Redruth, was presented with a Gladstone bag on Saturday evening by the employees of Drew & Crewes on the eve of his departure for Broken Hill, where he joins W.J. Edwards, tailor, late of Burra.

Miss Alice Collins of ‘Lucernedale’ Mt Bryan won the championship shooting match in Adelaide in conjunction with the Women’s Work Exhibition. She intends to join the newly-formed Mt Bryan Rifle Club.

The good season has caused rabbits to multiply alarmingly.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Work at Morphett’s Shaft continues and headway with the timbering is being made. The engine to unwater the mine is expected shortly.

Women’s Work Exhibition. Last Saturday special fares allowed 96 children and their guardians to travel to Adelaide to see the Women’s Work Exhibition for 1/6. About 46 children remained in Adelaide for a week’s holiday. The report of their day out runs to 1 column.

VX, 786, 28 Aug. 1907, page 3

Mt Bryan Ratepayers have resolved at a meeting to demolish the old Council Chamber and to build an Institute.

Baldina Methodist Church Anniversary was held 18 August when Rev. S. Kessell preached. That and the tea meeting on Wednesday were held in excellent weather and were well attended. T. Halls provided a cab for 1/- return and many people from Burra attended. £10-1-6 was raised.

Princess Elise Copper Mine is looking very well and hundreds of thousands of tons of milling ore await treatment.

Football. The premiership was decided on Saturday when Kooringa 96 defeated Aberdeen 21.

The Floradora Ball at the Institute on 21 August is reported as a great success.

Burra Institute, Monday. There was a good attendance for a lantern lecture by the Misses Matthews in aid of Aboriginal Mission Funds.

Redruth Court

W.H. Vivian, landlord of the Commercial Hotel was charged with after hours trading and fined £10 + costs.

VX, 787, 4 Sep. 1907, page 2

Editorial on The New Tariff.

The new tariff was discussed at a Public meeting at the institute on Friday. It was not as largely attended as it should have been. The tax on all imported articles will increase the cost of living 3/- to 5/- a week and in many cases more. Why is this increase in Government income necessary? To pay the Parliamentary salaries.

[This column of condemnation is not, on the whole, well argued, being vague, generalised, and lacking in carefully argued logic.]

Accident. Charley Preiss fell asleep on his way to Baldina last Friday and the horses fell into the deep creek on the turn towards Barker’s. One horse fell on top of another one and the wagon became jammed in the creek and needed seven or eight horses to pull it out. A third horse escaped and went home. The animals in the creek were both injured and one is not expected to recover.

[The article makes no mention of injury to Charley or to his fate!]

Obituary. John Honan, an old resident of Mutooroo, aged c. 52 has died of cancer of the jaw. He leaves a wife and four children, the youngest aged 14. Mrs M. Honan of the Paddock, Kooringa, is his mother.

[Died 29 August 1907 aged 53 at Kooringa, residence Thackaringa NSW.]

Tennis. The AGM of Kooringa Methodist Tennis Club on Wednesday reported it was in credit £10-0-6. [Though the statements of receipts and expenditure suggest the figure was £16-0-6.] Elected were President, Rev. S. Kessell; Captain I.A. Macindoe; Vice-Captain, N. Pearce; Secretary, P. Milner; Treasurer, Miss G. Pearce. Court to be tar dressed.

J.E. Greenwood has commenced business in Kooringa as a tinsmith and ironworker, next to Pederson’s cash boot shop. He worked here some time ago before going to Adelaide and Gawler.

VX, 787, 4 Sep. 1907, page 3

The Tariff. There is 12⁄3 column of detail of the meeting chaired by the Mayor, W.C.L. West.

Cr J. Wise moved a long motion in opposition to the proposed tariff. He considered how the tariff would affect primary industries, both agriculture and mining. Mr McGilchrist 2nd. He considered how it would affect the working man in particular. The tariff is supposed to protect local industry, but it is absurd. To protect one small wire netting manufacturer in NSW the whole country will pay £3 per ton duty on imported netting. There will be 3d per lb on tobacco and 6d a lb on tobacco leaf. 3d per gallon is added to kerosene and there are 15 million gallons of duty free kerosene in stock on which importers will make £137,000 etc.

Mr Winnall said that though intended to protect Australian industry it also ‘protected’ those things it was impossible for us to produce.

Dr Sangster also spoke in support of the motion, as the burden would fall unequally on the poor.

Motion carried.

Cr W.G. Neville then moved a motion condemning the recent increase in Parliamentary salaries. 2nd E.K. Collins and carried unanimously.

The propositions as carried are to be forwarded to Sir Frederick Holder, MP for the district.

St Joseph’s. The ladies arranging the church bazaar held a successful dance on Wednesday in the Institute and the £5 nett profit will be distributed amongst the stalls.

Michael Tobin. The WA Government has sent a substantial cheque to the parents of the late Michael Tobin as some compensation for the death of their son, together with a letter acknowledging the high regard in which he was held in the 13 years or so he was in their service.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. Matches are reported. R. Fairchild won the vernier that was given as the prize, though it is thought he rather tricked the handicapper by having a practice target at Leighton unknown to the handicapper.

Firing on Monday saw I.A. Macindoe 97 and J. Clarke 93, in the lead for Capt. Lord’s medal and J. Clarke 103 and W. Lomman 100, leading for the Caroona Cup.

Football. On Saturday Kooringa beat the Ramblers when each played with about half a team plus substitutes. [Scores are not cited.]

VX, 788, 11 Sep. 1907, page 2

Editorial on the possible double dissolution of the SA Parliament.

Leslie Carey, 5th son of F.J. Carey, had his leg broken at Fred. Kemble’s blacksmith’s shop on Friday when a large grinding stone fell on it.

Obituary. Mrs William Highett of Thames St died of consumption on Monday. She was the sister of the late Mrs W. Kellaway. [Mary Helena Highett died 9 September 1907 at Kooringa aged 39, but even with the clue provided I cannot find her marriage or birth.]

Mr George, the stationmaster, has been moved to North Adelaide, to be replaced by Mr Hinde. There are also changes to engine drivers, stokers and cleaners, so that in all about 25-30 people will leave Burra.

Mr [E.] Rumball, the stationmaster at Mt Bryan, has been moved to be replaced by J.H. Walker.

VX, 788, 11 Sep. 1907, page 3

United Labor Party, Burra Branch, 1st AGM was held at the residence of T. Gregg at the Smelts. President T. Davis took the chair. There are 121 members and T. Davis was re-elected with T. Harris as Vice-President and T. Gregg as Treasurer. R.J.J. Ockenden is Secretary.

Copper has fallen to £74 a ton.

Albert Henry Moore, blacksmith of Kooringa, was given a second-class certificate of insolvency for two years last Thursday.

Foy & Gibson’s department store opened in Adelaide on Monday.

Redruth Methodist Church Spring Fair in the Institute on Friday was opened by the Mayor, W.L.C. West. Takings were £80, up £10 on last year. Church property debt is £440 and enough has been raised to see the trustees through the year.

Chess club tournament is led by Rev. Kessell, H. Roach and W.H. Hardy.

VX, 789, 18 Sep. 1907, page 2

Shearing machines are being used in some sheds this year.

Some wheat farmers are also rearing fat lambs.

Salvation Army will hold a Swiss fair at the Barracks on Thursday and Friday night. Ice cream and hot peas will be served.

St Joseph’s Schoolroom: euchre tournament tonight.

VX, 789, 18 Sep. 1907, page 3

Burra Defence Rifle Club. Three best scores last match: C. Pearce 99, A.B. Riggs 96 and J. Clarke 95.

The All Blacks, family of orchestra and singers in conjunction with the latest moving pictures, are coming to Burra on Saturday.

Burra Racing Club AGM called for 4 October.

Burra Town Council.

D. Jones tender for painting the morgue at the cemetery [i.e. the mortuary chapel] was accepted at £4-10-0.

Resolved that the town lamps not be lit for the seven nights before full moon and for two nights after.

Rev. Samuel Gray visited Burra last week.

Mr C.H. Hague, teller at the National Bank, is about to move on. He has been a force in the Burra musical & Dramatic Club. He goes to take charge of the Yongala branch.

Copper has fallen to £70 a ton.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Preparations to unwater the mine continue at Morphett’s Shaft.

Marriage. On Saturday Ethel Lines, 3rd daughter of Mrs T. Lines married Mr Sullivan.

VX, 790, 25 Sep. 1907, page 2

The All Blacks combination played to a good house and the pictures were among the best ever seen.

Weather. The dryness of the season is causing great concern and many wheat crops will be cut for hay.

Iron Mine Methodist Church Tennis Club was formed on Saturday.

Salvation Army. The proceeds from the two-day Swiss Fair in connection with their self-denial effort this year were highly satisfactory.

VX, 790, 25 Sep. 1907, page 3

St Joseph’s Euchre Social & Dance was successfully staged last Wednesday.

Burra-Adelaide Cycle Race.

On Saturday a fairly large crowd gathered in Market Square to see off the riders in the bicycle road race to Adelaide. It was reported that tacks had been strewn over the road about a mile from town and as there were a number of punctures just about there, it was probably true. 42 riders left Burra. All went well and the worst injury to a rider was to McDonald, who was so fatigued he fell getting off his bike after finishing and cut his hand badly. Fastest time was A. McDonald (WA) in 6 hrs 10 59 3.5 [three fifths of a second?] and the winner on handicap was H.G. Williams in 6 hr 14 5 2.5 with a 33 minute handicap.

Copper has fallen to £66-5-0 a ton.

The Tariff Bill has passed the House of Representatives.

Football. Kooringa Football Club met at R.D. Pascoe’s rooms on Friday evening. The annual dinner is to be at Lord’s Hotel on 1 October. The club played 13 games and won 11. 1 was lost and 1 drawn. 1 was forfeited by Aberdeen.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. For the Caroona Cup J. Clarke is leading from G. Lord, C. Pearce and W. Lomman.

Weather. A good rain fell on Monday and the Burra Creek was flowing Tuesday morning. Kooringa got almost 80 points and Baldina 60. To the east falls were lighter: mostly around 20 points.

Chess Club tournament is led by Rev. Kessell and R.G. Galle.

VX, 791, 2 Oct. 1907, page 2

Mr [E.] Rumball, stationmaster at Mt Bryan, was tendered a social at the schoolroom before leaving for Yunta. He and his wife were presented with a seltzogene and a travelling rug.

[Seltzogene: an apparatus for making aerated water; a soda water maker.]

Obituary. A man named Smith, aged 42 and a native of Burra, was killed at the Block 10 Mine in Broken Hill. [The only Smith born in Burra at about the right year was Aaron Smith born 10 July 1864 at Redruth, but perhaps native does not imply actually born there.]

VX, 791, 2 Oct. 1907, page 3

The Burra Show was held at Victoria Park on Wednesday last in fine weather and proved to be the best since the society’s resuscitation. The day began drizzly, but cleared by 10 o’clock. The gate takings were £70. Much of the success was due to the thoroughness of Secretary, John McLaren.

Dairy produce was well forward.

Poultry was a highlight.

Stock exhibits were up.

Blood and draught stock were both good.

There were few cattle.

Sheep were as usual the highlight of the show and the quality was better than ever.

Lack of entries caused the cancellation of wood-chopping and shearing.

Pigs were poorly represented.

[Personal interest:

A. Forrest jun. won:

Draught horse entire 2nd

2-year old draught filly 1st

Yearling draught filly 1st

Pair of plough horses 1st & 2nd

Dray horse 1st & 2nd

Pair of trolly horses in trolly 2nd

Ah Chin won 1st in the following:

Newfoundland dog

Collection not less than 6 herbs 2 marrows

6 red beet 6 carrots

3 cabbages 3 sticks celery

3 cauliflowers bunch of green onions

6 white turnips 6 varieties of vegetables

6 parsnips At least 5 salad vegetables

6 sticks rhubarb 2 pie melons

In Flowers:

12 cut flowers L.R. Fuss 2nd

6 cut flowers L.R. Fuss 2nd

6 antirrhinums L.R. Fuss 1st

3 antirrhinums L.R. Fuss 2nd

6 anemones L.R. Fuss 1st

3 anemones L.R. Fuss 1st

6 poppies L.R. Fuss 1st

3 poppies L.R. Fuss 1st

3 pelargoniums A. Fuss 1st & 2nd

1 pelargonium A. Fuss 1st & 2nd

Hand bouquet L.R. Fuss 2nd

Ladies’ spray L.R. Fuss 2nd

(L.R. Fuss = Lawrence Robert & A. Fuss = August.)]

VX, 792, 9 Oct. 1907, page 2

Kooringa Methodist Church Diamond Jubilee was held last Sunday and the Rev. R.S. Casely preached morning and evening with Rev. T. Lloyd in the afternoon. There were good congregations and the tea meeting was on Monday.

Miss Killicoat was presented with a silver cake dish at Burra School last week. She is leaving the school after a number of years to be married tomorrow morning.

Burra Town Council.

C. Grow has been instructed to remove the fence in Quarry St by 19 Oct.

The Mayor and Cr Neville will inspect the Black Bridges at Redruth and Kooringa.

United Labor Party Committee Meeting. Mr F. Carless was presented with a gold medal for his valued services. He regretted having to resign the secretaryship. Mr T.A. Gregg, the late Treasurer, has resigned and left the district and is replaced by Mr T. Carpenter.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. Best scores on Saturday to E.E. Killicoat, H.E. Riggs, J. Clarke & C.C. Lord.

VX, 792, 9 Oct. 1907, page 3

Football. The Kooringa Football Club social at the Burra hotel on Tuesday is reported in 2 columns.

W.H. Hardy took the chair. Speakers expressed their disappointment at the failure of players to turn up after being picked for a game. This resulted in teams sometimes starting with as few as 12 players. The second round had as a consequence not been finished as the Ramblers and Aberdeen were unable to finish the season.

[The report also reveals that by the time speeches had started some of the crowd had consumed plenty of alcohol.]

Mr Macindoe reported results:

Team Played Won Drawn Lost Points For Points Against

Kooringa 13 11 1 1 847 242

Aberdeen 13 4 2 7 260 408

Ramblers 13 2 1 10 227 624

Burra Racing Club AGM was held last Friday at Vivian’s Commercial Hotel with G. Lord in the chair.

Sec. W.H. Hardy said counter attractions and poor weather had reduced takings. The Club ended with a credit balance of over £20. Elected: Patron, Hon. J. Lewis MLC; President, J. Tennant; Secretary, W.H. Hardy; Application to be made for a meeting in January.

VX, 793, 16 Oct. 1907, page 2

Bread. The price of a 2 lb loaf has risen from 3d to 31⁄2d.

Bridges. The two large bridges in town are to get better protection for pedestrians, but the smaller ones also need attention. The footbridge at the rear of the Burra Hotel is very rickety and so is that at the Pig and Whistle crossing.

Chess Club: the tournament finished with R.G. Galle narrowly ahead of Rev. Kessell.

VX, 793, 16 Oct. 1907, page 3

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club met on Tuesday to farewell C.H. Hague who has been a Burra resident for 15 years with the National Bank. He has now been promoted to manage the Yongala Branch. Speeches were made by Messrs J. Drew, C.C. Williams, T.W. Wilkinson, C.A. Fuss, Mr Winnall, Mr J.F. Moore (Manager of the National Bank), F.T Harcus (Manager of the Bank of Australasia), W.B. Page, L.A. Lewis, I.A. Macindoe, P. Milner, S.M. Lane & J. Davis. Mr Sewell, who succeeds Mr Hague, was welcomed.

Mr G.J. Middleton, the new stationmaster, has arrived from Wallaroo.

Court.

Walter T. Truscott was fined £2 plus £3-9-0 costs for dressing a pig at the rear of his shop in Market Square. He claimed it was killed at the licensed slaughterhouse at Diprose Creek and because the copper there was broken was brought to his shop to be scraped before returning to the slaughterhouse to be dressed. The bench found scraping to be sufficiently part of dressing to inflict the punishment. Packard, for the defendant, warned of an appeal.

Obituary. F.A. Brandt (Freddie), 3rd son of Albert Brandt, aged 22, of Mitchell Flat, died as a result of diabetes. [See also VX, 794, 23 Oct. 1907, page 2.]

[Born Albert Frederick Brandt 27 October 1885 at Kooringa: died 9 October 1907 at Kooringa.]

Copper is quoted at £65 per ton.

Marriage. On Thursday Miss R. Killicoat married Mr N.H. Pearse of ‘The Gums’.

VX, 794, 23 Oct. 1907, page 2

Obituary. Albert Frederick Brandt, 3rd son of Albert & Catherine Brandt and brother of George & Henry of Broken Hill and of August & Mrs W. Voumard of Burra, died aged 22.

[See also VX, 793, 16 Oct. 1907, page 3.]

Redruth Court, Monday.

Fanny McWaters was fined 2/6 + 10/- costs for failing to send her son Harold to school as required.

E.W. Crewes & H. Pattye were each fined 2/6 for driving without a light on their vehicles.

Obituary. Joseph Ford of ‘Basin Farm’ has died. He lived here since 1859, working first as a miner before going to the Summer Hill Goldfields. On his return he took up the land where he died on Thursday night last, aged 84. He came from Redruth, Cornwall and leaves four sons: Samuel, John, & Frank of Burra and Elisha of Southwark. There are also three daughters: Mrs Symons (Broken Hill), Mrs T. Rogers (Hanson), & Annie (at home). [Died 17 October 1907 aged 84.]

Burra Town Council.

The wooden crossing near Mrs Theuff’s in Quarry St is to be removed and filled in.

Dayman to remove the fence in Quarry St, belonging to Mr Grow, at Mr Grow’s expense.

Influenza is raging in the town at present.

VX, 794, 23 Oct. 1907, page 3

Obituary. George Webber, an old Burra identity, died in Broken Hill last Wednesday. He was employed for some years by Samuel Drew & Co. and went to Broken Hill in 1886 with his wife and family. [Probably the George Webber born c. 1842, father Peter Webber and who married Maria Turner at Kooringa in 1865 and had a large family in Kooringa.]

Burra Defence Rifle Club continues to have interest in the Caroona Cup. The best shots on Saturday were: G. Lord, H.E. Riggs and A.L. Kellock.

Aberdeen Ballast Quarry had three shifts at work on Saturday.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Work at Morphett’s Shaft has been abandoned for the time. Boring continues.

Elder, Smith & Co. yarded close on 24,000 sheep on Friday.

VX, 795, 30 Oct. 1907, page 2

Burra’s motorcars. An item reports that five of the town’s cars were simultaneously out of action in the last week, being repaired either at Jack Richard’s Garage in Kooringa or in Adelaide. It suggests that there were only six cars in the town at the time.

Kingston St Bridge. An item about the antics of a drunk on ‘Henderson’s Bridge’ reveals that pig-wire netting had been added to the sides as a safety measure for pedestrians.

White Cedars. An item draws attention to the dangers to pedestrians from the berries of the cedar trees.

Accident. Albert Griffiths, a lad employed by Charley Morgan on his baker’s cart, fell from the vehicle in Redruth on Saturday and was knocked unconscious. The head wound required 14 stitches and the concussion was regarded as serious.

Salvation Army. The self-denial appeal has raised £152 compared with £100 last year.

Staff Capt. McNee, who has been in command in Burra for six months, was farewelled on Sunday. She has done an excellent job and has been assisted by Lieut. Wiseman who remains and will be joined by Captain Bartlett for a few weeks.

Obituary. William Seitner, an old eastern identity died at E.A. Moore’s in Thames St on Friday.

[Died 25 October 1907 at Kooringa, residence Baldina aged 70.]

Braemar Station has been sold by ‘Jack’ Pick to A. McBride.

Robertstown Railway

A meeting at the Robertstown Hotel on 16 October has urged the Government to construct a railway from Eudunda to Robertstown. The north end of settlement is about 20 miles from a railway and thousands of acres of good wood are being burned for lack of a railway to send it to a market. Phosphate mines in the area could also be worked as well as the obvious benefits to farmers. There will be a deputation to the Government on 30 October.

VX, 795, 30 Oct. 1907, page 3

St Joseph’s Annual Fair was opened on Friday by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr Norton DD, Bishop of Pt Augusta. The debt on the church property was still about £2,300. The Bishop thanked non-Catholics for their assistance on such occasions and also spoke in favour of State Aid for the school. Over £100 was raised.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. A.R. Creswick, dentist, has donated £1-1-0 to the club as a prize and the highest score over four matches will receive 15/- and the second will get 6/-.

Tennis. On 19 Oct. at Aberdeen: Aberdeen 11-61 defeated Mt Bryan 0-15.

Leighton Tennis Club court will be opened next Saturday.

Burra Mine is very quiet.

Marriage. On Wednesday Cissy Halls married Charles Pearce.

VX, 796, 6 Nov. 1907, page 2

Salvation Army. Captain Bartlett has taken up her post.

Redruth Methodist Sunday School Anniversary on 10 November. Rev. C. Holmes of Hallett will preach. The service of song will be Paul the Little Mediator. On 11 November the annual picnic will be held at Sod Hut with the tea meeting in the Lecture hall on 13 November.

J.M. McBride last week gave £120 to the Foreign Missions and has given £80 to Home Missions. He is one of the most liberal and yet unostentatious of philanthropists in the district. He is known for his many acts of kindness to the poor in the town.

St Joseph’s. The Bishop is making a determined effort to collect funds to reduce the £2,300 debt of St Joseph’s church, convent and school.

Mrs Goldsworthy of Thames St had five laying fowls stolen recently. This is particularly cruel as her fowls are the only source of income for the old lady.

Obituary. William Greenwood, aged 34, drowned at Mannum last Sunday, leaving a wife and two small children. He was a brother of J.E. Greenwood of Burra. [Died 3 November 1907 aged 33.]

John Hayes of ‘Rocky Glen’ Mt Bryan East has turned 92. He reared a family of 22.

Mr Craig of Cartapoo, Hallett, is failing fast.

Obituary. Catherine Kain, relict of Martin Kain of Hamley Bridge, aged 88, has died. She was the mother of J.Q. Hogan of Leighton, where she has resided for the last 10 years.

[Died 4 November 1907 at Leighton. She was the mother-in-law of J.Q. Hogan.]

Fire. On 29 October a fire at Woolgangi destroyed six rooms of the employee’s quarters. The fire then spread to the main homestead, but was extinguished there. The insured loss is estimated at between £300 & £400.

E.K. Collins writes condemning the backdown of the Government when the Legislative Council refused to pass their franchise bill. [The Government wanted a £15 franchise for the Council and the Council finally allowed a £17 limit.]

Marriage. At the Kooringa Methodist church on 23 October Florence (Ciss) Halls, eldest daughter of Thomas P. Halls married Charles J. Pearce, 2nd son of Mr William Pearce of Kooringa.

VX, 796, 6 Nov. 1907, page 3

Governor’s Visit, of 1 November.

The Governor, Sir George Le Hunte, paid a semi-private visit to inspect the Reformatory, School and Hospital in a short three-hour visit. He was met by Dr Sangster in his car. Mrs Holden conducted the Governor around the Reformatory. Headmaster, George Scott, and the chairman of the School Board of Advice, Dr Sangster Sen., showed him around the school. The Corps of Cadets formed a guard of honour. After looking at the building and visiting classes there was an assembly. Lunch was taken at Dr Sangster’s and the Hospital Board met him at the Hospital in the afternoon before he took the afternoon train to Adelaide.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. There was a match at Leighton on Wednesday on the range near the McDonald Bros. Home. Burra 566 defeated Leighton 540.

In the Saturday match for Capt. Lord’s gold medal the best scores were L. Stephens 80 from G. Scott 71 and E. Pearce 71.

Burra Town Council has licensed J. Wise & Son, H. Rabbich & O’Leary Bros. As butchers.

Rain out east has produced falls between 50 and 125 points.

Tennis. On Saturday the Leighton court opened. It was very dusty and windy. James McWaters opened the court and Mr Warnes also spoke. Bert McWaters thanked the ladies for refreshments. With about 22 games played, Leighton beat Iron Mine by one game.

VX, 797, 13 Nov. 1907, page 2

Fire. There was a grass fire in Elder, Smith’s paddock in the north end of town and several acres of grass were burnt.

The Friendly Societies’ Church Parade will be held on 24 November at 3 p.m. at St Mary’s.

Mt Bryan. Tenders have been called for the demolition of the old Council Chambers.

Redruth Court, 12 November.

H. Roach was fined 2/6 + 15/- costs for driving without a light.

R. Austin was fined 2/6 + 10/- costs for driving without a light.

VX, 797, 13 Nov. 1907, page 3

Burra Defence Rifle Club. In the race for Capt. Lord’s gold medal the cumulative scores so far are: J. Clarke 10, I. Macindoe 5, E. Kellock 5 and J.A. Riggs 5.

On Monday at Burra Clare 735 defeated Burra 713.

The ladies small-bore rifle match drew 21 competitors and Miss Sandland won from Miss A. Harris in a shoot-off.

Obituary. William Pryde, aged 66, died on Wednesday 6 November [near Booborowie]. He was born in Scotland and arrived in SA in 1865 and came to Burra 33 years ago. He became a farmer near Iron Mine. He leaves a widow, two daughters and four sons: Mrs H. Nourse (Copperhouse), Ellen (at home), William (Booborowie), George (Iron Mine), David & Robert (at home).

Redruth Court, 6 November.

Fanny McWaters fined 5/- for being drunk.

Hallett Sports were held last Monday.

Guy Fawkes got a warm time last week.

Salvation Army. Supper & ice cream tomorrow night at the Barracks for 6d & 3d.

Harry Woollacott leaves Burra today for the Salvation Army Training Home in Melbourne. He is a son of T.H. Woollacott.

Obituary. Lawrence O’Brien, who kept the Court House Hotel until a few months ago, has been killed by a train in Kalgoorlie, aged 50-60 years.

VX, 798, 20 Nov. 1907, page 2

Weather. Rain on Saturday produced 42 points locally.

Bert Opperman and his brother dug out four young foxes on Wandillah last Saturday. They have caught 14 in the same area in 12 months.

Attempted Suicide. Last Friday the three small children of Fanny McWaters missed their mother and despite a search and enquiries could not find her. In the early hours of Saturday morning they found her bed not slept in and began looking again at dawn. They eventually went to a well in Paxton Square at the rear of the house and found their mother at the bottom. They informed Mr Luke Day, who sent one to the police and returned to the scene. M-C Clarke was lowered, but when at the bottom could do little as he had put his shoulder out in descending. J.H. James of Kadina assisted. M-C Clarke was brought up and then Mrs McWaters. She said she had jumped in because she was starving and Cummings, with whom she had been living, was coming home. So much rubbish had been thrown down the well that there was a surface layer over the water that supported her. Even so it is remarkable that she survived given the rocky projections on the walls. Dr Sangster sent her to the hospital when she had been extricated from the bedsteads, tubs, kerosene tins and broken bottles at the bottom. Her injuries proved to be minor.

Accident. G. Burton of Mt Bryan was badly shaken and required medical treatment after running into sheep on his bicycle when going home the other night. The sheep apparently were camped on the main road for the night!

Mrs e. Frederick of Thames St writes complaining that she does not want, nor has she asked for Government rations and whoever asked for them on her behalf ‘had better mind their own business, I don’t want visitors or help’.

Copper is now £60 a ton.

VX, 799, 27 Nov. 1907, Page 2

Obituary. William Bullen, husband of Rosina Bullen died 21 November at Quarry St aged 63.

[See further details next page of this issue.]

Burra Town Council. Retiring members:

Mayor W.C.L. West (will stand again)

North Ward Cr Neville

West Ward Cr S. Burns

East Ward Cr A. Bennetts

Philanthropy. After the pathetic McWaters’ incident last week when five children were left friendless and hungry with no one to say a kind word Joe (‘Battler’) Halls [11] appealed to his parents to take them in, promising to share his tucker with them if they did so. Mr & Mrs T.P. Halls did take them in and cared for them. Mrs Halls washed and ironed their clothes and Joe cleaned all their boots. They were perfectly turned out for their appearance in court. [See below.] Mr & Mrs Day sent along food to help them in the first stage of their troubles.

Redruth Court, Friday morning.

Fanny McWaters was charged on the information of M-C Clarke with attempting to murder herself on 16 November by throwing herself down a well in Paxton Square. Clarke said he was asked to go and see about getting Mrs McWaters out of it. He descended the well and the woman was subsequently brought up. She said she had committed the act because she expected Cummings home and there was no food in the house for the children. She was not called to give evidence and was bound over to keep the peace for six months on her own recognisance of £5.

Before the same bench the children: Morton Harold (11), Otto William (8), Dorothy (8), William Henry (5), Birdie Evelyn (5) and George Stanley William (3) were charged with being neglected children. Evidence was tendered that the mother Fanny McWaters was addicted to drink and her home was visited by men on one occasion from 9 to 11 November she had left her house and children and had subsequently tried to do away with herself. The children were sent to the Industrial School till age 18. The mother made no demonstration at the decision, but asked for custody of the baby aged three, but this was refused.

VX, 799, 27 Nov. 1907, Page 3

Mt Bryan East Public School held its picnic 19 November in Messrs Thomas & Gare’s paddock about two miles from the school with plenty of shade and water. All kinds of sport were played by both students and adults. A ladies v. gentlemen cricket match was regarded as great fun when the men had to wear women’s apparel and use a pick-handle as a bat. Walking blindfolded for the rooster in the box was one of the most amusing events and the bird was won by Mr B.H.K. Dunstan. He gave it back to be contested for by the ladies and it was then won by Mrs B.H.K. Dunstan who also gave it back to be tried for by the younger ladies and this time it went to Miss G. Taylor.

Redruth Court

Michael Roberts was charged with not taking a direct line to market with 5,000 travelling sheep as required under the Act. He said that although guilty it was an unintended offence. He explained that he was a stranger to SA and in attempting to change from Jamestown Market (which was full) to Crystal Brook he had doubled back. The ranger was clearly not buying this excuse, but the bench which could have fined him £50 settled for £2-10-0 plus costs to bring the total to £4-8-0.

Burra Sports have been postponed from Boxing Day to Easter Monday. Boxing Day has many other attractions in other places and it is impossible for riders and runners to get to the sports and then to their holidays as well. For farmers it is also a busy time.

Mt Bryan Agricultural Bureau met on 18 November when the discussion was on fallow. It was mostly about how to fallow and how much breaking up of the soil should be involved. The view was that finely tilled soil was highly desirable. Speakers generally agreed that ‘fallow could not be worked too much’. Moisture was best conserved on well-worked fallow.

Burra Town Council Ratepayers’ Meeting will be held tonight when the Mayor will read his report.

Obituary. Mr E. (Emanuel) Fredrick who for some years kept a boarding house in Thames St died on Friday morning. Some weeks ago he developed trouble swallowing and then refused food. He got weaker and became mentally deranged.

Obituary. Mr William Bullen of Kooringa died [21 November] aged 63. He arrived in the early days and worked as a blacksmith at the Burra Mine. He was also closely associated with the church and Sunday school. He had been ailing for some time with a heart condition and recently contracted influenza and despite careful nursing he did not rally, dying on Thursday afternoon. He leaves a wife and 10 adult daughters: Mesdames Walter Morgan (Ironmine), Robert Williams (Queenscliff), Thomas McBride (Redcliffe Station), Arthur Jordan (Gawler), D. Kelly (Pt Pirie), William Morgan (Kooringa) and the Misses Lottie (Pt Pirie) and Alice, Myrtle & Gertie at home.

VX, 800, 4 Dec. 1907, page 2

Ourselves. We will issue a beautiful three-colour calendar with our Christmas issue.

Burra School Visitors’ Day was on Friday. The Chairman of the School Board of Advice, Dr Sangster Sen. addressed the children and granted a half-holiday.

Obituary. Mrs Dixon died at Burra Hospital on Thursday, aged 72. She is survived by her mother, aged 90, a husband, four daughters and five sons: Mrs Williams (Farrell’s Flat), Mrs Taylor (Gawler), Mrs Earle (Petersburg), Mrs E. Beckwith (Belalie), W, J. & A (at home), Thomas (Petersburg) and George (Black Springs). [Born Sarah Ann Holbrook & died 29 November 1907 at Kooringa, residence Hanson.]

‘Sympathy’ writes calling for some Christmas cheer for the poor.

Burra Defence Rifle Club. For the Caroona Cup on Saturday the best results were by A.L. Kellock 96 from T. Rosewall & I. Macindoe 95.

Municipal Elections. Candidates:

East Ward F.J. Carey

E.J. Harris

North Ward W.H. Hardy

E.C. Sedgman

C.H. Lowe

West Ward Cr Burns elected unopposed

Mayor W.C.L. West elected unopposed

Fire. A drover camped near T. Harvey’s seems to have started a fire on Friday from his cooking fire. Mr Harvey’s oat crop was being reaped and he lost c. 20 bags of oats. The fire destroyed 40 acres of Mrs Affolter’s grass, the mainstay of her cows, upon which she relies. The fire was halted at a creek.

World’s End Races will be held on New Year’s Day.

Terowie Sports will be held on New Year’s Day.

Burra Races are scheduled for 25 March.

VX, 800, 4 Dec. 1907, page 3

Ratepayers’ Meeting, last Wednesday, presided over by E.W. Crewes.

Only 3 or 4 ratepayers were there at 8 p.m., but gradually about 30 drifted in.

The Mayor reported and his report is printed. The expenditure for the year approximately matches income.

The lamp lighting item of £67-13-4 includes the cost of six new acetylene lamps.

Tree planting has continued vigorously.

In the cemetery the mortuary chapel was painted.

We have hopes that the length of road from Mr Tiver’s to the Mt Bryan Road will become a main road.

[i.e. from the Royal Exchange Hotel over the White Hart ford to the saleyards.]

The two iron bridges have has wire netting placed on them.

[This followed a couple of accidents in which people fell through the railings.]

The model by-laws prepared by the Municipal Assoc. have been adopted and will be in force as soon as they are gazetted.

Mr W.C.L. West addressed the meeting as he was standing again for Mayor. He favoured extending tar dressing of which some 40 chains had been done this year. (With some 12 chains of kerbing.)

Mr Carey favoured road making, tar dressing and more lights in the town.

Mr Hardy also favoured tar dressing of paths, but felt that some old ones needed redoing before new ones were added. Victoria Park should be made more attractive.

VX, 801, 11 Dec. 1907, page 2

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will sell today in Thames St the contents of the Burra Eating House for Mrs Frederick.

St Joseph’s School picnic was held last Wednesday at Sod Hut.

Municipal Elections. Results:

East Ward Edwin J. Harris 46

Frederick J. Carey 26

North Ward Carl H. Lowe 73

Edward C. Sedgman 16

William H. Hardy 15

Burra Defence Rifle Club. On Wednesday last the best scores were by W. Lomman 91 and A. Bennets 91.

Obituary. Mrs T. Kitchen Sen., late of Burra, died in Broken Hill last week leaving a husband and an adult family of 2 boys and 6 girls. [Born Mary Jane Dunstan.]

Burra Institute Committee. C.H. Hague resigned as he is moving to Yongala.

VX, 802, 18 Dec. 1907, page 2

Kooringa Methodist Church held a hospital service on Sunday and £5 was raised for Burra Hospital.

Weather. There was a severe thunderstorm last Saturday between 9 & 10 p.m., but very little rain fell.

Copperhouse School needs renovation and enlargement as at present the building is overcrowded.

Burra Waterworks. It is a long time since the system has been extended, but now pipes are being laid in Thames and other streets. It had been thought the reservoir would not cater for expansion, but we now know the problem lay with the pump and as this has been made more powerful expansion is possible and will be lucrative, as in many cases the water will not be used, but will be charged for. The aim is to extend water to all streets.

Redruth Court, Monday.

C. Parks, M. Pederson, W. Barkley and Mrs Johanna Warner were each charged 2/6 + 5/- costs for stray cows.

Advt. The Richter Dramatic Co. will appear at the Institute on 24 & 26 December in Sutton Jones’s sensational Melodrama The Village Vagabond and In Mighty London. The star is Miss Florence Richter.

VX, 802, 18 Dec. 1907, page 3

Hill River land sold on Thursday from £5 to £11 per acre.

Salvation Army. On Boxing Night there will be a lecture at the Barracks by W.H. Evans on Keep Smiling and Make the Best of It or The Philosophy of Getting On. E.W. Crewes will preside. Big supper to follow: 6d.

Burra Defence Rifle Club has arranged a trip to Clare for 20 December. On Saturday the best scores were H.E. Riggs 91 from I. Macindoe 78 and N. Pearce & T. Wright both 76.

Obituary. E.A. Johnson died 4 December at Gallia Mine WA by a fall of earth. The deceased was formerly of Burra, where he was known as a pole-vaulter. His monopoly of that contest is largely responsible for its absence from sports programs later.

[The next issue added on page 2 that he was Edward A. Johnson, aged 46. He was born Edward Alfred Johnson 21 July 1861 at Overland Corner.]

Ephraim Diplock of Copperhouse, aged 80, is seriously ill.

Burra Shops at Christmas:

L. Day Corner of Thames and Bridge St. [An error for corner of Thames & Kingston St]

Mr Day’s garden faces Kingston St.

C.H. Ewins Started in Commercial St at the old Auction Mart and is now in the shop on the former vacant lot between Elder, Smith’s and F. Harris.

John Snell Formerly the Temperance Hotel, but now a labour bureau.

L.L. Wicklein Market Square jeweller.

May Streicher In Commercial St: once Mr William Anderson’s boot shop, now ice cream, confectionery fruit, etc.

Mrs C. Pressick Shop once Dobbies, now haberdashery.

C. Parks Once Jock Watt’s on the corner of Commercial and Chapel Sts, now bakery.

Walter Truscott Butcher, Commercial St

C.C. Williams Dishes, buckets, kettles etc.

Pederson & Son Commercial St: boots & shoes.

J.E. Greenwood Tinsmith.

Walker & Son Drapery & boots.

T.W. Wilkinson Cards, stationery, dispensary & perfumery.

Misses Tobin Dresses etc.

Urwin & Sons Clothes & millinery.

Mrs Kellaway Fruit, lollies etc.

Mr Pascoe Hairdressing & tobacconist.

VX, 802, 18 Dec. 1907, page 4

W.L. Seabury Bought out Pearce Bros. Formerly Bath & Pearce: ladies & gents wearing apparel, dairy produce, crockery and chinaware.

Gilchrist & Co. Gifts, dolls, electroplate, dressing cases, etc.

Billy Barkley Fruit, vegetables and groceries.

Edwin J. Harris Groceries – The Corner Shop.

F.B.C. (Manager: J. Kellaway) Boots & shoes.

Frank Harris Confectionery.

J. Tiver Railway Stores, Aberdeen.

N.J. Tiddy At the North End: ladies & gents wares

R. Austin Butcher.

George Ridgway Groceries (since the decease of his father)

Miss Bentley Miss Bentley’s on the Corner: periodicals, Christmas cards & presents.

VX, 803, 28 Dec. 1907, page 2

Editorial on Christmas, which has the usual platitudes before turning to local affairs.

As far as Burra is concerned there is no industry in progress that would promise better times ahead. The mine is still inactive and likely to stay so. Despite hearing of a change of ownership and a substantial deposit put down, arrival of boring plants, no satisfactory work has resulted. We would not be surprised to hear of work being abandoned in the near future. Morphett’s Shaft was retimbered and a start was about to be made to unwater the mine when copper prices slumped from £104 to under £70 per ton. Work was curtailed and the men at the shaft were laid off.

The closer settlement scheme has been more promising and has placed some 35 families on properties within a few miles of Burra.

Burra School juniors had a tea party on Wednesday given by their teacher, Miss Cleggett, assisted by parents.

Music Results. Of students prepared by the Sisters at St Joseph’s School, Olive Carey passed the primary division, while Rose Turner & Glen Finch passed the elementary division.

Miss Lane sent Hazel Bartholomaeus for the Royal Academy Exam and she passed the intermediate division.

[Page 3 adds that Amy Harris passed Trinity College singing with 83%.

Farrell’s Flat Cricket Club concert & dance came off on Friday evening and was the most successful ever held there.

VX, 803, 28 Dec. 1907, page 3

‘Live & Let Live’ complains that bakers put the price of bread up before wheat reached its maximum cost, but with wheat prices now falling the bread price remains at 31⁄2d when there would be profit at 21⁄2d.

Burra School Cadets had their first rifle practice on Saturday. Best shots were David Killicoat 37, Darcy Lowe 37 and Vernon Riggs 36.

Copperhouse School break-up was held on Friday with sports and a fine tea and an address by head teacher, R.G. Galle.

Burra Defence Rifle Club Has arranged for a full day’s activity for Boxing Day with 34 prizes to be shot for. They then go to Clare on the 30 December.

VX, 803, 28 Dec. 1907, page 4

Burra School Break-up last Friday is reported in 1 column. The head teacher, Mr G. Scott gave his annual report. The program of songs is printed. There were 329 on the roll and an average attendance of 230 (For the previous four years it had been 291, 269, 254 & 244.) The new regulations requiring so many days a week instead of a quarter had led to many regularly missing one day a week. The prize list is printed. There were 21 boys in the Cadet Corps.

Characteristics of the 1907 paper.

Page 1.

The usual large advertisements both local and other.

Page 2.

Some larger advertisements along with public notices and small advertisements, though there was less of the latter than in past times. Editorials almost vanished. There was an annoying interspersing of printed advertisements with the news.

Page 3.

Correspondence from other towns. Sporting events are reported: at length in the case of football. Overall little evidence that the paper went out to get news – rather that it waited for it to be sent in. Court cases are mostly briefly reported and the Town Council reports are brief and uncontroversial. There are lots of boring repeated advertisements in small print and while the size of the humorous fillers varies greatly, they are sometimes substantial.

Page 4.

Large advertisements and usually one column of Town Information giving who’s who, timetables for trains and a diary of regular meetings for associations, lodges etc.

Numbering of issues in 1907

Volume VX continued for the whole year, having started 12 July 1905.

The year began with Volume VX Number 753 on 2 January 1907

And continued to Volume VX Number 803 on 28 December 1907

Within this series the number 764 was used twice.

VX, 804, 8 Jan. 1908

Page 1, Advertisements.

George Lord Burra Hotel

J. Harris Fruiterer, Grocer, General Dealer

J.C. Killicoat Manager at Jamestown for Strachan & Co.: Wool & Produce Brokers, Stock & Station Agents

R.D. Pascoe Hairdresser, Tobacconist, Stationer, Perfumer

August Bartholomaeus Agent for Norwich Union Fire Insurance, Redruth

S. Burns Blacksmith & Wheelwright, Commercial St

W.T. Truscott Butcher, Market Square

A.R. Creswick Dentist at Vivian’s Commercial Hotel every month.

Thomas American Dentist: visits Burra.

F.J. Carey Agent for W.R. Cave & Co., Wool Buyers

E.K. Collins Agent for George wills & Co., Wheat, Oats & Barley Buyers

W.E. Moore Repairer of Windmills, Clocks, Sewing Machines, also Upholstering

J. Allen Agent for W. Thomas & Co., Wheat Buyers

Luke Day Grocer, Fruiterer & General Dealer, Market Square

Jack Richards Burra Bicycle & Motor Depot, Aberdeen [Actually perhaps Redruth?]

W.A. Gebhardt Baker, Lower Thames St

McGilchrist & Co. ‘The Emporium’ Kooringa, Newsagents, Booksellers, Stationers, Tobacconists, Fancy goods, Edison Phonographs, Large stock of records

Page 2, Advertisements

M. Maughan Dentist at Lord’s Burra Hotel, every six weeks

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd. Auctioneers

J.E. Greenwood Tinsmith & Ironworker (Late Adelaide & Gawler), Market Square

Page 3, Advertisements

Frank Harris Fruit & Confectionery Palace & Registry Office, Market Square

Page 4, Advertisements

Drew & Crewes Merchants & Importers

W. Barkley Grocer & Fruiterer, Kooringa,

(In the shop lately occupied by W.E. Jordan.)

C.C. Williams Ironmonger, Tinsmith, Galvanized Iron Worker, Commercial St

VX, 804, 8 Jan. 1908, page 2

Dalgety & Co. have purchased the block at the corner of Commercial & Chapel Sts, known as Tobin’s, and intend replacing the old buildings with a two storey office building. They will commence as auctioneers early in the New Year in Elder, Smith & Co.’s Yards at Aberdeen.

Accident/Obituary. Mrs Otto Launer’s spring cart was upset at Bright on Thursday. She and her six children were thrown out. The three-month old baby died from its injuries.

[Born Carl Heinrich Launer 5 October 1907: died Charley Henry Launer 2 January 1908.]

Methodist Sunday School picnic at J.C. Sandland’s land at Sod Hut on New Year’s Day was a great success.

Court.

Two young lads, Walter Klaffus and Roy Hammer, were fined 10/- for being drunk in a public place over the holidays. [Both would have been aged 17.]

T.H. Woollacott, John Morgan, Thomas Harris, J.H.A. Fuss, Lucy Gully and Miss E. Preece were each fined 2/6 + 5/- costs for owning straying cows.

Obituary. William Barret Jeffrey, of Porter’s Lagoon, died at the Burra Hospital last Friday aged 71. He leaves a widow and an adult family of 7 sons and 2 daughters, also 27 grandchildren & 1 great-grandchild. [William Barrett Jeffery died 3 January 1908 at Kooringa.]

Obituary. William Nevin, father of Thomas Nevin who was for some time in charge of the Copperhouse School, died at Mallala and was buried at Kooringa. Deceased was for long a packer on the railway line and later caretaker of the crossing near Farrell’s Flat. [Died 6 January 1908 at Mallala.]

Burra Town Council, Monday.

W.H. Hardy wrote in requesting a copy of the new by-laws.

Copies are obtainable from the Town Clerk’s Office for 1/-.

Mr Winnall has been retained as the Council’s solicitor.

Pick and shovel employees are to receive 7/- a day.

VX, 804, 8 Jan. 1908, page 3

C. Adams writes complaining of the smell of dead sheep in the SW corner of the Police Paddock.

Christmas Holidays in Burra. Christmas Day was very hot and Boxing Day was one of the worst for many years. There was a hot sultry and windy morning, but in the afternoon the change came with thunder, lightning and a short, heavy shower of rain. The weather was cooler from then on. Christmas Eve had not been as bustling as the previous year, but trade was better. The Salvation Army serenaded at various places with carols.

Burra Racing Club met at Lord’s Hotel on Friday with J. Lord presiding. President J. Tennant sent an apology, being absent from the district. The races will be held on 25 March. It was resolved to try to stop all on-course betting except through the totalizator. The course will be the same as last year, courtesy of Mr Dew.

Burra High School. The annual break-up and prize giving took place at Bleak House on 19 December. Miss Millar announced her retirement as principal and it is not known yet if the school will continue. Miss Millar will continue to live at Bleak House with her sister, Mrs Robinson. She was presented with an inscribed tea service.

Donald McDonald, an old man who lives opposite the Kooringa Methodist Church, was assaulted when he opened his door on Christmas Eve. He was brutally kicked and had to be admitted to hospital. He says he does not know who did it.

‘it is understood that the matter will be hushed up for obvious reasons.’

[A century on, the reasons are no longer so obvious – but a check of police and court reports may reveal something of his character!]

Terowie Sports passed off well on Wednesday.

Jack Ewins left Burra for Port Augusta last week, having secured a position in a large drapery firm there.

Joe & Tom Tobin left Burra a few days ago for WA.

Wesley Nankivell has returned to Burra from WA, where he recently rescued two children from a burning house.

W. Diplock is seriously indisposed.

Redruth Methodist Church has a new organ. The old one is for sale.

Burra Rifle Club. The last match was shot in poor weather and the 600 yd range could not be used. The prizes went to J. Casey for the 200 yd and J. Schwier for the 500 yd. H.E. Riggs got most bull’s eyes. In the teams’ match on Boxing Day: Eastern Team 385 defeated Burra Team 366.

On 31 December at Clare and Watervale Burra 988 defeated Clare 975 and Watervale 840 defeated Burra 821.

Weather. For two days it has reached 108°F and yesterday 110°F and birds, including domestic fowls, have been dying in large numbers.

Bridges. Work is to be done on the unsafe bridges on the road to the east.

World’s End Races. The annual event took place last Wednesday in Mr Schmidt’s paddock, just on the other side of the creek. The field was as flat as a billiard table, with shade and the backdrop of the ranges. A good attendance saw £14 taken at the gate and people came from as far as Petersburg and Morgan and some £26 was collected. Most of the prize money went to J.C. O’Dea of Booborowie and J. Quinn of World’s End. There was a ball in the evening at C. Green’s residence.

VX, 805, 15 Jan. 1908, page 2

Harvest. Reports of a 10 b. per acre yield from the eastern country are inflated. Some areas have reached that figure, but the average is about 4 b. per acre, with some paddocks down to 1 to 3 b. per acre. Some are not worth reaping.

Hanson Methodist Sunday School Anniversary was held on 22 December, when about 130 came from Burra by train and others drove down. Proceeds of £14 were very satisfactory.

VX, 805, 15 Jan. 1908, page 3

Obituary. Mrs A. Boulton, widow of the late Edwin Boulton died last Thursday, aged 66. She suffered a stroke about 18 months ago from which she only partly recovered. She leaves 3 daughters and three sons: Annie (Mrs A. Bevan), Mrs W.J. Knevitt (both of Burra), Archibald (Burra), Edwin (unknown), and Henry (Broken Hill). [Note Mrs Alfred Bevan was Margaret Ellen Boulton and Annie was the third sister. Sarah Elizabeth was Mrs Knevitt.]

[Born Alice Hay 1840 in Scotland and died 9 January 1908 at Kooringa. Death registered as Elison Boulton.]

Burra Rifle Club. The best scores last Saturday for Capt. Lord’s medal were A.L. Kellock 97, I. Macindoe 84, R.D. Pascoe 84 and N. Pearce 84.

Theft. Someone took a pair of pants and 15/- from C.C. Lord’s bedroom at the Burra Hotel one night last week. The suspect was traced to Farrell’s Flat where he got a ticket to Adelaide and could be traced no further.

District Council of Burra. 11 January. Repairs on the bridges on the main road to Baldina have commenced.

Ted Wall still runs the Booborowie Mail.

Wirth’s Circus gave a fairly good show at Burra on Monday night 13 January. An advertisement in the previous issue says it came by special train and featured a zoo, museum, hippodrome, and huge elephant herd. The menagerie was open 4-5 p.m.

Accident. The vehicles of Messrs Lane and Austin collided one day last week on the Redruth Road. No one was seriously hurt. [It is not stated what type of vehicles were involved.]

World’s End Races ended up with £12 to spare and false reports of the meeting’s success are annoying members.

The bridge near Diprose’s is being repaired.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. Boring operations have revealed the presence of sulphide ore at a depth below the open cut. The men at work have been told to reveal nothing of mine discoveries, but the above is generally credited.

VX, 806, 22 Jan. 1908, page 2

Court Unity, AOF. Last meeting showed they have a healthy balance.

Obituary. Mrs W.H. Prior of World’s End died on Sunday morning of heart disease, aged 54. She leaves 2 daughters and 4 sons: Mrs S. Finch (Bright), Mrs C. James (Broken Hill), T.H. & W.J. Prior (Broken Hill), Andrew & Arthur (at home) and 1 grandchild.

[Born Sarah Jane Hendy: died 19 January at World’s End.]

Burra High School: Principal’s Report 1907.

In September we lost the services of Miss Davidson due to ill health. In the last term Miss McMinn came to assist. Attendance has, on the whole, been good. The dux for the year 1907 is Clara Bartholomaeus, who gets the Rector’s prize for scripture and Mr Roach’s for Arithmetic. Joy Sangster comes second with Mary Sandland almost equally successful. Joy gets her father’s prize for Composition and Mary my prize for diligence and progress. Vera McBride gets the prize for best manual work. Doris Drew is best junior. [Other prizewinners are listed.]

VX, 806, 22 Jan. 1908, page 3

Burra Hospital. The late W.H. Duncan bequeathed the Burra Hospital £250. It has been decided to use it on an up-to-date operating theatre and work should begin soon.

Court.

A libel suit between Arthur Collins and John Harris over a lamb that may have been Harris’s and which caused him to send a postcard to Collins, was reported at some length (1 column), but eventually was non-suited and would seem to have been essentially trivial.

Burra Town Council, last Monday.

Drew & Crewes allowed to use the old mine powder magazine till 1 July 1908 to store explosives.

Best Place & Ludgvan St to get a second dressing of tar as are the roads from Luke Day’s to the Bridge in Kingston St and from Elder Smith’s stables to Johnson’s.

Burra Record is now printed with the latest roller spring adjustments.

Wilfred Nankivell got some hot lime in his eyes on Saturday and has not seen daylight since.

Obituary. Katherine Andrew, an old Burraite, died in Broken Hill last week.

Rev. A.G. King, formerly of St Mary’s, has resigned from Christ Church Mt Gambier and severed ties with the diocese of Adelaide, apparently over Canon Hornabrook’s appointment as Archdeacon at Mt Gambier.

Advt. Salvation Army will show beautiful moving pictures accompanied by up-to-date singers 25, 26 & 27 January. 2/- & 1/-.

The Life & Passion of Christ

The Reign of Terror in Russia

The Terrible Kid

The Great German Boar Hunt

Bobby’s Birthday

The Orphan Girl

Great Train Robbery

Burra Institute. J. Drew presided at the annual meeting.

The Institute is in credit £117-19-6. The library holds 4,119 volumes. Elected: President, Dr Sangster jun.; Vice-President, Mr Pederson; Treasurer, Mr Wilkinson.

VX, 807, 29 Jan. 1908, page 2

Obituary. Gladys Magdalen Doreen McNamara, aged 6 months, died of heat apoplexy at Pt Wakefield on 19 January. She was the daughter of S. & M.E. McNamara.

[Born Magdalene Gladys Doreen McNamara 21 July 1907 at Pt Wakefield and died 19 January 1908 at Pt Wakefield.]

Obituary. Yesterday at Kapunda the mother of Mr John McLaren died. She is survived by 2 daughters and 1 son: Mrs Brewster (Kapunda), Mrs Brook (Broken Hill) and John (Burra).

[Born Mary Dow in Perth, Scotland in 1824: died 28 January 1908 near Kapunda.]

C. Talbot of Booborowie estate has captured 20 foxes in less than 12 months.

A Bolt. A horse with a baker’s cart attached bolted along the road between Abberton Park and Redruth on Thursday and the Misses Killicoat and Miss Cave along with young Lloyd Builder had a lucky escape from colliding with it, due to some good driving by Miss C. Killicoat. Bread was widely scattered, but little damage beyond a broken wheel to the cart.

P.J. Carmody, the builder, is moving to Gawler. For the last 12 of the 35 years spent in Burra he has been batching, while his wife and children live in Gawler. His boys are all working there.

The Clare Races passed off successfully on Wednesday.

Terowie Races will be held on 18 March and the Burra Races on 25 March.

VX, 807, 29 Jan. 1908, page 3

Mt Bryan School. 31 Mt Bryan parents have petitioned for the school to be moved from the old Council Chamber to its proper building and the minister has agreed.

Iron Mine Sports will be held on 26 February.

Burra School Cadets used the rifle range Monday morning.

A New Railway is proposed from Sydney to Broken Hill.

Sir F.W. Holder will conduct the harvest thanksgiving services at the Kooringa Methodist Church on 16 February.

Tom Symes, an old Burra boy who has been visiting the town, left for his home at Kinchiga on the Darling, on Monday. It is common for summer temperatures there to reach 110°F.

Tennis. At Hamley Bridge on Monday Hamley Bridge 150 games defeated Kooringa 115 games.

Burra Rifle Club. At Hamley Bridge on Monday: Burra 905 defeated Hamley Bridge 899.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. The company shares are down to 1/3.

There will be a general clean up at the mine and boring will cease. Rumours of something not very encouraging to residents or shareholders have been around for some time. Some time ago the Kooringa Prospecting Syndicate took up an option over the property and was going to spend some £15,000 in developing the mine. A couple of boring plants were erected and after much trouble a start was made, but there were many problems, and ultimately little headway. A fortnight ago some sulphide ore was found, but not sufficient to excite interest. All the old timber etc. will be handed over to the Burra Burra Copper Co. and all hope of the mine starting again seems gone. Boring will probably cease on 15 February when the contract expires.

VX, 808, 5 Feb. 1908, page 2

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co.

The announcement of the proposed stoppage of the boring operations means there is now no hope of the Burra Mine being tested and certainly not while copper is at its present low price. We still believe that with sufficient capital the mine would make a handsome profit.

Some 4-5 years ago, when the Burra Burra Copper Co. took over the mine property it was thought that mining would be revived. The old SAMA now has no mineral rights in the Burra Mine. The Copper Co. began well, but it was soon apparent that progress was not being made.

A few months ago Mr Horn, a well-known mining mad from Great Britain, came out and paid, it is said, a substantial deposit to hold an option over the mine for nine months, during which £15,000 was to be expended.

After many rumours, a couple of boring plants arrived and were erected. There was much trouble with them, but eventually they got going to look for the sulphide lode, said to lie at the bottom of the open cut. Time has revealed that nothing has been found to induce the Kooringa Prospecting Syndicate to proceed further. The men are busy taking down the plants, which will be done in a few days, and the mine will again present a desolate appearance.

Four bores have been put down and considerable development below the surface in close proximity to the old workings. The mine was partially unwatered, but only to a depth of some 10 to 12 feet. The advantage this offered was lost and after a while pumping operations ceased. The retimbering of Morphett’s Shaft is work that will last forever. When this shaft was cleared out a few months ago hopes were high that the mine would be completely unwatered and driving at depth undertaken, but copper prices fell suddenly from £105 to £90 and then to the present £61 per ton. This caused orders for machinery to be cancelled and since then things have gone from bad to worse. The few men have been paid off and the chance of mining at Burra is more unlikely than any time since the old mine whistle ceased to blow.

Mt Bryan now possesses one church (Methodist), a public house, a public school (moving from one place to another), a Council Chamber, and an Institute in the planning stage.

The Education Dept. has given one month’s notice of their intention to resume possession of the State schoolroom. The District Clerk will make arrangements for the removal of his office and furniture to give possession on 21 February.

Robertstown Races today.

Obituary. The late Mrs W.H. Prior’s funeral service will be held at World’s End Church on Sunday 16 February.

F.E. Bromley, formerly of Burra and now a butcher at Broken Hill, has forwarded his impressive 1908 calendar to us.

Burra Town Council has asked the Institute to reduce the annual rental of the Council Chamber to £15.

T.H. Woollacott apologises for his supposed neglect of his scavenging work.

Bridge Work. The men repairing the bridges on the Baldina Road are almost finished. On Sunday last they did the one at the foot of Breakneck, so no one was inconvenienced. This is the first repairs carried out on these bridges in some 38 years of their life.

VX, 809, 12 Feb. 1908, page 2

Two or Three Dogs got among sheep at Messrs Peake Bros at Cross Roads on Wednesday and worried a number. Three were killed.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. It is certain that mining is practically dead as far as Burra is concerned. With new American mines coming into existence and some millions of pounds spent in their development, there is no chance that copper prices will rise to the heights of a few months ago.

The young men who were engaged at the boring operations have behaved in an exemplary manner: ‘their lives and conduct can well be emulated by young men even in our town.’ They were required to maintain a very quiet attitude in respect to the progress of the bores and what was being discovered and not once did they betray the confidence reposed in them.

VX, 809, 12 Feb. 1908, page 3

Obituary. The death has occurred in England of Captain S.H. Davey, brother of William Davey of Kooringa. He died at Beechwood, Perranwell on 27 December 1907, aged 71. He once managed the Cornwall Arsenic Co.’s works at Bissoe.

W. Fitzgerald, who was elected President of the Trades & Labor Council on Friday, was born in Burra and educated at St Joseph’s School. He served his apprenticeship at the Burra Record, then owned by F.W. Holder. He has since worked in Broken Hill and WA and at the SA Government Printer.

Robertstown Races on Wednesday did not have a good attendance, but the ball afterwards was well attended.

Burra Automobile Club held its annual trip to Morgan on Saturday. Seven cars and three motorbikes made the journey. They left Burra at 8 a.m. and reached ‘The Gums’ for lunch, arriving in Morgan at 2 p.m. Cricket and rifle matches followed. Morgan won the rifle match by 16 points.

At the cricket Burra scored 38 & 3 for 120 and Morgan 172.

There was a social at the Terminus Hotel on Saturday night.

On Sunday they went up the river to the new fruit settlement, then after dinner at 2 p.m. they returned to Burra between 6 & 7 p.m.

Golden Wedding. Mr & Mrs James Tiver of Aberdeen celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last Friday. They were married in 1858 at Aberdeen by the late Rev. J.G. Wright. Their sons and daughters were present:

Mrs John Sara (WA), Mrs Opie & her husband (Broken Hill), Mrs Arthur Sara (Broken Hill), Mrs Stock (Campbelltown), Mrs George Tiver & her husband (Tiverton Station), Charles Tiver (Hallett), Mr & Mrs Harry Tiver (Cockburn), Mr & Mrs Edgar Tiver (‘The Block House’ Ulooloo), Mr & Mrs Harold Tiver (Aberdeen), with 40 grandchildren & 7 great-grandchildren.

Mr Tiver is 79 and his wife 71 years of age.

Ladies Tennis, Wednesday: Kooringa 7-66 defeated Aberdeen 5-61.

VX, 800 (2), 19 Feb. 1908, page 2 [Repeat of number previously used 4 Dec. 1907]

Marriage. Jane Parker of Robertstown married A. Phillips, eldest son of Robert Phillips of World’s End, on 5 January.

Salvation Army pasty supper on Thursday was not as well attended as expected. The night was hot and the service of song before the supper was also less well attended on that score.

The Army has arranged for a return visit of the Biorama next Saturday, Sunday & Monday.

Burra Town Council.

The footbridge in George St is to be attended to.

5 chains of asphalting to be done on the footpath from St Mary’s to the Mine Bridge.

Negotiations for a reduction in the rent for the Council Chamber continue.

Silver Wedding. Mr & Mrs E. Gebhardt of Sarnia near Naracoorte celebrate the 25th anniversary of their marriage. Mr Gebhardt arrived in Australia in 1858, but married Miss S. Gassmann in Duderstand, Hanover, in 1883, returning to Australia the following year. He spent much of his time in the Burra District and the couple returned to farm there, but moved to Naracoorte about seven years ago. They have six sons and a daughter ranging from 22 to 7 years of age. Mr Gebhardt is a brother of the late G.A. Gebhardt of Mackerode and of Charles Gebhardt of Burra.

Tennis. Aberdeen 9-73 defeated Kooringa 6-66.

VX, 800 (2), 19 Feb. 1908, page 3 [Repeat of number previously used 4 Dec. 1907]

Martindale Races on Wednesday were successful, with a record attendance.

T. Harvey, district foreman at the Burra railway station, has been transferred to Gawler and will be replaced by R.J. Davey, brother of W.J. Davey, proprietor of the Burra Record.

Sir F.W. Holder visited the Record office on Monday and inspected the new machinery in course of erection.

He preached at Kooringa Methodist Church last Sunday.

Capt. Jock Watt called in last week on his way from Adelaide to Quorn, where he has a thriving hotel business.

The Cadet Encampment at Petersburg at the end of March will include representatives from Burra.

Dogs. Messrs Peake Bros discovered the owners of the dogs that killed sheep on their property recently and have claimed and been paid damages.

VX, 801 (2), 26 Feb. 1908, page 2 [Repeat of number previously used 11 Dec. 1907]

Rabbits. The consumption of imported rabbits in the UK is rising.

In 1905 the UK imported 593,545 crates of Australian Rabbits.

In 1906 this increased to 907,324 crates of which 250,000 were stored till 1907 when 843,463 crates were imported.

Burra School will hold a bazaar at the school on Saturday afternoon to aid the purchase of pictures, books etc.

The Burra Musical & Dramatic Club has been rather quiet lately, but there will soon be a revival. Mr A.G. Middleton has been appointed stage manager. He comes here from Wallaroo, where he moved in musical circles ‘and as he has bee to Munter [i.e. Moonta] he has seen all that’s worth seeing and hearing in this wide world.’

Cricket. A meeting of the Burra Cricket Club a few nights ago was presided over by Dr Sangster Jun. There was so much trouble financially in 1907 that the club could not continue under the same conditions. It was suggested that the Burra Automobile Club take over the club’s property: 1 bat and 2 or 3 stumps in various stages of dilapidation. It was resolved to form a club to be called Burra automobile Cricket Club. Journeys to matches in future will be by motorcar & cycle to give cricket a new impetus.

VX, 801 (2), 26 Feb. 1908, page 3 [Repeat of number previously used 4 Dec. 1907]

Marriage. At Booborowie last Wednesday Florence Affolter, 4th daughter of Mrs A. Affolter married Mr J. Frahm. [Gifts are listed.]

Marriage. Mary James, 2nd daughter of Mr James of Hanson married Martin Przibilla of Farrell’s Flat.

Court.

John Pearce of Chapel St & Fanny Phillips were each fined 5/- for having a stray cow and Harry Rabbich was fined 10/- for a stray bull calf.

Burra Rifle Club. A team has gone to Adelaide to take part in the SA Affiliated Rifle Clubs’ Assoc. matches: Capt. Lord, & Messrs J. McDonald, J.A. & H.E. Riggs.

Robert E. Rice, ticket clerk & assistant stationmaster at Burra for 12 months, has been sent to Bugle Ranges as stationmaster. He came here from Quorn. His replacement is Mr J. Glenn from Kilkenny.

Burra Sports fell through on Boxing Day and Easter Monday was suggested as a replacement, but if this is to be so the committee needs to get moving and so far there are no signs.

Dalgety & Co. Ltd has called tenders for a new office on the corner of Commercial and Chapel Streets. It will comprise four rooms and a passage with a main entrance at the corner and a verandah on the front and side. It will be single storey, but with provision for a second floor when deemed necessary. J.C. Killicoat, eldest son of P.L. Killicoat will oversee the branch when the building is completed.

VX, 802 (2), 4 Mar. 1908, page 2 [Repeat of number previously used 18 Dec. 1907]

Burra School Bazaar was ‘a thumping big success’.

Oscar Frahm, a Burra resident at present working at Quorn, is laid up with a shattered face following the explosion of the gun he was using the other day. He will lose the sight of his left eye.

Mr Thomas Highet was sunstruck last Friday while dam sinking a short distance east on Mr Thomas McBride’s property, and will be unable to work for some time.

Burra Town Council

W.A. Gebhardt has been granted permission to erect a verandah in front of his premises.

A new Mozart lamp is to be erected in Quarry St, opposite the pillar.

Iron Mine & Leighton Athletic Club sports were successfully held in Mr C. Warnes’s paddock on Wednesday, with a good attendance.

VX, 802 (2), 4 Mar. 1908, page 3 [Repeat of number previously used 18 Dec. 1907]

Burra Sports cannot now be arranged in time for Easter, which is a pity.

Burra School Bazaar gets a report of over 1⁄2 column. Takings were £18-14-61⁄2.

‘Opium Smuggling on a wholesale scale has been brought to light in Adelaide.’

Burra Rifle Club members did fairly well at Port Adelaide recently.

Obituary. Michael Cope, brother of Mrs Thoroughgood, nee Kate Cope, died at Farrell’s flat on Sunday. [Michael Cope born 15 January 1868 at Farrell’s Flat: died 1 March 1908 at Clare, residence Farrell’s Flat.]

Obituary. Fred McKinnon died at Clare and was buried on Sunday. He was well-known as a footballer at Gum Creek. [Frederick Duncan McKinnon born 22 March 1876 in the District of Clare: died 29 February 1908 at Clare.]

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. The dismantling of the boring plants will be completed in a few days.

R.A. Cilento, son-in-law of W. West JP, has been transferred from Jamestown to Gladstone as stationmaster.

Tennis. At Kooringa on Saturday: Kooringa 11-86 defeated Yarcowie 6-60.

VX, 803 (2), 11 Mar. 1908, page 2 [Repeat of number previously used 28 Dec. 1907]

Salvation Army. The lassies in control of the Salvation Army here for the past few months will leave on Sunday. Lieut. Wiseman has been here 12 months and her comrade 4 months.

VX, 803 (2), 11 Mar. 1908, page 3 [Repeat of number previously used 28 Dec. 1907]

‘Straight deal’ writes calling for a co-operative bakery in Burra because the bakers have increased bread prices to 3d from 21⁄2d – it having only recently been decreased to 21⁄2d by all but two of their colleagues. He believes it rose again because the two dearer bakers suffered little loss of trade.

William Barkley, who had worked hard to build up a good trade for himself in Burra, has decided he will do better elsewhere. He will be missed in the Burra Orchestra and in the Ramblers Football Club.

[He was a fruiterer and grocer in Kooringa occupying ‘premises lately occupied by Mr W. Jordan.]

He has sold his business to Charley & Frank Streicher.

VX, 804 (2), 18 Mar. 1908, page 2 [Repeat of number previously used 8 Jan. 1908]

Editorial on the Broken Hill butchers’ strike, where employees were demanding a 48-hour week, work in daytime and a wage of £3-15-0.

Burra Chess Club will begin its 1908 season on 27 March with a social, when the players will bid farewell to Rev. S. Kessell – a leading player in the last tourney.

VX, 804 (2), 18 Mar. 1908, page 3 [Repeat of number previously used 8 Jan. 1908]

J.A. Watt, an old Burra identity, is ill with a heart condition in Quorn.

Obituary. Mrs Samuel Davey has died at Milton [NSW] from lockjaw. Samuel Davey is the brother of Mr A. Davey and his wife was the 2nd daughter of the late William Addicoat of Lower Thames St. Deceased leaves eight children, most of whom are adult. [Born Annie Addicoat 23 April 1865 in Kooringa.]

Obituary. Allan McFarlane, a well-known pastoralist, died last week. [Died 11 March 1908 at North Adelaide, residence East Wellington aged 79.]

Obituary. Mrs Frederick, widow of the late Emanuel Frederick, died at the Burra Hospital on Monday. [Born Eliza Symons: death registered as Eliza Fedrick 16 March 1908.]

Obituary. Rev. Thomas Lloyd died at Adelaide on Thursday. He had been a minister for 51 years.

[Died 12 March 1908 at North Adelaide aged 82.]

Mt Bryan Sports were successfully held last week.

Lezli, the great musical wonder, will appear next Wednesday at the Institute.

Accident. Mr Lel Sandland’s & Mr N. Burns’s traps collided on Thursday morning at the corner of Commercial 7 Chapel Streets.

Burra Town Council, last Monday.

The Institute Committee cannot see its way clear to reducing the rent on the Council Chamber.

E. Wilks has resigned as Inspector.

Applications are called for a replacement for £80 p.a.

The footpath on the north side of the Exchange Hotel is to be tar-dressed.

Burra Rifle Club. The last match for the Tennant Aggregate saw N. Pearce 1st from R.D. Pascoe & A.L. Kellock. The Squatters’ Aggregate begins today.

Mt Bryan Sports of last Wednesday are reported as a record meeting with a large attendance. Results extend over almost 2 columns and conclude on page 4.

VX, 805 (2), 25 Mar. 1908, page 2 [Repeat of number previously used 15 Jan. 1908]

The Editorial is a plea for the Totalizator.

Spring Bank estate was sold a few months ago to Mr Ker of Jamestown at a price higher than the Government would bid, but has now been sold by him at almost £1 per acre over what it cost him.

Cricket. Saturday Burra Automobile Club 189 defeated Hallett 101.

Tennis. Burra Automobile Club 4-30 defeated Hallett 2-29.

Farrell’s Flat Sports on 18 March were a record meeting and results are printed in 3⁄4 column.

VX, 805 (2), 25 Mar. 1908, page 3 [Repeat of number previously used 15 Jan. 1908]

Terowie Races, also on 18 March, were very successful and the report runs for over 22⁄3 columns. There was a sensation in the Handicap Jumpers’ Flat over 11⁄2 miles when it was found that two of the horses had been doped. Someone apparently got to the feed of J.C. O’Dea’s horses, Donnybrook & Imagination. After the race Donnybrook collapsed and Imagination, who came 2nd, was frothing at the mouth and looked bad. The veterinarian surgeon Bickford was telegraphed for and the horses have been saved.

Yarcowie Sports on 17 March are also described as a splendid day’s outing and are reported in 2⁄3 column.

Mt Bryan Races, scheduled for 8 April, are postponed due to lack of entries.

Burra Rifle Club fired for the Caroona Cup on 18 & 21 March. M. Radford 100, from J.A. Riggs 97 & G. Scott 96.

VX, 806 (2), 1 Apr. 1908, page 2 [Repeat of number previously used 22 Jan. 1908]

Salvation Army. Ensign & Mrs Randle arrived last week to take charge of the local corps. Lieut. Wiseman has gone to her people at Norwood and Ensign Chapman has taken up duties at Broken Hill.

Street Light. Another acetylene lamp has been added to the system: at the corner of Ayers St & Welsh Place, to light the angle and triangular roads.

Burra Town Council. Applications for the Inspectorship close on 6 April.

Marriage. At Kooringa Methodist Church on 31 March Miss Annie Lane, 6th daughter of Mr P. Lane JP married George Waldeck of WA. The couple will live in WA.

Redruth Court, last Friday.

George Bell, a stranger in town, was charged with unlawful possession of two blue cotton shirts worth 5/-. He had been seen taking the items from Ewins & Sons drapery and the shirts were identified with Ewins’s marks. He was sentenced to 1 month in jail. He had also taken three 3d brooches from McGilchrist & Co., but this was not proceeded with.

Tennis. On Wednesday Kooringa Methodist Ladies 5-44 defeated Aberdeen Ladies 4-42.

VX, 806 (2), 1 Apr. 1908, page 3 [Repeat of number previously used 22 Jan. 1908]

Burra Races were held on Wednesday in F. Dew’s paddock. The track was very dry and hard and the weather fine. £924 passed through the totalizator. Results are printed.

Lezli & the Bioscope Co. showed to a packed house on Race Night.

Larrikinism. On Race Night three of the four glasses in the lamp near Newman’s Bridge were smashed.

The other Sunday night Mr Webster’s paddock was visited and a number of watermelons destroyed.

Fuss Bros. Are the successful tenderers for Dalgety’s new building.

Miss Florrie Prior, who has been holding dressmaking classes, has given them up, as she is about to be married.

Burra School Cadets went to Petersburg on Thursday for the cadet encampment. Lieut. A.W. Lott accompanied them. 30 of the 34 in the detachment attended. [Names are printed.]

Obituary. Mrs Morrison, an old Burra resident died at her residence in Chapel St on Saturday.

[Marion Sarah Morrison died 28 March 1908 aged 82.]

Obituary. Miss Delia Linkson, 2nd daughter of James Linkson of Broken Hill, has died of typhoid fever. [Born Delia Linkson 16 March 1896 at Redruth.]

Robert F. Hall, about to be transferred from Elder, Smith & Co. after some three years here, will be replaced by G.H. Watson from Mt Gambier.

VX, 807 (2), 8 Apr. 1908, page 2 [Repeat of number previously used 29 Jan. 1908]

Rain is badly needed.

Gipsies appeared one day last week and drove around the town looking for a camping spot, but after a few hours on the Brewery Paddock they moved on.

Commissioner of Crown Lands reports that many Councils in the country are unable to get sufficient labour for their work, although they are offering 7/- a day.

Lance Lewis will be given a smoke social tonight at Lord’s Hotel by members of the Racing, Football, Dramatic and Automobile Clubs. He is leaving on an extended trip to the NT, Qld & NSW.

Tennis. At Iron Mine last week:

Iron Mine Leighton

Ladies Doubles 6 3

Gents Doubles 6 2

2nd Ladies Doubles 4 6

2nd Gents Doubles 4 6

Ladies Singles 5 6

Gents Singles 6 5

2nd Ladies Singles 6 4

2nd Gents Singles 2 6

Result Iron Mine 39 defeated Leighton 35

Cadet Encampment. There is a 1⁄2 column report. The Governor with Col. Lee visited and the Burra lads were commended by the Commandant.

Burra Rifle Club. Caroona cup match 1 & 4 April:

J. Casey 99 from A.L. Kellock 96, J.E. Pearce 96, T. Rosewall 96.

District match 4 April: Capt. Lord 94 from J.A. Riggs 93 & A.L. Kellock 93.

VX, 807 (2), 8 Apr. 1908, page 3 [Repeat of number previously used 29 Jan. 1908]

Burra Town Council, Monday.

Dr Sangster complained of motor bicycles being driven at great speed through the main streets.

Peacock’s Moving Pictures showed at the Institute last Monday & Tuesday.

Rev. S. Kessell preached his last sermon at Kooringa Methodist Church last Sunday. He was given a social on Friday by the Chess Club.

Obituary. Thomas Davis, an old Burra resident, died in Adelaide last week from cancer of the liver.

Thus in ‘Short & Sharp’ column, but in a longer obituary he becomes Thomas Davies of Aberdeen. He was born in Wales and migrated with his parents in 1854, when 7 years old. He came to Burra from Hindmarsh about a year later. He farmed at Gum Creek for some years. He leaves a widow and two daughters: Mrs Hayes (Adelaide) & Kathleen (Aberdeen). He was for some time a North Ward Councillor [Dec. 1887-Nov. 1888] and was President of the ULP at Burra at the time of his death.

[Died 2 April 1908 in Adelaide, residence Burra aged 61.]

VX, 808 (2), 15 Apr. 1908, page 2 [Repeat of number previously used 5 Feb. 1908]

A Bolt. A pair of Mr Huppatz’s ponies bolted from Dr Sangster jun.’s with the guard post dangling at their feet, and made a dash through the square and up Commercial St to Dr Sangster Sen.’s. Here one got loose and the other took the trap up a side street. The vehicle was considerably damaged.

The Burra Automobile Club has planned a trip to Jamestown next Saturday to play cricket. The cars of Messrs L.W. Gebhardt, I.J. Warnes, T. McBride, S. Torr, A.P. Brown, W.J. Richards & Dr J.I. Sangster will go. Some will return that day and others will go on to the Laura Races on Monday. Mr A. Gebhardt’s new car will not arrive in time for the trip.

VX, 808 (2), 15 Apr. 1908, page 3 [Repeat of number previously used 5 Feb. 1908]

Mr Lance Lewis’s social last Wednesday at the Burra Hotel is reported. He is off on a business & pleasure trip through Qld, NT & NSW. Dr Sangster jun. presided and there was a full representation of the Burra Automobile Club, Football Club, and Burra Musical & Dramatic Club & Racing Club. Mr Gilbert Lewis will remain in Burra for some time at least. The trip will allow him to see cattle and sheep across Australia and to gain a greater insight into the pastoral industry and the way stock is dealt with, which will be of value to the firm. [Bagot, Shakes & Lewis] The report extends for over 2 columns.

Redruth Court, Monday.

Luke Day proceeded against Charles Streicher for £6 in lieu of one month’s notice plus damages of £15. The defendant claimed £4-19-0 for unlawful detention of a book and £2-16-11 for the balance of wages. The court decided in favour of Day and ruled Streicher should forfeit two weeks’ pay and pay £3 in damages, less £2-16-11 due for wages. Thus the verdict was for £2-13-1 with the defendant to pay costs.

Pal Singh sued Ralla Singh for £8 for a horse allegedly sold to the defendant. The evidence was so conflicting that the case was dismissed with each to pay his own costs.

Accident. On Friday Mr J. Davey, employed by Drew & Crewes of Kooringa, was pouring bisulphide of carbon into a pint bottle when it ignited. Some spilled onto his trousers and burnt holes there as well as on his socks and shoes. Water soon extinguished the flames on Mr Davey, but great care had to be taken to prevent the spread of the fire to the shop. Mr Davey was only slightly burnt himself. The cause of the fire is unknown.

VX, 809 (2), 22 Apr. 1908, page 2 [Repeat of number previously used 12 Feb. 1908]

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday Burra Warriors defeated Clare Stars by 4 points.

The victory was spoiled when some of the Warriors gathered near the hospital and threw eggs at the departing team: a despicable act.

George Hagger, once manager of Urwin Bros. In Burra has returned after 12 years in Broken Hill and has taken the shop next to J. Snell’s and will stock all kinds of clothing.

Burra Rifle Club, on Monday. Burra 591 defeated Watervale 581

Easterners 920 defeated Burra 915

In the medal match A. Bevan 86 & E.E. Kellock 86 from T. Broad 85.

In the trophy match J. Kellock 110 from T. Broad 104 & A.B. Riggs 102.

VX, 809 (2), 22 Apr. 1908, page 3 [Repeat of number previously used 12 Feb. 1908]

Redruth Court

Luke Day v. Charles Streicher to recover £6 in lieu of one month’s notice and damages of £15 for leaving without giving notice. Streicher had a counter-claim for £4-19-0 for unlawful detention of a passbook and £2-16-11 in due wages.

Defendant had been employed for c. 10 years with Day and he just stopped coming to work one Thursday. His mother told Day he had bought a business. Defendant had been ill and on return to work pay had been reduced to 25/- from 30/-, as he could not do all he had previously. This was by mutual agreement. Bert Knevitt, aged ‘over 30’ had taken his place and was cross-examined re his work with Day.

J.A. Knevitt: went to work for Day on 21 Dec. 1907. Was getting 27/6 a week.

Foster, for the defendant, said that Streicher was a weekly servant and the notice he gave was proper.

Streicher said he went to work at Day’s when he was 16, about 10 years ago and then had got 4/- a week plus board and lodgings. He said he gave notice on 26 February – giving a week’s notice. He gave notice on a Wednesday and left on a Wednesday. Said Day had not treated him as well as he ought to have. Was asked: when your mother came to Burra about four years ago did not Mr Day give her a house rent free for 12 months? Streicher was reluctantly forced to agree.

Frank Streicher also gave evidence.

The SM gave a verdict of £2-10-0 to Day in lieu of two weeks’ notice and £3 damages less £2-16-11 due in wages for a total to Day of £2-13-1. Costs against defendant.

Aberdeen Ballast Quarry. Work is in full swing and expected to continue for some time.

Kooringa Methodist Church Anniversary last Sunday when Rev. Farley preached three times.

Obituary. William Henry Richards, aged 75, of Hallett, has died after a residence there of c. 37 years. He died in Burra Hospital on Tuesday. He arrived in the colony in 1849, aged 14 and became a whim boy at the Burra Mines and later an ore dresser. He then became a teamster taking sheepskins, bullock hides, tallow, etc. to Adelaide. He saved and bought a farm at Ulooloo and then at Hallett. He married in old St Mary’s, Burra. Mrs Richards died some 12 years ago. Survived by 5 daughters & 3 sons: Mrs W. Summers (Kent Town), Mrs W.H. Mill (Gawler), Mrs Holmes (Findon), Mrs R. Summers, Mrs W.J. Barrington (Fremantle), Henry Richards (Gumbowie), Horace Richards (Broken Hill), & Thomas E. Richards (Hallett).

[Died 21 April 1908 in Kooringa, residence Hallett & Burra aged 75.]

William Harvey, son of John Harvey, has passed an exam as a first class engineer in the city.

Burra Cadets did some good shooting on the Rifle Range on 18 April.

VX, 810, 29 Apr. 1908, page 2

Obituary. A return thanks notice indicates the recent death of Thomas O’Brien in Burra Hospital.

[Died 20 April 1908 aged 26 at Kooringa, residence Broken Hill. Perhaps born 20 June 1881 at Laura, but there was more than one Thomas O’Brien.]

Marriage. St Lawrence’s Priory, North Adelaide.

Percival Gottschalck married Eileen Kenyon, eldest daughter of the late W.H. Johnson & Mrs C.M. Johnson of Burra & late of Port Wakefield.

Bachelors & Spinsters’ Ball at Burra Institute on 22 May.

St Mary’s Sunday School Annual Picnic took place on Wednesday at J.C. Dandland’s paddock, Sod Hut.

Thomas Duell is the new Corporation Inspector.

The Labor Party will hold a social and dance on 14 May in the Institute with proceeds to aid Mrs Thomas Davies, whose late husband was president of the branch.

A horse, tied to a verandah post in Market Square on Saturday morning, pulled away until it took away the post and then became panicked. It was eventually calmed. Horses should not be tied to verandah posts, but there are very few bridle posts in the town.

Burra Town Council.

E.J. Davey resigned as auditor.

T. Best tendered 6/- and W. Geake 7/6 per month for lamp lighting in Kooringa. This was considered too much and fresh arrangements will be made.

The Town Clerk is to enquire as to the owner of the old Baptist Church.

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. The 13th half-yearly report reveals nothing striking. The wages paid for the half-year were £34-17-8. The directors’ fees are £3-17-8 less. While no ore has been sold, the income from royalties, house rents, grazing and interest has been £93-17-3. The directors report the Kooringa Syndicate, which had started boring and prospecting at the site in May 1907, ceased to do so early in 1908 and abandoned their option. Litigation is pending to enforce the company’s rights under the agreement.

Hanson Methodist Church harvest thanksgiving was held recently with the tea meeting on Good Friday. Over 100 went from Burra by rail. C. Parks of Burra provided the spread. Supper followed the meeting. The proceedings, which closed about 11 p.m., raised £20.

Copper is now £58 a ton.

Rev. Farley is the new minister at Kooringa Methodist Church.

John Lane, the late postmaster at Kooringa, is on six weeks leave before retiring. He is said to be interested in farming in Victoria.

VX, 811, 6 May 1908, page 2

Obituary. Mrs Mary Sleeman, aged 68 of Redruth, died Monday morning, leaving a daughter, a son, and one grandchild. [Born Mary Smith: died 4 May 1908 at Redruth.]

Obituary. Mrs Elizabeth Lock, wife of William Lock JP, of Aberdeen, died of heart failure on Tuesday morning. They came to Burra from Yarcowie about two years ago. She was sister to Mr J.A. Riggs of Kooringa. Survived by a husband, two daughters and three sons: Mrs Mudge (Yarcowie), Miss Lock (at home), William Lock (Yarcowie), Frank Lock (Yarcowie), and John Lock (Keith). [Born Elizabeth Riggs: died 5 May 1908 at Aberdeen aged 73.]

Foxes have become troublesome at Mt Bryan.

Burra Town Council.

SA Baptist Union replies that J.S. Mellor is in charge of the department and will report on the Council’s query directly.

Cr Ockenden presented a petition for the extension of the telephone line from Adelaide to Burra.

Burra Rifle Club waited on Council for permission to fire across the main road. Granted provided a man is stationed on the road with a danger flag.

VX, 811, 6 May 1908, page 3

Mr Birdseye has taken over the Bon Accord Hotel. Mrs Jones, who bought it when the estate of E.C. Lockyer was wound up, has cleared the money she put down and has now let the place for five years.

Tom Vivian is about to retire from Opie’s Hotel – he is the son of the genial Harry Vivian of the Commercial Hotel.

Mr & Mrs C.H. Ewins have returned from a holiday on Kangaroo Island, where they were guests at the boarding house of Ted Lockyer, who asked about all the Burra folk.

Mr & Mrs B.W. Pearse of Caroona have gone on a 12 month trip to the old country and the continent.

W. Pearce was elected auditor of Burra Council on Saturday.

The Fuss Bros are demolishing the building on the corner of Chapel & Commercial Sts, being the contractors for the new offices of Dalgety & Co.

Cricket. On Saturday: Hallett 85 Burra Automobile Cricket Club 8 for 167.

Burra Rifle Club. Firing for the Caroona Cup 25 & 29 April. Best results: Capt. Lord 99, G. Herbert 96 & A. Bevan 93.

Football. Burra Football Assoc. met Monday and a match v. Scottish Infantry has been set for 8 June. There are also hopes for matches against Broken Hill Juniors, Kapunda, Glenferries and Adelaide Suburban Assoc.

VX, 812, 13 May 1908, page 3

Football. Opening match for the season at Victoria Park:

Kooringa 3.9 (27) defeated Ramblers 3.8 (26).

Burra Chess Club started operations on Thursday. So far the leaders are G. Scott, W.H. Hardy & C. Scott.

Burra Show will be on 16 September. There will be no sheep dog field trials this year.

Burra Rifle Club. Match for medal on 2 & 6 May. Best results: T. Broad 90, Capt. Lord 84 & N. Pearse 84.

Football. The Aberdeen Football Club AGM on Monday was well attended.

Burra Jubilee Benevolent Soc. AGM at the Institute on Thursday had a small attendance.

In the last year 273 orders for firewood were made. Total assets £75-12-3.

Elected: President, Dr J.I. Sangster Sen.; Vice President, P. Lane; Secretary, Miss Williams; Assistant Sec., Mrs J.F. Moore.

VX, 813, 20 May 1908, page 2

Obituary. Mrs M.A. Vivian, mother of Harry Vivian of the Commercial Hotel, aged 98, has died. She arrived in the colony in 1855 with her husband and four children on the Lady McDonald. They got to Burra after 14 days in a bullock dray. Mr Vivian died about 18 years ago. He worked as a timberman at the Burra Mine and died aged 80. She leaves 11 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren. [Mary Ann Vivian died 13 May 1908 at Kooringa aged 97.]

Burra Town Council.

Thomas Duell’s tender of 4/3 per month for lamp lighting was accepted.

The Town Clerk is to enquire of SAMA the price for buying Burra Creek from the Burra Hotel to Graham. [Which end of Graham is not stated.]

A letter of condolence was sent to the widow of the late Hon. C.C. Kingston.

VX, 813, 20 May 1908, page 3

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday. A third of a column is used to expound on the arbitrary actions of Jacob Richards as umpire. He apparently gave frees indiscriminately to either side, but according to no rules either side knew about. Ramblers 4.10 (34) defeated Aberdeen 4.7 (31).

Burra School Sports are arranged for Empire Day, 25 May.

Court, 11 May.

On 3/5 at Millerton Mrs Caroline Jones ‘distributed an unlimited amount of billingsgate’ on Mrs Wahlert’s daughter. A little later she appeared and ‘essayed the task of telling the latter [Mrs Wahlert] the pedigree of Hetty Wahlert’ and she then told Mrs Gentle ‘something she did not know before, and couldn’t understand when she was told’. Evidence was taken from Amelia Walker and Mrs Lepley. Mrs Jones then gave evidence that it was all lies and actually Henrietta Wahlert had ‘sulphured the surrounding atmosphere’, but her version lost some credibility when Hetty Wahlert interjected: ‘You’re a liar Mrs Jones.’

‘Yes I am, just like you!’ said Mrs Jones.

David Rees Jones said he had heard the quarrel, but there ‘was nothing out of the way mentioned’.

Mrs Jones was fined £1-17-0.

The Labor Party Social & Dance to aid Mrs Davies was held on the very cold and wet Thursday evening last week. Attendance was thus not as great as hoped for, but a number of tickets had been pre-sold, so financially it went better than it appeared. The organisers arranged for political speakers [who are reported in c. 2⁄3 column] and after that a dance was held.

VX, 814, 27 May 1908, page 2

Editorial on the by-election caused by the death of the Hon. C.C. Kingston.

Redruth Methodist Church Anniversary will be held on 7 June with Rev. J.H. Nield of Gawler to preach.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School is trying to form a fife and drum band. Mr J. Davey will be the conductor, Master R. Crewes the Sec. & Treasurer and J. M. McBride, the President.

VX, 814, 27 May 1908, page 3

Football. Saturday: Aberdeen 5.12 (42) defeated Kooringa 4.10 (34).

The match was almost marred by a brawl between the players, which was only stopped by the intervention of more peaceable members of the teams.

Kooringa says it will not play again under Jacob Richards as umpire.

Annual Spinsters & Bachelors’ Ball was held last Friday. The theme of the decorations was chrysanthemums with Japanese lanterns and skeleton umbrellas. The stage was set up as a lounge for cards etc. for non-dancers and the entrance was a cosy retreat too. Refreshments were served at 10.30. Setaro’s Band came from Adelaide. A list of costumes and participants is printed.

M-C Grosser, formerly a popular constable at Burra, was presented with a gold watch-chain and medal at Angaston on Saturday for his bravery in arresting Tucker, now in prison for shooting a Chinaman at Keyneton. Tucker fired at Grosser, but the latter escaped serious injury during the arrest.

Empire Day Sports were attended by about 460 children at Victoria Park on 25 May. Results are printed.

Tennis. The annual social of the Aberdeen Tennis Club was held at Jubilee Hall, Redruth last Wednesday. There were songs, music, recitations & games before supper.

Burra Chess Club. Leading players so far are C. Scott, G. Scott & W.H. Hardy.

Burra Cinderellas put on an impromptu dance at the Institute on Monday evening.

‘Onlooker’ writes deploring the trouble at the football, but ultimately blaming the umpiring for causing the trouble and he urges the necessity for change.

VX, 815, 3 June 1908, page 2

Rabbits. The Baldina Gate, which has been a check on the number of rabbits entering the tilled area, needs some attention. The fence is in good order.

VX, 815, 3 June 1908, page 3

Football. At Hallett: Aberdeen 7.12 (54) defeated Hallett 2.8 (20).

At Farrell’s Flat: Farrell’s Flat 6.6 (42) defeated Ramblers 2.8 (20).

SA Scottish Infantry will visit Burra next Monday. They will fire a rifle match in the morning with Burra Rifle Club, play football in the afternoon against the Burra Assoc. and there will be a Scottish concert in the evening.

Marriage. At Gwalia (WA) on 21 April, William E. Lethlean married Leslie Dearlove, late of Burra.

Burra Town Council.

The Postmaster-General reports that there are no lines available for a telephone to Burra from Adelaide, but possibly provision could be made next year to connect Petersburg and Adelaide and Kooringa could be given access on that wire.

Dayman J. Harvey caught one of the sons of Alfred Allen and a son of D.R. Jones of Millerton, pulling down stones from the Victoria Park wall. Parents have agreed to pay for the repairs. Lads are warned that a repeat will mean prosecution.

Burra Chess Club leaders remain C. Scott, G. Scott & W.H. Hardy.

In the results two female members are shown, of whom Miss Miller had a win.

Burra School. A penny bank has been started at the school.

The late E. Frederick’s Eating House will be sold on 5 June.

Dalgety’s Building. The masons have started work.

Mr Birdseye is making extensive alterations to the Bon Accord Hotel. He intends to initiate Sheffields and bike races too.

Earth Tremor. At midnight on Monday night a severe tremor shook Burra. It lasted several seconds and was felt 30 miles east at the same time.

J. Jordan, postmaster at Kooringa for two years, is moving to Balaklava and Mr Rundle from Murray Bridge will replace him.

VX, 816, 10 June 1908, page 2

Redruth Methodist Church Anniversary last Sunday was followed by a tea meeting on Monday. Rev. Nield’s lecture on Monday was on ‘Men I have met and scenes I have witnessed in the South African War. It was illustrated by lantern slides.

Weather. It has been very cold with severe frost on Saturday & Sunday resulting in frozen pipes and stripping the white cedars of their leaves.

VX, 816, 10 June 1908, page 3

Football. On Monday: Scottish Infantry 7.11 (53) defeated Burra Assoc. 5.9 (39).

Burra Chess Club tourney continues now led by C. Scott, G. Scott & A.A. Davey.

Lady players were the Misses Miller, Stephenson & A.B. Miller.

The earth tremor last week was very widely felt.

Mr W. Develing [sic: for Develaing] bought the Burra Eating House of the late Emanuel Frederick on Friday last.

Dalgety’s Building. While the masons are at work on the new building, Mr Hodge, the local manager, is located in the old Auction Mart.

The late Joseph Ford’s properties will be offered for sale on 17 June. This will probably be the largest land sale held in Burra.

The domestics are arranging a social and dance in the Institute on 19 June.

‘It is proposed to make it a boshter affair.’

VX, 817, 17 June 1908, page 2

Weather. Splendid rains have transformed seasonal prospects. The Burra Creek has been flowing for the first time in ‘some time’.

The Biograph will show Robbery Under Arms at the Institute on Thursday.

Mt Bryan. A meeting will be held on Wednesday at 2 p.m. to consider a special rate to erect a new District Hall and office – it is reasonable to suppose the building would include a library and be of a size to enable social gatherings of young people.

Burra District Council is offering £5 reward for information leading to the conviction of anyone damaging the Baldina Gate. [In the rabbit-proof fence.] The penalty for damaging same can be as high as £25.

Obituary. Mrs William Gerard, aged 64, has died leaving a husband, one daughter and two sons: Mrs W.H. Walker (Pinnaroo), William Walker (Burra), & Alfred Walker (Adelaide).

[Born Emily Russell: died 14 June 1908 at Burra, residence Aberdeen.]

‘Shearer’s celebrated plough’ will be demonstrated at W. Stockman’s farm next Wednesday.

VX, 817, 17 June 1908, page 3

Burra Chess Club. Leaders in tourney now: G. Scott, C. Scott & H. Roach.

W.T. Truscott’s greyhound, Lady Bob divided with four other dogs for the £50 prize and cup at Yongala last week.

Burra Coursing Club’s attempt at a meeting last year fell through, which is a pity given the quality of dogs in the town.

Football. Ramblers defeated Aberdeen last Saturday.

Burra Agricultural Bureau’s monthly meeting seem to be a thing of the past, which is a shame, as much good can come from them.

IOR’s three local tents are reported to be in a strong financial position with total funds between them of £4,578-5-2. [i.e. Rose of Sharon, Lily of the Valley and Hope of Kooringa.]

‘Cleanliness’ writes calling for a box to be provided alongside street lamps to receive carbide waste, which can then be taken periodically to the dump. Throwing the waste alongside as at present is unsatisfactory.

VX, 817 (2), 24 June 1908, page 2 [Second use of No. 817.]

A Quadrille Class will begin at the Burra Institute on Friday week and then run fortnightly through winter. A season’s ticket is 7/6.

The Telephone. There is general dissatisfaction with the Postmaster-General’s reply to the request for a telephone link to Adelaide. There is no reason why Burra should be dependant upon Petersburg in this matter.

The Aberdeen Ballast Quarry was sold on Wednesday to H. Collins of Mt Bryan, but he immediately resold it to someone else who, finding that the Government did not intend to work it, in turn sold it to Mr Elisha Ford.

The Government has decided to cease operations at the quarry and on Saturday 22 men and boys were thrown out of employment. Over the past two years it has had a good run, employing up to 36 men at times. The bidding on Wednesday was apparently higher than the Government was prepared to go. At present it is cheaper to bring ballast from the Mitcham Quarry. Aberdeen would need to put in crushers to make it pay. The Government has a lease for four years, but at present will not work it except for occasional small quantities.

Snow fell heavily on Monday morning and remained in some places all day.

Rain is urgently needed in the eastern country.

The Eastern Telephone Syndicate.

The eastern country at present gets one mail a week, and even so many have to travel several miles to collect it. A meeting on 17 July at Frank Treloar’s office in Commercial St will consider the establishment of a telephone line out to the eastern plains. There is no doubt it would be a paying venture and no doubt therefore the Government will give a helping hand.

Ross’s Pictures will be shown at the Institute tomorrow evening. They claim ‘the only absolute flickerless machine in Australia’.

VX, 817 (2), 24 June 1908, page 3 [Second use of No. 817.]

Football. Saturday at Manoora: Burra 5.9 (39) defeated Manoora 2.6 (18).

Snow. It was bitterly cold on Sunday with a heavy fall of snow on Monday morning. Small fry indulged in snowballing and so did old fry. Snowmen were manufactured. One misdirected snowball broke a window of Stan Lane’s shop in Market Square. Many horse baulked completely at the white surface. By about 9 a.m. the thaw was general, though some remains on the hills in places yet. About 2 p.m. a very heavy fall occurred, but by then the ground was too warm to retain it.

The Ivy Dance & Social at the Institute on Friday was peculiarly successful with almost all the invitations sent out being accepted.

The Polo Ground at Aberdeen was bought by a syndicate on Wednesday.

The Fife & Drum Band’s fifes have arrived.

Archibald Ker, an old Burra boy, has bought the Otterbourne Station in NSW, of over 15,000 acres.

Hockey. The Burra High School Hockey Club took on Allcomers on Saturday in a scratch match and won.

Burra Rifle Club. The finals of the Squatter’s Aggregate saw J.A. Riggs win by one shot from L.G. Stephens with R.D. Pascoe five points behind the leader.

The late J. Ford’s sale is reported in some detail, though the lack of section or allotment numbers makes it hard to pin point the blocks sold. The polo paddock went for £9-17-6 an acre for 79 acres. The 21⁄2 acres of the Bon Accord Mine went to the SA Government for £255. Truscott & Harris’s shop, office and butchers premises drew £560. Mrs Rogers bought the Black Waterholes garden of 25 acres for £13 per acre.

VX, 818, 1 July 1908, page 2

Snow fell between Burra & Hallett last Monday and remained on the caps of the ranges for several days and in places is still there. It was the heaviest fall on record at Mt Bryan.

Mt Bryan residents are divided on the need for a hall. A further meeting will be held after the new Council settles in. The proposal is for a hall 44’ x 33’ with a 16’ x 7’ platform and a reading room and Council chamber 151⁄2’ x 15’.

Weather. Burra has been exceedingly cold in the last week. Tuesday had a severe frost, which remained all day in sheltered places. Water in pipes froze and water in the creeks froze enough for children to run on the ice.

St Mary’s Diamond Jubilee will see W.J. Davey, of the Record office, produce a souvenir of photographs of the interior and exterior, the organ, the past clergymen, trustees, lay readers, wardens, sides-men, choristers, Sunday school children, groups at the celebrations, bishops, and other views. The photographs will be worked up in the finest coloured inks. Souvenir to measure 9” x 7”.

Celebrations will commence on Sunday next with Holy Communion at 8 a.m., Matins at 11 a.m. and Choral Evensong at 7 p.m. Rev. W.G.M. Murphy, of All Souls’ St Peters, will preach. A parish luncheon will be held on Wednesday for church officers and visiting clergy and in the evening the Venerable Archdeacon Dove of Adelaide will conduct Choral Evensong. There will also be a public meeting in the Institute. (Free.)

The Quadrille Committee has sold then 100 season tickets they had printed and have ordered 50 more at 7/6 for the season.

Mt Pleasant Estate was sold at Mt Bryan on Wednesday and realised very high prices. They went to £8-1-0 per acre in one case, which is well beyond the real value of the land. There were 11 lots for which details are given. Cheapest was lot 10 of 370 acres to T.E. Richards for £3-19-0 per acre. Most of the others went for between £5-5-0 and £5-15-0 per acre. The main buyer was H. Collins who bought lots 2, 3, 8, & 9. J. Collins & J. Harris bought two lots each.

The Kingston Hotel and a lot of 1,543 acres of grazing land were passed in.

Burra Rifle Club. The recent Squatters’ Aggregate saw I. Warnes give prizes of a McCalley wind gauge and clip to 1st & 2nd places. The Sangster Aggregate will start next Saturday.

VX, 818, 1 July 1908, page 3

Mt Bryan Hall meeting recently favoured building a hall and the latest meeting was to resolve the financing of it. Chairman H.S. Stephens favoured a special rate of 11⁄2d for 22 years (or a lesser rate if for 40 years.) Eventually it was decided to borrow the money from the State Bank for a term of years. A special rate will have to be struck to guarantee the repayment

Messrs Dutton & Aunger are expected in Burra today for lunch at the Commercial Hotel on their attempt to drive to Pt Darwin. They are driving a 24 h.p. Talbot and the car and cargo weigh c. 3 tons. Wet weather stopped their last attempt 500 miles from Port Darwin.

Obituary. Mrs C.B. Griffiths, wife of C.B. Griffiths of Mt Bryan has died. She was born and reared in Burra and lived with her husband in Burra for many years. They went to farm at Mt Bryan east some 15 years ago. Four daughters and three sons survive: Mrs Thomas Williams (Redruth), Mrs Dunstan (Mt Bryan East), Misses Florence & Gwynne (at home), Messrs F.B. (Mt Bryan East), L.J. (Redruth), & C.B. (Bowden).

[Born Emma Levett 13 January 1847 at Melrose: died 29 June 1908 at Mt Bryan East.]

Obituary. Thomas Richards, aged 71, died at Millerton on 23 June. He was a resident of over 30 years, having arrived in the St Vincent on 9 September 1875. He was born at Camborne, Cornwall, and worked as engine driver at Morphett’s Shaft until the mine closed and then as engine driver for 19 years at Sara & Dunstan. After that he ran a small grocery business. He was Superintendent at Redruth Methodist church for many years and a staunch Rechabite. He is survived by a widow, four sons and two daughters: Thomas Richards (Adelaide), W.J. Richards (Burra), Arthur Richards (Burra), James N. Richards (NZ), Mrs John Pryor (Crystal Brook), Mrs W.J. Williams (Iron Mine), also 29 grandchildren & 1 great-grandchild.

The ploughing trial advertised for Wednesday at Stockman’s was postponed on account of the Mt Bryan Sale and the wet ground.

Burra Hockey Club is due to the work of Miss Middleton.

Waterworks. The SA Government has bought the land of the late Joseph Ford, adjacent to the present Waterworks and contemplates moving the pumping station.

VX, 819, 8 July 1908, page 2

Marriage. John Brown, eldest son of Robert Brown of Pt Pirie married Hannah (Annie) Parks, 3rd daughter of Thomas Parks of Kooringa.

The weather has continued very cold and damp, but with little rain. The country around Burra has been soaked, but rain is urgently needed to the east. Frost nearly every morning.

The Burra Record proprietor offers £1-1-0 for a photo of the old English Church (now demolished) that was on Limestone Hill. [i.e. the original St Mary’s.]

St Mary’s jubilee services were well attended on Sunday. Rev. W.G.M. Murphy preached at 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. and in the afternoon at Black Springs. Rev. H.L. Ebbs held a successful service at Mt Bryan.

First Quadrille Dance on Friday at the Institute was very successful. The next is on 17 July.

Burra Town Council, Monday.

Crown Lands Dept. advises that a special grant of £50 has been paid into the account for main roads.

J.A. Ridgway complains that the main road is bad, having been blinded with red clay.

To be attended to.

Cabbies memorial asking for licence fees to be reduced to 10/6. Deferred.

Application of R.J. Taylor as nightman approved.

Mrs Bullen’s application for maternity home renewal was granted.

VX, 819, 8 July 1908, page 3

‘Look Ahead’ writes urging Mt Bryan Council to take the long-term option in repaying the loan for the hall and so having only a small special rate.

‘Critic’ urges the establishment of a literary society in Burra.

Football. On Saturday Ramblers beat Kooringa.

Emus have appeared on the Razorback Ranges.

VX, 810 (2), 15 July 1908, page 2 [Repeat of number previously used 29 Apr. 1908]

St Mary’s Diamond Jubilee saw a large meeting at the Institute last Wednesday night with quite an array of clergymen.

Burra Show Society will attempt to revive the sheep dog field trials this year after last year’s were abandoned when only two or three entered.

Aberdeen Sports Ground Syndicate. At the sale of the late J. Ford’s property recently a syndicate purchased the polo grounds at Aberdeen and in the near future they propose to erect shelter sheds etc. and to plant trees. Later a fence and even a grandstand are spoken of.

Court Unity AOF reports having 234 members.

W.J. Davey took a picture of the visiting clergy on Wednesday and a picture of the church proposed by Rev. D.J.H. Ibbetson and reproduced by Day & Son, lithographers, has been procured. A photo of the old church on the hill has however, not yet come to hand.

Rain. While the country near Burra has received good rains, the east remains dry and cutting bush for feed has been resorted to in places.

The Eastern Telephone Syndicate.

A meeting is called for Friday in Mr F. Treloar’s office to discuss the question of a telephone service for the eastern country.

VX, 810 (2), 15 July 1908, page 3 [Repeat of number previously used 29 Apr. 1908]

Court.

John Smith of Ayers St was fined £2 + costs (total £7-8-6) for being unlawfully on the premises of Samuel Burns, blacksmith, at Kooringa on 18 June. The report runs to c. 12⁄3 columns.

Thomas Woollacott fined 2/6 + costs for a stray cow

H.C. Rundle from Murray Bridge is the new Kooringa postmaster. Mr Jordan has gone to Balaklava.

Obituary. John Murray, the well-known sheep owner, has died at Rhine Park.

[Born 25 September 1841 aboard the City of Adelaide: died 4 July 1908 at Eden Valley.]

Obituary. Mrs Goldsworthy, an old resident, died on Thursday.

[Susan Jane Goldsworthy died 9 July 1908 at Kooringa.]

St Mary’s Diamond Jubilee

Special services were held on Sunday 5 July by Rev. W.G.M. Murphy

On 7 July the Venerable Archdeacons Dove & Bussell, Canon Webb, Rev. F.W. Webb, S.T.C. Best, A.J. Adams & H.J. Lovibond arrived.

8 July saw further special services when Rev. F.W. Wilkinson joined the others. There were 53 communicants. At 2 p.m. there was a parish luncheon at the Commercial Hotel.

On 9 July there were services at 7.45 & 10 a.m. and then the Chapter met till 12.30.

An afternoon gathering was held at Mackerode with Mr & Mrs Albert Gebhardt.

Tea at the Rectory was then followed by Evensong.

The festival continues on 12 July. [Details occupy 3⁄4 column.]

VX, 811 (2), 22 July 1908, page 2 [Repeat of number previously used 6 May 1908]

Advt. After an absence of 12 years George Hagger announces he has returned to Market Square to the shop next to Snell’s, with drapery, millinery & clothing.

Advt. Dan Barry’s Dramatic Co. will play on 25 July at the Institute, presenting the drama:

A Modern Cain, or a Monster Murderer.

Burra Show Soc. has again had to cancel the sheep dog field trials due to lack of interest.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club AGM. Dr Sangster Jun. presided. Secretary P. Milner reported £1-9-2 in hand. Elected: President & Musical Director, W.B. Page; Stage Manager, G. Middleton; Hon. Sec. & Treasurer, P. Milner.

The club will soon give a concert in aid of the Burra Benevolent Soc.

New Wheat Bag. The new 200 lb wheat bag was introduced to Burra on Friday and was on view in the Record office. Filled with grain it weighed 195 lb – 7 lb short of the intended weight. Farmers complain that they will have to buy more bags. [The old bags were 240 lb.]

Euchre Party & Dance at the Institute tonight.

Burra Football Assoc. meets at the Commercial Hotel on Thursday to decide whether to send a team to Broken Hill on or about 19 September.

Luke Day writes a letter complaining that Rev. Winter at the Institute recently had apparently blamed Assyrians and Chinese for ‘sweating’ when there are in fact no Chinese clothing factories in the states.

[The editor replies that Mr Day is misinformed. Rev. Winter thought that all hawkers should be abolished, including Assyrians and Chinese.]

The Eastern Telephone Syndicate.

The meeting on Friday in F. Treloar’s office to discuss a proposed eastern telephone line was well attended. W.P. Barker presided. He believes promoters would receive very little encouragement from the Government and that they therefore had to consider constructing it privately. Those present were:

W.P. Barker (Baldina) J. Gallagher (Pualco & Quondong)

L.W. Gebhardt (Mokoto) C.B. Warnes (Woolgangi)

T. McWaters (World’s End) J.A. Riggs (Murkaby)

J. Reed (Mongolata) J. Tennant (Oakbank)

J. Bowman (Manunda) H.S. Stephens (Mongolata)

T. McBride (Redcliffe)

F. Treloar, as acting secretary, had collected much information. The Government response so far is that even if they wanted to help there was no money, but some might be placed on next year’s estimates. It was thought that a privately erected line would be best so that no time was lost. The proposal is for a trunk line to Quondong, 95 miles from Burra. Costs were established and then attention turned to the method of erection. A decision to go ahead was made with only one dissention. The proposal is for iron posts for the first mile and then timber, with the posts carted from the east. One gentleman said he could provide them for £1 a mile. Private erection is estimated at half the Government cost of £30 per mile. The Postmaster-General reserved the right to erect all such lines within any railway reserve, municipality, township or public road. On private land the method of construction is at the discretion of the persons constructing. With approval of the landowner. A licence to operate is needed from the Deputy Postmaster-General when he is satisfied. Another meeting was scheduled for 7 August.

VX, 811 (2), 22 July 1908, page 3 [Repeat of number previously used 6 May 1908]

St Mary’s Diamond Jubilee gets a further 2 column report.

Rev. H.L. Ebbs presided at the meeting on 9 July at the Institute.

Rev. W.H. Winter of Balaklava spoke on ‘sweating’ and is reported in 1⁄2 column.

Rev. W.G.M. Murphy spoke on The church and the Aborigines, though he drifted somewhat into employment for the poor, following the lead of the previous speaker. He wondered why sweatshop workers didn’t go into domestic service where they would be paid more and get better status. [The report reveals very little about what he may have had to say about Aborigines.]

Canon Webb thanked all in Burra for the hospitality extended to the visiting clergy.

Dr Sangster jun. then spoke on The Church & the Children, discussing the role and benefits of the Sunday school.

Archdeacon Bussell also thanked Burra for its hospitality.

The speeches were separated by musical items.

Burra Chess Club. The results of the tourney just completed placed players in the following order:

G. Scott, H. Roach, R.G. Galle, P. Roach, Miss Miller, W.H. Hardy, M. Stephenson, A. Davey, C. Scott. A new tourney has begun.

Burra Institute, half-yearly meeting. On 31 December 1907 there were 4,119 volumes in the library and 82 have been added. There are 101 subscribers: an increase of one in six months.

Mr Thomas Symes is seriously ill at his sister’s, Mrs W. Neville, at Aberdeen.

Mr Thomas Rosewall celebrates his 74th birthday. He has been 61 years in Burra. He arrived on the Trafalgar and worked at the Princess Royal Mine and then at Ulcolta. He was living in a Burra creek hut when the great flood washed the family out together with their clothing and furniture in 1848.

Burra Town Council.

The Baptist Union says there are no living trustees of the old Baptist Church and the land is on a certificate of title issued by SAMA in fee simple. SAMA is to be approached to get the Baptist Church land vested in the Council.

VX, 812 (2), 27 July 1908, page 2 [Repeat of number previously used 13 May 1908]

Advt. There will be a trial of the new Clutterbuck Bros four-furrow stump-jump plough on W. Stockman’s farm on 5 August.

Weather. There was a very heavy frost last Friday with woodwork covered 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch thick in ice and icicles on wires presenting a sight beyond description. Pipes and pumps were frozen and pipes and brass taps were split.

VX, 812 (2), 27 July 1908, page 3 [Repeat of number previously used 13 May 1908]

Eastern Telephone Line.

There is a 1-column article of imaginary chatting on the proposed line.

Football. Manoora 4.8 (32) beat Burra 3.6 (24) on Saturday at Victoria Park.

Dan Barry’s Dramatic Co. played in Burra last Saturday.

Matrons’ Dance in the Institute on 5 August.

Dalgety’s New Office in Commercial St is nearing completion.

Burra Cinderellas spent an interesting evening at the Institute last Wednesday.

Waterworks. Timbering of the shaft for the new pumping station at Aberdeen is proceeding.

A number of swaggies are presently troubling residents for food.

Shop Hours. There is a move to shift evening trading in Burra from Saturday to Friday nights.

Burra Chess Club. The second tourney has G. Scott leading H. Roach, R.G. Galle and P. Roach.

Weather. The other night a drip from a roof produced an icicle 6 feet high by morning.

Accident. A young man named Keynes is in the Burra Hospital unconscious with a critical head injury following a fall from a horse at Mutooroo. He is the eldest son of Mr Keynes, formerly in charge of the bank at Redruth [Probably Aberdeen] and is a grandson of R.M. McBride of Kooringa.

[With that information we should be able to identify him!]

VX, 813 (2), 5 Aug. 1908, page 2 [Repeat of number previously used 20 May 1908]

Eastern Telephone Line.

Mr Treloar is now in a position to put a definite proposal to the meeting on Friday about the eastern telephone line.

Mt Bryan. There will be a Grand Entertainment next Tuesday at the Mt Bryan Council Chamber: Songs, Rev. H.L. Ebbs lantern lecture on the Russo-Japanese War.

The farcical comedy: Who’s Who?

Dancing from 10.30 to 12.30

Proceeds will aid the Church of England in Mt Bryan.

Snow. There was a light fall on Saturday, which melted as it landed in Kooringa, but was heavier at Redruth and covered the ground from Gumbowie to Petersburg. There has been a fall of 112 points of rain in the past week.

Court.

Frank Cameron Howell, aged 10, was sent to Magill Reformatory till aged 18 for stealing 1⁄2 from the till of Mrs Bell’s store in Mt Bryan. He had a record of reckless deeds, including riding under a carriage from Mt Bryan to Hallett and hiding on another train for many miles.

Sturt Vale Station, 58 miles NE of Burra, will be offered by auction on Friday by Bagot, shakes & Lewis.

VX, 813 (2), 5 Aug. 1908, page 3 [Repeat of number previously used 20 May 1908]

Court

There has been some petty thieving of late of clothes from lines and a bag of wood, but George Davitz, a tramp, was fined £2 + £1 value for the two fowls and two ducks he was found guilty of stealing. Having no funds, he got instead 14 days.

Burra Chess Club. Positions in the tourney remain unchanged.

Snow is reported from Mt Bryan last Saturday, but not as heavy as that of a few weeks ago.

Football. Kooringa beat Ramblers on Saturday.

The Ivy Quadrille Class had a good time on Friday at the Institute. The next occasion is on 12 August.

Burra Town Council.

Drew & Crewes obtained a licence to store explosives at the Burra Burra Copper Co.’s magazine.

Guard fences are to be erected at the four ends of Cave’s Bridge. [Bridge at Snake Gully.]

VX, 814 (2), 12 Aug. 1908, page 2 [Repeat of number previously used 27 May 1908]

Marriage. At St Joseph’s Church, Wednesday.

Miss Nora Murphy, youngest daughter of M. Murphy of Booborowie married D. Horgan of near Pt Germein.

Dr Barnardo’s Boys will visit Burra on 18 September to raise money for a girls’ home at Ilford. So far in Australia they have raised £1,500. They will give a concert.

Isaac J. Warnes bought Sturt Vale on Friday for £7,100. It had once belonged to the late Thomas Warnes, but in a bad season he offered it to the late J. ford for ‘the back rent and give me £250.’

Court.

There is a report of a recent troublesome case due to the poor English of the Chinese plaintiff. John Kee said he was missing a ‘lacer’ [razor] and also that ‘I missim lay blo [lady’s blouse]. The report is clearly included as amusement only because the outcome is not given.

Eastern Telephone Line.

A committee meeting was held at Frank Treloar’s office on Saturday morning when costs were discussed. It could be done more cheaply after rain and the matter has been postponed until after shearing and another meeting will be held in November.

Obituary. Henry W. Rosewall, brother of Thomas Rosewall of ‘The Paddock’ died in hospital on Wednesday, aged 63. He was an old identity of Burra, though not always residing here. He was stricken with cancer on Glenwarick Station east of Craddock. He had also worked at Broken Hill for Messrs McCulloch, Poole & party and on the White Cliffs opal fields. He leaves three sisters: Mrs Retallick (Moonta), Mrs Nettle (Adelaide), & Mrs Stephen (Boulder WA).

[Henry Willoughby Rosewall born 21 January 1845 in Cornwall: died 5 August 1908 at Kooringa.]

Mt Bryan. A 2⁄3 column article on Mt Bryan mentions that place as then having:

A Tennis Club A Football Team

A newly formed Rifle Club A State School with 30-40 children

A Literary Society An Agricultural Bureau with c. 30 members

W. Bell’s General Store Several town allotments have been bought

Charley Casaretto’s Hotel A Dramatic Club

And in addition a local hall is being proposed.

The Methodists ‘can boast of one of the nattiest little church[es] desired in any country town’

Buildings are also either rented or given free for the Church of England, Catholic and Lutheran services.

Mt Bryan has had an influx of new settlers and only one or two pioneer residents have survived to see it. Fruit and flower gardens are holding their own and vegetable gardens are extensive. On older properties the older inadequate houses have been replaced by nice dwellings, but most new settlers are making shift with primitive homesteads. Today there are about 60 farms in the district. They are practical farmers getting the most from their land. Mt Bryan’s jollifications in clued ‘at homes’, surprise parties etc. Tennis is much practised and football will become more prominent. Several town allotments have been sold. Closer settlement is just the thing for the Mt Bryan District.

Burra Chess Club. The tourney leaders are G. Scott, H. Roach, A. Davey & Miss Miller.

VX, 814 (2), 12 Aug. 1908, page 3 [Repeat of number previously used 27 May 1908]

Court.

Chin Young fined 2/6 for a stray horse in Kangaroo St.

Thomas Woollacott fined 2/6 for stray horses in Young St.

[The bench complained that this was the 10th or 12th time for such an offence.]

Richard Austin fined 1/- + costs for two stray cows.

Len Lord fined 2/6 + costs for driving around the Morehead St corner at more than walking pace.

John Morgan fined 2/6 for a stray cow.

Walter Allen fined 2/6 for a stray cow, (or 14 days.)

Telephone. There is a 3⁄4 column article of ‘Telephone Talk’.

Football. Petersburg visited Burra on Saturday and Burra 66 defeated Petersburg 36. The visitors were entertained at the Commercial Hotel before catching the express at 8 p.m.

Dr Barnardo’s Boys will perform here on 18 September.

Government Forest. The Government will plant more trees west of Burra.

Obituary. Harry Rosewall, an old Burra resident, died on Thursday.

I.J. Warnes bought Sturt Vale on Friday for £7,100.

The Matrons’ Dance at the Institute on Wednesday was a great success and is detailed in c. 1⁄2 column.

Edith Barkley has charge of a provisional school just outside Whyte Yarcowie.

Snow fell recently at Mt Bryan East continuously for five hours.

Foxes remain numerous at Mt Bryan East.

VX, 815 (2), 19 Aug. 1908, page 2 [Repeat of number previously used 3 June 1908]

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club will present a concert in the Institute on 1 September in aid of the Burra Benevolent Soc. It will conclude with the comedietta The Duchess of Bayswater & Co.

Burra Chess Club. At last Thursday the leaders of the tourney were: G. Scott, H. Roach & R.G. Galle.

Marriage. Mr Herman Schwarz of Eudunda married Miss Bertha Ottilie Duldig, 3rd daughter of F. Duldig of World’s End, in the Bright Lutheran Church. Rev. Hansen officiated.

Light refreshments preceded the dash to the home of the bride’s father. A dozen vehicles tried to pass the bride and groom, but their leading trap had too much pace and the happy couple arrived first. Dinner was immediately served in a galvanized iron room built specially for the occasion. There were four highly decorated tables. In less than a quarter of an hour 70-80 people were served with poultry, vegetables, etc. A collection was made for the home Mission. After dinner, with its attendant speeches, games of cricket and football were played as well as games like twos and threes and scores of others. Refreshments were served at intervals with a sumptuous tea at 6 p.m., after which there were songs and recitations in both English and German, character sketches and other amusements in the house’s front room and a short farce: The Black Doctor, was well received. Supper was served just before 12 o’clock and at midnight the wreath was taken from the bride’s head and the buttonhole from the groom, marking the release of both from their parents’ care. Parlour games continued through the night with refreshments. Breakfast was served at dawn. Many then went home, but others stayed to continue the amusements and feasting.

Clutterbuck Bros gave a very satisfactory plough trial at W. Stockman’s farm last week of the latest colonial made four-furrow stump-jump plough.

VX, 815 (2), 19 Aug. 1908, page 3 [Repeat of number previously used 3 June 1908]

F. Duldig’s Farm is described in 1⁄3 column. It is a good account of a modern well-run enterprise.

Rain on Saturday was sufficient for the Burra Creek to flow.

Petty robberies continue in the town.

Football. Aberdeen beat Kooringa on Saturday.

VX, 816 (2), 26 Aug. 1908, page 2 [Repeat of number previously used 10 June 1908]

Weather. There have been 148 points of rain since last Thursday and the Burra Creek is having its best flow in two years.

Hockey. Since the formation of a Hockey Club in Burra there has been a mild dispute amongst players, so now there are two clubs and last Wednesday Hiawatha Club 3 defeated School Girls 1.

Football. Kooringa and Ramblers drew on Saturday.

VX, 816 (2), 26 Aug. 1908, page 3 [Repeat of number previously used 10 June 1908]

Sergeant Rumball of Port Pirie has been fined 10/- for riding his bike without a light.

[Personal note: this is presumably ‘Auntie Emm’s husband.]

Weather. A car was stuck in mud nine miles east of the town on Friday and had to be towed in on Saturday by W.J. Richard’s car.

Burra Chess Club. G. Scott, H. Roach & R.G. Galle remain the tourney leaders.

Advt. There will be a Fancy Dress Muff Football Match and Sport

Victoria Park 1 September. In Aid of the Burra Football Association.

Copperhouse School visiting day on Friday took place in bad weather, which prevented most visitors from attending. Dr Sangster Sen. Congratulated the head teacher, Mr R.G. Galle on the progress made. 63 of the 72 on the roll were present despite the weather and over 50 of the 58 examined were promoted. 12 Compulsory & Honour Certificates were handed out to upper classes. Inspector Cherry classified the school as ‘Good’.

Obituary. Mr G. Wallis, an early resident of Burra, died in Terowie on Friday. He arrived in SA in 1860 in the Grand Triana from Yorkshire and got work as a shepherd and later as a miner at Burra Mines. When the railway reached Burra he ran the refreshment stall at the station. At Terowie he was a hairdresser for about 17 years and for the last nine has been the librarian and caretaker at the Institute. He leaves two daughters and four sons: Mrs Allen (Terowie), Mrs Dodman (Petersburg), George (Hamley Bridge), Harry (Broken Hill), Alfred (Terowie), & Charles (Alberton) and also 14 grandchildren. He was a member of Court Unity Lodge at Burra for 36 years.

[George Wallis died 21 August 1908 at Terowie aged 70.]

VX, 817 (3), 2 Sep. 1908, page 2 [Repeat of number previously used 17 & 24 June 1908]

Boxing. The craze for boxing has caught on and on Saturday night two young men fought 10 rounds on Brewery Flat.

Salvation Army will provide meals at all times on Show Day and a Biograph show in the evening.

Obituary. Ray Rule, the youngest son of W.J. Rule of Aberdeen, fell into a neighbour’s underground tank and drowned on Sunday. He was aged 2. The body was recovered by B. Gully.

[Raymond Fritz Rule born 11 September 1906 at Aberdeen: died 30 August 1908 at Aberdeen.]

VX, 817 (3), 2 Sep. 1908, page 3 [Repeat of number previously used 17 & 24 June 1908]

A Boxing Saloon is said to be planned for Burra.

Football. Ramblers defeated Aberdeen at Victoria Park on Saturday.

The fancy dress football match did not come off.

Walker & Sons are having additions made to their shops in Market Square.

Burra Chess Club. Places in the tourney remain unchanged.

Weather. Rain continued on Monday & Tuesday and on Tuesday morning the biggest flood in 20 years came down the Burra Creek. The footbridge in front of the Post Office was covered and the water rose several feet up the walls of the Kingston St Bridge. The rain has been general. 321 points fell in August and in the last 24 hours another 192. The rain to the east is the best for 15 years with 168 points at Morgan and 238 at Overland Corner.

The Copperhouse Mail Cart could not get through yesterday due to floodwater.

VX, 818 (2), 9 Sep. 1908, page 2 [Repeat of number previously used 1 July 1908]

Obituary. Raymond Fritz Rule, youngest son of Mr & Mrs W.J. Rule was accidentally drowned on 30 August at Aberdeen, aged 1 year 11 months.

Floods. One of Mr C. Park’s horses was swept away by flood waters when it attempted to cross the creek behind the Burra Hotel. It had a lucky escape after being rolled over and over and swept downstream past Mr Sampson’s property.

The floods have cut most of the fences that cut across creeks and teamsters have been stranded on impassable roads and mails disrupted. Shearing has been delayed.

Burra has had 309 points in the last fortnight.

E.J. Harris has recently purchased the shop at the corner of Commercial St and Thames St, known as Fool’s Corner, and is turning it into a good general grocery store. An entrance has been made through the division wall to give the grocer more display room and a large cellar has been excavated to store butter etc. in hot weather.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club gave a concert on the holiday evening to a well-filled house despite the rain earlier and on the night itself. [Reviewed in 3⁄4 column.]

VX, 818 (2), 9 Sep. 1908, page 3 [Repeat of number previously used 1 July 1908]

Emu Downs. The foundation stone for the new Lutheran Church was laid a few days ago. The church will measure 40’ x 20’ inside and will cost only c. £250 on account of the generous donation of materials. The old church was much smaller and less central to the neighbourhood.

Weather. Rainfall in the east recently varied from 2” to 4” (The former at Caroona and the latter at Braemar.)

The Ivy Quadrille Class holds its final dance for the season at the Institute this Friday.

VX, 819 (2), 16 Sep. 1908, page 2 [Repeat of number previously used 8 July 1908]

Birth. On 12 September at Broken Hill, a son to Mr & Mrs H.A. Foster.

Snow fell lightly last Sunday morning, but was not enough to stay on the ground.

Ivy Quadrille Class’s last dance drew about 150 to the Institute on Friday. Refreshments were taken at 11 p.m. and supper at midnight. Dancing then continued.

Obituary. Henry Riggs, aged 76, brother of John Riggs of Murkaby, and at the time of his death in possession of that property, died at Miss Hand’s private hospital following injuries received when he fell from a moving train. [In the issue of 30 September a correction says H.J. Riggs owned Mullaby, not Murkaby.] [Henry John Riggs died 12 September 1908 at Adelaide, residence Bentley near Gawler aged 75.]

‘Disgusted Shareholder’ writes about the soon-to-be-issued half-yearly report of the Burra Burra Copper Co. The writer says it is time that more information was given of the directors’ intentions. The Government should buy the mine and work it. Then the state ‘could make a good thing out of it’.

VX, 819 (2), 16 Sep. 1908, page 3 [Repeat of number previously used 8 July 1908]

Burra Chess Club. The tourney still has G. Scott, H. Roach & R.G. Galle in the lead.

Football. Kooringa defeated Ramblers on Saturday.

VX, 820, 23 Sep. 1908, page 2

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will offer by auction on 2 October, for Mrs Woodgate, the Copperhouse property, formerly a hotel, being allotment 33, part section 52, Hundred of Kooringa, laid out as Lostwithiel and containing about 1 acre on which is the 9 roomed dwelling, sheds, stable, well etc. [Actually the allotment was 23.]

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will offer by auction on 2 October about 171⁄2 acres of good land, being section 2267 Hundred of Kooringa, laid out as Princess Town, being the land in occupation of Dr Sangster Sen.

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis in conjunction with Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd will offer by auction on 2 October, for Mr Steward McWaters, his valuable farm situated at Leighton, about 14 miles west of Burra and adjoining the travelling stock reserve, containing 1014 acres, comprising sections 401, 402, 448, 453, 487 in the Hundred of Ayers and sections 742 & 588 in Hundred of Hanson. The homestead has a comfortable stone dwelling of ten rooms etc. etc. There are 7 paddocks, all sheep-proofed.

Advt. Readvertisement of the Fancy Dress Muff Football Match for 30 September in aid of Burra Football Assoc.

Advt. Ada Delroy Co. will perform at the Institute 29 September. Comprising 12 artists: Juggling Colossals Zeno & Hall, cleverest and funniest show on earth. Spectacular Dances and Shadowgraph Extraordinary [Silhouette]. Sparkling Commediettas & New screaming Farces & Latest Biograph.

2/- & 1/-

Advt. United Labor Party, Burra Branch Annual Social, at Institute 2 October. Supper & Dance to follow.

Obituary. Henry Nourse Thompson, aged 82 years 6 months died at ‘Three Trees’ near Burra on 21 September. He was born 15 March 1826 at Kings Lynn, Norfolk and came to SA in 1852. He was thus a colonist of 56 years. He was an accountant at the Burra Mine and later storekeeper there. He planted the Moreton Bay figs at the Mine Store. He was a great friend of Josiah Thomas’s father and for that reason Mr Thomas took the deceased to live with him at Three Trees. He was there for 40 years. One of his legs was amputated when he was 12 years old. He was a well educated and widely read gentleman and was a relative of the Mine’s chief accountant, Mr Challener [sic] [Challoner]

[Henry Nourse Tomson died 21 September 1908 at ‘Three Trees’ near Burra aged 81.]

Salvation Army. The Biograph presentation at the Barracks on Wednesday was voted the best ever seen. It showed pictures of the recent visit of the American Fleet among others. Over £22 was raised.

Snow, hail and rain fell last Saturday, though the snow melted on reaching the ground.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club will present a concert next Wednesday.

Mr Robert Fuss writes complaining that in three cases prizes were awarded at the Burra Show when the pots containing plants exceeded the 7” diameter allowed. The secretary disallowed a written protest. Even more concerning, he says, was the taking of a plant of his from a collection of six to make a third in another person’s exhibit in the three-plant section. And ‘to finish up this bungling I was awarded a prize for six plants with only five showing.’

‘Shareholder’ writes agreeing with a suggestion in The Advertiser that when Labor MPs visit Burra they should inspect the mine and report on the way things have been done since the company [Burra Burra Copper Co.] was floated. He thought a Parliamentary Commission would be a good thing.

VX, 820, 23 Sep. 1908, page 3

The Burra Show was held at Victoria Park on Wednesday in moderately fair weather. Though the threat of rain may have kept some people away, there was still a record attendance. John McLaren as secretary is to be congratulated. Horse numbers were down, but the quality was up. A later show would help horse entries. (But if by more than a fortnight it would harm sheep entries, as seed would appear in the wool.) Agricultural and dairy produce were both good. Fowl entries were high with over 300 this year.

‘Mr A. Forrest scored well with his three-year-old filly, plough and dray horses and a team of six, and approprirted [sic] Mr Thos. Sandland’s splendid prize of £5 for the latter.’

Cattle were poorly represented and there were only a few dogs.

Sheep and wool were well represented and pride of place went to Thomas Sandland of Koo-owie and W.T. Mortlock of Martindale. Also doing well were A. Gebhardt & John Collins and for small flock owners, Mr F.G. Dawson.

In vegetables Chin Young predominated and in flowers R. & A. Fuss did well.

Music was provided by the Terowie Brass Band.

[Personal interest:

Chin Young won a prize for his Newfoundland Dog. He got prizes for: collection of vegetables, collection of herbs, collection of salid [sic] vegetables, bunch of green onions, 2 marrows, 3 cauliflowers, 3 lettuces, 6 white turnips, 6 parsnips, 6 red beet and 3 sticks of celery.

A. Forrest’s prizes: brood mare in foal

Or foal at foot 2nd

3 year-old draught filly 1st

2 year-old draught filly 2nd

Pair plough horses in harness 1st & 2nd

Dray horse in dray 1st & 2nd

4 draught horses in wagon 1st

There is no mention here of the team of six referred to earlier.

Flowers:

12 cut flowers R. Fuss 1st

6 cut flowers R. Fuss 1st

6 anemones R. Fuss 2nd

3 anemones R. Fuss 1st

6 daffodils R. Fuss 1st

1 daffodil R. Fuss 2nd

6 hyacinths R. Fuss 2nd

3 hyacinths R. Fuss 1st

6 pelargoniums A. Fuss 1st & 2nd

3 pelargoniums A. Fuss 1st & 2nd

2 pelargoniums A. Fuss 1st & 2nd

Basket of flowers A. Fuss 1st

Wreath or cross A. Fuss 1st

6 pot plants for table R. Fuss 1st

1 fern R. Fuss 2nd

(Mrs E. N. Finch 1st)]

Burra Chess Club. G. Scott, H. Roach and R.G. Galle still lead the tourney.

The Duchess of Bayswater will be presented at the Institute on 30 September.

Football. Aberdeen beat Kooringa for the premiership on Saturday.

The Ada Delroy Co. is coming to Burra.

Obituary. ‘Billy’ Bruce died at his residence, the Paddock, last week. He was one of Burra oldest and most noted footballers. [William Henry Bruse born 3 May 1858 at Kooringa: died 15 September 1908 at Kooringa.]

Obituary. Thomas Williams, son-in-law of C.B. Griffiths of Redruth, died last Thursday.

[Born 19 June 1869 at Canowie: died 17 September 1908 at Redruth.]

Dr Barnardo’s Boys raised c. £34 at their concert at the Institute on Friday evening.

Burra Town Council

Footbridges near the brewery, near Mr Robertson’s and the bridge near W. finch’s will be inspected.

British & Foreign Bible Soc. AGM at St Mary’s schoolroom on Monday evening. The deputation was Mr Willmore. Mr Winnall was re-appointed President with T.W. Wilkinson as Vice President, P. Lane as Treasurer and F. Harris as Hon. Sec. Following W. Davey’s retirement from the latter post after 27 years service.

VX, 821, 30 Sep. 1908, page 2

Advt. Sale of Stewart [Steward] McWaters farm of 1014 acres at Leighton, on 2 October.

[See details previously]

Shearers are in town. The sheds ‘outside’ have finished and the close ones are about to begin.

Accident. Jack Fiedler, an employee of Dr Sangster Sen., was thrown from a horse which shied, and he was rendered unconscious as well as sustaining a gash to his head and injuries to his shoulder and arm. He is progressing in hospital.

Burra Chess Club. Tourney positions remain the same.

VX, 821, 30 Sep. 1908, page 3

Court.

Isaac Villis was fined £1 + £4-1-0 costs for allowing sheep to trespass on Crown Lands. The court accepted that it had been accidental.

John Smith was fined 12/6 for a stray bay filly.

Labor Party, Burra Branch has elected John Walker President with E.C. Sedgman as Treasurer and R.J.J. Ockenden as Secretary.

Salvation Army. The Sunbeam Songsters appear at the Barracks tomorrow.

The Army will have an Eskimo Fair at the Barracks on 1 & 2 October.

The Ada Delroy Co. had a good house at the Institute last night. (A variety company.)

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club concert and dramatic performance will be repeated tonight at the Institute.

Obituary. Fred Schultz, of Broken Hill and formerly of Burra, died in Adelaide on 19 September from cancer. [Ferdinand Schutz born 10 November 1860 at Burra Survey: died 19 September 1908 at North Adelaide, residence Broken Hill.]

Burra Racing Club met at the Commercial Hotel on 2 October.

VX, 822, 7 Oct. 1908, page 2

Notice. For Sale: Two cabs – one for 16 and one for 9 persons. Apply Record office.

Birth. On 2 October, at Redruth, to Mr & Mrs H.H. Thomas, a son.

Burra Railway Station has at last been lit by gas from a ‘Globe’ generator, which is working well.

Labor Party annual social at the Institute on Friday was an unqualified success and the big dance following it was a fitting finale.

Tommy Halls last week bought all of Charley Grow’s cab business and is prepared to sell the vehicles. ‘The Popular Cab’ has often run to the station and back without a customer and Charley was anxious to sell. Tommy waited to buy at advantage, which he did last week.

Accident. Charles Kotz (aged 22-25) had an arm broken in two places in Friday coming in from the Hundred of Bright. He apparently fainted and then fell from the shafts of his wagon, which then passed over his arm.

Football. Ramblers will hold a social and dance in the Institute on Friday night.

VX, 822, 7 Oct. 1908, page 3

Salvation Army. The Eskimo Fair last Thursday & Friday was successful and Major & Mrs Hoare are to be congratulated. The interior was decorated as a snow scene and the external ledges etc. also featured imitation snow in a convincing way. Takings were satisfactory.

Football. The Muff football match came off on Wednesday at Victoria Park.

Burra Railway Station was lit by gas for the first time on 1 October.

Methodist Church. Rev. Farley will spend another term in the local circuit.

Burra Racing Club. Matters connected with the new course for the club are about to be settled and should be finally settled at a meeting on Friday night at the Burra Hotel.

Burra Town Council

A letter is to be sent to SAMA to ascertain the price for allotment 295 Thames St. [The old Baptist Church.]

Town lamps will not be lit from October to the end of March for the 7 nights before full moon.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club repeated The Duchess of Bayswater & Co. on Wednesday to a good house and with the extra rehearsals it was even better than the first time.

VX, 823, 14 Oct. 1908, page 2

Crops. Grass and wheat crops are looking good this year.

Football. The Ramblers social and dance at the Institute on Friday was well attended. Mr A.W. Lott worked hard in preparation.

Railway accident. A young railway employee mistakenly sent a number of trucks down the siding to the ballast quarry a few evenings ago, where they collided with others and damaged 15-20 wagons. Several nearby workers were lucky to escape injury. The young man has been suspended. The wreckage was cleared on Wednesday in about four hours of meritorious work.

SAR. There is heavy traffic on the Adelaide-Terowie line with trains running night and day and occasionally on Sundays. Special stock trains have been booked up to Christmas. Income is more than double any other portion of railway in SA.

Advt. Mrs Taylor of Paxton Terrace, Burra says:

‘My son always praises Doan’s Ointment because it cured him of piles. He suffered from itching and protruding piles . . . He used Doan’s Ointment and it gave him good relief . . . We got this ointment at Wilkinson’s Pharmacy.’

On 22 October 1907 Mrs Taylor says:

‘My son is still free of itching and protruding piles, and has been quite free of this complaint ever since Doan’s Ointment cured him, eight years ago.’

Burra Racing Club. The adjourned AGM on Friday at the Burra Hotel saw G. Lord in the chair. Elected: Secretary, W.H. Hardy; Treasurer, F. Treloar; Patron, Hon. J. Lewis MLC; President, J. Tennant. Stakes for the coming meeting are £150. The committee re the proposed new course reported satisfactorily.

Burra Chess Club tourney continues with positions unchanged.

VX, 823, 14 Oct. 1908, page 3

Labor Party, Burra Branch. The recent social and dance is reported in c. 3 columns.

A major concern of the day was the closer settlement scheme, which involved the breaking up of large pastoral estates within Goyder’s Line to make extra land available for grain production.

Castle’s Pictures showed on Saturday at the Institute to a fair house.

VX, 824, 21 Oct. 1908, page 2

Advt. Land Sales

Part of Mackerode Estate – 4,305 acres freehold to be sold under instructions from Albert Gebhardt.

Located in Hundred of Kingston, 7 miles east of Mt Bryan. Sections 393, 403 to 415, 422, 424 to 433, 445 & 446, comprising two fenced paddocks. Excellent grazing land.

407 acres in Hundred of Rees: perpetual lease No. 5210.

377 acres in Hundred of Baldina: section123, perpetual lease No. 437.

Estate of H.J. Riggs, 6,207 acres freehold. Mullaby Estate of 8 paddocks with 5-roomed stone house etc.

Marriage. On 19 October Jacob Richards, 3rd son of the late Jacob Richards of Moonta & Elizabeth (Lizzie) Vivian, eldest daughter of W.H. Vivian of Kooringa.

Weather. Last week was stormy, which caused floodwaters to rush down Burra Creek. Dams have been filled and 191 points were recorded in the week at Kooringa.

Mt Bryan. A public meeting is called for 7 November to discuss the proposed new hall.

Suicide? Matilda Kubel, recently employed by Mrs J.I. Sangster jun., has left mysteriously, leaving a note that said: ‘Don’t look for me no where’ in addition to other private matters, which cannot be published here under the present circumstances. No trace of the missing woman has been found despite search parties.

A near drowning. Two little girls named McGowan fell into the Burra Creek on Friday from a footbridge, when a couple of foolish boys shook the planks. Mr Rundle, the postmaster, saved the life of one by wading in after her. He was assisted by Mr John Harry. The older sister fell near the edge and was assisted out by Miss Pearce who was close at hand. Mr Seabury got a trap and drove the girls home to Hampton.

VX, 824, 21 Oct. 1908, page 3

The Tilly Kubel Case. [Further details occupy 11⁄2 columns.]

Matilda J. Kubel (Tilly) went missing on Wednesday. Pearl Montgomery, the nurse girl, found her missing at 6.30 a.m. Two letters in her room instructed Mrs Sangster what to do with Tilly’s machine and money. The bed had been slept in. Searches were instigated. Mrs Sangster and the Doctor are at a loss to explain why Miss Kubel disappeared so quickly. Tilly had not complained of being despondent and had been an excellent servant. There was a belief she had thrown herself into the Mine Pool, but it has been dragged and it is now thought she may have thrown herself down a shaft. The Doctor doesn’t believe this, as she had access to poisons in his dispensing room had suicide been her intention. Dynamite in the Mine Pool on Monday failed to lead to any discovery. Her sister at Farrell’s Flat (Mrs Przibilla) was notified. A reward for information has been posted.

Fitzgerald’s Circus will visit Burra on Wednesday next.

Yass-Canberra has been selected at last for the site of the Capital.

Mr Barnes, a labor leader, addressed a meeting in Market quare on Saturday night.

Wild dogs are troublesome near Razorback.

Mark Rosenberg, a native of Burra, is now Mayor of Kalgoorlie.

At Manoora the new Institute was opened on Saturday morning.

Burra Chess Club tourney continues with no change in the relative position of the leaders.

VX, 825, 28 Oct. 1908, page 2

Fitzgerald’s Circus will perform tonight on ground close to the old White Hart Hotel.

SAR. Memorials have been presented to have a wheat-loading platform at Hanson following increased grain farming in the district, due to closer settlement on Shafton, Braefoot & Gum Creek Estates. The Hon. J. Lewis MLC has received assurances that such will be ready for the coming harvest.

Copperhouse School will have a picnic at Sod hut on Friday. Six farmers’ wagons will depart between 8.30 & 9 a.m. Organisation is by the indefatigable head teacher, Mr R. Galle.

St Mary’s Church is to secure the services of a curate to assist Rev. H.L. Ebbs. The Rector has long distances to travel to the various missions in the district and assistance is much needed.

VX, 825, 28 Oct. 1908, page 3

Obituary: The Tilly Kubel Case.

The body of Miss Kubel was found by three small boys. It was floating in a pool by the old ford just south of Roach’s Mill. They told the news to Mr W.J. Richards and M-C Farrell retrieved the body. A crowd soon gathered to see the ambulance pass and Dr Sangster jun. identified Miss Kubel at the morgue. It is surprising that she was not discovered earlier in such a frequented place.

[Details occupy a 11⁄3 column report, but add little of substance.] Mr McGilchrist JP decided no inquest was necessary. [Born Johanna Mathilda Kubel 25 February 1884 at Bundey: died Johanna Matilde Kubel 14 October 1908 at Burra, residence Kooringa.]

Obituary. Last Thursday [22 October] at World’s End William Prior died, aged 78. He had been a miner at the Burra Mine and later took charge of the big engine at Morphett’s Shaft. Some 32 years ago he took up land at World’s End. He was born at St Tossell’s in Cornwall. [In paper of 25 November called St Ostle; in fact St Austell.] He came to SA with his wife and one son (William Henry). He leaves a wife, three daughters and three sons: Mrs Bruse (World’s End), Mrs Fisher (Bower), Miss Prior (at home), William Henry (World’s End), John (Murray Bridge), James (at home) and 39 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was a very old member of the AOF lodge.

Foxes are numerous around Mt Bryan.

Many shearers are in town, but are behaving themselves very well.

Burra Chess Club. The second tournament was won by H. Roach narrowly from G. Scott.

The Mayoralty. Dr J.I. Sangster jun. will stand for Mayor for 1909.

Burra Racing Club. A committee has been appointed to see to the pegging out of the new racecourse. Wednesday 24 March is proposed for the meeting.

Annual Friendly Societies’ Church Parade next Sunday, 3 p.m. at St Mary’s with the Terowie Brass Band. A procession will assemble in Market Square and go to the Hospital and then Aberdeen before going to the church. It is hoped the Cadets and the Defence Rifle Club will join the parade.

VX, 826, 4 Nov. 1908, page 2

Farrell’s Flat Concert on Friday in the spacious Hall built by the late Mr Salter is likely to be the last there, as it is probably going to be converted into a general store.

Mr Clode of Redruth has lost two horses in a week. One fell 100 feet at the Redruth Quarry paddock [Surely the Aberdeen Quarry?] and the other was found dead in the manger. Both were very valuable beasts.

Mt Bryan. The last meeting to consider the hall proposal was poorly attended and another is called for next Saturday.

Court.

‘Two young men paid £1 each for giving a display of Burns and Johnson in Kooringa.’ [i.e. were fined for fighting. Such baroque descriptions were common in the paper for fighting and for drinking offences.]

Tennis. Saturday at Hallett: Aberdeen 6-51 defeated Hallett 4-42.

Obituary. John Higgins, an old Burra identity and one-time shepherd on Mackerode, died near Clare a day or two ago, aged 80. [Died 1 November 1908 at Clare aged 81.]

VX, 826, 4 Nov. 1908, page 3

Rabbit Law.

A 1-column article is devoted to a case highlighting a new tough law on rabbit eradication, under which, if rabbits are found on a property after notice has been given to clear them, the plaintiff is guilty of an offence regardless of the effort made (or said to have been made). High Benjamin Knuckey Dunstan of Mt Bryan East was fined £1 + £3-12-0 costs.

Copperhouse School picnic on Friday was a great success.

The Terowie Brass band played in Market Square Saturday night.

Douglas Methodist Church Anniversary was held last Sunday.

Fitzgerald’s Circus took over £100 on Wednesday.

Hospital Sunday at St Mary’s with the Terowie Brass Band raised £13-5-0 for the Hospital.

Burra Town Council.

A letter was received from Mr Fuss objecting to the Government Road near the railway station bridge being fenced. The road will be thrown open.

The Council has purchased that piece of land in Thames St, now used for a depot, for £30.

The bridge in front of the post office in Kooringa is to be removed.

VX, 827, 11 Nov. 1908, page 2

Advt. Dampier’s Dramatic Co. will appear 11 & 12 November at the Institute. They will present the comedy drama The Prince of Swindles and the Australian drama The Bush King.

Advt. Tenders are called for lighting the town lamps: 3 in North Ward and 7 in East & West Wards.

Mt Bryan. The meeting about a new hall has decided to go ahead with it and has agreed to a special rate of 11⁄4d. There is a report of just over 2 columns giving the details of this meeting.

Redruth Methodist Sunday School anniversary last Sunday. Rev. H.C. Farley preached.

Marriage. Last Monday Martin Pederson, eldest son of Mr M. Pederson of Kooringa, married Olive Wise, daughter of Cr & Mrs John Wise.

J. McLaren writes re the removal of the footbridge across the creek opposite the Kooringa Post Office. The reason given was that two boys had fallen from it. On this basis the bridge near Henderson’s will also no doubt have to go. A handrail would have been a more reasonable response. Now people are forced to go to the bridge near the Burra Hotel with its more dangerous approach.

Children will now cross at the more dangerous slag crossing. The bridge removed is also the busiest one when events are at Victoria Park. South of the post office there are four bridges, but north of it none until the Aberdeen [Redruth] Bridge.

Hallett Sports were held last Monday. Report with results printed.

Ghosts. There is a report from World’s End of the presence of the ghosts of a young girl and boy at a wire-netting gate there.

Obituary. Mr Thomas Kitchen jun., well known in Burra, has died in Broken Hill, leaving a wife and six children. [Died aged 35.]

[Guy Fawkes Night, rather surprisingly, receives no mention, although in the previous issue people were urged to get their fireworks from Luke Day.]

VX, 828, 18 Nov. 1908, page 2

Parliament has received a petition with c. 12,000 signatures protesting against the employment of barmaids.

Ghosts. There is a further report on the World’s End ghosts, though it is not of a very convincing nature.

Foxes are plentiful around Burra.

‘A Stitch in Time’ writes applauding the removal of the footbridge near the post office as it was unsafe. Also calling for the one behind the Burra hotel to be made more secure.

The Mt Bryan Hall is the subject of three letters to the editor.

‘A Visitor’ deplores the habit of throwing waste dirty water into the main road, placing cases of goods on the footpath, and allowing papers to blow about, causing horse to shy, and putting canvas in front of shop verandahs, obscuring the roadway and so causing accidents.

VX, 828, 18 Nov. 1908, page 3

World’s End sports are being arranged for 1 November. They will include horse racing.

Exercise. There is an article on the way modern life is causing people to walk less and less: each generation is walking less than the one before it.

E.W. Crewes was almost killed at the Bon Accord crossing on Monday when he was so preoccupied by his thoughts that he failed to see the afternoon train until it blew its whistle at the last minute. He managed to stop his dogcart only a yard from the crossing. The railways refuse to put a man or a bell on the crossing.

The Dampier Dramatic Co. attracted only moderate audiences.

Entertainment in Burra Tonight.

W.H. Bruce’s Carnival Competitions and Electric Photo-rotoscope Pictures.

In a marquee capable of holding 2,000. Power comes from a 15 horsepower motor.

The photo-rotoscope gives the best and most flicker-free films.

Also George Hatherly, ventriloquist and magician.

Tennis. The tennis court near the hospital is to be tar-dressed.

VX, 829, 25 Nov. 1908, page 2

Mr W.C.L. West will vacate the office of Mayor in a few days, ending 16 years of continuous service on the Council – 14 as Councillor for West Ward and 2 as Mayor: a record of service for the Council.

[Though not continuous, the service of John Sampson jun. is comparable: 14 years as Councillor and 3 as Mayor between 1880 and 1903.]

World’s End Ghosts get some more coverage and the originator of the story affirms that he believes he saw something that appeared like two young children.

Bruce Pictures were shown on the screen at the rear of the Commercial Hotel for three or four nights last week and were much admired by fair audiences.

‘Progress’ writes about the Mt Bryan hall and regrets saddling the next generation with a debt he clearly felt the present generation should pay.

Obituary. There is a report on the memorial service for the late William Prior at World’s End Church last Sunday. He was born at St Ostle in Cornwall 78 years ago and came to SA with his parents in 1854 and worked at the Burra Mine until it closed some 30 years ago. He then took up land in Baldina. About 45 years ago he joined the Primitive Methodist Church under Rev. Joseph Warner, then in charge of the circuit. He was at his death Superintendent of World’s End Sunday School, as he had been for 12 years. He died 22 October.

Hotel Barmaids are to be abolished.

Grasshoppers are a problem to the east.

Dalgety & Co. will hold their first monthly sale at Burra on 27 November.

Marriage. At Kooringa on Wednesday Miss Evelyn Pearce, 5th daughter of the late Henry Pearce, married Mr Walter Thomas Bourman.

Electric Trams are expected to begin service in Adelaide on Saturday.

Elder, Smith had a big sale last Friday, but prices were very low.

[The advertised yarding was for 14,573 sheep.]

Tennis. At Mt Bryan: Mt Bryan 4-10 defeated Iron Mine 3-13.

VX, 830, 2 Dec. 1908, page 2

Municipal Elections.

Mayor Dr J.I. Sangster Jun. elected unopposed

West Ward Cr Wise re-elected unopposed

North Ward J. Walker

J. Winnall

East Ward Mr Crewes

Mr Ockenden

Auditor W. Pearce

W.H. Hardy

The nomination papers for Mr John Walker are informal, giving Mr Winnall a right to appeal to the Court of Disputed Returns if he is defeated.

Grasshoppers have moved in from the east.

Burra Brass Band. Dr Sangster is attempting a resurrection.

Accident. Luck Singh was very lucky to escape with concussion when a train smashed his van to atoms at Ulmann’s crossing at Mt Bryan. He is recovering in Burra Hospital. The horses bolted after the impact, but survived unhurt.

Burra School Visiting Day is reported in just over 1⁄2 column. 264 children are on the roll and 235 were examined with 205 promoted. In monitors’ exams in July Miss Lois Jones gained 1st position and Miss Emily Jones came 6th.

W.T. Truscott writes complaining that Cr Ockenden had advised people only to shop at a certain butcher’s in Kooringa because the others were not inspected by the Town Council. This is because they slaughter in the District Council area. Not only is there nothing wrong with Truscott’s meat, but Cr Ockenden has been a customer of Truscott’s for as long as the business has been in the town!

John McLaren writes calling on ‘A Stitch in Time’ to have the courage to sign his letters.

VX, 830, 2 Dec. 1908, page 3

St Mary’s Strawberry Fete was held last Friday.

Grasshoppers arrived in Burra in large numbers on Sunday.

A Pound in Kooringa would save a lot of trouble.

Cricket. At Manoora on Saturday the match was drawn: Burra Automobile Cricket Club 181 & Manoora 6 for 100.

Annual Ratepayers’ Meeting, at the Institute last Wednesday.

C.A. Fuss presided. Attendance was fair.

The mayor, W. West said that the year opened with a credit of £7-15-10 and ends in credit £67-17-9, but another pay sheet is yet to come for the year which will virtually use up all the funds.

The expenditure included two new acetylene lamps, to bring the town’s total to 10 and the Council bought a block of land in Kooringa. [The depot in Thames St.]

Sanitary condition of the town is good with the exception of the Hospital septic tank, which has given much trouble and has been offensive for much of the time. Considerable changes will have to be made to rectify the problem.

While thanks go to the whole Council the work of the Town clerk, Mr A. Bartholomaeus, is especially notable and he has made a great effort to collect the rates.

Concluded on page 4

Dr Sangster, candidate for Mayor, thought a rate increase was desirable. Scavenging is costing more and so is lighting and yet better lighting is needed. More trees are still needed. Market Square needed improving and Victoria Park had had money spent on it to little avail. He wondered why land had been bought in Kooringa. It could hardly be for a Council building as the arrangement with the Institute could not be bettered for 7.9 a week.

Cr Walker could not endorse the remarks of the Doctor with respect to market Square because he could not see his way clear of supporting anything done in Kooringa.

The present site of the oval was ridiculous and needed quite £200 to level it.

Cr Ockenden was more concerned with sanitation than with beautifying the town. There were places where water closets were shared and these problems came before beautification. The problem at the Hospital needed to be fixed. He favoured a public abattoir, so that meat might be inspected before being consumed in the town. At present only O’Leary Bros had their meat inspected and he recommended one and all to buy their meat there. He believed £40 would make a big improvement to the oval. He was not keen on seeing an oval developed at the northern end and he believed if the show went there businesses in Kooringa would suffer. The mayor’s allowance should be abolished. Rates should not be increased.

Cr Wise was also against any increase in rates. The land bought was merely for a depot for Council tools. The old Baptist Church met that need. A pound at the back of the property would be useful. He was not satisfied about the small rent reduction the Council had won from the Institute committee.

Mr Winnall did not agree with Cr Walker that all the work should be done in North Ward: an entirely too narrow view. He was for improvements in Market Square with a band rotunda. A pound in Kooringa would do away with what the Record calls facetiously the Inspector’s levee. More streetlights were desirable, but cost money.

E.W. Crewes favoured improvements with fencing and plantings in Market Square and was in favour of increasing rates to achieve good outcomes. He thought they needed a new post office and that footpaths needed attention and tar-dressing extended on them. He thought the Mayor’s allowance should be increased.

VX, 831, 9 Dec. 1908, page 2

SAR has erected bells at Shannon’s Crossing a few miles south of Burra, but ring only for some trains. This is lunacy and the bells must ring for all trains or be removed.

E.W. Crewes has received £3-3-0 from W. Dearlove of Ketchowla and £2-2-0 from John Collins of Collinsville, towards Christmas cheer for the town’s poor.

Fire destroyed a considerable amount of grass on Tuesday morning when sparks from coals taken out from the Reformatory were carried to the grass in the Police Paddock.

A more serious fire, probably sparked by a passing train, burnt over 200 acres of crop and travelled about 5 miles near Manoora on 7 December.

Burra Town Council, Monday.

Rev. Farley invited the Council to special services in Kooringa Methodist church on 20 December in aid of the Burra Hospital.

Council will support moves for a new Kooringa Post Office. Letters advising of a coming petition on this matter will be sent to the Postmaster General and Sir Frederick Holder.

Hanson Methodist Church Anniversary will be held on 20 December with the tea meeting on 25 December.

VX, 831, 9 Dec. 1908, page 3

Municipal Elections. Results.

East Ward E.W. Crewes 37

R.J.J. Ockenden 35

North Ward J. Walker 43

J.E.H. Winnall 36

Auditor W. Pearce 124

W.H. Hardy 63

Obituary. M.H. Bruse, an old Burra resident, died in Kooringa on Friday.

[Marcus Henry Bruse born 17 May 1827 in Rostock Germany: died 4 December 1908 in Kooringa.]

A petition with 13,000 signatures for the abolition of barmaids has been presented to the Legislative Council.

Tennis. At Aberdeen on Saturday: Aberdeen 13-95 defeated Hallett 1-45

‘Justice to Dumb Animals’ writes complaining of the cruel way sheep were being removed from the saleyards – tying their feet together with string or rope.

VX, 832, 16 Dec. 1908, page 2

Obituary. Ann Lynch, relict of the late Michael Lynch of Riverton died aged 84: a colonist of 60 years. She died at the residence of her son-in-law, Mr C. Casaretto of Mt Bryan, leaving 1 daughter, 1 son, 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. [Died 5 December 1908. Mrs Casaretto’s birth reveals her mother’s maiden name as Condlon, but her brother’s birth has it as Condillon.]

Weather. A heavy downpour on Friday evening flooded houses and caused local flooding when 50 points fell in an hour.

An Ice Works has been erected on the vacant block known as Henderson’s Yard, lately bought by S. Ford. W.T. Truscott has the matter in hand and production will start in a day or two. A large storage room has been provided for those wanting to store eggs, fruit, butter, poultry and meat.

Sisters of St Joseph’s music students have done well in recent exams. Miss Rose Turner in the lower division and Miss Gertrude Robertson and Miss Olive Carey in elementary.

Redruth Court, Monday.

Three landowners were charged with not destroying rabbits.

J.A. Riggs 1/- + £2-2-0 costs.

P. Nankivell 1/- + £1-1-0 costs (Nankivell had pleaded guilty.)

[The fines were £5 reduced to 1/-, presumably on a first offence basis, but the 1/- suggests that the JPs thought the law absurd, which on the facts outlined would seem to be the case.]

The Record announces its coloured calendar for 1909.

Dr Sangster Sen. Notifies that he will prosecute boys bathing in the dam on his section 2267 [Princess Town] as his stock will not drink it after such use.

VX, 832, 16 Dec. 1908, page 3

Redruth Court, Monday.

There is further on the rabbit cases together with that of Annie Ford, who seems not to have made much effort to kill rabbits and who failed to appear. She was fined £5 reduced to £2 + £3 costs.

Comments from the bench seem to bear out the impression that they thought the law was unjust.

Marriage. At St Dymphna’s Church, Booborowie on 3 December.

Ethel Wall, eldest daughter of E. Wall married J. Murphy, both of Booborowie.

Rev. Father Redden has sufficiently regained his health to return to St Joseph’s in about two weeks.

Elliott Arthur Brummitt MB, BCh, Edin. 1908 was registered a legally qualified medical practitioner in SA last week.

Tennis. At Aberdeen on Saturday: Aberdeen 10-89 defeated Kooringa 6-75.

R.J.J. Ockenden writes re some recent allegations in some quarters that the Labor Party dominates the Town Council. Nonsense, he says, or else his proposal to pay the Council employees the minimum wage of 7/- per day would have been carried. He says his successor will try again to get the Council to fall into line with others in the state.

Weather. Friday’s rain badly damaged wheat crops.

New Governor. Sir Day Hort Bosanquet will be the SA Governor from next February.

Fire. On 15 December a large fire between Terowie and Yarcowie destroyed much wheat and one homestead. It is headed towards Canowie.

Rabbits & hares are a problem around Mt Bryan.

Obituary. Ann Lynch, who died recently at the residence of her son-in-law Mr C. Casaretto of the Kingston Hotel at Mt Bryan, was 84 years old. She was born in County Cavan, Ireland, and migrated 60 years ago in the Duke of Wellington with her husband, who died 31 years ago. They were the first settlers at Riverton, where they farmed for many years. She is survived by one daughter and one son: Mrs C. Casaretto (Mt Bryan), and F. Lynch, also by 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

Burra Institute has been renovated outside and the front fence painted and sanded.

VX, 833, 23 Dec. 1908, page 2

Burra Sports Syndicate is selling surplus land near Aberdeen in blocks:

D 17a 2r 5p

F 16a 2r 12p

G 1a 2r 0p

H 1a ? 10p [rood figure unreadable.]

Grand Bioscope Exhibition 28 December at 8 p.m. Wm. S. Randall, Adjutant.

[Which presumably means it was at the Salvation Army Barracks.]

Obituary. Charles T.E. Young died on 9 December at Suebeaca, [sic] WA, of typhoid. He was the 2nd son of Mr & Mrs T. Young, late of Burra and now of Victoria. [Subeaca = Subiaco]

[Charles Thomas Edward Young born 28 February 1864.]

Editorial on Christmas.

The district was never more flourishing, both for farmers and pastoralists. The closer settlement scheme has brought in new residents. Wool prices, though lower than in 1907 are still satisfactory.

[And then the usual Christmas platitudes.]

Holidays. Little has been arranged in Burra for the holiday period.

Burra School resumes on 18 January.

Ice Works production began last Saturday.

Fire. On Wednesday about 1 p.m. a fire started on Stuart [Steward] McWater’s farm and burnt considerable stubble. Men cutting thistles on Booborowie Station came to the rescue, followed by neighbours, who controlled the blaze. Mr McWaters thanks all those concerned.

The Record will not be issued on 30 December, but will reappear on 6 January 1909.

VX, 833, 23 Dec. 1908, page 3

Fire. On 16 December a large grass fire occurred on Canowie and wind carried the flames towards the homestead. By noon 300 men were engaged. The fire brigade’s pumps were blocked by debris from the impure water supply. After it had travelled some 4 miles a wind shift enabled men to drive it towards the three-chain road and save the homestead. A whirlwind spread it to another paddock though, and it got away again with a gale behind it. It was heading to a small wheat crop of C. Collins, but determined action saved it. A second lot of back burning finally succeeded in holding this outbreak by 7 p.m. The cause of the outbreak is unknown, but possible a spark from a farmhouse fire near its origin.

Rechabites. The female Lily of the Valley Tent reports on 3 December that it had 154 members with a profit for the year of £50. Benefits are 10/- per week for subscription of 7d (rising with age).

Kooringa Methodist Church held its annual Hospital Service on Sunday. Sir Frederick Holder preached three times that day.

Burra School break-up and prize giving was on Thursday. There are 150 boys and 121 girls on the roll for a total of 271. The prize list is printed.

St Joseph’s Convent School also has its prize list printed.

Tennis. Saturday: Aberdeen Juniors 55 games defeated Burra School 39 games.

Characteristics of the 1908 paper.

Page 1.

Large advertisements both local and other.

Page 2.

Smaller advertisements, sales notices, public notices.

Editorials are rare.

News items are annoyingly mixed with paragraphs of advertising matter, posing visually as news.

Page 3.

The news and advertising mixture continues. The ‘Short & Sharp’ column is not as cryptic as its earlier forerunners, but is sometimes annoyingly brief. News items are not generally followed up and there seemed little attempt at journalism. Sport is badly reported. Football for example is mentioned inconsistently and when it is mentioned the scores are generally omitted. Clearly if the club did not send in results the paper didn’t follow up. This page also carries reports from Broken Hill and other country centres in the district and state. Such evidence as the editor lets slip from time to time suggests a politically conservative view. For example he never analyses why men might be going on strike, but is always against such action. Holder had earlier outline reasons for such behaviour, even if he was against the action.

All in all the local news is fairly well covered, but some things slip through and there is little that is controversial and little evidence of a firm editorial hand.

Numbering of issues in 1908

Volume VX continued for the whole year, having started 12 July 1905.

The year began with Volume VX Number 804 on 8 January 1908

And continued to Volume VX Number 833 on December 1908

Within this series numbering was chaotic, running as follows:

804 to 809

Then numbers 800 to 809 were repeated.

Then 810 to 816

Then number 817 was used twice

Then 818 & 819

Followed by a repeat of numbers 810 to 819, within which 817 was used twice, making three times for it an all.

Then 820 to 833.

VX, 834, 6 Jan. 1909

Page 1 Advertisements

George Lord Burra Hotel

E.J. Harris Grocer, Fruiterer & General Dealer, Market Square

W.J. Davey Printer

R.D. Pascoe Hairdresser, Tobacconist, Stationer & Perfumer, Market Square

Agent for Havelock Watches

August Bartholomaeus Agent for Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society, Redruth

S. Burns Blacksmith & Wheelwright, Commercial St Kooringa

W.T. Truscott Cooling Chamber & Big Meat Store, Market Square

A.R. Creswick Dentist at Vivian’s Commercial Hotel

F.J. Carey Agent for Messrs W.R. Cave & Co. Wheat Buyers

E.K. Collins Agent for Messrs Geo. Wills & Co. Grain Buyers

W.E. Moore Repairer of Windmills

J. Allen Agent for W. Thomas & Co. Wheat Buyers

Luke Day Grocer, Fruiterer & General Dealer, Market Square

Jack Richards Bicycle & Motor Depot, Aberdeen

W.A. Gebhardt Baker, Lower Thames St

Page 2 Advertisements

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis & Co. Ltd. Auctioneers

[Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd Auctioneers – not actually in this issue, but regularly]

Pederson & Sons Boot & Shoe Store

J.E. Greenwood General Tinsmith & Ironworker, Tank Maker, has purchased

C.C. Williams’ workshop

P. Dower Tinsmith, Plumber, Gasfitter etc., Market Square

Next to the Burra Hotel

M. Maughan Dentist, Painless Extractions, every six weeks at Lord’s Hotel

Alf Birdseye Bon Accord Hotel

Frank Harris Premier Fruiterer & Confectionery Palace & Registry Office

Market Square

E.J. Davey Agent for Dalgety & Co., Wheat Buyers

Page 4 Advertisements

S. Burns Agent for City Mutual Life Assurance Society Ltd.

W.J. Davey ‘Record’ Studio, Photography & Framing

W.J. Davey Commercial & General Printing

Drew & Crewes Merchants & Importers

S.M. Lane Saddler, Harness Maker, Bicycle Importer, Ironmonger, Chaff

Merchant. Bikes Repaired, Market Square

McGilchrist Toys & Fancy Goods, Postcards, The Emporium, Kooringa

C.C. Williams Ironmonger, Commercial St

Alexander Ure District Travelling Agent for Australian Mutual Provident Society

VX, 834, 6 Jan. 1909, Page 2

Obituary. John Michell [sic] Hunt died 24 December at his residence in Kooringa aged 83.

[John Mitchel Hunt died aged 82. See more on page 3 of this issue.]

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held its annual picnic on New Year’s Day at Sod Hut in a paddock lent by J.C. Sandland. Any amount of refreshments was available and a large program of sports was carried out. Mrs A. Boulton was struck in the side of the face by a cricket ball and had to rest for the remainder of the day.

World’s End Sports on 1 January were a great attraction for people from Booborowie, Robertstown, Eudunda, Waterloo, Baldina, Burra & elsewhere. Horse events were well contested and the whole day went well and improved upon last year.

Christmas Holidays. On Christmas Eve Burra’s streets were thronged with people and very good order prevailed. There were clear signs of prosperity in the district. Storekeepers reported excellent business. People from both the town and district were much better dressed than usual and seemed more refined. The holidays passed quietly and pleasantly with many picnics arranged. Several churches held special Christmas Day services.

Weather. Last Saturday was the most disagreeable day for a long time. The shade temperature varied from 107°F to 112°F. The wind began in the morning and as time wore on it raised dust and the heat was almost unbearable. Towards evening the wind eased and was replaced by a muggy atmosphere with some thunder and lightning, but there were only a few drops of rain.

Sunday was sultry and oppressive with some thunder later and two or three heavy showers.

Black Springs Sports were successfully held on 25 December and about £10 was taken at the gate. Results are printed.

Mt Bryan held its usual Sunday school tea on 25 December. Takings amounted to over £9.

Fire. Several fires have occurred in the past week in the Mt Bryan area, but only one did much damage. That was in the paddock of Messrs Collins & Co. and burnt a quantity of grass.

W.T. Bell caught his hand in the pinion wheel of a reaper on Christmas Day and after treatment at the Burra Hospital is getting on as well as can be expected.

Hanson Tea Meeting. 229 came from Burra by train on Christmas Day besides numerous people by other conveyances. It is estimated that over 400 sat down to the tea which was connected with the Methodist Church Anniversary. There were so many to dine that the public meeting could not be held before the express came to return Burra visitors to their homes. Supper completed the day’s proceedings and the anniversary including Sunday’s collections raised £18-12-6.

Mrs I.J. Warnes gave a grand Christmas tree at her Leighton home and invited all the Leighton School children. The festival was quite unexpected till just before it was held. Some of the children had never seen a Christmas tree before. Toys were given to each child and there was a sumptuous spread. Mr Warnes showed people around the place, including the recent bore which provided an object lesson on the use of water for irrigation.

VX, 834, 6 Jan. 1909, Page 3

World’s End Sports are reported at greater length. P. Fuss of Burra won the Sheffield. Results are printed and details occupy c. 13⁄4 columns.

A Redruth Sunday School Concert was held in Jubilee Hall last Thursday to raise money towards funding a change to a more modern system of working. Despite the heat the hall was filled. The concert is reviewed in 1⁄4 column.

Burra Town Council, Monday night

Sir Frederick Holder wrote about the idea of a new post office for Kooringa. He was not encouraged to hope for a new building that would be a credit to the town. He thought it might be just as well to seek a complete renovation rather than an entirely new building.

The rates were set at General 11d, Health 5d and Park Lands 1d.

The Waterworks will be asked to provide water to the public at Aberdeen free of charge.

A petition for a new post office at Kooringa will be drawn up and someone will be employed to get it signed throughout the town.

Cricket. At Hallett on 1 January: Ketchowla 158 defeated Hallett 71.

Last Saturday at the Lucernedale pitch: Ketchowla 6 for 239 v. Burra 5 for 53.

Burra Brass Band. A meeting is called on 22 January to form a town band. If Terowie and Hamley Bridge can boast bands surely Burra can.

Annual Terowie Sports were held on 1 January. The gate of £21-13-0, concert of £21 and ball of £7 resulted in a profit of £16. C. McLaren of Burra won the Sheffield.

Morgan Sports on 1 January saw Johnson of Burra win the Sheffield Handicap and Frank Shortridge was second in the hurdles.

Obituary. The late John Mitchell Hunt died at his residence in The Paddock Kooringa on Thursday evening 24 December aged 83. He arrived in SA from England with his wife about 47 years ago and came to Burra where he worked as a Bootmaker and after some time went to Adelaide as manager for Mr Peacock in the skin trade. He later returned to Burra. He enjoyed good health though weakened by old age. He had a good memory, but his eyesight was failing. On Sunday 20 December he suffered an apoplectic stroke from which he did not recover. He leaves one daughter and three sons: Mrs Walker (Uarana NSW), A.J. & E.R. Hunt (Burra) and Fred. (Broken Hill). Mrs Hunt died about three years ago.

VX, 835, 13 Jan. 1909, Page 2

Notice. J.I. Sangster jun. calls a meeting to consider forming a Burra Band. Burra Institute 22 Jan.

Bible Christian Church. The Burra Record has photographs taken by W.J. Davey of the demolition of the old church in Kooringa, which took place last Saturday 1 January. They can be seen in the office window.

Salvation Army. Adjutant Randal, in charge of the Salvation Army in Burra for the last eight months is to be transferred to Eaglehawk, Victoria. He and his wife will leave many friends behind. He had worked hard with considerable discretion. Captain Bear will succeed Adjutant Randal here.

Leighton Hall. A meeting held at Leighton on Saturday night received plans and specifications for a new assembly hall and it was decided to call tenders. So far they have received every encouragement and between £80 & £90 has been promised and with concerts and the like it is expected the amount required will be raised. The building will measure 40 x 20ft internally.

Cricket. At Farrell’s Flat last Saturday Burra 9 for 289 & Farrell’s Flat 4 for 115.

I.A. Macindoe for Burra retired on 100.

VX, 835, 13 Jan. 1909, Page 3

Demolition of the Bible Christian Church.

For some time the church has been decaying. The first part to go was the ceiling, but after the union of the churches wind moved some of the slates and allowed water to penetrate the walls. It had been hoped the building might fall of its own accord. The western end of one of the principals decayed and last Thursday night it left its bearing and the western wall bowed out about two feet at the top, but did not fall. In the interests of public safety the building had either to be demolished or made safe. The uncertain state of the wall made demolition uncertain and eventually it was decided to use dynamite. Many of the community found this news distressing. Some wished to end the church’s life by singing a hymn or two and saying a prayer in the building, but the clear movement of the walls made this too dangerous. Between 9 7 10 o’clock on Saturday holes were drilled halfway up the walls and plugs of dynamite inserted. A large crowd watched as the first explosion in the damaged section had little effect; neither did the second in the western corner. Three more charges had been inserted when the western wall gave way, bringing down the roof with its estimated 60 tons of slate along with the massive rafters and principals. The building was erected some 48 years ago at a cost of about £2,200. The cable between the two gables snapped leaving the front one untouched and the northern gable out of plump [sic] about six or nine inches.

The crash of the roof and thud of the wall was heard for a considerable distance and the dust that rose obscured the whole of the building and sent observers back to escape being smothered. The Record photographer emerged from the dust cloud covered in it, but having secured the desired photographs. One who had experience of using dynamite in Broken Hill said the old building was stronger than ever he had anticipated. They then resorted to taking down the wall by manual strength, but only a little headway was made due to the quantity of the stuff to be moved. The side walls are 18” wide and the gable ends 2’. The roof and associated woodwork is estimated at over 80 tons.

Present were Mr John Sampson, the oldest adherent in the town, Mr Richard Thomas and William Harris. On Methodist Union the gallery and floor were removed and sold and many seats scattered round are testimony to the sale. Sam Hill and William Harris, who were selected for the demolition, had scrambled over the scaffolding when it was built. The church replaced the small building near Henderson’s Bridge now known as the schoolroom. The enlargement was needed when Rev. Way brought about a revival and nearly 300 members joined the church. It had in its time a fine choir. The first minister was Rev. Samuel Way [sic: corrected next issue to James Way] then Revs. Hillman & Rowe. Cornish miners gave all the necessary labour carting the stone, timber, iron etc. free of charge during the building of the church. When many people went to the Yorke Peninsula mines there was plenty of room in the church, but the remaining adherents never lost interest in it. Now it is roofless and floorless with the windows destroyed and the two huge gable ends still standing.

The [original] contractors were Messrs Burgoyne (the present MP) & Baker, both of whom lived at Port Augusta at the time. All the trustees are now dead except for Mr William Davey who is the original trustee and who helped did the foundation for the building, and Mr John Snell who was elected later and acted as Sunday school superintendent for many years.

W.J. Davey of the Record Studio was on the scene by special appointment and took several pictures. Numbers 1 & 2 show workmen drilling holes for the dynamite.

Number 3 shows the smoke of the explosion with no effective result.

Number 4 shows the wall in the act of falling which can be traced in various movements from the building to the ground. The apparatus fixed to the camera for this purpose was the work of and design of the operator. These pictures are for sale at the Record.

Aberdeen Ballast Quarry. Work resumed with 18 men after the Christmas holidays.

Fire. A large fire destroyed many acres of wheat crop and bagged grain at Farrell’s Flat last week.

Marriage. At Springbank on 12 January, Miss Brown married Mr A. Hancock.

Mr Fisk replaces Colin McLaren at the National Bank. Mr McLaren left for Pt Adelaide yesterday morning. He entered the National Bank here four years ago and has been steady & reliable. He is a thorough sportsman and one of the town’s finest and cleanest footballers. He is also interested in tennis and cricket and other games and is a rising athlete, having only recently won the Terowie Sheffield. He was farewelled by Kooringa Tennis Club and given a pair of silver-mounted hair brushes.

Harry Lord, eldest son of George Lord of the Burra Hotel, was stricken with a serious illness a while ago and was on the verge of death for some time. He is still very weak, but able now to get about again.

Marriage. Miss Bruhn of Waterloo will marry Mr J. McDonald brother of Billy McDonald at Manoora on 23 February. [This took place at Immanuel Church Chinkford on 23 February.]

VX, 836, 20 Jan. 1909, Page 2

Silver Wedding. The 25th anniversary of the wedding on 16 January 1884 of Ricardo Horace Steele, eldest son of the late Capt. Steele and Mary Harris, 2nd daughter of the late Ambrose Harris of Kooringa.

Fire. Josiah Thomas of ‘Three Trees’ thanks all those who assisted to extinguish the fire on his property recently, especially J. Harris, R. Gully & Messrs Laidlaw, Wardle & W. Thomas.

Marriage. On 12 January at Springbank

Mr Albert T.M. Hancock of Broken Hill, only son of the late Thomas Menici Hancock of Kapunda married Miss F. Mabel Brown, 3rd daughter of Henry Brown of Springbank.

They will live at Broken Hill.

Advt. Mt Bryan Sports will be held 3 March.

Bible Christian Church Demolition continued this week, but slow progress was made. The bulging part of the wall was made safe with the aid of a crab-winch and the northern gable held together as it rotated and fell to the ground in a piece, where it crumbled. The slates weighed c. 6 lb 10 oz each and had they been replaced by iron the building would no doubt have stood without the walls decaying. The sale of the pictures of the demolition has been phenomenal.

VX, 836, 20 Jan. 1909, Page 3

Obituary. T. J. Kitchen has died and W.M. Bro. C.A. Fuss called together the members of the Kooringa Lodge of Freemasons on 12 January for a Lodge of Sorrow in memory of Bro. Kitchen.

[See VX, 827, 11 Nov. 1908, page 2]

Burra Town Council

The Postmaster General writes agreeing that a new Post Office is needed for Burra and would be considered in the estimates for the financial year. A petition for a new Post Office is to be sent to Sir Frederick Holder for presentation.

M-C Clarke reported several boys who pushed down tree guards on 31 December. Parents will be asked to pay damages of 10/-.

Commercial St from Bennett’s store to the bridge and from the National Bank to McLaren’s and Thames St from Market Square to Bridge St to be tar dressed, and then Chapel & Queen Sts to be attended to.

The depot in Thames St to be repaired.

Burra Bicycle and Athletic Club. A meeting on Monday decided to form an Athletic Club to promote sports in Burra and resolved to hold a sports meeting on the new Aberdeen Oval on Easter Monday.

VX, 837, 27 Jan. 1909, Page 2

Bible Christian Church Demolition.

The Lieut. Governor Sir Samuel Way writes to the Record concerning the demolition and photos of the Bible Christian Church. He says the architect, Mr Cole, always insisted on very heavy roofs for Gothic buildings. He asked for a set of photos. Rev. Thomas Flood has asked for a set too.

Burra Band. At a meeting at the Institute on Friday night additional seating had to be brought in and still proved insufficient at the meeting to form a band. It is estimated that £177 is needed to buy instruments.

Burra Music & Dramatic Club. The half-yearly meeting on Tuesday showed them in credit £14-0-11. President W.B. Page and Sec. P. Milner.

Fire. Two lads, smoking as they walked across a paddock of J.A. Riggs in Kooringa on Sunday, set it on fire. It was fortunately extinguished with the loss of about 1 acre of grass.

Burra Automobile Club had a run to Morgan on Saturday, returning Monday. They left Burra at 8.30 a.m., got to ‘The Gums’ at 10 o’clock for refreshments with Mr & Mrs T.H. Pearse, and reached Morgan a little after noon. The afternoon saw cricket and rifle shooting and the club gave an evening concert in aid of the Morgan Institute. On Sunday they went on the S.S. Federal to the New Era Co.’s vineyards and fruit drying works. 8 cars took part.

VX, 837, 27 Jan. 1909, Page 3

Burra Band Meeting.

The Mayor (Dr Sangster jun.) said it was almost a disgrace to have to call in a band from elsewhere for the recent church parade and for the annual show. He proposed a provisional committee be formed to get out subscription lists and collect money through the town and district. He hoped to occupy some of the youth of the town currently ‘gracing the kerbing around the streets’. They could start with a band of 12 performers, which would cost c. £177. 16 would run to c. £247, or 20 to c. £350. He hoped the larger sum could be raised over three years. Mr Middleton spoke in support and moved the meeting deemed the formation of a band desirable. C.A. Lott 2nd. Carried and a committee elected.

Iron Mine Methodist Church re-opens on 31 January.

Rev. R.C. Yeoman leaves Redruth in April after four years in the circuit.

Sparrows & starlings are proving very troublesome.

Cricket. Burra Automobile Club 180 defeated Morgan 79.

James Knevitt, late of Burra, was sentenced to 4 months and bound over for 12 months in sureties of £50 at Broken Hill last Monday. [Since no crime is mentioned to explain this, it may well be connected with the miners’ strike then going on at Broken Hill.]

Tennis. At Manoora on Monday Aberdeen 11-100 defeated Manoora 8-64.

Petersburg Sports, Monday. R.J. Johnson won the Sheffield (£10) and Cecil Lord won the bicycle tilting.

Burra Rifle Club recently at Watervale: Watervale 865 defeated Burra 861

A team of Burra riflemen visited Morgan on Saturday and Burra 335 defeated Morgan 314.

Obituary. Mrs Builder, relict of the late W. Builder has died. The funeral was last Saturday at Kooringa. She died in Adelaide. Deceased was the mother of Mr Alf & Mr Thomas Builder.

[Born Annie Bagnall Shortridge 23 November 1846 in England: died 22 January 1909 at Norwood SA.]

Court.

A young man, William Voumard, was committed for trial for forging a cheque for £5 using the form and signature of Mr F.J. Carey of the Burra Railway Station.

VX, 838, 3 Feb. 1909, Page 2 [The first page is incorrectly dated 4 February.]

Notice. The William Voumard tried at Redruth Court for forging and uttering a cheque is not my son.

Mrs John Voumard of Roach St. Kooringa.

Offence. It is believed that three persons entered Mr Luke Day’s garden in Kingston St on Saturday night and destroyed vegetables and scattered scores of watermelons and cucumbers. Vines were also broken down. Mr Day is offering a £5 reward for information leading to a conviction.

VX, 838, 3 Feb. 1909, Page 3

Court.

The committal of W. Voumard is presented in detail extending to just over 1 column. The accused was under 20 and his forgery was witnessed by Alex Degenhardt, aged 20, who told the whole story to the court. Voumard’s counsel contended that Degenhardt had actually told Voumard how to go about it and had made 10/- from the transaction.

Redruth Court, Wednesday.

R. Stewart fined 2/6 + 5/- costs for a stray cow.

Mrs Annie Moore fined 5/- + costs for a stray cow and calf.

Richard Austin fined 5/- + costs for a stray animal.

Charley Streicher fined 2/6 + costs for 2 stray horses.

Fines of 2/6 + 5/- costs were imposed on the following for various stray animals:

C.H. Ewins, W. Tiver, A. Richards & A. Allen.

The following farmers were fined for carrying excess weight of wheat to Burra. The fine was 1/- per excess cwt.

H. Nourse + 21 cwt

G. Pryde + 8 cwt

A. Forrest + 4 cwt

W. Stockman + 16 cwt

R.H. Finch + 6 cwt

J. Nickles + 3 cwt

David Jones was fined 5/- + costs for failure to send Sam Jones to school as required. Sam had attended only 21⁄2 days in the quarter.

Burra Town Council

An attempt is being made to get two roads listed as Main Roads:

From the White Hart Ford to the main road [Watt St]

From Mt Bryan Rd opposite the Bon Accord Hotel to the boundary of the Corporation on Shafton Rd

VX, 839, 10 Feb. 1909, Page 2

Advt. Iron Mine Sports will be held on 10 March.

Bible Christian Church. The old building demolished recently was auctioned on Friday and was bought by F. Ford for £86. The timber used in the roofing found ready buyers when auctioned in lots.

Iron Mine Methodist Church was re-opened on Sunday after additions.

Foxes continue to be reported: the latest at Leighton, where D. Blair lost 20 turkeys. To the east B. Oppermann has killed five in one day last week on Mr J. Reed’s property.

Mt Bryan Hall. The Mt Bryan DC has arranged to borrow £350 to build a new hall there.

Kooringa Methodist Church Harvest Thanksgiving Festival last Sunday.

VX, 839, 10 Feb. 1909, Page 3

Obituary. Catherine Symons, mother of Mrs Thomas Drew & Mrs John Pearce and grandmother of Mr J. Drew, has died aged 88. She was a former Burra resident who has now long lived in Adelaide.

She was buried at Kooringa. [Born Catherine Roskilly Freethy and died 7 February 1909 at Goodwood aged 87.]

VX, 840, 17 Feb. 1909, Page 2

Birth. On 14 January at Sons of Gwalia WA, to Mr & Mrs W.E. Lethlean, nee Dearlove, a daughter.

Advt. Burra Institute 20 February. Fight Pictures [film] of Tommy Burns, also picture of Johnson, Burns and Squires.

Fire. A large grass fire to the east of North Booborowie on Saturday is believed to have been caused by phosphorus.

A Picture of Burra in 1879 is on show in our window. It shows two roads leading to Redruth – the bottom one mostly used, but when goods had to be taken from the old shop of Bath and Pearce, (now W.L. Seabury’s) an embankment of 8-10’ had to be negotiated from a point near the National Bank. Buildings shown are much the same except alterations are going on in the shop now occupied by Messrs C. & F. Streicher and the residence of Dr Sangster jun. has replaced ‘an old rookery showing a house with a paling roof and fence in front which seems to have come in contact with one of the much-talked-of- bullock teams’.

VX, 840, 17 Feb. 1909, Page 3

Martindale Races on 10 February drew a record attendance. Details of results take c. 1 column.

Waterworks. Water is to be cut off from the water trough in Best Place, Aberdeen. Two weeks notice will be given.

Cricket. At Robertstown on Saturday:

Burra Automobile Cricket Club 7 for 216 (A. Gebhardt retired at 100.)

Robertstown 9 for 94 when bad light stopped play.

Burra Band subscriptions have so far reached £24-14-0.

Hon. J. Lewis MLC and two of his daughters left Adelaide for Europe and America last week.

New Motor Car Record. Messrs Bertie Barr-Smith & Aunger have driven from Adelaide to Melbourne in 22 hours 45 minutes.

VX, 841, 24 Feb. 1909, Page 2

Obituary. Jesse Humphrys Sen. of Hanson, died 19 February, aged 74. [See further on page 3.]

A. McLaren, eldest son of John McLaren of Burra, is doing well at the rifle shooting in Menzies, WA, where he is secretary of the club.

Offence. Following the raid on Mr Luke Day’s garden, that of John McLaren suffered on Friday and pumpkins, melons and other vegetables were destroyed. The young fellow that did it left a hard hat behind and efforts are being made to trace its owner.

Diamond Wedding. Mr & Mrs Henry Pinch of Redruth are among the oldest residents in Burra and celebrated the 60th anniversary of their wedding last Wednesday. They arrived in the Duke of Bedford in 1848 and came to Burra. They were married in the old Church of England by Rev. Bagshaw on 17 February 1849. The Kooringa Masonic Lodge, where Mr Pinch has been a member for 34 years, gave him a complimentary social on Wednesday at their hall. W.M. Bro. C.A. Fuss presented an illuminated address. [The text of which is printed.]

VX, 841, 24 Feb. 1909, Page 3

William Pearce has lived in Burra continuously for 60 years as of 13 February. He arrived with his siblings, Ann, Sarah, Jane, Thomas, & John. John, William & Sarah survive and live in Burra and Mrs Josling lives in Adelaide. Harry was born in Burra and lives at Malvern.

Petty thefts are reported around the town.

F.W. Finlay is to give up farming.

Burra Butchers are asking the Council to erect a slaughterhouse.

Adelaide Criminal Sessions

William Voumard (aged 17) came up for trial in Adelaide last week and in view of his previous good character and the evidence submitted concerning the role of Degenhardt, he was let off on entering into a recognizance of £20. [The report extends for 1⁄3 column.]

Railway Accident. The Broken Hill Express on Saturday night ran into a group of horses in a cutting near Manoora, killing three instantly and another had to be put down.

Obituary. Jesse Humphrys died in the Burra Hospital on Friday last from heart disease. He was born in Hassage, Somersetshire, on 2 January 1835 and came to SA in 1854 in the David Malcolm with his wife and began farming at Port Gawler. Later he moved to Hanson where he has farmed for the last 29 years. He leaves four daughters and four sons: Mrs J. Duke (Hanson), Mrs H.J. Scrutton (Petersburg), Mrs T.H. Jones (Maylands, Adelaide), Mrs C. Hanson (Pt Pirie), W.M. Humphrys (Brookton, WA), J. Humphrys (Snowtown), F. Humphrys (Hanson) & T. Humphrys (Hanson).

He was a staunch church worker for 47 years, filling all the offices at the Hanson church and laying the foundation stone of the new church there. His first wife died in 1875 and his second in 1902. He was buried at Black Springs. [Died 19 February 1909 at Kooringa, residence Hanson.]

Tennis. At Hallett on Wednesday: Aberdeen 8-53 defeated Hallett 1-28.

VX, 842, 3 Mar. 1909, Page 2

Obituary. George Highett, 4th son of Thomas Highett of Lower Thames St, died aged 26 at Tambo Hospital, Queensland, on 27 January.

Leighton Hall. The committee for the proposed new hall at Leighton accepted a tender for it last week.

Entertainment. On 12 March Miss Tott Burman & Mr M. Eyes will give a lecture on the science of sound, sight and the brain, illustrated by musical selections and accompanied by film. The second part will feature exceedingly funny films.

Salvation Army Thanksgiving services last Sunday. Brigadier Sharp attended.

Tennis. At Kooringa: Kooringa Methodist Ladies 7-49 defeated Aberdeen Methodist Ladies 2-26.

[Personal interest: the names included the Misses T. Bentley, A. Bentley, M. Fuss & H. Fuss. The Fuss girls are likely to have been Myrtle and Hilda, daughters of August Fuss.]

Burra Band. Subscriptions [seem to have stalled] at £24-19-0.

Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Robertstown 105 & 3 for 83 defeated Burra 67.

Sir Frederick Holder will conduct Anniversary Services at Terowie on 14 March.

Rev. Weatherill will probably succeed Rev. R.C. Yeoman at Redruth.

Court.

Timothy Byrnes was charged with stealing a cheque for £5 at the Mt Bryan Railway Station last Friday and cashing it at the Bank of Australasia in Kooringa on Saturday. He was committed for trial.

Burra Town Council has failed to have the two roads it requested placed on the schedule of main roads.

Marriage. Last Week at Eudunda.

Emily Pfeiffer, youngest daughter of J. Pfeiffer of Eudunda married

J. Duldig, 2nd son of J.A. Duldig of World’s End.

VX, 843, 10 Mar. 1909, Page 2

The Editor complains that the theft recently of a cheque at the Mt Bryan Railway Station was possible because of the bad state of the letter box there, which allowed letters to be caught in such a way that a thief could get them out.

Court.

The preliminary hearing of Timothy Byrne [who was Byrnes in the last issue] is reported in 1⁄4 column, but adds nothing new.

Murder. In Adelaide T. Quinn and Thomas Colbert were sentenced to eight years for the murder of Ah Wong in Hindley St. Colbert had worked for some time at the Kooringa Hotel when Mrs Kearns was landlady [1896-97] and when he left hurriedly he was wanted by the police.

Nurse Stephenson was presented with a silver kettle on a stand by Mr J.F. Moore on behalf of the Burra Hospital Staff, on the eve of her marriage.

Mr John Reed fractured his ankle in a motorcycle accident to the east of Burra on Monday.

VX, 843, 10 Mar. 1909, Page 3

Tennis. The Aberdeen Tennis Club AGM was held Monday in the German Schoolroom. They had a credit balance of £1-16-3. For the season they had played 7 matches, won 5 and lost 2. Elected for next season: Captain, F. Pearce; Vice-Captain, F.E. Chapman; Hon Sec. & Treasurer, P.A. Roach.

Mt Bryan Sports were successfully held on 3 March. Results are reported in 12⁄3 columns.

Redruth Court.

Booborowie DC Ranger charged Michael Roberts for not bona fide travelling 9,400 sheep over Crown Lands on 14 December 1908. This resulted in considerable technical argument about what ‘market’ meant, but eventually he was fined and with costs had to pay £31-10-0. [Details take c. 1⁄2 column.]

Petty thefts continue in the town.

Obituary. Mrs Ridgway, relict of W.R. Ridgway died at Aberdeen on Thursday.

[This was W.R. Ridgway’s third wife born Mary Cousins in 1833 and died 4 March 1909 aged 76.]

Dr W. Sangster aged 23, 4th son of Dr J.I. Sangster Sen., has been appointed to the Melbourne Hospital.

Salvation Army has arranged for the Triumph Bioscope to visit Burra on Thursday.

Rev. R.C. Yeoman goes to Ardrossan and Rev. Weatherill takes over Redruth in about a month.

Advt. For Sale – two cabs. One to carry 16 and the other to carry 9. Both in excellent order.

[Presumably formerly C. Grow’s vehicles.]

VX, 844, 17 Mar. 1909, Page 2

Obituary. James Tiver, husband of Emma Tiver, died on 12 March at Aberdeen, aged 79.

[James Tiver born 11 June 1829 at Bristol England. Death CD wrongly lists him as James Liver.]

Mt Bryan Hall. Tenders called.

A Bolt. Stan Lane’s chestnut gelding, Commodore, bolted from the Mine Bridge to Kooringa on Thursday, ditching the lad driving along the way. Neither was much hurt.

Burra School. There have been efforts to get an advanced class (A Continuation Class) at the school this year, but no trained teachers are available. Parents are required to guarantee the attendance of 25 children who have passed Class V.

Salvation Army. The Triumph Bioscope pictures on Thursday were excellent, but the attendance was only fair.

Burra Institute. The scientific lecture with moving pictures at the Institute on Friday is favourably reviewed.

Tennis. At Kooringa on Saturday: Blue Team 3-30 defeated White Team 3-28.

Capt. J.A. Watt was in Burra on Thursday on his way to Quorn, where he has had the Grand Junction Hotel, but is relinquishing it on account of bad health. He was in drapery some years ago in Kooringa and later went south in the same line. Later still he was a commercial traveller for a large spirit firm in the city. His heart has been giving him trouble for some time and though now rather better, he has been ordered a quiet and worry-free life. While in Burra he ran the old Burra Volunteers and later the Mounted Infantry. He served in the South African War, being mentioned several times for bravery. He has lost four of his family recently by death.

W.H. Preece, who left Burra for Melbourne on Friday, worked as telegraphist at the post office and was at times relieving postmaster. He has been Superintendent of the Redruth Sunday School and a local preacher, a Freemason and a member of Court Unity AOF.

VX, 844, 17 Mar. 1909, Page 3

Iron Mine Sports on 10 March were well attended with a record gate. Results are printed in 11⁄2 columns.

Obituary. James Tiver died at Aberdeen on Friday, aged 80. He arrived in SA in April 1855 from Bristol in the David Malcolm and came to Burra as contractor to the Smelting Works. He erected the first buildings in the town of any note as well as bridges and the making of roads. He constructed the black bridge over the creek in Aberdeen.* He took over the Aberdeen Railway Stores and ran them for over 40 years. He also bought land between Hallett and Yarcowie and secured Tiverton and Banbury. He was an earnest Christian who occupied many of the offices of the Redruth Methodist Church and was for over 50 years the Superintendent of the Sunday school, relinquishing it two years ago. He represented the Redruth Circuit at Conferences. He was also a JP, a Member of Loyal Aberdeen Lodge of Oddfellows. A cortege of 70-80 vehicles followed the coffin to the cemetery in one of the longest funeral seen in Burra for some time.

He reached Burra in a bullock dray and once went to Wallaroo to erect a mine building when water cost £1 for 33 gallons. Mrs Tiver was an invaluable helpmate. Once on going to join her husband at Wallaroo they had to erect a cottage for her and the children in one day. He leaves five daughters: Mrs Gray (Glenelg), Mrs E.F. Opie & Mrs A. Sara (Broken Hill), Mrs J.G. Sara (Aberdeen Railway Stores) & Mrs Stock (Campbelltown) and 43 grandchildren & 8 great-grandchildren.

[* Actually this is incorrect: See SA Register 28 June 1861, page 3

Kooringa News, 26 June

Monday was a public holiday as mid-summer’s day (or rather mid-winter’s day). There was a dinner commemorating the anniversary of the Miners & Tradesmen’s Club. The Masonic Lodge also held a dinner and the following day saw the opening of the new Redruth Bridge. The work for this was commenced on 25 January and work proceeded steadily except on one occasion when workmen had to wait for the delivery of material. It is constructed on the laminated arch principle and has a span of 68 ft 6 inches, being built askew so that the span on the square is 60 ft. The abutments and wing walls are of coarse hammer-dressed rubble masonry. From these spring four laminated arches or ribs, bearing a framed wooden superstructure, surmounted by the roadway, which is formed of two transverse thicknesses of three-inch gum planking laid diagonally. The side rails are of white painted deal. The whole reflects great credit on the builders; Messrs Burgoyne & Baker for the carpentry and Messrs Tiver and Cole for the masonry.

For the Redruth Bridge standing in 1909 the contract went to Duncan Grant and he is mentioned in the paper throughout the construction of the bridge in 1879 and at its opening. See Burra Record II. 77. 19 December 1879, page 2. This bridge survived into the 21st century, though only as a footbridge after the Morgan Road by-pass was constructed in the 1980s.]

Burra Town Council.

Cr Crewes proposed that the Council inspect the fountain in The Avenue and that the pump in Market Square be attended to and put in working order, and the trough there be tarred and painted.

Cr Walker moved that the trough in Aberdeen be removed to the depot. Carried.

Obituary. Mrs Nelson of Thames St died on Monday morning, 15 March, aged 76, leaving 4 daughters & 3 sons: Mrs Green (Orroroo), Mrs Davey (Orroroo), Mrs Thomas P. Halls (Kooringa), Maria (Queensland), William Nelson (Burra), John Nelson (Braemar) and James Nelson (Broken Hill). [Born Maria Tunney.]

Burra Band subscriptions have reached £25-9-6.

VX, 845, 24 Mar. 1909, Page 2

Notice seeks whereabouts of Alice May Sampson, daughter of Thomas W. Sampson a dentist formerly of Sydney. She is entitled to money from her mother’s estate.

Social & Dance at the Booborowie Woolshed on Friday night saw the large building well filled. About £5 was raised for the lock-out fund at Broken Hill. T. Kelly was the secretary with a strong committee. [This was not the first sum raised by them for the cause.]

Yarcowie Sports were held on Wednesday and were an unqualified success in aid of the Catholic Church funds. Results are printed.

Terowie Races were held on Wednesday with a concert in the evening. The results are printed.

VX, 845, 24 Mar. 1909, Page 3

Redruth Court, Monday

Frederick Neydock was charged with behaving indecently before Alice Bevan a girl under the age of 14 on 14 March.

The girl said the defendant was about 20 yards from his own house and while looking at her he behaved indecently. She told her father who sent her out again saying he would follow and observe. The action was repeated. [Though on cross examination she said she didn’t look the second time and the repetition was observed by her father.]

Mr Winnall for the defence thought that this was extraordinary behaviour for the father. He also tried to suggest that it was extremely unlikely that someone would behave in such a manner while she was with her father, but the girl insisted that he had. He was at the time some 50 or 60 yards away.

Alfred Bevan said he was the father of Alice and recalled his daughter telling him what ‘Fred’ had done and he had sent her out again and followed her. He saw what the defendant was doing and sang out to him ‘that will not do, old man.’ The defendant then went inside.

M-C Clarke then told the court what had happened when he interviewed the defendant.

Mr Winnall said it was quite unreasonable to suggest a man possessing any grain of sense or self respect would carry on as the girl wished the court to believe. He suggested there was some animosity between the parties and this was how the plaintiff aimed to get even with the defendant. For this to happen in broad daylight among houses inhabited by people was beyond all probability. The evidence was conflicting and unreliable.

Fred. Neydock was called and said he was not guilty. He said he was outside looking for Bill Highet because they always went for a walk on Sundays. He said his brother Paul was only about half a yard away and his sister Mary was also nearby. As he was going inside he had heard Bevan call out, but had not seen him.

Paul Neydock confirmed this and said Fred didn’t do bad things.

Mrs Mary Mann, sister of the defendant gave similar evidence.

Mr Winnall said it was a case of trumpery altogether.

The court decided the evidence warranted conviction and though the highest penalty was £10, they would fine the defendant £1 + £1 court fees or in default 14 days. The fine was paid.

Farrell’s Flat Sports Meeting of the Athletics & Horse Racing Club was held on Wednesday and was most successful. Results are printed.

D.V. Thomas who was in charge of the Kooringa Police Station for many years left on the Orontes yesterday for an extended trip to England and Wales. It is his first trip back after over 40 years.

‘Short & Sharp’

Steward McWaters will sell his farm stock on 6 April.

The Hon. A.A. Kirkpatrick will open the ‘Duncan Wing’ at the local hospital tomorrow.

Tennis. On Saturday Kooringa 13-81 defeated Aberdeen 2-49.

Burra Brass Band. Subscriptions received so far total £25-9-6.

Rambler Football Club held their AGM on Monday. J. Burns was elected Captain and W.H. Stephenson was elected Vice-Captain. The colours will be red, white and blue.

D. Fay of Spalding has taken over the Mt Bryan Hotel from Charley Cassaretto, but it is understood that the latter will still be found behind the bar.

Leighton Hall. The committee has let the contract for the mason work to Mr Faulkner who has recently arrived from Broken Hill, but is a resident of Clare. A. McDonald has the roofing contract. There will be no foundation stone ceremony, but when the hall is completed, probably by the end of May, there will be a large demonstration at the opening.

VX, 846, 31 Mar. 1909, Page 2

Entertainment. Miss C. Wilkinson has organised an entertainment at the Institute on 7 April. Proceeds will aid the Martha Bruggemann Fund.

New Railway Bridge.

Last Sunday the old wooden railway bridge over the Burra Creek was replaced by a steel structure. Work to remove the old bridge began after the passing of the Broken Hill Express in Saturday night and work continued through Sunday night to get the new bridge safely in place in time for the Broken Hill Express Monday morning.

Obituary. Mrs Field, relict of the late Richard Field on Monavea Farm west of Burra, died in Adelaide last Saturday, aged 81. She was buried at Kooringa. [Born Amelia Mary Teresa Jones at Langarron Hertfordshire: died 27 March 1909 at West Adelaide, residence near Kooringa aged 82.]

‘Interested’ writes suggesting that as plans for a Burra Band seem to have stalled, a Choral Society be formed.

[Band Subscriptions had stalled at £25-9-6.]

VX, 846, 31 Mar. 1909, Page 3

Burra Hospital. On Thursday last over 100 invited guests attended when the Chief Secretary, Hon. A.A. Kirkpatrick MLC, opened the new operating theatre in ‘The W.H. Duncan Wing’. Through the death of Mr W.H. Duncan the hospital received a legacy of £250, which was the key to getting the new operating theatre built. Mr Thomas Parks left £75 that also assisted the furnishing. The Government funded the balance. The details extend for c. 11⁄4 columns.

Burra Chess Club resumes on Thursday.

Burra Races were held last Wednesday. Results are printed.

Cricket. At Victoria Park: Burra Automobile Cricket Club 185 defeated Manoora 103.

VX, 847, 7 Apr. 1909, Page 2

Obituary. Cuthbert James, son of Norrel James of Baldina, died at Broken Hill, aged 25, of pneumonia. He was married to a daughter of W.H. Prior of World’s End who survives with one child.

[Born 9 October 1883 at Baldina.]

Tennis. At Kooringa on Saturday: Kooringa Juniors 5-44 defeated Aberdeen Juniors 3-36.

VX, 847, 7 Apr. 1909, Page 3

Burra Town Council.

The Commissioner of Crown Lands writes to ensure the enforcement of the Sparrow Destruction Act.

The Certificate of Title for the Depot has been received from the Burra Burra Copper Co. The Town Clerk, Mr A. Bartholomaeus, resigned on account of ill health after 10 years’ service. His resignation was accepted with regret.

Mrs Fairchild of ‘Buckland Hills’ held a social at home to celebrate the 21st birthday of her eldest granddaughter, Miss Scott.

Hanson Methodist Church Thanksgiving Services last Sunday.

Redruth Court.

A lad, Richard Harris, was fined 30/- for cruelty to a dog by throwing it down a dry well.

Kooringa Methodist Church Anniversary 11 & 12 April. Rev. W.G. Clarke, President of the Methodist Conference, will preach.

VX, 848, 14 Apr. 1909, Page 2

Lambing Season is poor due to a lack of green feed and to foxes.

Timothy Byrnes, who stole a cheque at Mt Bryan some weeks ago, was sentenced to 6 months in jail.

Entertainment. The concert in aid of Miss Bruggemann, who is about to leave for England to further her study of singing, was very successful.

Easter Holidays were mainly celebrated by the organisation of private picnics.

Foxes are very troublesome: one farmer in the Hundred of Bright has lost almost all his lambs. Part of the explanation seems to lie in the scarcity of rabbits. Mr Schumacher of Bright bagged 17 foxes in one week.

Rabbits have been much reduced by the fencing of properties with wire netting combined with intensive poisoning.

Burra Town Council has decided to amalgamate the positions of Town Clerk and Inspector.

VX, 848, 14 Apr. 1909, Page 3

Burra Town Council, Thursday last.

Cr Crewes moved that the top of the fountain be taken to the depot and the rest be painted white.

Ridgway’s Reserve is to be cleaned up.

The White Hart Bridge is to be tarred, painted and placed in order.

Other reserves will also be attended to.

Cr Crewes moved that the positions of Town Clerk and Inspector be united with a salary of £150 p.a.

Mr Duell, the Inspector, will be approached by the Mayor to see if he would be willing to do both jobs in the interim.

Cr Crewes moved that letters be sent to the parents of the boys who vandalised the tree guards in Kooringa on New Year’s Eve.

M-C Clarke to be advised of concern over growing larrikinism in Kooringa.

Rev. R.C. Yeoman and family were tendered a farewell social in Jubilee Hall on 6 April and the hall was comfortably filled. Miss Clara Reed was presented with a silver-mounted dressing bag in recognition of her labours in the Church and Sunday school.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Anniversary last Sunday & Monday. Rev. W.G. Clarke, President of Conference, preached three times to good congregations. Singing was conducted by J. Davey and accompanied by the Burra Orchestra under G.E. Dane. The tea meeting was well attended. The Sunday school had 117 male scholars and 143 female with 6 male teachers and 15 female. [The detailed report of the Sunday school extends for just over 1 column.]

Burra Bicycle & Athletic Club sports meeting on Easter Monday. Results printed.

The World’s Mystery Co. will appear on Friday at the Institute. In addition to the pictures the Great Sylvo will perform his latest illusions. Italian earthquake pictures will be shown for the first time.

Sam Finch of World’s End was accidentally shot in the elbow with a pea rifle on Wednesday when the strap holding it over his shoulder broke and it discharged on hitting the ground.

R.H. Finch fractured his elbow when his horse fell last week.

VX, 849, 21 Apr. 1909, Page 2

Advt. AGM Burra Jubilee Benevolent Soc. 4 May.

Advt. Great & Grand Cycling Carnival, Wednesday 19 May.

Under the Auspices of the Burra Bicycle & Athletic Club and Patronage of Port Adelaide Bicycle Club at the New Oval at Aberdeen with a Grand Concert & Ball in the Evening.

And Saturday 22 May the 100 mile Road Race for £45: Burra to Adelaide.

St Mary’s Church Picnic to Sod Hut was held last Wednesday.

Burra Show Soc. Met on Friday and re-elected as Patron Hon. J.J. Duncan MLC. Presidents: P.L. Killicoat & Thomas Sandland. Date for next show set for 22 September.

Notice of a special meeting on 30 April at the Institute to consider the desirability of holding future shows at the new sports ground at the north end of the town.

A. Bartholomaeus is to continue as acting Town Clerk until a successor is appointed.

Salvation Army. Ensign McClure is now in charge.

VX, 849, 21 Apr. 1909, Page 3

Football. The AGM of the Burra Football Assoc. was held at the Commercial Hotel on Tuesday with W.T. Truscott presiding. Election: Chairman of Committee, W.T. Truscott; Sec. & Treasurer, I.A. Macindoe; Patron, Dr Sangster jun.; President, L.W. Gebhardt.

Ivy Quadrille Class AGM at Royal Exchange Hotel last Friday. A. McLachlan took the chair. Sec. T. O’Brien. The next season is to commence 30 April in the Institute. Mr A. Woollacott is to cater instead of relying on the ladies.

J. Maxwell is negotiating to buy the property near the old White Hart Hotel to start his son George in a carriage and implement factory.

Aberdeen Sports Ground. The new grounds mark a new era in sport for Burra. Four years ago cycling was killed off by ‘crook riding’. [i.e. fixed races] Now a fresh start has been made. Despite the bad weather the recent meeting of the Burra Cycle and Athletic Club was a great success. The club ended the meet with a credit balance of £23-2-9.

The World’s Mystery Co. played at Burra on Friday and Saturday night to a fair house.

Obituary/Memorial Service for the late Jesse Humphrys: conducted on Sunday 11 April at the Wesley Bicentenary Church, Hanson by Rev. W.F. James.

Jesse Humphrys was born at Hassage, Somerset on 2 January 1835 to a large working class family. He married Miss Flower, sister of Joseph Flower of Stony Gap and reached SA with his wife’s parents in 1854. He worked for a few years for Joseph Turner at the Reed Beds and then for a few years on land he took up at Port Gawler. He then moved to Stony Gap where he served as a Councillor and Chairman of the Apoinga DC and helped to build a hall for temperance and other meetings and also for church services and day and Sunday schools. While at Stony Gap his wife and mother of ten children died and sixteen months later he married Mrs Turner of Black Springs who died in November 1902. He let his farm to the Hon. W. Duffield & Mr Makin for 21 years and bought a farm near Hanson from Thomas Glasson and remained there till his death.

He was converted in 1862 under the ministry of Rev. T. Lloyd at ‘The Gums’ and the next Sunday walked 10 miles to Kooringa to hear Mr Lloyd preach. For many years he was the leading man in the Hanson Home Mission of the Redruth Circuit. For 25 years he and others worshipped in the Council Chamber where his eight sons and daughters were converted. He was class leader and superintendent of the Sunday school at Hanson. In 1899 Mr Humphrys put £20 into a savings account to start a church building fund. A trust was formed and a 2-acre property was secured in Hanson, though little tangible activity took place for three years. Rev. H.J. Pope, President of Conference laid one of two memorial stones and Mr Humphrys the other and on Good Friday 1904 the church known as Wesley Bicentenary Church was opened. It had cost £315 and was free of debt. Mr Humphrys was regarded as the father of Hanson. He never fully recovered from a severe operation about four years ago and he died at Burra Hospital on 19 February 1909. He desired to see a grand revival and to get a Sunday school hall built at Hanson and he offered £40 towards the latter. Rev. James called for an account to be opened to build free of debt, the Jesse Humphrys Memorial Hall to stand alongside the Wesley Bicentenary Church and the meeting carried a resolution to effect that. One of Mr Humphrys’ sons has promised £50 towards the new hall.

Burra Town Council

The tender of C.A. Lott to re-roof the depot for £29-17-6 was accepted.

E.J. Davey is to be paid 30/- for the time he acted as Town Clerk.

[It is not clear how this fits with the earlier statement that A. Bartholomaeus would be acting Town Clerk.]

The Mayor was asked to interview the postmaster, Mr Rundle about a telephone link to Adelaide.

VX, 850, 28 Apr. 1909, Page 2

Editorial on the Trial of Lyons & Rosser at Albury over activities associated with the Broken Hill strike.

Hockey. The lady hockey team the Hiawathas have this year become the Erubas and have opened their season on the flat on Wednesday with a scratch match. Sec. Miss A. Harris & Captain Miss O. Middleton.

Court Unity AOF will celebrate its 50th anniversary on 11 August. Only Robert Bevan of Copperhouse survives from the foundation in 1859.

Burra School Board. R.J.J. Ockenden replaces Mr Burns on the Board.

SAR. A new residence is being built for the stationmaster and the old one is, we hear, to be converted into a barracks for engine drivers etc.

Burra Waterworks. Mr E.C. Sedgeman is running the water supply with no problems and with less trouble with the new engine. Still there is plenty of work to be done outside, so two drivers are permanently kept. The Government now also takes the water [for the SAR] and the quality is said to be much better than in the old well. The pumping station has been moved to the late Joe Ford’s property, which the Government bought.

VX, 850, 28 Apr. 1909, Page 3

Tennis. Saturday: Aberdeen 7-57 defeated Kooringa 3-34.

Marriage. Last Friday at Bright.

Miss B. Meyer of Bright married Mr A. Heinrich, 3rd son of the late J. Heinrich of World’s End.

Burra Bicycle & Athletic Club proposes a meeting for 19 & 20 May.

Burra Teachers’ Assoc. met on Saturday at the school when teachers attended from Burra, Copperhouse, Hallett, Mt Bryan, World’s End Creek, Hanson and Gum Ck/Koonoona.

Empire Day: arrangements are in hand for a joint celebration by the district’s schools at Victoria Park.

The Football Program for 1909 is printed.

Weather. Many outhouses in the town were destroyed or damaged by a storm on Monday. Miles of fencing, including wire netting fencing was destroyed and traffic was generally halted.

VX, 851, 5 May 1909, Page 2

Editorial on the New Oval.

It had been the fear of some that the object of the syndicate that purchased the Aberdeen Polo Grounds some time ago was against Kooringa and to abolish Victoria Park. Consequently their enterprise was condemned. In fact the object is not a moneymaking enterprise, but to give the town a site for show and sports purposes. The issue was thrashed out at a meeting at the Institute on Friday when Thomas Sandland, one of the Syndicate, which is now a trust, explained what the trust intended to do. The show committee has decided to move to the new ground and although the surroundings are not all that could be desired, a good foundation has been laid for future improvements.

Victoria Park has never served its purpose very well and it may now become even more of a white elephant. Having created an enclosure costing some £600 it would be thought it would be eternally useful, but in fact has proved unsuitable from the outset. It was soon seen that if much was spent on it to effect improvements, the returns would be inadequate. It is now too small for the needs of the show. Councillors do not believe money spent there is well invested; consequently four or five townsmen have acted in a practical way and bought the best possible piece of ground.

Dance. The first dance of the season at the Institute on Friday was a great success. [Ivy Quadrille Class?]

Burra Chess Club meets again at the Institute and a handicap tournament will soon start.

Weather. Some light rain fell in the last week: totalling 44 points over the week.

Advt. The Famous Kilties present a Mammoth Musical Carnival. Two Performances at the Institute on 17 May. The Clan Johnstone Troupe of Pipers and Irish & Scottish Dancers with 16 Voice Choir.

A Band of over 50: with two Drum Majors over Seven Feet Tall.

The best and largest band touring the world from Canada.

Afternoon: Reserve 3/- Front 2/- Back 1/-

Evening Reserve 4/- Front 3/- Back 2/-

VX, 851, 5 May 1909, Page 3

Burra Show Society Special Meeting re The New Oval.

There was great contention on the aim of the syndicate that bought the land from the estate of the late Joe Ford. But the meeting on Friday made it clear that they are not out to make money, but rather the town should be thankful for the provision of a fine sports and showground. There was a large attendance at the meeting and there was an almost unanimous vote of Show Society subscribers favouring the proposal to move the show to the new oval.

Mr E. Bowman presided and Mr Thomas Sandland moved the proposal 2nd by Mr Winnall.

Mr Sandland said the trust intended to erect a grandstand to seat 300 and if necessary it could be extended. A refreshment room would be included beneath it and a large shed for the display of produce. The trust would grant the society free use of the ground for five years if the society agreed to move the sheep pens, cattle yards and a small shed, from Victoria Park to the new ground. The cost was estimated at £27. Mr Sandland said after five years the rent would be £3-3-0, the same as at present. Subsequent improvements would be at the trust’s expense. One problem would be collecting admission fees at a site presently unfenced, but Mr Sandland said it didn’t seem a major problem for the races. Extensive tree planting was planned. Mr Sandland said the grounds would be ready for the next show.

The trust includes Hon. John Lewis MLC, L.W. & A.G. Gebhardt, Thomas Sandland, James Gallagher & W.P. Barker.

Football. The Aberdeen Football Club met at the Royal Exchange Hotel last week and decided that the juvenile club be not associated with the seniors.

The opening game of the season was played on the new Aberdeen ground. Aberdeen came in new colours: blue and white stockings, dark pants and laced jacket with blue caps.

Ramblers were in blue and gold stockings and guernsey with dark pants.

Aberdeen 3.4 5.4 8.4 9.13

Ramblers 1.1 2.4 2.4 3.6

[Personal interest: players for Aberdeen included W. Allen, A. Allen & P. Fuss]

Obituary. Caroline Tiver, widow of the late Charles Tiver, died at Aberdeen on 30 April.

[Born Caroline Leyson 1 January 1836.]

Burra Town Council.

The scavenger will remove refuse of all houses once a month.

35 applications have been received for the Town Clerk-Inspector position.

Rev. & Mrs Weatherill [sic: Weatherall] were welcomed with a social at Jubilee Hall on Wednesday.

VX, 852, 12 May 1909, Page 2

Obituary. Caroline Tiver, aged 73, mother of A. Clode, died at Redruth on 30 April.

Notice. The Directors of the South Australian Mining Association, having in contemplation the Liquidation of the Company, are prepared to consider orders for the Purchase of the Company’s Property in the Townships of Kooringa and Graham.

By Order of the Board.

William West.

Foxes and wild dogs are a major problem at Bright and World’s End. One farmer reports that instead of 250 lambs he had but 3.

Empire Day. Business places will close at 1 p.m. on Empire Day. Students from World’s End, Baldina, Leighton, and Hanson will attend at Victoria Park and the committee will cater for at least 500 children.

VX, 852, 12 May 1909, Page 3

Accident/Obituary. Death of Mr W. Hopkins.

Mr W. Hopkins left Mr Day’s store in Kooringa on Monday to do the usual grocery round at World’s End. At the gate of the late William Prior’s property his foot slipped while he was boarding the vehicle and became entangled in the chain attached to the pole. He clung to the underside of the vehicle and called out to the children at the school to stop the horse. Mr Bruse, who was repairing a fence, caught the van at Mr Bown’s gate. Mr Hopkins had been dragged a mile along the road. His clothes had been torn off and his body horribly mutilated. He died a few minutes later. He had only been in Mr Day’s employ about three months. He leaves a wife and three young children.

[Born William Hopkins 27 April 1877 at Kooringa: died 10 May 1909 Hundred of Baldina, residence Kooringa.]

Football. Victoria Park Saturday.

Kooringa 2.5 3.6 8.9 16.20

Ramblers 0.0 2.0 2.1 2.4

E.W. Crewes writes asking the Record to open a list for a fund to aid the family of the late W. Hopkins. The total acknowledged so far is £23-6-0.

Salvation Army. Ensign & Mrs McClure were accorded a farewell social on Friday night by the Methodist Choir & Rev. Farley and were farewelled from the Barracks on Sunday.

Accident. Walter Villis, son of Mr I. Villis, fell from his horse on Saturday night and remains in hospital with a head injury.

Aberdeen Post Office. It is rumoured there will be agitation for a new Aberdeen post office.

Burra Waterworks. The Government intends to plant about 500 trees around the Waterworks property.

C. & A. Fuss have started to build the grandstand at Aberdeen Oval.

Mr John Melrose will bear the cost of moving material from Victoria Park to the new Aberdeen Oval.

VX, 852, 12 May 1909, Supplement

Advt. There is an elaborate four side advertising supplement with photographs and articles promoting the visit of ‘The Kilties’ Canada’s Greatest Concert Band. They would play at the Burra Institute for a matinee and evening performance on 17 May. The size seems to have been somewhat larger than A4.

VX, 853, 19 May 1909, Page 2

The Hopkins Fund has reached £134 and a meeting will be held to decide how best to invest it.

Burra Show Soc. Has decided to hold a sheep dog field trial at the new oval on 28 July. Prizes in money will total £16.

Drum Major Donald McKenzie came to finalise arrangements for the visit of the Kilties Band on Wednesday last. He weighs 24 stone 121⁄2 lb and stands 7’41⁄2” high.

A Bolt. One afternoon last week Miss J. Fairchild was driving a buggy from the railway station when the horse bolted near Fuss Bros. And the buggy ran into the kerbing at Sara’s Store. Miss Fairchild was deposited under the verandah and Mrs R. Fairchild was thrown from the trap. The escape of both ladies from serious harm is almost miraculous. The trap was smashed, the harness partly broken and the horse scratched.

Inquest into death of W. Hopkins. The witnesses gave their fees to the family.

The Kilties performed on Monday to packed houses and were very well received.

2nd Ivy Quadrille Dance was on last Friday when about 50 couples were present. Country people were kept home by the rain and the stormy conditions.

Obituary. Mrs Catherine Jenkin, relict of the late John Jenkin, died at her residence in Ayers St on Thursday, aged 82. She was born at Redruth, Cornwall, 11 February 1828. [Which makes her 81.] She arrived at Pt Adelaide 27 July 1851 in the Omega and was married at St Mary’s Burra by Rev. J. Pollet on 10 February 1852. [Check the spelling] She was a member of the Methodist Church for 51 years and celebrated her golden wedding in 1902. Her husband died about 4 years ago. She leaves four daughters and a son: Mrs J. Barratt, Mrs W.G.F. Batchelor (Hindmarsh), Mrs B.T. Hancock (Petersburg), Mrs W. Geake and E.L. Jenkin (Kooringa) and 12 grandchildren.

[Born Catherine Vivian February 1828 at Redruth, Cornwall: died 15 May 1909 at Kooringa.]

Obituary. Mrs Johns, aged 36, daughter of the late Mr J. Peak of Crossroads has died.

[Born Mary Ann Peak 2 October 1872 Cross Roads near Burra: died 6 May 1909 at Kadina.]

Football. At Victoria Park Saturday, in a gale with rain:

Aberdeen 2.3 2.2 3.3 3.4

Kooringa 0.1 1.1 1.1 1.1

[Even a gale can’t make the second term figure for Aberdeen correct, but that is what is reported!]

Redruth Court

Mrs Caroline Jones sued Joseph Williams for £7-13-0 for meals and one night’s lodging.

[This essentially trivial case was reported in over 1 column for its entertainment value presumably.]

The case was finally adjourned so Mrs Jones could get her accounts straight.

The Cycling Carnival Concert was cancelled due to the visit of the Kilties Band.

Burra Town Council

T.H. Woollacott was appointed scavenger at £8-5-0 per month.

VX, 854, 26 May 1909, Page 2

Obituary. Ralph Baynes, son of the late John Baynes, died at Broken Hill last week, aged 35, as the result of an accident when he fell, struck his head on a beam and ended up in a tank of sulphuric acid. His widow is a daughter of Mr C. Duell of World’s End. [Born 30 September 1874 at Baldry.]

Burra Bicycle & Athletic Club held a meeting on Wednesday at the new oval and despite good racing the public failed to attend and a loss resulted. Results are reported in 11⁄3 columns. There was a ball in the Institute afterwards.

Obituary. H.R. Hodgson, a porter at Hergott Springs was killed when run over by railway trucks. He was at one time a player at Burra for the Ramblers Football Club and he married a daughter of R.H. Bruse of World’s End. [Henry Leonard Hodgson born 13 May 1886 at Middleton: died 21 May 1909 at Hergott.]

The Hopkins Fund has reached £167 and the meeting about its management decided to pay the widow 10/- a week while it lasts. [Which for that sum would be c. 61⁄2 years.] Mr L. Day will supply £20 worth of groceries. Money is still being collected and if sufficient is raised a cottage will be purchased. Yet planned is a Muff football game on 30 June and a Burra Musical & Dramatic Club Concert.

Burra Town Council.

R.H. Steele was appointed Town Clerk & Inspector and will commence duties in June.

Obituary. William Henry Goodridge, aged 25, youngest son of Thomas Goodridge of Gum Creek, died of the effects of burns on Monday. His clothes had become impregnated with sulphuric acid fumes in the tilling season and burst into flames when he was burning stubble on Saturday afternoon.

[Born 24 February 1884 at Kooringa: died 24 May 1909 at Kooringa, residence Gum Creek.]

VX, 854, 26 May 1909, Page 3

Football. Saturday:

Aberdeen 8.8 defeated Ramblers 1.7.

Bicycling. The 100 mile race to Adelaide took place on Saturday in fine weather. The two local men, Lomman and Wohling returned after travelling 12 miles. Fisher, the limit man, came first in 6 hours 30 minutes, followed by Tobin and Williams. The latter had the fastest time.

Obituary. Steward McWaters died at Leighton on 25 May. He was the brother of Thomas and James McWaters. [Born 5 March 1837 in Scotland.]

Empire Day. This was celebrated very well with school sports at Victoria Park together with patriotic addresses and refreshments.

VX, 855, 2 June 1909, Page 2

Advt. The Gleneld Pierrots with Eclipse Moving Pictures, Thursday & Friday & the Institute.

2/- & 1/-.

Editorial on Tom Mann and the Broken Hill Workers.

The Hopkins Fund has reached £172-1-6.

Barr & Sons Steam Circus is at the rear of the Commercial Hotel. The gross takings for today will go to the Muff Football Committee, which is raising fund for the Hopkins Fund.

Adults 3d, Children 1d. [A steam circus appears to have been a merry-go-round.]

The fund will also benefit from the Muff Football Match on 30 June at which J. Gallagher has paid for the expenses of the Terowie Band to attend. Two guessing competitions are also being run.

See R.D. Pascoe’s window for a candle and a jar of beans.

Also guess the weight of a sheep at the football.

New Whyte Yarcowie Hall will be opened by Hon. L. O’Loughlin, Commissioner of Crown Lands, on 30 June.

The Scottish Infantry will give a monster concert at the Institute on Monday, featuring also the singer Miss Jessie Redpath and others.

This annual visit will see the Infantry shooting at the range and playing football against Burra on Monday.

VX, 855, 2 June 1909, Page 3

Football. Saturday at Victoria Park.

Kooringa 1.6 3.5 4.14 4.20 (48) [since 4.20 is 44, one at least is incorrect.]

Aberdeen 1.3 2.10 4.5 5.7

Burra Rifle Club. 9th shoot for the Gebhardt Aggregate. Three best were A. Bevan, Herb. Riggs and C. Radford.

Dingoes reported around Mt Bryan.

Obituary. Senior Constable Charles Frederick Bertram of Redruth Police Station died on Sunday and was buried at Eudunda. He served 36 years and left two daughters at home and one son in the post office at Renmark. Mrs Bertram died some years ago. [Died 30 May 1909 at Redruth aged 57.]

Obituary. Steward McWaters was buried on Thursday. He was aged 72 and had lived at Leighton almost 40 years. He recently sold his farming equipment to concentrate on stock raising. He arrived in SA from Scotland when aged 4. He leaves a wife and three daughters and four sons: Mrs W.E. Edson (late of WA and now of Adelaide), Mrs A.H. Hill (Terowie), Lily (at home), J. McWaters (Parnaroo), James McWaters (Terowie), Alfred McWaters (Terowie), Albert McWaters (WA) and a granddaughter (at home).

Obituary. The Premier of SA, Mr Tom [Thomas] Price, died at Mt Lofty on Monday, aged 57. [Died 31 May.]

VX, 856, 9 June 1909, Page 2

Editorial on the late Premier of SA.

2nd Leader on the Roberts Case on Appeal. [A case concerning a drover appealing against a conviction for infringing travel requirements over stock routes.]

3rd Leader on the reasons why the Stipendiary Magistrate is not more often at Redruth.

Bullying. Boys at the steam circus on Saturday teased Paul Neydock and finally one threw a stone that struck him between the eyes, dazing and wounding him.

Hon. A.H. Peake becomes SA Premier & Treasurer.

R.H. Steele was given a kitbag on the eve of leaving Drew & Crewes to become Town Clerk/Inspector.

The Mt Bryan Hall tenders were all considered unacceptable and the matter has now been deferred indefinitely.

Visit of the Scottish Infantry.

Rifle Matches: Burra ‘A’ Team 378 defeated Scottish Infantry ‘A’ 372.

Burra ‘B’ Team 299 defeated Scottish Infantry ‘B’ 234

Burra won the football match 60 to 50 points.

On the Monday evening a successful Scottish Concert was given at the Institute.

Burra Rifle Club. 10th Match for the Gebhardt Aggregate, best three were A. Bevan, N. Pearce & R.D. Pascoe.

VX, 856, 9 June 1909, Page 3

Football. Saturday.

Aberdeen 0.5 0.10 3.13 4.18 (42)

Kooringa 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 (13)

Monday.

Burra 2.5 7.6 8.8 8.12 (60)

Scottish Infantry 1.2 2.3 4.8 7.8 (50)

Kooringa Police Court, 8 June.

William Thomas Connor received 14 days for the theft of a rug and cap.

Hallett Institute. Contractors are busy at work building the Institute.

A Bachelors & Spinsters Ball was successfully staged at the Institute on Wednesday. The stage was turned into a drawing room for non-dancers, where cards and other games were played. The main entrance was also made into a smaller drawing room. The whole hall was dazzlingly decorated with poppies and ears of wheat and red and pink ribbons. Dancing continued till c. 2 a.m. Setaro’s Band from Adelaide played. [Details of dresses are printed.]

VX, 857, 16 June 1909, Page 2

The Hopkins Fund has reached £173-10-9.

A Rifle Association. A few days ago George Lord, Captain of the Burra Rifle Club, and J.E. Pearce attended a meeting at Petersburg to discuss the formation of the No. 7 Far Northern District [Rifle] Association. It was decided to go ahead with an association encompassing Yanyarrie, Orroroo, Yatina, Wilmington, Pt Augusta, Cockburn, Hawker, Terowie, Quorn, Petersburg, Booleroo Centre, Burra, Farina and Leighton.

Old Age Pension. Quite a few people have applied for forms in connection with claiming the Old Age Pension.

A Bolt. Bert Jones was thrown from the baker’s cart last week when the horse bolted and the reins snapped near the Smelts. He was shaken, dazed and received some severe cuts to the head, but will be around in a few days.

Burra Town Council at its next meeting will consider proposals to improve Market Square. Some suggestions include fencing it in a triangular form and erecting a rotunda there, with plantings of shrubs. There is however, opposition on grounds both of initial and ongoing costs an on the loss of space.

The Old Baptist Church. Having long been forsaken and falling into ruin, it was purchased some time ago by the Council for use as a depot for the sum of £60-£70. Recently the walls and roof almost fell in and consequently the Council has demolished part of it and repaired the rest. Mr John Harvey, the dayman, has done the mason work and C.A. Lott has almost completed re-roofing it. So far £30 has been saved by storing weights and measures there and if it were used as a Council Chamber the £20 p.a. rent of the Institute would be saved and the building would pay for itself in three years.

Burra Chess Club. The tournament continues with G. Scott, H. Roach, Miss A. Miller and W.H. Hardy as the best players.

Advt. Mine Bridge House High School: entrance from the main road.

Half Term begins June 8. Special Subjects: Latin, Algebra, French. Drawing & Painting in afternoon classes. Miss Wilson, Principal.

VX, 857, 16 June 1909, Page 3

Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday.

Aberdeen 1.2 2.2 4.6 4.8 (32)

Ramblers 0.0 0.2 0.2 1.4 (10)

‘Wellwisher’ writes urging Mt Bryan to emulate the example of Leighton with respect to the construction of a hall.

‘Fair Deal’ writes believing the SM was let off too lightly in the paper and should be doing more work in Burra and not leaving it to the JPs.

W.H. Sandland was thrown from a trap out east on Saturday when the seat collapsed and he sprained a wrist badly.

Redruth Court.

The adjourned case of Mrs Jones and Joe Williams was concluded. Mrs Jones failed to get her claim and Mr Williams succeeded in a claim of £9 from Mrs Jones for rent.

Capt. J.A. Watt visited Burra on Monday and looked much fitter after a holiday in Queensland. He will in future reside in Adelaide.

The All Blacks Co. will present a combination of film and live entertainment on Monday & Tuesday 21 & 22 June. [Presumably at the Institute.]

VX, 858, 23 June 1909, Page 2

Weather. A storm last Friday made the Burra Creek flow strongly.

The Burra Musical & Dramatic Club Concert scheduled for 30 June has had to be cancelled.

The Old Baptist Church. We note that the £60-£70 price quoted last issue as the purchase price was for the whole property, which includes land running well back towards the Burra Creek, and the roofing.

Dawson Sports will be held on 4 August.

Burra Town Council.

Council welcomed R.H. Steele as Town Clerk/Inspector and granted A. Bartholomaeus a bonus of £5 for his work as Town Clerk.

An occupier of premises in Thames St was ordered to remove a dangerous well abutting the footpath.

The Commercial St Bridge and that behind the Burra Hotel are to be repaired.

Mrs Woollacott was granted a licence for a Maternity Home.

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis were ordered to erect a urinal at their saleyards within a fortnight.

Burra Rifle Club. 11th match of the Gebhardt Aggregate. Best three shots: J. Clerke, C. Radford & M. Radford.

VX, 858, 23 June 1909, Page 3

Football. Saturday.

Kooringa 1.4 3.12 5.14 8.18

Ramblers 2.2 2.2 5.7 4.10

[Though the final two scores for the Ramblers are incompatible, that is what the paper says!]

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School. Mrs Robinson’s class celebrated her 80th birthday at Bleak House on Wednesday.

Entertainment. The Musical All Blacks put on an excellent program on Monday & Tuesday to fair houses.

Burra Chess Club. Best in the tournament so far are:

G. Scott, winning 5 from 6; H. Roach, 6 from 8; & W.H. Hardy, 5 from 7.

VX, 859, 30 June 1909, Page 2

Old Age Pension. About 60 applications have so far been lodged at the Redruth Court with about 30 yet to come in. Applicants will be heard at court on 12 July.

Changing Customs. Once a farmer would scarcely think of going to a neighbour for a cup of tea or a convivial chat, but since closer settlement has come in, dropping in for the evening has become common and usually results in music, dancing, or other amusements. Accordions and concertinas are the usual instruments, but pianos are used when encountered, of course.

Burra Rifle Club. At Wasleys: Wasleys 872 defeated Burra 850.

VX, 859, 30 June 1909, Page 3

Football. Saturday at Victoria Park.

Aberdeen 5.4 7.5 8.6 11.8 (74)

Combined Kooringa & Ramblers 0.1 0.6 1.10 4.14 (38)

The game was played in good spirit, but the contest was marred by dispute within the combined team about who was picked which resulted in some refusing to play to the detriment of team quality.

Court.

Norman Lee, aged c. 22, was sentenced to two months for embezzling 1/3 and £1-5-6, the property of his employer, R. Austin. He was a member of the Aberdeen Football Club and it is hoped he will learn his lesson and not repeat such in his future life.

Mr W.T. Truscott has opened a new shop next to his butcher shop in Market Square, selling ham, tripe, ox tongues, spiced and corned beef, pigs’ trotters, fritz, polony, brawn, saveloys, pickled onions and ham sandwiches. It is lit with acetylene gas.

Burra Chess Club tournament continues to be led by G. Scott, H. Roach and W.H. Hardy.

VX, 860, 7 July 1909, Page 2

Court Unity AOF, which is 50 years old this year, has 234 members and funds amounting to £2,271.

Whyte Yarcowie Hall was opened by the Commissioner of Crown Land, Hon. E.H. Coombe MP on 30 June.

Obituary. The eldest daughter of John Walker of Aberdeen died on Monday.

[Ethel Mary Walker born 9 March 1881 in Kooringa: died 5 July 1909 at Aberdeen.]

Football. A fancy dress football match was played on 30 June at Victoria Park. Over £27-15-0 was raised for the Hopkins Fund. The Terowie Brass Band led a procession from Market Square to the oval.

Obituary. W.L. Seabury, who took over the business of Pearce Bros. About two years ago, died suddenly on 6 July of heart failure. [William Leighton Seabury was born 20 July 1854 in the District of Adelaide: died 6 July 1909 at Kooringa.]

Kooringa Masonic Lodge. Bro. A. Bennetts was installed as W.M. on Monday night.

VX, 860, 7 July 1909, Page 3

Football. Saturday.

Kooringa 1.3 3.10 6.13 7.13 (55)

Aberdeen 0.5 0.7 2.10 2.13 (25)

Farrell’s Flat beat Ramblers at Farrell’s Flat.

Aberdeen Post Office. A new post office will be built at Aberdeen and Mr Sara will take charge of it.

The footbridge to the Burra School is in a dangerous condition.

Burra District Council Election.

Kooringa Ward: P.L. Killicoat 23

H.D. Edwards 17

Burra Chess Club. Tournament now led by G. Scott, from W.H. Hardy, H. Roach and C. Scott.

VX, 861, 14 July 1909, Page 2

Obituary. Charles Robert Hamley Harrison, 3rd son of Mrs Jane Diplock of Copperhouse has died aged 27. [Not traceable in SA records.]

H.S. Stephens brought into Burra a mushroom with a diameter 1’10” weighing 14 lb when picked.

Old Age Pensions. On Monday 35 applications for the Old Age Pension were heard at Redruth Court of the 60 persons who attended. Evidence was taken in chambers and lasted till 8 p.m.

[The writer clearly thought this an amusing event and after the initial factual paragraph at the top of column 6 there is another humorous one in the middle of the column.]

2nd Bachelors & Spinsters Ball was held successfully on 7 July. Dresses are described.

VX, 861, 14 July 1909, Page 3

Football. Saturday at Victoria Park.

Burra 1.2 8.4 10.10 12.7 [sic] (79)

Petersburg 2.3 2.7 5.13 6.16 (52)

Burra Rifle Club. 12th match in the Gebhardt Aggregate. Best three: A. Bevan, L.G. Stephens & J. Schwier.

Ivy Quadrille Class successful season culminated in a long night ball at the Institute on Friday.

Redruth Court, Monday.

I. Villis was fined £20 for depasturing 120 sheep on Crown Land.

Obituary. Mr J. [Joseph] Middleton, father of G.J. Middleton of the Burra Railway Station, died 5 July of heart failure. Deceased was born in Yorkshire and migrated to SA in the Marion when 9. The Marion was wrecked outside Pt Adelaide and they lost all their belongings. Deceased’s father farmed near Pt Adelaide and the son J. Middleton was later engaged in carting to the Burra Mines, then newly opened. [He was 5 when the mines opened.] He took an early team to the far north and was later licensee of the Grand Junction Hotel near Dry Creek, where G.J. Middleton was born. Later J. Middleton worked for the railways at Wallaroo, first for the private company and then for the SAR. He retired four years ago to live with his son at Broken Hill, where he died, aged 69. His wife died 10 years ago and there are seven sons: G.J. (Stationmaster at Burra), A.H. (an auctioneer), A.G. (Stationmaster at Mt Bryan), Rev. F.C. (in Canada), H. (2nd Engineer at Stephens Creek Waterworks), E.J. (an accountant at Merritt’s Butchery), & H.S. (a jeweller at broken Hill).

VX, 862, 21 July 1909, Page 2

W. Fradd, aged 74, was attacked by a bull while crossing Richard Austin’s paddock at the north end of town last week. He was shaken and bruised and had his coat torn to shreds before W. Sellars beat off the animal.

Aberdeen Ballast Quarries closed last week with the opening of the Mitcham Ballast Quarries. The men will be given jobs on relaying gangs. The last run lasted 16 weeks and up to 32 men were employed at times.

Light snow fell around Mt Bryan on 14 July.

IOR Rose of Sharon Tent has 155 members and has had a most profitable quarter. The juvenile tent has 30 members.

Mr Naylon, of the Royal Exchange Hotel, has sold the business to Mr James McDonald.

B.W. Pearse of Caroona has sold the station to Mr Hawke of Bungaree.

VX, 862, 21 July 1909, Page 3

Court.

William Farrell was fined £3 + £1 costs for being unlawfully on the premises of the Court House Hotel on Sunday 4 July. He claimed the bottle of brandy found on him had been obtained for medicinal purposes for his wife.

Associated with the above, Mrs Jacob Richards, licensee of the Court House Hotel, was fined £5 + costs for supplying liquor on a Sunday. [The two reports extend for just over 1 column.]

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club AGM. There was a credit balance of £1-8-2 after heavy expenditure refurbishing the billiard room. The special statement of receipts and expenditure covered the period from May 20 1905, when the Club took over the Burra Amusement Club, to 30 June 1909. The receipts had been £336-5-5. Of this £112-13-6 had been from concerts and £133-6-3 from the billiard table. Expenditure had been £334-17-3. Elected: President, S.M. Lane; Musical Director, G.E. Dane; Stage Manager, W.J.C. Ewins; Sec. & Treasurer, P. Milner. The concert in aid of the Hopkins Fund will now take place on 25 August.

Burra Chess Club tournament at the Institute continues.

Burra Town Council.

Permission was granted for the Eastern Telephone Syndicate to erect poles from Market Square to C.B. Warnes’s paddock in accordance with the Act.

Mr Thomas resigns as curator of the cemetery.

Parents of three youths will receive a letter threatening legal action if the cost of damage to the ladder of the lamp near St Mary’s is not paid.

The lamplighter is to be told to prevent the unsightly accumulation of spent carbide.

Mrs Bullen granted a licence for a maternity home.

The Eastern Telephone Line.

Work on the line for the syndicate comprising Charles Warnes, T. Warnes, I.J. Warnes, W.P. Barker, & James Gallagher, has begun. The distance to the terminus at Quondong is 110 miles and a contract has been let for 60 miles. The main line will call at Baldina, Woolgangi, Koomooloo, Old Koomooloo, Sturt Vale and Quondong. The main line will be carried on steel posts and will follow fence lines for protection. The work from this end is expected to start next week.

Football. Stars and Aberdeen Juniors met for the 4th time this year at Victoria Park on Saturday. Stars 5.8 (38) defeated Aberdeen Juniors 4.6 (30).

Riverton beat Burra on Saturday.

Hockey. Burra Ladies lost by 3 goals to Riverton at Riverton on Wednesday.

VX, 863, 28 July 1909, Page 2

Weather. Snow fell lightly on Sunday, but it did not remain on the ground. There were about 79 points of rain for the week.

Miss Wilson’s Burra High School at the Mine Bridge is gradually attracting pupils. The new quarter began on 19 July.

The Ivy Quadrille Class had a successful season with £20 received in fees. The second session began on Friday night with about 50 couples and will conclude on 6 September with a fancy dress ball.

VX, 863, 28 July 1909, Page 3

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday.

Kooringa 4.3 6.9 13.14 14.18 (102)

Ramblers 0.0 0.6 0.6 0.10 (10)

Burra Chess Club. Tournament positions:

G. Scott 6 from 8, W.H. Hardy 6 from 8 & H. Roach 7 from 10.

Burra rifle Club. 13th match for the Gebhardt Aggregate. Best three: Clem Pearce, L.G. Stephens & H.S. Stephens.

Eastern Telephone Line. Work is progressing rapidly.

Mt Bryan. The new railway cottages are finished and the town is much improved by them.

A Surprise Party was held at ‘Shaftonville’ residence of A. Forrest on Wednesday when 30-40 couples appeared. Dancing went on in the barn till c. 11 p.m., then refreshments and then more dancing till c. 3 a.m.

Obituary. Sir Frederick Holder died on 23 July in Melbourne.

Sir Frederick Holder, Speaker of the House of Representatives, had an apoplectic seizure after an all-night sitting discussing the Old Age Pension. He was greatly respected as Speaker for his fairness. He collapsed on the floor of the House at 6.30 a.m. and died without regaining consciousness at 4 p.m. He was born at Happy Valley in SA on 12 May 1850, the son of Morecott Holder. A promising student, he was induced to become a teacher and accepted a position under the Education Dept. He however, felt he would do better as a journalist and secured possession of the Burra Record of which he became editor. He wrote columns also for the Advertiser and to the English newspapers. While still editor of The Record he became Mayor of Burra. In 1887 he was elected to the SA House of Assembly at the head of the poll, along with W.B. Rounsevell with the latter edging out Sir John Cockburn by 5 votes. (Sir John then got elected for Mt Barker.)

On 27 June 1889 he became Treasurer of SA in the Cabinet of Sir John Cockburn.

He was renowned for thoroughness and helpfulness and was never factious in opposition. In policy he was consistent. Of the 22 years in SA and Federal Parliaments he was a Minister or Speaker for all but three of them. He represented the same constituents throughout. In the SA Parliament he represented Burra and was elected to Federal Parliament first on a State-wide basis and then re-elected for Wakefield, which included Burra. He was a strong supporter of Federal Union.

When the Commonwealth was formed he was Premier of SA. In SA he was mostly Treasurer, but for a while under the Kingston Government when he was Commissioner of Public Works. The state funeral took place in Adelaide on Monday and thousands attended despite torrential rain.

VX, 864, 4 Aug. 1909, Page 2

Advt. The Federal Sheep Shearing Co. Ltd has formed depot sheds at Balaklava, Redhill and Lower Light, where they will undertake to shear 500 to 800 sheep per day with machinery – thus gaining 11⁄4 lb more wool [per sheep].

Surprise Party. Another surprise party is reported. On Wednesday 30-40 persons, members of the new Silver Club, went to E.N. Finch’s residence ‘Pencarrow’, where dancing took place in the barn.

[Surely the sending out of a piano a fortnight earlier must have affected the ‘surprise’ somewhat.] People returned home about 3 a.m.

Weather. Snow fell last Thursday for about half an hour and there was enough for snowball fights. A little more fell on Sunday evening among rain. The Burra Creek flooded on Monday and rainfall for the week was about 1”.

Court Unity, for its 50th anniversary, held an essay contest for members of its juvenile branch, Court Pride of Burra. The title was ‘Why I am a member of Court Pride of Burra and how best can I promote its advancement.’ The winner was W.J. Davey jun. with E.T.J. Rule second.

Several foxes have been seen lately near the town.

Burra Chess Club. A new tournament has begun and leading so far are Miss A. Miller with 3 from 3 and G. Scott with 2 from 2.

VX, 864, 4 Aug. 1909, Page 3

Football.

Kooringa 4.3 4.4 5.7 5.8 (38)

Aberdeen 1.0 4.5 4.6 4.9 (33)

M. Stokes of Elder, Smith & Co. is moving on. He is a Kooringa footballer.

Burra Show Soc. Sheep Dog Trial was held Wednesday 28 July. The day was wet with hail and a little snow, so there were few spectators, but a good exhibition of skills.

Puppy Stakes won by R. Laidlaw’s Piper.

All-aged Stakes won by R. Laidlaw’s bereft.

Novice Class shared by E. White’s Jessie and A. Wade’s Topsy.

P.L. Killicoat supplied some 70 sheep for the trials.

Annual Matrons’ Dance at the Institute on Wednesday with Setaro’s Band from Adelaide playing into the small hours. Dresses are described.

Burra Town Council.

Mrs Fuller sent 1/- to pay for damage to the lamp ladder near St Mary’s by her son.

Letter of condolence sent to Lady Holder.

Crs Burns & Harris had attended the funeral.

The footbridge in Rymill St to be attended to.

50 trees to be planted in Jubilee Avenue and dead trees removed.

Aberdeen Oval grandstand is going up.

British & Foreign Bible Soc. Held their AGM on Monday. There is a report by the Sec. F. Harris.

VX, 865, 11 Aug. 1909, Page 2

Burra Creek continues to flow due to further rain. 39 points in the last week.

Shearing begins Thursday out east on Pine Valley Station.

M. Stokes was accorded a farewell social at the Commercial Hotel on Friday.

Mt Bryan DC has accepted John Pearce’s tender for the new hall. The two ante-rooms have been removed from the picture.

VX, 865, 11 Aug. 1909, Page 3

Gerald S. Kempe writes a column of advice on improving the Sheep Dog Field Trials. He had gained two 2nd places at the recent trials.

Burra Chess Club. Best results at present: G. Scott 3 from 3, R. Galle 3 from 4, & Miss A. Miller 3 from 5.

Football. On Wednesday at Victoria Park the Stars 1.3 defeated the Schoolboys 1.2.

R. Hill replaces M. Stokes as Captain of Kooringa Football team.

Burra Rifle Club played at the opening match of the Leighton Club. Leighton 672 defeated Burra 619.

Weather. Snow fell at Mt Bryan East on 1 August and was still there on 2 August.

Larrikinism has been evident in the past few days.

Sir F. Holder left an estate of £6,200 to his widow.

C. Parks has lit his Commercial St shop with acetylene gas.

Redruth Reformatory. A girl who escaped has spent a rough week in the hills.

Hon. R.W. Foster, a candidate for the House of Representatives, addresses electors at Burra last night.

VX, 866, 18 Aug. 1909, Page 2

Advt. Mine Bridge House High School. Half Tern begins 23 August.

Special subjects: Latin, Algebra & French. Afternoon Classes in Drawing & Painting.

Miss Wilson, Principal.

Advt. Breuer’s Pictures at Burra Institute Monday 23 August.

Don’t fail to see the Great Sensational Dramatic Picture Convict 99.

First picture at 8 o’clock. Electric Light of 50,000 Candle Power.

Hallett Institute will re-open 1 September with a grand concert after considerable renovation.

Mr Jacob Richards has accepted the agency of the AWU and will assist those requiring the services of men. Good hand-shearers are wanted at once.

VX, 866, 18 Aug. 1909, Page 3

Football. On Saturday Ramblers started with 14 and Kooringa with 17, but soon after the start Kooringa added ‘Twist’ Ockenden and Ramblers made up numbers with lads.

Kooringa 5.9 7.13 10.16 10.21 (61)

Ramblers 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.3 (3)

Joseph Thomas of the Congregational Manse Booleroo Newcastle NSW writes as an old Burra boy concerning the death of Sir Frederick Holder. He urges that something of a tangible nature be done to perpetuate Sir Frederick’s memory. He suggests a monument in Market Square where Sir Frederick not only conversed with his constituents on Market Days, but stood beside famous open-air preachers such as Rev. S. Knight, the late Father Wright & Charles Tresise. He would be pleased to contribute towards any such memorial.

‘Short & Sharp’

Weather: 62 points of rain for the past week.

Tributers are allowed to take up pitches in Burra Mine Now.

Water rose higher in Burra Creek on Friday night than at any other time for this year.

Hon. R.W. Foster addressed electors at Burra Institute one evening last week.

The land sale of Mr Mat. Reilly will take place at Leighton.

Obituary. Miss Jessie Redpath who visited Burra with the Scottish Infantry on 7 June died in Adelaide on Thursday.

[Jessie Gourlay Redpath died 13 August 1909 at Marryatville, residence Lobethal aged 28.]

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club will stage a performance & concert on 25 August to aid the Hopkins Fund.

R.J. McBride had a serious operation in Adelaide last week.

Contractors [C. & A. Fuss] for the grandstand at Aberdeen will have it ready for show day.

Obituary. Fred Fuss who for years worked for Drew & Co. died 16 August at Broken Hill. He had been ailing for some time and a while ago had an operation from which he did not fully recover.

[Frederick William Fuss born 27 December 1847 at Glen Osmond: died 16 August 1909 Broken Hill.]

Obituary. E.H. Prior who lost an arm about last Christmas died suddenly while at work at the Proprietary Mine Broken Hill on 15 August. He had only started working again about a fortnight earlier.

Obituary. Mr Simmonds died at Ulooloo on Tuesday through heart failure. He was the son-in-law to Mrs Evan Jones of Hampton. [Charles Simmons died 10 August 1909 at Hallett aged 58.]

Burra Chess Club tournament continues.

AOF Court Unity celebrated its jubilee at Victoria Park on Wednesday. The Terowie Brass Band attended. The senior and junior lodges marched to the hospital and then to Victoria Park where a sports program was carried out. Dr Sangster Sen. presided over a social in the Institute in the evening. The sports results are printed.

Marriage. At Olary on 9 August.

Miss Breeding married Mr Albert Bevan.

Hanson School celebrated Arbor Day by planting several gums.

Burra Town Council, Monday

Lady Holder wrote thanking the Council for its expressions of sympathy on the death of Sir Frederick Holder.

W. Bentley was permitted to erect a verandah in front of his Morehead St shop.

VX, 867, 25 Aug. 1909, Page 2

Editorial on Cemetery Finances.

Previously the curator had a commission on blocks sold and grave fees, but no fixed salary. He got about £1 a week – not enough to keep a man able to do heavy work. When Mr Thomas gave up the job an alternative was needed. The first applicants wanted £2-2-0 a week and suggested they work 3 out of six days on Corporation duties, but the dayman can do all that is required. There are not the finances to pay £2-2-0 a week, besides more land will soon be needed and there will then be the expense of enclosing it. We suggest appointing the dayman as curator and employing extra labour to dig graves and do other work when required.

Weather. Wednesday was another very stormy night and towards Thursday morning rain fell in torrents with the creek coming down on Friday afternoon. There were 102 points for the week.

The wet weather has continued so long that many older houses are now unhealthily damp and some pug dwellings have walls that need to be propped up, indeed the end of one house recently collapsed without warning.

Wool from Old Koomooloo has been delivered to the station. This years looks like producing some of the best wool ever.

The Golden Grain Club organised a surprise party at John G. Oates’ residence one evening last week with dancing to midnight.

The Cinderellas had a dance in the Institute last Wednesday, but rain kept numbers down.

The Ivy Quadrille Class on Friday also had only a moderate attendance.

VX, 867, 25 Aug. 1909, Page 3

Football. Saturday at Victoria Park.

Burra started with 17 men and Riverton had only 12 and found substitutes. Several of their own players arrived at half time via the goods train.

Burra 2.4 3.6 7.7 8.11 (59)

Riverton 3.1 6.4 7.5 7.9 (51)

Burra Chess Club tournament leaders: G. Scott 6 from 7, C. Scott 5 from 8, A. Lott 4 from 6 & 1 drawn.

Obituary. Mrs Turner, mother of Mrs James Ryder of the Smelting Works, died on 23 August, aged c. 83. [Ellenor Turner died at Redruth.]

Burra Rifle Club. 14th match for the Gebhardt Aggregate. Best 4 were: F.J. Pearce, A. Bevan, R.D. Pascoe, & J.E. Pearce.

Burra Creek has been flowing for five weeks and reached a great height one evening last week.

Jimmy McDonald has taken over the Royal exchange Hotel.

VX, 868, 1 Sep. 1909, Page 2

Eastern Telephone Line. A good job is being done at pushing the line towards Quondong.

Weather. Another wet week with one day foggy and misty and 74 points for the week.

Caterpillars are causing much loss out east.

Farmers are complaining about the excessive amount of rain. Crops are not growing from lack of fine weather.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club, after some months of dormancy, staged a highly successful concert on Wednesday evening.

Bands of Hope are little heard of these days, but the Iron Mine Band meets once a month.

Burra carriage Factory. G.R. Maxwell has begun business as a carriage maker, coach builder, and general smith in the commodious premises near the old White Hart Hotel at Aberdeen. He is the son of John Maxwell, renowned vehicle maker of Manoora.

J.D. Kelly was hospitalised after a nasty fall from his bike on Saturday at the Railway Station, where he was going to catch the Broken Hill Express.

VX, 868, 1 Sep. 1909, Page 3

Football. Saturday at Victoria Park.

Aberdeen 0.3 3.8 5.9 5.12 (42)

Kooringa 1.5 1.6 2.10 3.19 (28) [sic] [3.19 & 28 can’t both be correct and the 28 seems more likely, making 3.19 a mistake for 3.10]

Burra Chess Club tournament leaders: G. Scott 8 from 9, C. Scott 5 from 9 + 1 drawn, &

W.H. Hardy 5 from 5.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club Concert and Dramatic Performance on Wednesday is reviewed. The concert ended with the farce, Supper for Two. The Hopkins Fund will benefit by about £15, which winds up efforts for this fund.

Burra Rifle Club. 15th match for the Gebhardt Aggregate. Best 4: George Herbert, H.L. Riggs, Clem Pearce & H.S. Stephens.

The Federal By-election following the death of Sir Frederick Holder has been won by the Hon. R.W. Foster with 8,121 votes ahead of J.H. Vaughan’s 6,789.

New Railway. There is agitation for a railway from Eudunda to Robertstown.

Mice are increasing in numbers.

Burra Creek has now been flowing for six weeks, which is the longest continuous flow for 20 years.

Rains have placed roads in a bad sate all around the district.

Football. At Koomooloo last week Woolgangi 3.10 (280 defeated Koomooloo 2.3 (15).

VX, 869, 8 Sep. 1909, Page 2

Advt. G.R. Maxwell Proprietor has begun business near the old White Hart Hotel as a Coach and Carriage Builder. Wheel Tyring a Specialty, General Blacksmith Work including Shoeing done.

Marriage. Last Wednesday evening at Burra Salvation Army Barracks

Miss Alvena Bourman married Mr Thomas Gregor.

The couple were given a noisy tinkettling, but disappointed the rowdy fraternity because they were anticipating something of the sort and had taken refuge elsewhere.

Hockey. On Wednesday Erubas 1 defeated School-girls 0.

Drew & Crewes’ premises have been recently extended and enlarged. The plate glass front at Kooringa is a trifling introduction to the commodious premises. The stock reaches over £12,000 and 30 hands are employed and in addition two large vans, which are travelling stores, serve the north, south, east and west. The firm caters well for the pastoralist and deserves the title of universal provider. The display rooms have over £1,000 worth of farming requisites and supplies anything from a needle to the very latest petrol engines. [Probably an advt. posing as news.]

The Cinderellas give a farewell dance to Miss L. Burns at the Burra Institute tonight.

The Ivy Quadrille Class ends its season on Friday night with a grand fancy dress ball.

Mr Bidmead of Leighton lost a valuable horse on Saturday afternoon when it got frightened by a motor car outside Drew & Crewes’ store and dropped dead.

A Bolt. On Sunday morning Mrs Degenhardt, her daughter Jane and a young girl Alice Byrnes decided on a quiet drive. All went well from Paxton Square to Abberton Estate where they paused to give the horse a drink. When the young girls got down to attend to the horse something startled it and it took off. Alice Byrnes was knocked down and the wheel passed over her shoulder breaking the bone. Mrs Degenhardt fell to the bottom of the cart when the seat collapsed. The horse fled through Redruth, took the main road to Kooringa, went through Market Square, across Kingston St Bridge and through Paradise after which it took the stock road until stopped by a deep creek. Mrs Degenhardt got down in a ‘don’t care’ sort of fashion and said ‘That was a ride if you like!’

VX, 869, 8 Sep. 1909, Page 3

Football. Premiership match on Saturday last:

Kooringa 2.1 4.5 8.7 10.9 (69)

Aberdeen 0.3 1.3 2.8 5.10 (40)

Wednesday at Victoria Park:

Burra Assoc. 4.5 5.13 8.21 8.23 (71)

West Broken Hill Juniors 1.1 1.1 1.1 2.3 (15)

Saturday at Victoria Park

West Broken Hill Juniors 1.2 2.4 5.6 5.10 (40)

Ramblers 0.2 0.2 2.2 2.2 (14)

Wednesday:

Stars 9.13 defeated Aberdeen 1.3

Burra Chess Club began a new tournament at the Institute on Friday evening.

Burra Rifle Club. At the shoot on 1 September the best scores were by I. Macindoe, C. Pearce & J.E. Pearce.

‘Short & Sharp’

Caterpillars are still coming in from the east.

Redruth Methodist Church Spring Fair on Friday was a great success.

A. Bolt. A horse in Mr Swinden’s cart bolted from Paradise on Saturday morning and the cart capsized at the Kooringa Hotel corner. Little damage was done to the cart, but the load of provisions was widely scattered. The horse sustained a few cuts.

Obituary. John Nourse who in the early days was a teamster operating between Burra & Broken Hill was smothered there on Friday last by a fall of tailings at the Proprietary Mine.

[Born 5 December 1844 at Granthani, Little Para: died 3 September 1909 at Broken Hill NSW.]

Burra Town Council, Monday

H.E. Rabbich is to be asked to keep his sheep out of the avenue and plantations, as a number of young trees have been destroyed.

25 pepper trees are to replace dead trees in the plantation near Messrs Roach & Sons.

W. Harris was appointed curator and sexton of the cemetery & Mr Thomas’s resignation was accepted.

The Hopkins Fund has reached £265-6-11.

Redruth Methodist Church Annual Spring Fair at the Burra Institute last Friday was opened by Dr Sangster Jun. and was very successful with satisfactory financial results.

[Personal interest: the Misses Fuss at the flower stall were probably August’s daughters Myrtle & Hilda.]

Tenders are called by P.L. Killicoat of Abberton Park for the sinking of a large dam at Newicke Paddock between Duffer Dam Paddock and the Western Boundary of Caroona Run.

Social & Dance at the home of Mr G. Holmes at Braefoot last week.

Social & Dance at Booborowie last Wednesday aided St Dymphna’s Church.

‘Invalid’ writes wondering why invalids are not considered for a pension when all sorts of concessions are offered to businessmen.

Issue due 15 Sep. 1909, NOT PUBLISHED [No explanation.]

THE GAP HAS BEEN FILLED FROM AN ISSUE OF THE KAPUNDA HERALD

No. 3,517, Vol. XLV, 17 September 1909, page 6

Mr James Thomas has been obliged to resign as curator and sexton of the Kooringa Cemetery. He is one of the oldest residents and oldest council employee. He is aged 78 and was born in the Parish of Ludgrun in Cornwall, coming to SA in the Isle of Finnet reaching Pt Adelaide on 23 October 1854 after a three month voyage. He was employed at the Burra Mine until it closed and has been in charge of the Burra Cemetery for nearly thirty years.

Hanson Railway Station

Closer settlement on Braefoot and Shafton has increased traffic at Hanson and the accommodation has grown cramped. It was recently decided to build a new station and office etc. The work has now started and an effort is being made to get the department to extend the length of the platform a little as part of the work.

Burra Hospital’s new septic tank is not yet ‘the inoffensive addition’ the Government authorities have maintained it would be.

The Hopkin’s Fund has reached £265-6-11.

A-Company Cadets (Burra & Terowie) had a field day at Burra on Saturday. A presentation was made by the Mayor, Dr J.I. Sangster Jnr to Lieutenant A.W. Lott because A-Company came second in the Commonwealth Rifle Match. He said he hoped Burra would soon have a corps of B.P. Scouts, who were creating such a stir in the world.

He also presented a gold medal to R.H. Tuck of Terowie and a silver one to E. Rule of Burra.

In a rifle match between Burra & Terowie, Burra 429 defeated Terowie 394.

Burra Hospital

Several members of the Burra Racing Club were shown over the hospital by the matron Sister Mosey, especially the new W.H. Duncan Wing and the operations theatre, which has been completed and put in use. They were agreeably surprised at one of the best operation rooms outside Adelaide, with every convenience at hand and a splendid set of instruments available as the result of a bequest of the late Mr Thomas Parks. The new theatre is the outcome of a fund started by a substantial legacy from the late Mr W. H. Duncan. The members were there to present a folding invalid’s chair on wheels. Mr George Lord made the presentation and Mr J.F. Moore accepted on behalf of the Hospital Board.

The Ivy Quadrille Class held a Fancy Dress Ball at the Institute on Friday last.

Burra Chess Club. The leading players in the contest for the prizes are currently: G. Scott, W.H. Hardy, C. Scott, A. Lott & R. Galle.

Miss L. Burns was given a progressive euchre party, social and dance at the Burra Institute on Wednesday 8 September on the eve of her marriage to Mr Murrie of Georgetown.

Hockey

Riverton Ladies’ Hockey Team visited Burra on 8 September. Mr A.W. Lott was the umpire and Rev. H.C. Farley was timekeeper. It was wet and the ground near the public school was very slippery. Despite the wet weather the attendance of spectators was good. Burra 1 defeated Riverton 0.

Horse Sale

Dalgety & Co. Ltd next Friday will conduct a sale at the Bon Accord Sale Yards, Burra of some 120 first class horses.

Burra Show next Wednesday will be held on the new showground near the railway station.

Letter. An anonymous writer says that the George St footbridge near the old Pig and Whistle needs some wire-netting sides. A few days ago a young boy of his fell into the creek there because of the absence of this aid to safety – fortunately without any injury this time.

VX, 870, 22 Sep. 1909, Page 2

Obituary. Clarence Henry Moore infant son of W.E. & A. Moore died 19 September aged 1 year 1 week. [Born 10 September 1908 at Kooringa.]

Hockey. [Ladies] Burra 1 defeated Riverton 0.

Australasian National League. A meeting to form a ladies branch of this organisation is called at the Burra Institute tomorrow afternoon.

VX, 870, 22 Sep. 1909, Page 3

Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church last Wednesday

Edith Louie Burns, eldest daughter of Mr S. Burns blacksmith of Kooringa, married

Alan Lindsay Murrie, eldest son of the late P. Murrie of Georgetown, one time proprietor of the Burra Record.

Football

At Woolgangi on 4 September: Koomooloo 9.12 defeated Woolgangi 0.1.

At Koomooloo on 9 September: Koomooloo 4.9 defeated Woolgangi 2.9.

At Pine Valley 4 September: Shearers 2.2 defeated Rouseabouts 2.1.

The Golden Wedding of Mr & Mrs Patrick Lally was celebrated last Friday at their residence in Queen St Kooringa. Mr Lally was born at Wair and Mrs Lally at Clarenbridge about one and a half miles away. They married aged 21 & 23 respectively and came to SA on the Airlie from Clarenbridge County Galway in Ireland in 1877 with six children. They came straight to Burra where Mr Lally worked on the large cutting to the northeast of the station on the line to Hallett. He then worked for Overend & Rob at Northwest Bend and on returning to Burra worked for Sara & Dunstan for 7 years as a mason’s labourer. After that he worked on the Hallett-Terowie railway and has since done contracting and casual work. He is now 71 and his wife 72 and both are hale and hearty. Three sons and three daughters are living: Michael, James & Aloysius (WA), Mrs Doolan & Mrs Turner (WA) and Mrs Miller (Clare).

‘Short & Sharp’

Water continues to flow in Burra Creek.

Bioscope display at Salvation Army Barracks tonight.

Hon. J. Lewis MLC has returned from a trip to England.

Petersburg Dramatic Club will stage Harvest tonight in the Institute.

Marriage. At Copperhouse on Thursday Miss C. Stasinowski of Kooringa married Mr A. Lomman of Copperhouse.

Burra Rifle Club. 16th match in the Gebhardt Aggregate was shot on 15 & 18 September when best scores were by J.A. Riggs, N. Pearce & J.E. Pearce.

Cadets. On Saturday afternoon 11 September a combined parade of two detachments Burra & Terowie forming A Company 4th Battalion Cadets, was held at Burra School. The Mayor Dr Sangster Jun. presented the CO A.W. Lott with the second prize cup won at the recent Commonwealth Rifle Match. A gold medal for 1st prize was presented to Cadet R. Truck of Terowie and the silver medal for 2nd went to Cadet E. Rule of Burra.

In the rifle match Burra scored 429 to Terowie 394.

The best of the cadets over 100 & 200 yards were:

Burra: V. Riggs 37, T. Middleton 31 & G. Tiddy 30.

Terowie: R. Tuck 36, Sgt H. Cullen 34 & M. Pascoe 31.

Burra Town Council, Monday

George St footbridge to be wire-netted both sides for safety. Other business was routine.

The Golden Grain Club visited Mr Flower’s ‘Flowerville’ for a dance last week.

VX, 871, 29 Sep. 1909, Page 2

Advt. Tonight at the Institute. Burns-Johnson Pictures.

The only authentic pictures of the great fight of 14 rounds. 3/-, 2/- & 1/-.

Football. The Star [Junior] Football Club awarded two silver medals for the season. One went to Wilfred Geake for best conduct for the season and the other to Lindsay Halls as best player.

VX, 871, 29 Sep. 1909, Page 3

Australasian National League. A meeting at the Institute on Thursday resolved to form a branch of the league in Burra to promote greater interest in election matters among women.

Hockey. There was a match on Brewery Flat on Saturday between the Ladies’ Team and a ‘skirted’ Gentlemen’s Team. The men won 6 to 5. A collection aided the Ladies’ Hockey Club.

The Aurora Australis was seen between 10 & 11 p.m. on Saturday with a display of many colours ending in dark red.

A Ball at Booborowie on Friday night was very successful.

Eastern Telephone Line. Part is now operational.

Petersburg Dramatic Club staged Harvest at the Institute on Wednesday evening.

Rev. H.J. Parkinson, who was a Primitive Methodist minister in Burra about 13 years ago preached in the Methodist Church on Sunday.

Burra Creek has now been flowing for 12 weeks.

Marriage. At Iron Mine on Thursday 23 September.

Miss McWaters, daughter of Mr J. McWaters of Leighton married Mr A.D. McDonald.

Burra Show. 22 September, at the new grounds at the Aberdeen Oval.

The show attracted a record attendance. Gates opened at 11 a.m. with the Terowie Brass Band in attendance. Draught stock was particularly well represented, as was blood stock. Cattle numbers were up and dogs and dairy produce were also well represented. Poultry, as always, was good and sheep were, as ever, the main exhibit.

[Personal interest:

A. Forrest won prizes:

3 Bushels of wheat 1st & 2nd Draught mare in foal 2nd

Cape Barley 1st Pair draught horses in harness 1st & 2nd

Oats (Cape or White) 1st Team of four draught horses 1st

Green Barley 1st Pair of trolly horses in trolly 1st

Ah Chin won first prizes:

Pekin drake Greyhound

Open class of vegetables

Collection of vegetables Collection of herbs Collection of salad vegetables

Class: within 30 miles of Burra

3 Cabbages 3 Cauliflowers 3 Lettuces 6 White turnips

Parsnips Sticks of Rhubarb Carrots Red beet

Celery Green onions Collection of vegetables Collection of herbs

Collection of salad vegetables Marrows

Flowers:

12 cut flowers Miss L.B. Fuss* 2nd

6 cut flowers Miss L.B. Fuss* 2nd

3 anemone Miss L.R. Fuss* 1st

6 daffodils Miss L.R. Fuss* 1st

6 poppies Miss L.R. Fuss* 2nd (No 1st)

3 poppies Miss L.R. Fuss* 2nd (No 1st)

6 pelargoniums A. Fuss 1st & 2nd

3 pelargoniums A. Fuss 1st & 2nd

1 pelargonium A. Fuss 1st & 2nd

Basket of Flowers A. Fuss 1st

Wreath or Cross A. Fuss 1st

• Miss L.B. & Miss L.R. Fuss are both errors for Mr L.R. Fuss]

VX, 872, 6 Oct. 1909, Page 2

Birth. On 3 September at Booborowie to Mr & Mrs Murphy, a son, Michael Edward.

Obituary. James, son of the late Rev. John McGilchrist of Rose St Church Edinburgh, died on 3 October, aged 73. [At Kooringa.]

Notice. Blind performers will give a concert in Burra on 22 October. Proceeds to aid the Royal Institution for the Blind in North Adelaide.

Another social evening took place in E.N. Finch’s barn at ‘Pencarrow’ on Wednesday with dancing.

Weather. A storm on Friday damaged outhouses in the town and haystacks and an Afghan’s van was overturned on the road north.

VX, 872, 6 Oct. 1909, Page 3

Obituary. James McGilchrist came to Burra about three years ago and began a business in the well-known premises of Mr Batchelor as a fancy goods dealer. He did so well he recently put up a large store room. Ill health had recently caused him the try to sell the business. He was a Freemason and a prominent worker in Kooringa Methodist Church as well as a JP.

Weather. There was more rain, with 59 points from Friday to Sunday.

Obituary. Mrs Thomas Jenkin died in Broken Hill on 30 September. She had come there from Burra in Broken Hill’s earliest days.

Fred Kemble trading as a blacksmith in the shop previously August Miller’s has sold the good will to George Sampson.

Drew & Crewes are having the railway cash system installed on their premises.

The Burns-Johnson Pictures attracted a fair audience.

Burra Town Council.

The Mayor, Dr Sangster jun. has turned down the unanimous request of Council to stand for another year as Mayor.

J. Pearce applied for permission to build an addition to Luke Day’s shop.

VX, 873, 13 Oct. 1909, Page 2

Obituary. Sarah, 2nd daughter of the late James & Ann Pearce and sister of the late Thomas W. Pearce, Mrs Josling, John, William and Henry Pearce, died on 8 October at Kooringa, aged 70.

Sarah Pearce came to Burra on 13 February 1849 and lived on the same block until about 18 months ago when she moved to Ware St. She travelled to Burra on a dray drawn by two horses, with he parents James & Ann Pearce. She was a scholar and then a teacher at the Kooringa Methodist Sunday school and a valued church worker. She leaves a sister, Mrs A. Josling (Adelaide), and brothers John & William (Burra) and Henry (Malvern).

Richard Austin’s bull has attacked again, this time Thomas Lihou’s bicycle took the brunt of the attack as Tom escaped over the fence.

Eruba Hockey Club dance in the Institute tonight. Amy Harris, Secretary.

Servants. There is a dearth of domestics at present.

E.B. Solomon is in town collecting for the Sa Adult Deaf 7 Dumb Mission and Angas Home. The Mission teaches trades to deaf mutes on leaving school. Angas Home looks after aged and infirm deaf mutes.

Wilfred Geake, only son of W. Geake, has been promoted from messenger at the post office to assistant operator and is transferred to Mannum. He was given a Gladstone bag, a travelling rug and a fountain pen by the Mayor on behalf of townspeople and a Bible by John Drew from the Methodist Sunday school.

George Lord of the Burra Hotel, has installed an Eckersley Aerated Water Machine, which will make about 50 dozen per hour.

Grasshoppers are massing between Thistlebeds and the Duffer Dam.

VX, 873, 13 Oct. 1909, Page 3

Obituary/Memorial Service

A service to honour James McGilchrist was held at the Kooringa Methodist Church on Sunday. Many Freemasons attended – the deceased having been a Past Master of the Naracoorte Lodge. Deceased was a son of a Presbyterian minister, the late Rev. John McGilchrist and his brother, Rev. W. McGilchrist, is a minister of the Church of Scotland at Ardrossan in the UK. Deceased came to Australia 50 years ago and after some time in other states settled in Naracoorte, where he was active in the Presbyterian Church, but after some time circumstances arose which saw him transfer for over nine years to the Anglican Church. When he came to Burra he worshipped at the Kooringa Methodist Church.

Marriage. At Hallett Methodist Church, 29 September.

Edith W. Honan, 3rd daughter of J.H. Honan of Hallett married

R. McWaters, son of J. McWaters of Leighton.

Burra Institute has received a case of books from the late Sir F.W. Holder, for which Lady Holder has been thanked.

Football. On 6 October the annual dance of the Aberdeen Football Club was held at the Institute. Despite 250 invitations only 40 couples attended, which will make it hard for the committee to break even. Dancing went till 2 a.m. A presentation was made to ‘August’ Lomman, Captain of the team for his good work and on the occasion of his marriage.

VX, 874, 20 Oct. 1909, Page 2

Eastern Telephone Line. On Friday the line was operating as far as Sturt Vale and should make Quondong today. The contractors have averaged 11 miles a week and the total length will be 130 miles when completed. A number of applications to extend the line have been received. The syndicate has purchased the rooms known as the Burra Musical & Dramatic Club for their Burra office, but have allowed the club to remain in certain rooms for their own use.

Labor Party annual Social & Dance in the Institute last Friday.

G.R. Maxwell of the Burra carriage Factory, Aberdeen, has taken into partnership Mr Thomas Harris (Late of Sam Burns.)

Salvation Army. The Army held a spring gift sale on Wednesday & Thursday, which was opened by Staff-Captain Saunders of Adelaide. Congratulations to Ensign & Mrs Crosier.

Telephone. Authorities have declined to connect Adelaide and Burra by telephone, claiming the distance was too great for successful operation, but in view of the success of the 90-mile operation to Sturt Vale this is all moonshine.

VX, 874, 20 Oct. 1909, Page 3

Court.

Frederick ‘Bronco’ Turner, aged 19, and a shearer, was fined 5/- for drunkenness.

The Eruba Hockey Club Dance was enjoyed by about 40 couples last Wednesday. Dancing was from 8 p.m. to midnight with supper at 10 p.m.

Aberdeen Post Office. It was eventually decided that the expanded work of the Aberdeen Post Office required more room and as no new building was agreed on it was decided to move to a room at the Railway Stores. The necessary transformation has been made by Mr G. Bartholomaeus. Miss Natalie Sara is Post Mistress. The telephone from Kooringa has been enclosed for privacy and alphabetically arranged pigeonholes have made collecting mail much more efficient. Many have transferred their postal addresses from Kooringa as a result.

Obituary. The late Sarah Pearce came to Burra with her parents over 60 years ago and lived near the Kooringa Methodist Church ever since. She was a staunch church worker, for many years a leading choir member, and for over 50 years a teacher at the Sunday school.

Foxes continue to be a nuisance.

Marriage. Miss Rose Lines, formerly of Burra, is to be married in Broken Hill today.

Mr L. Day will be next in the town to light his shop with acetylene gas.

Burra Cadets went to Terowie on Friday and on Saturday fired a match with the local detachment.

Terowie 442 defeated Burra 412.

Burra Rifle Club. 16th match for the Gebhardt Aggregate. Best three: George Herbert, J.A. Riggs & J. Schwier.

James McGilchrist. Last Sunday a Lodge of Sorrow was held by the Kooringa Freemasons in memory of Bro. James McGilchrist, Past Master of Naracoorte Lodge and a member of Kooringa Lodge No. 6 SAC.

E.W. Crewes has been asked to stand for Mayor for 1910 and has agreed.

Burra Town Council.

The ford in Young St is to be paved.

Letter to be sent to the Postmaster General requesting telephonic communication with Adelaide and for postal deliveries in Aberdeen and Redruth.

VX, 875, 27 Oct. 1909, Page 2

[The following strange notice appears without other explanation and needs further research.]

Notice.

‘Dear Englishmen –

I will address you at Bentley’s Corner on Tuesday Nov. 2, at 7 p.m., if fine weather, if inclement weather then the following Tuesday (Nov. 9) England is in danger – but be not afraid separate yourselves. Hurrah for God and England; Hurrah for Wirrabara! Hurrah for Waterford!

MRS ADELAIDE WILMSHURST’

Obituary. Mary Ann, relict of the late John Pearce, late of Yongala and Mt Bryan, died 10 October, St Kilda, Melbourne, aged 75. [Born Mary Ann Skewes.]

Obituary. Marie Johnson, relict of the late William Henry Johnson, died 21 October at her residence, Kooringa Hotel, aged 46. [Born Catherine Marie Kenyon, although the marriage registration gives her father’s name as Kennion and hers as Kenyon.]

Salvation Army. Ensign Crosier reports the Self-Denial Fund has raised £173, of which £117 was raised by Frank Harris.

VX, 875, 27 Oct. 1909, Page 2-3

Burra Smelts. Burra Copper Slag Smelting Co. The smelting plant erected some two years ago at the old Smelting Works, which failed after a couple of months, will be auctioned by Elder, Smith & Co. on 3 November.

VX, 875, 27 Oct. 1909, Page 3

Football. A meeting of the Rambler Football Club in R. D. Pascoe’s rooms on Thursday last revealed a debt of about £4 and a concert will be held to pay this off.

Kooringa Methodist Church. At the Anniversary last Sunday Rev. Henry Howard of Pt Pirie preached and he also gave a lecture in the Institute on Monday People I Have Met.

Cr Burns has agreed to stand as Mayor for 1910.

Kooringa Methodist Circuit quarterly meeting decided on arrangements for anniversary services for Douglas & World’s End Churches.

Burra Rifle Club. 17th shoot for the Gebhardt Aggregate. Best 4: C.C. Lord, N. Pearce, H.E. Riggs, & G. Lord.

Obituary. Mrs C.M. [Catherine Marie] Johnson, relict of the late W.H. Johnson and proprietress of the Kooringa Hotel died on Wednesday of a burst artery in the brain. She was born in North Adelaide and married Mr Johnson at St Lawrence’s Church, North Adelaide, about 24 years ago. Mr Johnson died about 8 years ago. She was buried at Pt Wakefield. She leaves 3 daughters: Mrs Gottschalck and the Misses Kathleen and Kitty. There is one son, Reginald and one grandchild, all of Burra.

The Blind Institution performers had a fair attendance on Friday.

VX, 876, 3 Nov. 1909, Page 2

Notice. Subscribers to the Hopkins Fund are called to a meeting in the Council Chamber on 9 November to approve the balance sheet and Trust Deed. The mayor will preside.

Mr Luke Day’s renovated shop near Henderson’s Corner was illuminated by gas last Saturday.

VX, 876, 3 Nov. 1909, Page 3

Boy Scouts. Rev. H.C. Farley called a meeting at the rear of the Methodist Lecture Hall on Monday to discuss forming a troop of Boy Scouts in Burra.

Burra Town Council.

A letter from the Postmaster General said that a telephone line would be erected from Adelaide to Burra, but nor till next year as the copper wire had to be procured from England.

A.W. Clode is to have the right of grazing on the rubbish depot in Nelson for 10/- per annum.

I.J. Warnes was given permission to erect telephone poles to effect a connection with the exchange in Commercial St.

Larrikinism is causing concern in Kooringa and a letter will be sent to the Kooringa Police requesting action.

Stray horses and cattle are also a problem.

‘Council recommended that the Burra Hospital be connected with the doctors’ residences.’

[Presumably by telephone.]

The bridge near the Smelting Works is to be repaired.

Council will visit the cemetery on Thursday about the enclosing of the additional ground.

Marriage. St Mary’s, Burra 27 October.

Miss N. Jones, daughter of D. Jones of Redruth married Mr A. Turner of Broken Hill.

New Houses are going up in Burra.

Cricket. A meeting at L.A. Lewis’s office on Friday decided on forming a Burra Cricket Club.

Old Age Pension. Over 5,000 claims have been made so far in SA and c. 3,000 have been granted, with about 300 rejected.

VX, 877, 10 Nov. 1909, Page 2

Weather. The dry season has meant little grain in the wheat heads this year and hay yields are also light.

Guy Fawkes Day saw many effigies being burnt, but the celebration seems to be dying out, with only a limited supply of fireworks. No grass fires were reported.

Copperhouse School held its annual picnic at Sod Hut on Wednesday. It was very well organised by head teacher, Mr Galle.

Wingless grasshoppers reached Burra from the east on Saturday. So far they have been annoying without doing great damage.

Redruth Methodist Sunday School Anniversary next Sunday. Rev. Thomas Weatherill will preach.

World’s End Methodist Sunday School Anniversary next Sunday and Monday. Rev. H.C. Farley will preach.

Advt. Burra Bicycle & Athletic Club Sports will be held on the New Aberdeen Oval on Boxing Day, 27 December. [This was in response to the failure of the Burra United Friendly Societies to continue their tradition of sports on Boxing Day.]

VX, 877, 10 Nov. 1909, Page 3

Tennis. The season started on Saturday.

Aberdeen 10-79 defeated Kooringa 5-61.

Mrs Adelaide Wilmshurst did not appear at Redruth last week.

Mt Bryan Hall contractors are getting on well with their work.

Burra Rifle Club. 19th shoot for the Gebhardt Aggregate. Best 4: George Herbert, R.D. Pascoe, J. Schwier & T.H. Broad.

Obituary. William Williams, who once lived in ‘The Paddock’, Kooringa, died in Adelaide on Saturday. He was a resident of Broken Hill and leaves a wife and one daughter. He was a brother to Mrs Albert Brandt of Kooringa and to Mrs W. Lambert of Broken Hill. [Died 6 November at Portland Estate aged 65.]

VX, 878, 17 Nov. 1909, Page 2

Notice. Tenders are called for the sale of the building, as it stands, known as the Methodist Church, Leighton, by 29 Nov. 1909.

St Mary’s Hospital Sunday last Sunday filled the building. Terowie Brass Band led a procession of the various lodges to the Burra Hospital and back to the church. Rev. T.B. Hall of Auburn preached. The hospital received £11-11-0 from the service and the Saturday & Sunday open-air concerts.

Accident. A. Woollacott, baker of Redruth, fell from his cart when the horse shied and he became entangled in the reins. The wheels passed over him. He is confined to bed.

Caterpillars are wreaking havoc on farms and in the town.

Redruth Methodist Sunday School Anniversary on Sunday was a great success, as was the picnic at Sod Hut on Monday.

VX, 878, 17 Nov. 1909, Page 3

Hopkins Fund Meeting on Tuesday was chaired by Mr Moore. The balance sheet was adopted and the draft deed prepared by Mr Winnall was adopted and executed. [No final sum for the fund is cited.]

Marriage. Wednesday 10 November.

Miss Eline Bruce of World’s End, daughter of R.H. Bruce, married

Samuel John Rawlings of Broken Hill.

Marriage. On 11 November.

Miss Rose Blanche Brown, daughter of Henry Brown of Burra, married

Mr William Albert Peak of Cross Roads.

Hallett Sports Meeting of 15 November was successful and the results are printed.

Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday various trophies were finalised.

The final shoot for the Gebhardt Aggregate saw best scores from L.G. Stephens, H.L. Riggs & M. Radford.

Gebhardt Aggregate for a tea and coffee service went to A. Bevan with 25 points from N. Pearce with 23 points.

A tea service for shooting over the 800, 900 & 1,000 yds ranges went to M. Radford with 9 points from R. D. Pascoe with 8.

A travelling bag for the 300, 600 & 700 yds ranges went to C.C. Lord with 16 points from A. Bevan with 14.

A gold watch for the 200, 500 & 600 yds ranges went to C. Pascoe with 14 points from A. Bevan with 11.

On Monday Burra 884 defeated Clare 841.

World’s End Methodist Church Anniversary on Sunday saw the church crowded out and numbers unable to get in for the afternoon service and the public meeting. The financial result was a record for the church.

Tennis: St Mary’s Church has formed a tennis club.

United Labor Party. A meeting to form a ladies’ branch of the Party was held in the old German Chapel at Redruth last week.

VX, 879, 24 Nov. 1909, Page 2

Sir Frederick Holder. Subscriptions are called for with a view to establishing scholarships to Prince Alfred’s College and Methodist Ladies’ College to perpetuate the name of Sir Frederick Holder.

The season. Recent rain has increased the crop yield significantly. Hay has also improved.

Last week Flower Humphrys of Hanson cut 30 acres of hay at 3 tons per acre, 4’6” in height.

Hanson Railway Station. Dalgety & Co. have made arrangements for a 25’ x 20’ platform to handle bagged wheat.

St Mary’s Annual Strawberry Fete has been abandoned in favour of ‘The Golden Offering’ on Sunday 12 December. The average from past fetes has been c. £100 and it expected the Golden Offering will match this. The first call on the money will be the installation of gas lighting in St Mary’s and in the rectory and then will aid the cost of appointing an assistant curate last year.

Mrs Holden, Head of the Reformatory, will retire at the end of the month under the Septuagenarians Act and Miss Jessie Price is expected to succeed her. With the closing of the Kapunda Reformatory about 11 girls will be sent to Redruth.

Burra Town Council

The whole Council met at the Mayor’s residence on Thursday last to have their photograph taken and afterwards the Mayoress provided refreshments.

VX, 879, 24 Nov. 1909, Page 3

St Joseph’s. The Bishop of Pt Augusta, Rt Rev. Father Norton DD, will visit Burra on 5 & 12 December in an effort to reduce the £2,000 church debt.

The Boy Scouts are still going strong.

VX, 880, 1 Dec. 1909, Page 2

Mr Bailey of ‘Gum Creek’ has had to have his well-known old mare Gip put down on 22 November, at the age of 33.

Municipal Elections. S.M. Lane has been returned unopposed for East Ward.

[This does not seem to have been corrected, but in the next issue S.M. Lane is not mentioned, but Messrs R.J.J. Ockenden & C.A. Lott are standing for East Ward and the issue of 8 December gives the seat to R.J.J. Ockenden 48 from C.A. Lott 48.]

Leighton Hall. 200 people assembled at Leighton on Wednesday 24 November for the opening of Leighton hall by Hon. J. Lewis MLC. An evening concert was followed by a ball.

Fully winged grasshoppers reached the town from the east on Saturday and attacked gardens.

The Ratepayers’ Meeting turned into a lively affair when Mr Crewes and Mr Burns, as candidates for the mayoralty, clashed.

The Burra Hospital septic tank [which had been a major problem for much of the year] was particularly disagreeable one day last week. It had been hoped the problem was over, but apparently this is not so.

Dr Sangster has donated £10 out of the Mayor’s allowance of £15 to the parklands account to save it being overdrawn by c. £1.

National Defence League. The meeting called by the ladies branch was very successful on Friday night. Mr W.G. Hawkes presided and Messrs Hawker & Pascoe spoke, as did Miss Farr.

VX, 880, 1 Dec. 1909, Page 3

Municipal Elections: Candidates.

West Ward Messrs Harris & Hardy

East Ward Messrs R.J.J. Ockenden & C.A. Lott

North Ward C. Lowe returned unopposed

Mayor Messrs Burns & Crewes

Tennis. Saturday: Aberdeen 9-77 defeated Manoora 3-54.

Burra Town Council.

The Postmaster General advises that too few letters are delivered at the Aberdeen Post Office to justify a postal delivery.

The Hydraulic Engineer advises that Mr Henderson is giving up the lease on the Market Square standpipe and if no suitable replacement can be found the standpipe will be removed.

Seven trees have been destroyed from Young St to the Railway Bridge.

Frank Harris has had his shop front renovated.

Mrs Holden, of Redruth Reformatory, was presented with a purse of sovereigns and a silver set for the dining table by the Mayoress on behalf of well wishers.

Salvation Army. The moving pictures shown at the Barracks on Monday night were well attended.

‘Parent’ Writes claiming that parents are keeping children home from school because of its unsanitary state and the fact that three or four children in one family have been stricken with typhoid at Redruth and their brothers and sister are still attending school.

The Editor says: Two children in Redruth have typhoid. Dr Sangster says there is no reason to think the school is the source and though these cases require watchfulness there is no need for panic.

Ratepayers’ Meeting at the Institute on 24 November.

J.E.H. Winnall presided.

The Mayor’s Report occupies about 2 columns.

The mayor, Dr Sangster jun., expressed his regret at the death of Sir Frederick Holder during the year. Mr Bartholomaeus, Town Clerk, resigned through ill health in May. He had served 10 years without a holiday and he was presented with a silver salver in appreciation. His replacement, Mr Steele, was appointed to the combined position of Town Clerk and Inspector. Mr Thomas, curator of the cemetery, also resigned through ill health. Nobody applied to replace him under the old terms and the new conditions of £2-2-0 a week and 2/- per Sunday saw Mr W. Harris appointed from 5 applicants. This is a big increase in cost, but he will help the dayman, which will cut out the need for casual labour in ward works. The cost will be met £60 from the cemetery account, £46 from ward work and £8 from main roads. A new building on the site of the present Kooringa Post Office will begin to be built about March 1910 and it will provide for private boxes and a telephone exchange. Telephonic communication with Adelaide will be effected in 1910. The community benefited greatly in 1909 from the generosity of a small group of well-known men in the formation of the Aberdeen Oval and the transfer there of the Show.

Attendance at Council meetings has been excellent.

Major public works for the year:

Erection of the Corporation Depot and its fencing: £54-17-3.

The making of the George St Ford across the Burra Creek.

Lamp lighting cost £36-9-2.

In Health the septic tank at the Hospital has been the main concern and efforts now being made to combat the smell should be effective. The tank is now completely covered and the effluent will discharge into a deep pit, presently being sunk.

Otherwise the town has been healthy.

The incoming Council will have to extend the cemetery and enclosing this will dispose of the credit balance now standing at £74-8-2.

Councillors then spoke.

Cr Burns:

He had served the ward for 4 years and was retiring from that position. He had always voted for what he considered right and against what he considered wrong.

Cr Crewes:

He had not much to say now, but would later offer a personal explanation. He had only served half his term as a Councillor, but circumstances had led to his seeking the Mayoralty. Anyone looking over the minute book would see he was not the sleepy member for East Ward, but always wide awake.

Cr Lowe:

Believed he had striven to do his best over the past two years and must have given satisfaction or he would not have been pressed to stand again.

VX, 880, 1 Dec. 1909, Page 4

C.A. Fuss moved thanks to the retiring Councillors and then the candidates for the Mayoralty were invited to speak. This was the first election for Mayor for about 15 years.

[Actually the last election had been when John Sampson jun. defeated E.F. Lockyer on 1 December 1897.]

Cr Burns said he had received a requisition to stand from c. 70 ratepayers. Of Course they had not always seen eye to eye on Council in the year, but after healthy discussion had done what was considered right. He could not say what he intended to do if returned, but would attend to business promptly. He did not believe in Councillors interfering with work in wards they didn’t represent. He was the oldest or next oldest Burraite on the Council and would not lose sight of the work needed to make it even more picturesque. He was against Market Square being fenced as a paddock, but would not oppose anything tending to make it truly more beautiful.

Cr Crewes said the time had come for personal explanation why he was standing in mid-term. The Mayor had asked him a few meetings ago if he intended standing for Mayor and he has said no. As soon as it was known that the Doctor was not going to stand a movement was set on foot to requisition the speaker (Crewes) to stand and the first he had heard of it was the day after the Council. His opponents had said it was all a concoction of himself and Mr Hardy, which was a falsehood. He was getting into a cab when Mr Hardy called to him saying that they were getting up a requisition and asking him if he would stand. He said he needed time to think it over. He had then tried to get Cr Wise or Mr Winnall to stand, but had been unsuccessful. On receiving a large requisition to stand he had agreed, not knowing Cr Burns intended coming out. As soon as he resigned as Councillor his opponents made a spring with a requisition to Councillor Burns. While he was Mayor he had more work to do than any Mayor before or since as it was during the Boer War, when scores of meeting had to be presided over and he had also attended in Sydney during the Commonwealth Celebrations. He knew the workings of Council and of 247 motions in the minute book he had moved 117. He would bring as much zeal and energy to the position as to his own business. He would like to see the town better lit and trees better protected. The Jubilee Avenue should be better fenced. The new Post Office and telephone exchange was the result of persistent pegging.

Cr Burns asked to rise on a matter of personal explanation and when allowed said he had lived all his life in Burra and defied anyone to say anything against his reputation.

The Mayor – That is not a personal explanation.

Burns – I am accused of telling falsehoods.

Chair – Cr Crewes did not accuse you of falsehoods.

[Crewes had said he was surprised that Burns was standing as the latter had said he was heartily sick of Municipal work.]

Cr Wise, when asked, agreed that what Burns had actually said was that Wise would have to find another colleague in West Ward in the next twelve months – quite a different thing.

Burns then objected to Crewes’s saying he had sprung up as an opponent as soon as Crewes had resigned. The chair said that Crewes had not accused him, but had referred to ‘opponents’ as distinct from ‘his opponent’.

Burns and Crewes were also engaging in some inaudible, but apparently frank exchanges and eventually Cr Crewes got up and seated himself on the opposite side of the Chairman.

Mr Ockenden then moved Mr Burns be allowed to explain.

Cr Crewes demanded the same right.

There was general hubbub and eventually the chair called on Cr Lowe to speak as candidate for North Ward. He said he would do his best if elected.

Mr Hardy was then called to speak as East Ward candidate, but he wondered how his name was listed as he was not a candidate – yet.

S.M. Lane then spoke briefly followed by C.A. Lott and then Mr Ockenden, who spoke at great length about the desirability of mayors not serving longer than two years, but regretted that Dr Sangster had not continued for a second year. He spoke in favour of protecting Victoria Park. The Council should also own a quarry of its own – in 30 years it had paid some £900 in royalty. It had also paid some £1,000 for use of the Council Chamber and should have a room of its own, or else own the Institute. He then had to stop on account of a pain in his heart.

Mr Hardy then rose to say he had decided to stand and denied the suggestion that he and Mr Crewes had concocted the petition calling on the latter to stand. He favoured tree planting, Market Square improvements and improvements at Victoria Park and a new fence to Jubilee Avenue. And a fire hose for the town – a matter that had still not been brought to a head. Tar paving of footpaths was needed and more work done in the back parts of town. A public abattoirs was needed.

A. Harris briefly called on voters to ‘give him a vote on December 4 and never mind the other fellow’. [i.e. Hardy]

VX, 881, 8 Dec. 1909, Page 2

Obituary. Julia Carpenter, mother of Mrs McKellock of Broken Hill and of W., John, T.J., H. & R. Carpenter of Redruth, died on 4 December, aged 72. [Born Julia Webster.]

Advt. On the Corporation Oval, Burra, Saturday Afternoon 11 December.

The Viceroy Tea Balloon carnival.

Grand Balloon Ascent and Thrilling Parachute Descent

Also Ranjie: Prince of Reptiles & Snake Charmer

1/- or free on presentation of an empty 1 lb Viceroy Tea packet.

Children 6d or free on presentation of an empty 1⁄2 lb Viceroy Tea packet.

St Joseph’s. The Bishop of Pt Augusta, Rt Rev. Father Norton preached on Sunday last and will again this Sunday. He came especially to receive promises towards writing off the heavy debt of about £2,000 on the Kooringa properties.

Typhoid. There have been no further cases reported and the two children attacked are recovering.

Burra Town Council.

The Town Clerk of Kapunda replied to a query re extinguishing fires, that they had a fire brigade, which cost £107-16-11 p.a. paid for by a 2d rate.

Council declines to lease the Market Square standpipe.

Pipe to be attached in Market Square for convenience of the public to fill tanks.

[This is unclear: does it mean attached to the pump and so avoiding payment to the Waterworks?]

Municipal Election Results

Mayor S. Burns 200

E.W. Crewes 152

West Ward W.H. Hardy 45

A. Harris 42

East Ward R.J.J. Ockenden 78

C.A. Lott 48

Obituary. Mrs Brewster, an old Burraite, died in Broken Hill last Friday. In Burra she was Mrs Slate and mother-in-law of Mr A. Sampson and James Weston. [Born Eliza Edwards c. 1845.]

VX, 881, 8 Dec. 1909, Page 3

Declaration of the Poll.

[Page 2 says that c. 150 attended.]

Mr Burns thanked his supporters and moved a vote of thanks to Mr Wade as returning officer. Mr Hardy 2nd. ‘Billy’ Hardy said he was sure he would be returned.

A voice said – ‘You want Tom Rabbich with you now.’

‘Some very injudicious remarks have been made in reference to his candidature, but he was willing to forgive and forget.’

Mr Crewes supported the vote of thanks.

He could not help, but refer to the way his opponent was trotted out after he (Crewes) had sent in his resignation to Council, but he had now finished with Municipal matters and would never again allow himself to be nominated, but he would watch the work done in Council meetings from time to time. He was consoled by the men who stood on street corners who admitted he was the best man for the position.

Groans and cries of ‘Sit down’ and ‘Your talking rot’. [sic]

Crewes – ‘Will you get that man put outside Mr Chairman.’

A Voice – ‘Look here, Crewes, it would take a better man than you to put me out.’

The Chair said he was repeating what was said at the ratepayers’ meeting, which was inappropriate here.

But Crewes continued in the same theme for a while. He thanked the 152 ratepayers who voted for him and was glad to know ‘There were at least that number of sensible people in the town.’

S.M. Lane thanked ratepayers for returning him unopposed.

A. Harris thanked his supporters, as did C.A. Lott.

Kooringa Methodist Church. The Mission Fair and sale of goods arranged by the Girls’ Church Aid Club in support of Foreign Missions, held at the church on Friday was very successful.

Tennis. On Wednesday Kooringa 5-40 defeated Aberdeen 4-35.

Leighton Hall was opened on 24 November by Hon. J. Lewis MLC, before a large crowd. He had known the area for 47 years – from a time when there was but one fence as a dividing boundary. Mr Bailey and Mr Gillett were the first to take up land after the survey, but eventually as conditions changed other settlers came in. Of late closer settlement had seen the cutting up of the large estates and there were more farmers and more wheat, giving more revenue to the state. He saw old friends like Mrs McDonald – an early settler of Leighton. He had not realised how large the Hall was and he congratulated the committee and the contractors. The committee had collected about £140 and the balance had been met by local guarantors. The crowd was so large they could not all fit inside the hall. The usual series of votes of thanks followed. The site was the gift of the Education Department and vests in four trustees, while the building is 43’ x 23’. The hand-dressed stone at the front reflects well on the mason, Mr Giet. The ceiling is Wunderlich steel and a movable 16’ x 9’ stage is provided and a new piano with chairs and forms. The first concert was under the supervision of W.J.C. Ewins and a ball followed. Over £12 was raised.

Burra Rifle Club. The first match for the wind gauge saw C.C. Lord 105 ahead of J. Kellock 104.

Ladies Political Social. Burra Institute 26 November.

W.G. Hawkes presided and the speakers were Mr Hawker, Hon. T. Pascoe and Miss Farr.

[They were a conservative group who spoke in favour of the current role of the Legislative Council and against any reform of it, or its abolition, which was Labor Party policy. Apparently it was organised by the National Defence League.]

We understand that as a result of the meeting a large number of ladies as well as gentlemen joined the league.

Olive Dew was given a 21st birthday party on 2 December at ‘Blue Bell’.

VX, 881, 8 Dec. 1909, Page 3-4

Burra Rifle Club held a social at the Burra Hotel on Wednesday last and the trophies recently won, were presented. [The winners were as previously noted and the report runs to 11⁄2 columns.]

Dr Sangster jun. presided. He was concerned at the problem Burra had in maintaining any sporting club for long. Young men might get one going, but it soon fell to older ones to carry it on and married men had other obligations. The absence of a cricket club in the town was an example. In passing he mentioned the old rifle range as being ‘near the cemetery’. He especially thanked Captain Lord for the present healthy state of the Rifle Club. Presentations were then made and toasts proposed.

VX, 882, 15 Dec. 1909, Page 2

Warning to farmers that overloading of wagons could lead to fines for a breach of the Width of Tyres Act.

Hutson’s Row of cottages in Thames St has been demolished and a large shed erected for Mr G. Sampson who has taken over the blacksmithing business of Mr Fred Kemble. Already business has increased and additional hands have been taken on.

Weather. There was a frost on Thursday morning – an unusual event in December. This month has been the coolest December that can be remembered.

The aeronaut’s ascent on Saturday at Victoria Park caused one lady to faint and another to vomit copiously. Men watching also acknowledged feeling queer.

The Court House Hotel has new yards added by Mr Richards who has brought the premises up to date.

VX, 882, 15 Dec. 1909, Page 3

John Collins of Collinsville has sent along £3-3-0 to Drew & Crewes for the poor of Burra.

Mt Bryan School had its annual inspection on Thursday when 97% of the children passed.

Mt Bryan Methodist Church will hold its Anniversary as usual next Sunday. Rev. Ward of Adelaide will conduct two services.

Burra Show Society met at the Institute on Friday with President P.L. Killicoat in the chair.

Trophies from the last show were presented to:

Thomas Sandland for best pen of 5 Merino rams under 21⁄2 years. (Silver Cup)

W.T. Mortlock for best pen of 5 Merino ewes under 21⁄2 years. (Silver Shield)

J. Collins for best pen of 1 ram & 2 ewes any age. (Koonoona Cup)

Thomas Sandland for best Merino Ewe any age with its own Merino lamb at foot. (Silver Shield)

Thomas Sandland for Champion Merino Ram over 2 tooth. (Society’s Silver Shield)

W.T. Mortlock for Champion Merino Ewe over 2 tooth. (Society’s Silver Shield)

Cadets Annual Class Firing. Best were E. Rule 134, Sgt C. Scott 124 & V. Riggs 117.

Obituary. Mrs W.G. Torr, wife of Dr W.G. Torr, has died at Brighton. [Born Albertina Kidner: died 10 December 1909 aged 64 at Brighton.]

Joe Tobin returned to Burra recently after nine months away. He has been in WA as foreman of A.W. Canning’s party putting down bores [for the Canning Stock Route]. He visited his brother Michael’s grave where the WA Government has erected a marble headstone and iron railing. [For Michael’s death see VX, 778, 3 July 1907, page 3 with more details VX, 783, 7Aug. 1907, page 2.]

Joe Pascoe, father of R.D. Pascoe of Commercial St, has returned to live in Burra after some years in Broken Hill. He previously worked for many years at W. Henderson’s blacksmith’s shop.

A. McLachlan for 22 months ticket clerk at Burra Station has been moved to Bordertown as stationmaster.

‘Old Subscriber’ writes thanking the paper for its sensible reporting of municipal matters. The Record was clearly in possession of the circumstances and was able to pour oil on the troubled waters and presented the facts without undue criticism or sensationalism. [See the Ratepayers’ Meeting VX, 880, 1 Dec. 1909, Pages 3 & 4.]

R.J.J. Ockenden writes as a one-time shop assistant. He thanks businessmen for agreeing to close their shops from Saturday 25 December to Thursday 30 December and on Saturday 1 January. He then goes on to argue the case for a half-day holiday on Saturdays. The Wednesday half-day is a boon without question, but Saturday would be a much better choice. It is the usual day for recreation and enjoyment. He hopes that traders will fall into line and grant the boon now sought. The argument that Saturday night trading is necessary has had the bottom knocked out of it long ago and any inconvenience at its loss would be trifling. Only a few inconsiderate customers and a few greedy traders stand in the way of the change.

Miss Fuss of Aberdeen has been in Broken Hill for some time on holiday and proposes returning to Burra this week.

Tennis. Kooringa 6-72 defeated Aberdeen 4-57.

‘Short & Sharp’

Boy Scouts still hard at work.

Balloon ascent on the park on Saturday was a sensational affair.

The Bishop of Pt Augusta visited Burra on Sunday.

Kooringa Methodist Church Hospital Service next Sunday.

Fire threatened L.W. Gebhardt’s wheat crop on Saturday.

The usual Hanson Methodist Church Anniversary will be held on Sunday with the tea meeting on Christmas Day when arrangements have been made for the trains to stop.

Obituary. John C. Sandland died early on Sunday morning last at Koonawarra three miles north of the Burra railway station. He had been feeling unwell from time to time lately, but did not think it serious. Just after recent shearing at Koonawarra he went to Nackara to supervise it there, but felt so ill he had to return to Burra sooner than intended. He thought he had a severe cold, but it grew worse and medical aid was sought. The doctor ordered complete rest and he had an internal complaint occasioning excruciating pain. The local doctors concluded that an operation was required, but doubted his strength to cope. Dr Poulton of Adelaide was summoned and an operation was performed which revealed there was no hope of recovery.

He was the son of the late John Sandland of Woodlands Lyndoch and was born in Shropshire England in 1845, arriving in SA with his parents when only 2. He always led a life of uprightness and straighforwardness. He was connected with the Burra District Council for over 25 years and for 15 was Chairman, doing all he could to promote the interests of the district. He was a pillar of St Mary’s Church where he had filled almost every office. He had the oversight of the building of the new rectory at Redruth and was on the building committee of the church when it was built. For several years he was in charge of Koonoona Station and later took up the property where he died. He became acquainted with the most prominent sheep owners in SA and as a judge of Merino sheep scarcely had a rival. [John Chesters Sandland, born Loppington Hall, Shropshire England 1845: died 12 December 1909 near Burra.]

Obituary. Mrs W. Escott of Koonoona died on Monday after a somewhat lengthy illness.

[Born Lucy Julinda Fisher: died 13 December 1909 at Koonoona.]

VX, 882, 15 Dec. 1909, Page 4

Viceroy Tea Carnival

A great crowd assembled on Victoria Park on Saturday to witness the balloon ascent arranged by Messrs Wilkinson & Co. of Adelaide as a novel way of advertising their Viceroy Tea. It created a big sensation. The inflation of the balloon was watched with great interest. At the report of a pistol shot, it was released and rose quickly some hundreds of feet, carrying with it Rinaldo, seated comfortably on a trapeze. At the climax he hung by his toes on the fast drifting balloon and then, hanging by his hands, he turned a complete somersault before taking his seat again. The crowd cheered. Another pistol shot was the signal for him to drop from the balloon and his body fell towards the earth rapidly, but suddenly a parachute opened and Rinaldo was seen seated on the trapeze, from which he saluted the crowd with a cheery wave of his hand. Eventually he landed somewhat uncomfortably in P.L. Killicoat’s woodheap at Abberton Park, sustaining a shaking and several cuts, but with his grit and determination undiminished. W.J. Richardson brought Rinaldo back to Victoria Park in his motor car.

VX, 883, 22 Dec. 1909, Page 2

Editorial on Christmas. There are some passing references to the political and social troubles – mainly in other states – plus the usual platitudes.

The Leighton Christmas Tree will be given on Christmas Night in the new hall to the pupils of Leighton School by Mr & Mrs I.J. Warnes.

Kooringa Methodist Church’s annual hospital service last Sunday raised £4-10-0 for the hospital.

Mt Bryan Hall will be opened by H.S. Stephen, Chairman of the Mt Bryan DC, on 23 February next.

Christmas Charity. Drew & Crewes have received £3-3-0 from Mr Dearlove of Ketchowla and a similar amount from J.M. McBride of Kooringa, to buy Christmas cheer for the poor.

St Joseph’s. Bishop Norton of Port Augusta visited Burra on Sunday and conducted Mass at St Joseph’s and also at Mt Bryan. A strong committee has been formed to reduce the local church debt.

VX, 883, 22 Dec. 1909, Page 3

Dr J.I. Sangster jun. & J. Winnall have been appointed JPs.

John Sampson celebrated his 79th birthday on Friday. His is the longest residency in the town. He was visited by the Mayor and Mayoress and other friends in his residence in Bridge St.

Holiday Sports: Aberdeen Oval, 27 December.

Terowie, 1 January 1910.

World’s End Races 1 January 1910.

Dawson Races 1 January 1910.

Burra Rifle Club. 2nd match for the wind gauge: J.A. Riggs 100 from F. Wheatley 99 & A. Bevan 96.

Burra Town Council.

Steps are being taken to punish the lads who destroyed the trees in Watts Rd.

The rates for 1910 have been declared: General 11d

Health 5d

Parklands 1d

J. Winnall has been retained as Council solicitor.

A letter of condolence to be sent to the widow of the late J.C. Sandland.

Cr Hardy moved Council write to the Postmaster General suggesting suitable sites for a new post office and the probable cost of the same. Not 2nd.

He then called for a public meeting on 14 January to consider this matter. Carried.

The committee is to report next meeting on the cost of enclosing the SE portion of the cemetery.

The Mayor will talk to M-C Clarke re vandalism in Kooringa.

A New Kooringa Post Office.

A party comprising the Mayor (S. Burns), P. Lane & Dr Sangster jun. met the Hon. R.W. Foster and Mr Murdock, architect for public buildings, to look over the post office.

While there an unofficial delegation (not from the Council) waited on Mr Foster requesting that the post office be sited in Market Square. This revealed deep divisions in the town between those for a Market Square site and those for leaving it where it is.

Mr Crewes:

For Market Square as being more central to business. The Aberdeen end’s needs were met by their own post office. Costs of renovation were very heavy and it was better to start again.

John McLaren:

Supported Mr Crewes, despite living very near the present site. Several people would be prepared to buy the old building as a residence.

J. Drew:

Supported Mr Crewes’ arguments.

John Pearce:

Also supported Mr Crewes’ arguments.

S. Burns:

Sat rather uncomfortably on the fence, saying ‘there were two sides to the question.’

Mr Lane:

Thought the post office was in the right place now. Many Aberdeen people got their correspondence through the Kooringa post office. The best site was ‘certainly not Market Square’.

Dr Sangster:

The post office might fit in Market Square, but not the residence and as there is a Post Office Savings Bank Assoc. that serves Aberdeen people as well, the present site is better.

The Hon. R.W. Foster said it was the first he had heard of a request for a new site – he said he would pass on the deputation’s ideas, but warned that division in the town could only cause delay. Wherever the new post office was built they could rest assured it would be up-to-date.

Characteristics of the 1909 Paper.

Page 1.

Large advertisements: mainly, but not exclusively local.

Page 2.

Smaller advertisements, though some cross two columns. Stock sales and public notices, though the latter were less numerous than in some years. There are only occasional editorials. Small items on page 2 sometimes get lengthier treatment on page 3.

Page 3.

Longer news items and reports from regional correspondents. Often fleshed out with jokes. The ‘Short & Sharp’ column is less cryptic than some of its predecessors, but the news is annoyingly interspersed there with advertisements. There is little evidence of journalism. It seems the editor waited for people to drop things in most of the time.

Page 4.

There are larger advertisements, which are generally not local, but include a few local regulars. On rare occasions some news or reading matter may appear here. For most of the year there was a useful town directory in column 1.

Overall the paper did a rather poor job at covering local events. The Town Council gets little space and there are a number of things mentioned in ‘Short & Sharp’ that are of some significance, but do not get further coverage.

The column for 15 December is a good example of this.

‘Short & Sharp’

Boy Scouts still hard at work.

Balloon ascent on the park on Saturday was a sensational affair.

The Bishop of Pt Augusta visited Burra on Sunday.

Kooringa Methodist Church Hospital Service next Sunday.

Fire threatened L.W. Gebhardt’s wheat crop on Saturday.

The usual Hanson Methodist Church Anniversary will be held on Sunday with the tea meeting on Christmas Day when arrangements have been made for the trains to stop.

The first three of these items deserve further attention. The balloon event is particularly interesting, but receives virtually no attention.

The Municipal Elections are another example. S.M. Lane is said to be elected unopposed to East Ward. Then at the Ratepayers’ meeting he speaks, but does not appear in the results. The election for East Ward appears to elect Mr Ockenden to that position, but at the end of the year he is retiring through the effluxion of time, making it clear that the election was for the extraordinary vacancy created by Mr Crewes’ resignation to stand unsuccessfully for Mayor. This is typical of the careless handling of material this year.

Numbering of issues in 1909

Volume VX continued for the whole year, having started 12 July 1905.

The year began with Volume VX Number 834 on 6 January 1909

And continued to Volume VX Number 883 on 22 December 1909.

VX, 884, 5 Jan. 1910

Advertisements, Page 1.

E.J. Harris Grocer, Fruiterer & General Dealer, Market Squ.

R.D. Pascoe Hairdresser, Tobacconist, Stationer, Perfumer, Commercial St

August Bartholomaeus Agent for Norwich Union Fire Insurance Soc.

S. Burns Blacksmith & Wheelwright, Commercial St

W.T. Truscott Meat Store & Cooling Chamber, Market Squ.

W.E. Thomas Dentist, visits Burra

George Lord Burra Hotel, (late of Pt Germein)

Luke Day Grocer, Fruiterer, General Dealer, Market Squ.

Jack Richards Burra Bicycle & Motor Depot, Aberdeen

A.R. Creswick Dentist at the Commercial Hotel, monthly

Advertisements, Page 2

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd Auctioneers & Stock Agents

Alf Birdseye Bon Accord Hotel

Drew & Crewes Universal Providers, Kooringa

L.L. Wicklein Watchmaker, Jeweller, Optician, Market Squ.

George Sampson Coachbuilder & Wheelwright

Maxwell & Harris Burra Carriage Factory & General Blacksmithing

Near the White Hart Hotel

P. Dower Tinsmith, Plumber & Gasfitter, Market Squ., next to Burra Hotel

Frank Harris Fruit & Confectionery Palace, Market Squ.

C.A. Lott Carpenter, Builder & Contractor, Market Squ.

C. Parks Baker & Confectioner, Commercial St

J.E. Greenwood Tinsmith (Late Adelaide & Gawler),

Late business of C.C. Williams

R. Urwin & Sons Clothiers

S.B. Abotomy Eyesight Specialist, visits Burra, Commercial Hotel

M. Maughan Dentist, Burra Hotel, every 6 weeks

Advertisements, Page 4

S.M. Lane Saddler, Harnessmaker, Ironmonger, Chaff Merchant, Market Squ.

S. Burns Agent for City Life Assurance Soc.

McGilchrist & Co. The Emporium, (Fancy Goods, Toys, Dolls, etc.)

Charles F. Streicher General Store, Market Squ. (Formerly W.R. Barkley’s)

C.C. Williams Ironmonger, Commercial St

VX, 884, 5 Jan. 1910, page 2

Advt. Wirth Bros. Circus will arrive by special trains 12 January. Show in Roach’s Paddock.

Menagerie 3-5 p.m. 1/-, child 6d. Show 4/-, 3/-, 2/-.

New Year. Pranks saw some mischief done, but little damage resulted. At 12 o’clock guns were fired, tins rattled and horns blown. The year appeared on shop shutters, though in several cases 1901 rather than 1910 was written and even 1190 appeared. One or two gates were unhinged.

Pilgrim Star, a horse due to run at World’s End, was got at on Friday night and dosed with a quantity of wheat. Police are investigating. (The Pilgrim Star that ran is a completely different horse.)

Competitions at Christmas Time.

Drew & Crewes asked children to draw their store. H. West won 1st prize of a huge lucky stocking for the 10-14 age group.

R. Henderson won 2nd prize of a silver-backed hairbrush and L. Joraslafsky won a box of chocolates by coming third.

For the 8-10 year-old group M. Tiddy won a box of chocolates for coming first, Violet Wardle got an electroplated jam dish for second prize and Arnold Heinrich won a hairbrush as third prize.

Urwin & Co. had over 6,000 attempts to guess the number of lollies in a bottle filled with sweets of many different sizes. Mrs Mitchell was first and won a travelling bag worth £2-2-0. Miss E. Oates came 2nd and won a salad bowl and Mrs W. McDonald came 3rd and won a lamp with globe.

Frank Harris’s ‘Stocking’ was to be won by guessing the name of the doll, but 70 guesses failed to nominate ‘Lucille’ and so Mr Harris gets to keep his stocking.

E.J. Harris offered an 8-day clock to the one who guessed the time it would stop. This was won by Mr R. Gurney and Mrs W. Lee came 2nd, winning 5 lb of tea.

VX, 884, 5 Jan. 1910, page 3

World’s End Races were well attended and in every way successful, except they got behind time and some events had to be cancelled. As well as six horse races there was a Sheffield Handicap, a cotton-winding contest, a boys’ race, wood chopping and a couple of other foot races. Results in 11⁄4 columns.

There is also a humorous article of a bit over 1⁄2 column describing a day at the World’s End Races. Among the description of the group’s troubles they took the wrong road and ended at ‘Midwinter’s old hotel, which has long since been demolished.’

H.C. Farley writes saying the mine pool is the only place our boys can learn to swim, but at present it is dangerous. He wonders whether the Mayor can get permission for it to be equipped with ropes and other aids to make it a safe place to learn.

The editor comments that the Mayor agrees with this and will look into the best way of going about it.

Burra Sports were held at the new Aberdeen Oval on 27 December, run by the Burra Bicycle & Athletic Club. They were well patronised and well competed. Some 180 acceptances ensured a good meet. There was a concert in the evening at the Institute, followed by a dance.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held its annual picnic at Sod Hut on New Year’s Day by permission of Mrs J.C. Sandland. Over 200 scholars attended. A sports program was successfully carried out.

Burglary. On Friday 24 December thieves broke into the powder magazine, where Drew & Crewes store explosives, and stole c. £3-15-0 worth of dynamite and an unknown stock of powder. Having got through the outer door by breaking the lock, they used 3⁄4” piping to lever away the inner doorframe after drilling between it and the wall.

Burra Town Council.

Cr Hardy moved a letter be written to the Commissioner of Police re vandalism in the town.

It was resolved to write to the Hydraulic Engineer asking if water to extinguish fires would be available and at what cost. Resolved also to buy 150” of 11⁄2” hose for fire use.

Notice is to be given to SAMA to remove the wall at S. James’s old shop in Lower Thames St.

Serious Accident. On Boxing Day at Fingerpost Mr R. Sharpe was dragged out of his trap when his horse turned short and broke a shaft. The horse then bolted and eventually Mrs Sharpe was thrown out, fracturing a thigh. The couple endured a 10-hour ordeal in the sun in getting into Burra and the hospital, only reaching W. Baynes’s place Baldina at 8 p.m. and the hospital about 11 p.m.

Capt. J.A. Watt was in Burra on 24 December on his way to Quorn where he has been recently a traveller for a spirit merchant, but has resigned and will return to the city.

Marriage. On 28 December, Maud Short, daughter of the late Joseph short married Herbert Warner, 3rd son of Robert Warner of Redruth.

I.A. Macindoe, a clerk at the Bank of Australasia, has been transferred to the Adelaide branch. He was secretary of the Burra Football Assoc., a member of the Ramblers Football Club, Captain of the Kooringa Tennis Club, a member of the Automobile Cricket Club and of the Burra Musical and Dramatic Club. He will be given a social tonight and will be presented with a travelling bag etc.

Marriage. Molly Kunouth, who has been cook at the Burra Hospital for three years, is going west to marry Blake Mago, who was in Burra some time ago with the boring machine at the mine. She was given a send-off and dance at the Institute on 28 December.

VX, 884, 5 Jan. 1910, page 4

Hanson Methodist Church Anniversary was held on 19 December with the tea meeting on 25 December. For the latter 170 travelled by train from Burra. Proceeds were £19-5-0.

Mt Bryan School. The children gave a concert in the old Council Chamber on Thursday evening.

Burra Hospital Christmas Tree was held on 22 December. It was the result of efforts by Miss Edith Cave.

Kooringa Police Court, 28 December.

John Nelson was charge with assaulting M-C Clarke on 26 December. M-C Clarke asked for no heavy fine, but merely for ‘the protection of the court.’

Mr Crewes JP was clearly annoyed at this and rather indignantly fined Nelson £1 plus costs.

VX, 885, 12 Jan. 1910, page 2

Obituary. Johnson Carpenter died 6 January at Hanson aged 64. He was the husband of Emma carpenter and is survived by one son, two daughters and six grandchildren.

Mr Carpenter took up land at Baldina in the earlier days and farmed there till about 12 years ago when he went to Hanson. The deceased was ill for about six months and was at Burra hospital, but as the end approached he expressed a desire to go home. He is survived by a son and two daughters: Mr R.A. Carpenter (Hanson), Mrs George Clarke (Wallaroo) & Mrs W.H. Bray (Silverton) and six grandchildren.

Burra, Examining Centre for Adelaide University. Four candidates from Burra, Yarcowie, Hanson & Point Pass took advantage of the centre and all did very well. The centre also holds examinations for the School of Mines and in Music.

The Season. Harvesting is in progress and the grain quality is better than last year and this year is expected to see record deliveries of grain to Burra, Mt Bryan, Hallett & Farrell’s Flat Stations.

New Year’s Eve Dance at Leighton Hall raised £3-15-0 which will go to reducing hall debt. T. Kelly was the MC.

Mr P.J. Pickering will succeed Mr Macindoe at the Bank of Australasia.

Miss Edna L. Killicoat has passed the examination in the higher division for the Associated Board of the Royal Academy & Royal College of Music.

Trip to World’s End, 1 January. The day was hot, but pleasant with a nice breeze. Visitors on New Year’s Day could either watch the races or spread out their rugs under the gum trees and have a picnic. They could walk up the gorge to the world’s End Ranges and the beautiful waterfalls and admire the overhanging gum trees and stately pines. Scores of people availed themselves of the opportunity. The wheat yields in the vicinity have been most satisfying this season. There was not a blade of green to be seen, but there were a number of haystacks as farmers here provide well for their stock. All World’s End and his family were out for the day on 1 January.

VX, 885, 12 Jan. 1910, page 3

Weather. Last week was most changeable. A thunderstorm on Saturday produced heavy rain for about 20 minutes with a great deal of thunder and lightning. About two hours later hailstones the size of marbles fell, followed by an even heavier rainstorm. The creek rose and washed away the recently constructed ford at the Pig & Whistle. Redruth received only about half the rain recorded in Kooringa where water penetrated a number of premises and caused considerable damage. Sunday was unsettled with sun and some showers. Petherton received about 11⁄2 inches of rain in 20 minutes while very little fell between Mt Bryan and Burra.

At Hanson a flash of lightning wrenched the hook from Mr Geyer’s hand as he was mixing concrete and concrete splashed in his eye causing him to be laid up for a few days. A carpenter at Hanson was also slightly shocked by a nearby strike.

At Booborowie on Thursday a storm caused local dams to be filled and lightning started several grass fires. Mr S. Pearce lost about 75 acres, but the fires were soon extinguished by rain.

At world’s End there was much thunder and lightning last week, but little rain till Sunday when a torrential downpour for a few minutes brought down the creeks and caused flows to dams. The wheat harvest is over, but flies are very troublesome to man and beast.

Fire on Christmas Day broke out in J. Melrose’s paddock at Hallett, but was soon controlled.

‘Short & Sharp’

Wirth’s Circus at Aberdeen tonight.

Fresh applicants for the old age pension are continually cropping up in the district.

Rev. H.L. Ebbs has resigned the incumbency of St Mary’s and has accepted charge of Magill & Campbelltown.

The Boy Scouts went into camp at the Gorge on Tuesday expecting to be away from home overnight.

Mr I.A. Macindoe was accorded a farewell social on Wednesday evening in Hon. J. Lewis’s old schoolroom. He has been in a prominent position at the Bank of Australasia for five years and active in all kinds of sports and social gatherings. The report extends for 3⁄4 column. Dr J.I. Sangster Jnr presided. S.M. Lane proposed Mr Macindoe’s health and presented him with a handsome dress travelling bag. Other speakers were: the Mayor Mr S. Burns, L.A. Lewis, G.E. Dane (Burra Music & Dramatic Club), Rev. Farley, F.T. Harcus (Manager of the Bank of Australasia), J.F. Moore (Manager of the National Bank), W.T. Truscott (Football Association), N. Pearce (Burra Rifle Club), W.J.C. Ewins (for dramatic work), A. Lott (Ramblers Football Club), L. Gebhardt (Burra Automobile Club) and Messrs Milner & Cameron spoke as associates. Mr Macindoe gave a firm and collected response and his review of his life in the town and acknowledgement of the kind words of the speakers provoked the comment that he ought to have been a politician.

The ladies of the Tennis Club presented him with a set of electroplated hair brushes and the Burra Rifle Club gave him two Barling pipes in a case, a cigar case & holder and a tobacco pouch.

Boy Scouts. Acting Scoutmaster Rev. H.C. Farley and Mr Lott of the Cadets have taken the Scouts to World’s End Gorge for tonight’s camp to qualify them as ‘Tenderfoots’.

Burra Institute AGM Monday night. President Mr Pederson presided over 11 subscribers. The Institute had a credit balance of £120-3-11. On 31 December 1909 there were 3,580 books after the addition of 159 and withdrawal of 731 for the year. Subscribers:

December 31 1908 there were 25 Double + 73 single for a total of 98.

December 31 1909 there were 21 Double + 85 single for a total of 106.

During the year the card system of issuing books was introduced, doing away with the day book and ledger.

The dressing room floors at the back of the stage had been covered with malthoid, which is a considerable improvement.

Elected were President, Mr Harcus; Vice-President, Mr Page; Treasurer, Mr Wilkinson & Secretary, Mr Moore.

Redruth Court

Sam Roy Morphett was fined £1 per head, reduced to 5/- each + costs to a total of £2-4-0 for branding four cattle in the wrong position.

Daniel Horan was fined £2 or 7 days in jail for being unlawfully on the premises of the Burra Hotel on Christmas Day.

George Lord of the Burra Hotel was charged with allowing Horan on the premises during the time the sale of liquor is prohibited. Horan’s evidence that he was refused a drink resulted in the charge being dismissed.

A charge against Henry Nourse for stealing hay from a paddock of Albert Thomas Fairchild near Booborowie was eventually dismissed.

A Bolt. Ada McDonald, daughter of Charles McDonald, had a lucky escape from injury when the horse she was driving to meet the train at Hallett bolted and capsized the vehicle. She escaped with a shaking.

VX, 885, 12 Jan. 1910, page 4

Mrs I.J. Warnes provided a Christmas tree for the children of the Leighton District. The festivities began about midday and ran though till late at night, for the enjoyment and refreshments were not confined to the younger generation. The Mayor Mr S. Burns was present and moved a vote of thanks to Mrs Warnes and he was sure the presents received would impress upon the children that they had a friend in Mrs Warnes. Mr Cock supported him and the party disbanded about 11 p.m.

VX, 886, 19 Jan. 1910, page 2

Advt. Burra Institute Monday & Tuesday 24 & 25 January

The Marvellous Corricks after a triumphant tour of India and England

In conjunction with Leonard’s Beautiful Pictures projected by a 10 horsepower engine and dynamos – the best in the world. 3/-, 2/- & 1/-

Advt. Aberdeen Private School commences 1 February. Miss C.d. Thomas.

Notice. Tenders are called for the erection of a store at Mt Bryan for Drew & Crewes of Kooringa.

Advt. Burra, at the back of Vivian’s Hotel on Thursday & Friday 20 & 21 January:

Jones Mammoth Moving Theatre. A troupe of 25 performers, Professor Angels and his Wonderful Troupe of Performing Dogs, Bonetta Sisters (Serios & Dancers), Tom Sinclair (Comedian), Lottie Mackey (Contortionist), Flossie Jeffries (Axe Swinger), The Brackens (Carl, Will & Lottie introducing their astonishing feats of strength on the tight wire), The Tyebells and their Wonderful Aerial Dental Act, Will Sylvian (Eccentric Comedian) and a host of others.

Salvation Army. Activities of the Army remind us of long ago when the band was heard nightly in the streets, owing to the advent of Ensign and Mrs Reeve and a lassie who perform on the cornet, euphonium and second cornet respectively. Meetings so far have been well attended.

Lightning. On 2 January at World’s End the family of Mr M. Quinn and Miss Martha Hill (Burra) and J. O’Dea (Booborowie) were having supper during a thunderstorm when a terrific noise as of falling trees was heard outside. This was followed by a flash of lightning which apparently entered the house and struck Miss Hill, Mr Len Quinn and Mr O’Dea. Miss Hill was rendered unconscious for two hours, but the others suffered only severe pains in the head. For a moment the whole room seemed to be enveloped in flame. All have since recovered.

AOF, Court Unity held its annual meeting at Burra Institute on Friday night where there was a good attendance. PCR J.E. Greenwood presided. There are 230 members.

Wheat. A record load of something like 12 tons was delivered to the Burra Station on Friday – probably a state record. There were 144 bags of wheat on the wagon drawn by 11 fine horses comprising the teams of Messrs P. Heinrich and V. Webb. The wheat came from Koonoona. No breakages occurred till entering the station yard when the awkward turn resulted in a broken shaft and one wrenched tyre.

Farmers are warned that inspectors are looking for overloaded vehicles and offenders will be summarily dealt with.

Alf Gebhardt’s horse in his cart was frightened by a motor cycle on Saturday afternoon and in swerving crossed its legs and fell, cutting one knee to the bone, probably ending its usefulness. Mr Gebhardt retained his position, but Thomas Highett and young Bourman were thrown out.

W.H. Hardy has been assured by a memo from the Surveyor-General’s Office that if a miscellaneous lease were to be granted over the Yakkalo Reserve Section 253 Hd of Ayers, access to the water would be reserved to the public.

Burra District Council. An extraordinary vacancy has been caused by the death of Cr J.C. Sandland and nominations are called by next Friday with an election on 29 January if required.

VX, 886, 19 Jan. 1910, page 3

Dr Sangster Jnr has presented a framed enlargement of last year’s council to the Corporation. (The work was executed by the Record Studio.)

Rev. Dr Norton DD Bishop of Pt Augusta will celebrate holy mass at St Joseph’s at 8 & 10 a.m. and will preach morning and evening next Sunday.

Rev. H.C. Farley will preach at Morgan on Sunday & Rev. Delahanty will conduct services at Kooringa. He will also conduct a temperance meeting at the pump in Market Square at 3 o’clock.

Kooringa Post Office. A meeting at the Institute to consider a site for a new post office was held on Friday, presided over by Mayor S. Burns. Mr Wise moved it stay where it was. Seconded by Cr Hardy and supported by Mr Fuss and Doctors Sangster Sen. & Jnr. Mr McLaren spoke against it, but the motion was carried with only 3 of the approximately 70 attending dissenting. The mayor has passed on the result to the Federal authorities and it is anticipated that renovation work on the old post office will soon commence.

‘Short & Sharp’

No clue has been discovered in the recent powder magazine robbery at Redruth.

[Redruth? It is likely to have been the powder magazine on the mine hill.]

Wirth’s Circus performed at Burra on Thursday night and repeated many old-time acts.

The Boy Scouts were conveyed to Norman farm where they had lunch and were then sent on by Mr A.J. McBride to the Gorge where they arrived by noon. Dinner followed, after which the tents were pitched. The afternoon was spent swimming and exploring. Tea was followed by a campfire concert. The night was cold, but the boys were prepared. After breakfast and a swim there was a trip down the creek and time was spent cray fishing and swimming. The party left about 2 p.m. and got home about 5 p.m.

Burra Automobile Club. Twelve cars and six motor bikes will make the journey to Morgan on Saturday. There they will visit New Era Company fruit gardens and return home on Monday.

Mr T.V. Tapp the new stationmaster has settled in to work and is making friends due to his courtesy and obliging manners.

Miss Amy Steele, eldest daughter of R.H. Steele the Town Clerk, has just passed her final exams in the 1st class division as a nurse and is returning to Burra for a holiday.

Miss Myrtle Sandland, daughter of Mrs J.C. Sandland was a successful candidate in the Associate Board of the Royal Academy primary examination of the Royal College of Music. Both she and Miss Killicoat [VX, 885, 12 Jan. 1910, page 2] are pupils of Miss Cave.

Burra Town Council

Rev. Farley asked the Council’s assistance in getting permission from the Burra Burra Copper Co. to use the Mine Pool as a bathing place where the boys of the town could learn to swim under supervision.

The Fire Brigade Board will consider the Council’s query re hose for extinguishing fires.

The Hydraulic Engineer is considering Council’s letter re the use of water for extinguishing fires.

Dr J.I. Sangster Jnr presented an enlarged photo of the 1909 Council.

The Mayor will act with Rev. Farley on the Mine Pool suggestion.

The Mayor reported interviewing parents of children who had destroyed trees in the plantation & Watt Rd and said the offenders had been punished and the parents had agreed to pay the cost of damage.

Cr Wise reported on work needed to enlarge the cemetery.

Local Board of Health

One case of typhoid fever was reported for the fortnight. It had been contracted in Broken Hill.

VX, 887, 26 Jan. 1910, page 2

Mr Delahanty conducted a temperance meeting in Market Square on Sunday afternoon assisted by Ensign & Mrs Reeve of the Salvation Army. It was largely attended.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club held its half-yearly meeting chaired by S.M. Lane on 18 January. The credit balance is £46-5-0. Mr Rundle was elected to replace I.A. Macindoe.

Burra District Council.

E.N. Finch and J. Tennant have nominated for the seat in Kooringa Ward made vacant by the death of J.C. Sandland. Voting will take place next Saturday.

Burra School. The new teachers are Misses Lewis, Jones & Grosser. They replace Miss Hay & Mr A.W. Lott. Things have not been satisfactory there for some time and the Education Dept. is to be petitioned to make arrangements for a continuation class with a qualified teacher in charge.

St Joseph’s. Rt Rev. Dr Norton DD conducted Mass at St Joseph’s on Sunday at 8 & 10 o’clock. On account of the £2,000 debt, which the Bishop is trying to reduce or remove, there has been no priest at Burra for some time, but one is expected soon.

Dr J.I. Sangster Sen. was thrown from his trap without injury on the way to Robertstown recently when the horses became fractious. The lad Stasinowski, who was with him, was also unhurt in the incident.

Leighton & Ironmine Sports will take place on 16 February.

Farrell’s Flat Sporting Carnival will be held on 17 March.

Clare Races were held last Wednesday. The results are printed.

VX, 887, 26 Jan. 1910, page 3

A.W. Lott, pupil teacher at Burra School for two years, is now going to Adelaide University. He has been a hard worker for the Ramblers Football Club and active in the Burra Cadet Corps as Lieutenant and has passed the exam for Captain, though numbers in Burra do not justify the use of that rank.

Bishop Norton rode as a pillion passenger on a railway tricycle on Sunday evening as the quickest way of getting to the bedside of Mrs Casaretto at Mt Bryan.

The Corricks performed at the Burra Institute on Monday & Tuesday to good houses.

Burra Scouts had a camp out a few evenings ago.

Burra Automobile Club held its annual trip to Morgan last Saturday.

Burra Hospital. The problem with the septic tank has been overcome.

Salvation Army. The open-air meeting in Burra on Saturday was lit by acetylene gas for the first time.

Mine Bridge House School for Girls, run by Miss McMinn will re-open on 31 January.

[Subsequent advertisements cite Miss Wilson, making their respective positions unclear.]

VX, 888, 2 Feb. 1910, page 2

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis offer for sale from the estate of the late J. McGilchrist, the premises trading as ‘The Emporium’, comprising two shops in Commercial St on part allotments 70 & 71 and extending to Mt Pleasant St.

Notice. Mr C. Parks has taken over the Grocery & Fruiterers business of Mr A. Bennetts. (Who had operated it for the last nine years.)

Notices also advertise the sale of goods by W.G. Neville and A. Bennetts; both of whom are leaving the town.

Burra District Council. The extraordinary election for Kooringa Ward saw a turnout of less than half the voters on Saturday when E.N. Finch 26 defeated J. Tennant 16.

St Mary’s Hall on Monday last was the venue for a lecture illustrated by lanternslides by Mr Shell of the Seaman’s Mission in Adelaide.

Advt. Aberdeen Private School of Miss E.C.D. Thomas begins on 1 February.

Obituary. Mrs Josephs of Copperhouse, wife of F. Josephs, died last week.

[Born Sarah Warren 16 October 1856 at Kooringa: died 28 January 1910 at Kooringa, residence Copperhouse.]

VX, 888, 2 Feb. 1910, page 3

Burra Rifle Club. At Clare on 24 January: Clare 684 defeated Burra 641

In the competition for the wind gauge aggregate F. Wheatley 103, led H.L. Riggs 98 with H.E. Riggs and C.C. Lord both on 94.

Black Springs Sports were successfully held on 24 January. Results are printed.

Burra Automobile Club. There is an article of c. 11⁄2 columns on the 5th annual trip to Morgan. The participants are cited as being:

A. Gebhardt M. Aunger A.P. Brown

H. Pearce Syd. Torr J. O’Grady

L. Gebhardt Dr Sangster Jun. G. Lee

J. Richards I. Warnes

They departed Burra at 8.30 a.m. with a marshal in front with a red flag to signal road hazards. They had lunch at ‘The Gums’, arriving a little before 11 a.m. and departing at 11.30. They reached Morgan at 12.30. They fired a match at the Rifle Range in the afternoon and C.C. Lord’s team won by 27 points. Albert Gebhardt’s team of cricketers beat the locals 100 to 53.

There was a concert in the Institute in the evening organised by G.E. Dane. On Sunday afternoon some went up river on the steamer Federal to New Era gardens. After some early morning fishing on Monday they started for Burra about 10.30 a.m., reached ‘The Gums’ about noon and leaving for Burra at 1.00 p.m. were home at 2.30 p.m.

Tennis. Saturday at Aberdeen: Hallett 8-71 defeated Aberdeen 7-66.

VX, 889, 9 Feb. 1910, page 2

P. Lane JP attended the reception in Adelaide for Lord Kitchener last week. (Mr Lane had joined the Adelaide Volunteers in 1847.)

Burra Rifle Club has made a presentation to Mr A. Bennetts at the Burra Hotel on his leaving the district.

VX, 889, 9 Feb. 1910, page 3

Marriage. At Bright Church, World’s End 2 February.

Ida Duldig, 2nd daughter of F. Duldig and

Emil W. Pfitzner 4th son of the late Charles Pfitzner.

The reception was at the home of the bride’s parents at which there was a sumptuous spread in a pavilion specially erected. The afternoon saw singing, recitations and games followed by another fine spread for tea. In the evening the celebrations continued with recitations, chorus singing and solos. Supper was served at midnight, comprising a knife and fork spread with toasts. Two farces were then staged: Lodgings to let and Black Bachelor. A continental followed with singing and games and the ‘Mystic Band’, which played new music on kerosene tin instruments with bells and rattles.

Brady Creek Sports were held last Saturday very successfully. Results are printed.

Burra Town Council, last Monday.

The Fire Brigade Board advises that the cost of hose with couplings etc. would be £45.

The Hydraulic Engineer advises that water for extinguishing fires will be available free of cost.

Mr West advises that the Mine Pool can be used for bathing, under proper supervision and provided a club is formed to control its use.

G.E. Marsh is prepared to sell the land needed to enlarge the cemetery.

Tenders for jarrah posts for the fence along Jubilee Avenue were received.

[There was considerable animated discussion between Cr Hardy and others concerning the cost of this fencing and when and who and which section would be done first etc.]

Tar dressing of various footpaths was endorsed.

Obstructions across Vineyard Tce are to be removed.

St Mary’s. A Confirmation service was held last week.

‘The Emporium’ was passed in at auction last Friday.

Burra Rifle Club. At the 4th shoot for the wind gauge F.J. Pearce 101 led J. Kellock 100 and H.E. Riggs 95.

VX, 890, 16 Feb. 1910, page 2

Mt Bryan residents are agitating for improved station facilities, due to its increasing importance.

Editorial deplores the number of neglected children roaming the streets at all hours.

A Public Meeting at the Institute last Friday formed a committee to establish a Bathing Club.

Fire. The loss of Mrs Lihou’s house by fire yesterday underlines the need for a fire hose.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club held a social on Friday in their rooms to inaugurate their new piano.

Redruth Court, Thursday.

Two Broken Hill lads aged 14 were sent to Magill Reformatory till 18, having stolen Rev. H.L. Ebbs’s bicycle, valued at c. £8 on the previous Sunday. Anything was preferable to their treatment at home.

David Rees Jones, labourer of Redruth, was fined £2 or 14 days for being unlawfully on the premises of the Royal Exchange Hotel. [i.e. seeking alcohol after hours.]

Daniel Horan, an old age pensioner, was apparently unlawfully on the premises of the Burra Hotel on 25 December and was asked to show reason why his pension should not be suspended. He did not appear and neither did the ‘person who made the report’. The magistrate decided to take more time to consider the matter.

VX, 890, 16 Feb. 1910, page 3

Fire. Mrs Agnes Lihou’s house in Welsh Place was burnt out yesterday morning. A few items of furniture only were saved. Mrs Lihou placed some coals outside near a window when she went to see her daughter, Mrs Bass, in George St. Evidently a wind blew up and set fire to some bagging and flames spread to a window and thus into the house. Nothing could be done to save the building and Mrs Lihou, who is a poor widow with a small boy and is in bad health, is left destitute as a result. The Mayor, Mr S. Burns, has started a subscription list to aid her.

Martindale Races were held last Wednesday. Results are printed.

Obituary. A.J. Lewis of Hallett died at the Burra Hospital from injuries to his leg sustained in a fall while locking up his hotel.

[Arthur John Lewis died 14 February 1910 aged 60 at Kooringa, residence Hallett.]

VX, 891, 23 Feb. 1910, page 2

The Lihou Fund has reached £25.

The Burra Amateur Swimming Club was formed at a meeting at the Institute on Friday. Two shelter sheds are to be built on the edge of the pool. A 6’ x 4’ raft will be placed in the centre and two parallel ropes will be placed across the learners’ pool. There will be 3’ wide steps to the water’s edge and timber staging in front of the shelter sheds. A carnival is planned for 16 March. The swimming season will run from 1 October to 31 March annually. President, S. Burns; Secretary & Treasurer, Rev. H.C. Farley.

The Masonic Lodge gave a valedictory social to W.M. Bro. A. Bennetts on the eve of his departure from Burra on 15 February. He was presented with a purse of sovereigns.

[Personal interest: among the performers was P.M. Bro. Fuss who recited The Revenge.]

VX, 891, 23 Feb. 1910, page 3

Leighton & Ironmine Sports of 16 February were successful and the results are printed.

Burra Town Council

Council received notification that tenders have been called for the erection of a telephone line from Adelaide to Burra via Kapunda.

H. Roach complains that a local butcher’s sheep are grazing on private allotments without a shepherd.

The footbridge in Tancreed St [sic] is to be repaired. [Presume Sancreed St]

J.H. Vaughan addressed electors at the Institute on Friday.

Dr Sangster Jun. is moving from Burra in the interests of educating his family. He has served the town well and has been Mayor as well as being on many committees. He will be replaced by Dr Caw of Naracoorte. He will take over the practice of Dr Carr of Glenelg.

VX, 892, 2 Mar. 1910, page 2

Rev. John Patterson of Broken Hill will address a meeting at the Institute on Thursday on Temperance Problems. There will be a local option poll on 2 April.

Hon. R.W. Foster spoke to electors on Friday night at the Institute, on the financial position of the country. He is hoping to be re-elected as Member for Wakefield. The occasion was a meeting of the Women’s Branch of the National Defence League. The Hon. John Lewis was in the chair and Miss Farr also spoke. A dance followed the speakers.

Mt Bryan School has over 40 students packed into one classroom and the Board of Advice has questioned the health aspects of this.

Burra Rifle Club. Match towards the Mackerode silver cup presented by A.G. Gebhardt. H.L. Riggs 99 from Clem Pearce 98 and G. Herbert 98.

Edward Gare celebrated his 80th birthday on 22 May. He came from Somerset in the Salamanca in 1859 and was engaged with Mr John Taylor as manager at Mt Arden before going to Bimbowrie and then after c. 20 years he took up land in the Hundred of Kingston. For four years he was clerk and overseer of works for the District Council of Mt Bryan. In 1862 he married the 4th daughter of Rev. Charles Hall, a Congregational minister in Adelaide. He retired to Adelaide for about 8 years and spent 5 years at Boulder in WA. He has 9 sons: Alfred (Adelaide), Edward (Pt Pirie), Frank (Katanning WA), Ernest (Bendigo), Wesley (Mt Bryan East), William (Boulder WA), Lewis (Boulder WA) & Stan (Boulder WA). [This is only 8!] There are three daughters: Mrs James Thomas (Mt Bryan East), Mrs H. Thomas (Redruth) & Mrs W.J. Hunkin (Adelaide). There are 24 great grandchildren. [sic] [Perhaps grandchildren?]

Ironmine Methodist Church Thanksgiving Services were held on 20 February. Takings were c. £7.

VX, 892, 2 Mar. 1910, page 3

Opening of Mt Bryan Hall

The hall was opened on 16 February by Mr H.S. Stephens, Chairman of the District Council. Messrs Miller & Newland MPs came from the city by the midday train and the opportunity was taken to make representations to them about the inadequacies of the local school. A banquet was then partaken of in the new hall. Mr Miller spoke of the Government’s buying of Petherton some five years since and its subdivision into farms. Mr Newland said the building reflected the enterprise of the locals and he admired the building’s dimensions. All this was the result of closer settlement. He spoke of the need for better station facilities. The speeches and toasts are reported in detail. A tea was provided and then a concert followed by a dance. The proceeds are said to have been £30-£40. [Though in another column the figure is over £40.]

The hall is 44’ x 33’ x 18’ and the ceiling is of V jointed Oregon, the stage is 11’ deep and the windows are of cathedral glass. John Pearce was the contractor. A tennis match added to the enjoyment of those attending. My Bryan-Hallett defeated Burra by one game. There were also sports organised for the children as well as a cricket match. In the latter Burra Automobile Club 7 for 137 defeated a combined Mt Bryan-Hallett-Ketchowla-Yongala team 94.

‘Short & Sharp’

Rev. Ebbs sale of furniture 7 March.

J.H. Vaughan addressed electors at the Institute on Friday Night.

A correspondent asks if mixed bathing will be allowed at the mine pool.

The funeral of A.J. Lewis in Hallett on Wednesday was widely attended.

Obituary. Gordon King of Mt Bryan died at Willogoleech last week.

[William Gordon King died 22 February at Hallett, residence Broken Hill aged 48.]

Obituary. Edgar Jordan, a one-time Burra grocer, died in Adelaide last week.

[William Edgar Jordan born 15 May 1870 at Kooringa: died 22 February 1910 at Fitzroy, residence Adelaide.]

Revs Farley & Weatherill will get another term in Burra.

Mrs Stephen, who once lived at Shafton, was acquitted in Adelaide last week of trying to kill her husband.

Billy Neville left Burra on Monday for Adelaide.

Alf Bennets [sic] has also left Burra for the south.

VX, 893, 9 Mar. 1910, page 2

Advt. From the estate of the late Mrs C.M. Johnson, the Kooringa Hotel will be offered for sale on 1 April, comprising 23 rooms including a billiard room and stables and good out-houses.

Editorial on The Financial Question. [Concerned with the Commonwealth finance from customs revenue.]

Subscriptions are called for a farewell and presentation for Dr Sangster Jun.

Kooringa Methodist Church Thanksgiving Services were held last Sunday, but bad weather reduced attendances.

A Local Option Meeting was held last Thursday night at the Institute to hear the Rev. J. Patterson of Broken Hill speak on Evils of the Liquor Traffic. There was a fair attendance.

Rev. Terry, who has been in charge of the Missions connected with St Mary’s Church, Burra, has been ordained a rector and goes to Millicent in April. Rev. S.J. Bloyd of Salisbury will succeed Rev. H.L. Ebbs at St Mary’s at the end of April.

Weather. Recent rainfall of 1.94” has led to a rush of water down Burra Creek.

Burra Cadets took part in a shooting match for the Commonwealth Medal and Dr Sangster’s Trophy. For the medal V. Riggs 77 led from E. Rule 73.

For the trophy R. Woollacott 45 led from V. Riggs 40.

SA House of Assembly Elections. Messrs O’Loughlin, Miller, Hannaford and Newland addressed voters at the Institute on 28 February.

Hannaford called himself a ‘Ministerialist’ [Which basically meant he was a conservative, but was free to criticise a conservative Government.] He was pro-government and anti-Labor. He was in favour of increasing the 75% of revenue going to the Federal Government, because of the extra expense of the old age pension. He favoured cutting up the large estates for closer settlement and even, perhaps, for compulsory purchase.

VX, 893, 9 Mar. 1910, page 2-3

L. O’Loughlin was a Liberal and favoured closer settlement. He thanked voters for their previous support. He did not want to say anything against the Labor Party, but would continue as a Liberal. He objected to vulgar interruptions, but would answer any questions. In his term in office great things had taken place in respect to farming and this was due to the cutting up of large estates. The Bill was introduced in 1897, though it had not made much headway for some years – he went on to say more about developments around the state that were a consequence of closer settlement. He made reference to the franchise and to tax and to proposals to open up Eyre Peninsula where new railways were required. He thought the Commonwealth should take over the NT and that strikes should never be permitted.

VX, 893, 9 Mar. 1910, page 3

J. Newland, Labor, was for abolishing the property qualification for the franchise and hoped at least to get it down below the present £15. Everything was done in the interest of the farmer and nothing in the interest of the labourer. NT should belong to SA and the recent negotiations on it were so secret that even the blotting paper was destroyed.

Mr Miller said the greatest changes during the last 8 years that he had worked for Burra had been in getting people onto the land and he hoped a major scheme for increased settlement would soon be brought about on Eyre Peninsula, where the land was even better than around Pinnaroo. The opening of new country would probably obviate the need for compulsory purchase. The Booleroo Centre and Angaston railways helped this closer settlement. He then mentioned the Pekina creek water scheme. He believed in a progressive land tax. The federal Government should take over the Northern Territory. It was dangerous to have such a large area lying idle. An interjector suggested that the ‘Japs’ might ‘collar it’.

Women’s Branch of National Defence League held a social at the Institute on 25 February when Hon. J. Lewis presided. Mr Bakewell, President of the ANL*, which supported Gordon Charlston & Shannon for the House of Representatives addressed the meeting. The great question was Commonwealth finances because more money was needed for the old age pension and for defence. He believed that Labor men were not entitled to power in the [SA] House of Assembly. A district like Burra should be governed by representatives of the NDL.

[*The Australian National League would appear to have been an alternative name for the National Defence League.]

Miss Farr spoke on the inappropriateness of the Labor Party to represent the district.

Hon. R.W. Foster urged the ladies to educate their children in the ways of politicians just as the Labor Party did their children. He was against revolutionary socialism and pointed to Broken Hill and Newcastle as examples of Labor’s unacceptability. On the financial referendum they must vote ‘Yes’.

Refreshments and dancing followed.

Weather. There were good rains last week.

Mt Bryan. There is a petition to move the post office from the railway station to the new shop being built by Mr Turner.

Burra Town Council

A suitable site is to be selected for a public pound.

One case of typhoid fever has been reported in Kooringa.

The Lihou Fund was closed off at £27-10-6.

VX, 894, 16 Mar. 1910, page 2

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will sell the furniture and effects of Dr J.I. Sangster Jnr who is leaving Burra. Sale 2 p.m. Friday 18 March.

Advt. John Wise calls tenders for the purchase of the land and house situated within half a mile to the south of Kooringa and known as ‘Connors’.

Dr Sangster Jnr will be given a public farewell on Monday afternoon at 3 p.m. The Mayor Mr S. Burns will make a presentation.

The Lihou Fund has reached £31.

Burra Bicycle & Athletic Club had a meeting on Friday night to wind up the affairs of the last meeting. The club made a profit of £24-18-4 on the last meet and the total now in hand is £36-1-8. Mr Alf Birdseye, the secretary, was voted £2 for services rendered. Pressure of business prevents his continuing in that office.

Mr F. Treloar was appointed secretary of the Burra Show Society at a meeting on Friday.

Obituary. Mr Isaac McNeil, son-in-law of Mr E. Cock of Ayers Forest, met with a fatal accident on 5 March at Redhill. The horse in a spring dray would not start and he got down to induce it to move. In getting back onto the dray his foot slipped on the wet step and he fell in front of the vehicle which then passed over the lower part of his body. Although medical assistance was to hand he died in less than 40 minutes. He was married to the only daughter of Mr & Mrs Cock about 21⁄2 years ago.

[Born Isaac McNeil 31 December 1878 at Bundaleer: died Isaac McNeill 5 March 1910 at Redhill.]

Burra Rifle Club. Second match for the Mackerode Cup produced best scores from C.W. Pearce, G. Herbert & G. Lord.

VX, 894, 16 Mar. 1910, page 3

Local Option Poll

Rev. John Paterson spoke to a fair number of people at the Institute on this question. Rev. T. Weatherill presided. He referred to recent disgraceful scenes in Adelaide where an organised mob threw eggs at a meeting organised to promote local option. ‘The drink traffic was a curse, and should be wiped off the face of the earth.’ Local option was not the idea of a few cranks as alleged by some. He referred to efforts in Iceland and Switzerland and to New Zealand licensing laws. He illustrated his appeal for abstinence with anecdotes of various people’s paths of self destruction. E.J. Davey moved the vote of thanks which was seconded by Mr Sara.

C.A. Horne the Unification Candidate for the Division of Wakefield writes on the desirability of doing away with the Australian States.

Mt Bryan despatched 1,654 tons of wheat in January 1910 compared with 1,051 tons in January 1909. The season produced 2,651 tons of wheat that were sent from this railway station and the Mt Bryan neighbourhood is flourishing.

Mt Bryan Sports will be held today at the new oval.

Burra Institute Committee granted Miss McMinn use of the Lodge Room for painting classes on the usual terms.

‘Short & Sharp’

Messrs Addison, Howe & Horne addressed electors at the Institute on Saturday night.

The Salvation Army held its harvest thanksgiving services last Sunday.

VX, 895, 23 Mar. 1910, page 2

Obituary. Catherine Flower, wife of Joseph Flower, died at her residence at Stony Gap on 14 March aged 65. She is survived by six daughters and five sons. [Born Catherine Calliss 5 October 1844 in England: died 14 March 1910 Stony Gap SA. See more in this issue on page 3.]

Obituary. George Camp, second son of Mr & Mrs Elliott Camp, died at Burra hospital 15 March aged 22. [Born 6 July 1887 at Springbank, Burra: died 15 March 1910 at Kooringa, residence Aberdeen. See more in this issue on page 3.]

The Peirrott Entertainers at Leighton Hall on Easter Monday night promise to be a great success. Several city artists will be present. The money raised will go towards paying off the debt on the trap used by the Church of England pastor and curate.

Dr J.I. Sangster Jnr was presented with a beautiful 18 ct chronograph gold watch and chain at a largely attended public farewell at the Institute. Dr Sangster is moving to Glenelg. A public welcome was accorded Dr Caw who succeeds Dr Sangster here.

A Bolt. A horse attached to a masher cart got free from a post it was tied to on Thursday afternoon and bolted. It successfully got between several traps and careered up Ayers St, turned into George St, negotiated the Pig & Whistle crossing and the turn into Thames St, traversed Market Square and took the Adelaide Road. At Connor’s old place it encountered a closed gate and returned via Commercial St to Market Square and then went north to be eventually caught at the Royal Exchange Hotel. In all this no damage had been done except the initial breaking of the strap attached to the bit.

The Kooringa Auction Mart premises of Messrs Reid & Co. are to be extensively remodelled to make a very convenient motor garage for Messrs Murray Aunger Ltd of Adelaide. Mr Fuss of this town has the job. [Perhaps R. Fuss, but possibly C. &. A. Fuss.] Mr Lloyd Higginbottom will be the local manager. The garage will have a workshop equipped with all necessary tools, a stock of spare parts and accessories. The opening date is expected to be in ten days to a fortnight.

VX, 895, 23 Mar. 1910, page 3

Mt Bryan Sports last Wednesday came off in excellent weather which drew a large attendance. The results are printed.

Farrell’s Flat Sports were held on Thursday (St Patrick’s Day) in perfect weather and the attendance was above average. Results are printed.

Burra Town Council, Monday

The business was almost entirely routine in nature but:

‘Cr Hardy informed the Council that at its last meeting he made a statement which he afterwards found was not correct, and he asked the Mayor to convey his regret to the dayman, and at the same time ask the dayman to withdraw an offensive expression that he had used towards him. The dayman withdrew the expression.’

[The previous Council report in the paper does not reveal what this refers to.]

Obituary. The late Mrs Catherine Flower who died on 14 March aged 65 collapsed the previous Sunday at dinner with severe head pains and died 14 hours later. She came to SA when two years old. After her marriage the couple went to Canowie for seven years before returning to Stony Gap and making their home there. Mrs Flower was a most helpful church worker and had furthered its interests in many ways since 1860. A husband, six daughters and five sons survive: Mrs G. Parker (Copperhouse), Mrs S. Jeffrey (Booborowie), Mrs Mark Jeffrey (Porter’s Lagoon), Mrs C. Heinrich (Copperhouse), Miss Amy & Miss Ethel at home, James (Braefoot), William (WA), Joseph (Canowie Belt), John (Stony Gap), Frank (Coonalpyn) and 28 grandchildren. 55 traps took part in the funeral.

Obituary. Mr George Camp was the second son of Mr Elliott Camp of Aberdeen. The deceased was taken ill in November, but recovered somewhat before illness again overtook him. He was operated on for an abscess in the ear and sent away to rest and recuperate. A few days ago he returned and required a further operation which seemed to have been successful, but apparently the abscess had worked itself on the brain and he died on Tuesday night. He had been connected with the Aberdeen Football Club and was a good son, steady and industrious.

‘Short & Sharp’

’ot cross buns Friday next.

The suggested swimming matches did not come off at the Mine Pool on Wednesday.

VX, 896, 30 Mar. 1910, page 2

Obituary. The wife of D. Blair died on 25 March at Leighton aged 68 leaving a husband, one son and one daughter. [Born Christina Morrison 1 January 1842.]

The London Bio-Tableaux. This small company visited Burra last Wednesday evening and showed to a fair house. The pictures were very good, unusual and intensely amusing. Fred C. Cleves made his mark as a comedian and there was bell-ringing and an interesting exhibition of model flying machines which were flown about the hall.

The Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held its anniversary last Sunday when Rev. S. Kessell of Mt Barker preached and gave the connective readings in the afternoon for the service of song The March of Time. The tea meeting was held on Monday.

The Golden Grain Club held its first dance of the season at Mr W.H. Lloyd’s ‘Road View Farm’ at Braefoot last Tuesday.

Dawson Sports were held on St Patrick’s Day (17 March) and were the most successful for some years. The results are printed.

VX, 896, 30 Mar. 1910, page 2-3

Dr Sangster’s Farewell. There was a good attendance at the Institute on Monday afternoon to witness the presentation of a gold watch to the departing doctor. The Mayor S. Burns presided. The Town Clerk Mr R.H. Steele read a draft of the letter from the Burra Town Council and there was a long list of speakers including: Mr T. Mc Waters (for the Burra DC), Mr J. McDonald (for the Booborowie DC), Mr F. Treloar (for the Hanson DC) & Mr W.G. Hawkes (for the Apoinga DC). Dr Sangster had been medical officer for all the Councils. In the absence of the Chairman Mr Winnall represented the Burra Hospital Board, F.T. Harcus (Burra Institute), C.J. Pearce (The Rechabites), W.J. Davey (The AOF), F. Treloar (MUIOOF), Cr C.S. Lane (Burra Musical & Dramatic Club), Mr Gebhardt (Burra Automobile Club), L.A. Lewis (Burra Racing Club), Rev. H.L. Ebbs (The Anglican Church) and various personal friends all spoke. The Mayor then made the presentation of a gold watch and chain. Dr Sangster replied saying he was leaving for two main reasons: to be better able to keep an eye on his sons when their time came to go to school and he wanted to rub shoulders with other medical men with a view to making further progress in his profession.

A public welcome was then accorded Dr Caw who is taking over Dr Sangster’s practice.

VX, 896, 30 Mar. 1910, page 3

Burra Races were held last Wednesday in ideal weather and generally passed off well, though there were several unfortunate occurrences. [Surely something of an understatement!]

J.M. Cummings’ Myrtle was first past the post and a gate was opened for the entrance to the weighing-in paddock, but before reaching the scales Cummings dismounted and there was naturally a protest which was upheld.

In the Squatter’s Handicap the heavily backed chestnut Rifleman was left standing at the start causing much excitement among backers.

In the Welter the same thing happened with T. Barry’s Sunshine with the veritable Tim Wilks in the saddle. Four horses ran the race and places were declared, but then something happened [which is not disclosed and appears to be unknown to the reporter] and the race was declared a ‘no start’. It was then started again and this time Wilks got away and just managed to beat Fortola which had run first in the aborted event. As the writer not unreasonably observes, if Fortola had not just run two races to Sunshine’s one it would easily have won.

The Hurdle Race failed altogether when only one horse went to the starting post and according to the rules got half the stake.

The results are printed.

Short & Sharp’

Many people went to the Hanson tea meeting from Burra.

Obituary. Mrs Duncan Blair died at her home in Leighton last week.

Rev. Nield gave addresses on the local option question in Market Square on Saturday and Sunday evenings. One or two missiles were thrown, but missed their mark.

VX, 896, 30 Mar. 1910, Supplement

SA Temperance Alliance had a one side small flyer [perhaps quarto] urging voters to vote in the top square in the local option poll. The three options were:

That the number of licences be reduced.

That the number of licences be not increased or reduced.

That the Licensing Bench may in their discretion increase the number of licences.

VX, 897, 6 Apr. 1910, page 2

Booborowie had election speeches for the first time ever a few evenings ago when Messrs O’Loughlin, Miller, Hannaford & Newland addressed a number of people in the open air. Cr T. Reynolds presided and Mr & Mrs E. Wall entertained the visitors during their stay.

Mr Charles Kiekebusche at Baldina spotted some pelicans on a watercourse near his home one day last week.

The Lihou Fund had a settling meeting recently and £34-0-3 had been raised. £21 was expended in furniture, £2-13-0 for goods bought and £10-7-3 was handed over to Mrs Lihou.

The Record. Last week there were three distinct editions of the paper covering extra copies of 2,500 above the ordinary issue. The usual issue was printed on white, the second on green and the third on red paper. These were to ventilate the different opinions of the parties concerned in the political and local option campaigns. There was tremendous demand for the paper. The innovation was a unique one.

Marriage. Hallett Methodist Church 24 March

F.W. [Frederick William] Miller, eldest son of Mr G. Miller of Hallett, married

Charlotte Anne Honan (Queenie), fourth daughter of John Honan of Hallett.

VX, 897, 6 Apr. 1910, page 3

The Peirrott’s Performance at Leighton was before a crowded house and was enthusiastically received. They intend appearing again about the end of the month.

Burra Rifle Club had a tour during the Easter Holidays to Terowie, Pt Pirie and Pt Germein.

They travelled by train to Terowie & Pt Pirie from where they took a drag to Pt Germein.

Terowie 616 defeated Burra 582.

Pt Pirie 409 defeated Burra 386.

Pt Germein 694 defeated Burra 680.

Burra Town Council, Monday

Dr Sangster wrote thanking the Council for its expressions of goodwill.

Cr Hardy gave notice he would move at the next meeting for a urinal to be erected in Jubilee Avenue opposite the Institute.

Cr Hardy moved that a letter be written to a youth named Carpenter requiring him to appear before Council at its next meeting to explain his conduct in extinguishing the street lamp near the Church of England on Sunday night. Seconded by Cr Lowe and carried.

Cr Wise moved that a letter be sent to SAMA directors asking to use a portion of the ground near Victoria Park for a Corporation Pound. Seconded Cr Lowe.

Hanson Methodist Church held its harvest thanksgiving services on Sunday 20 March. Rev. T. Weatherill preached twice and the building was crowded both times. The usual tea meeting on Good Friday saw a happy contingent arrive from Burra by train. An open-air meeting was held, the crowd being so great. Rev. Nield gave an address on local option. Proceeds amounted to £14.

Obituary. Charles Wright a baker of Broken Hill whose premises were mysteriously blown up last week succumbed to his injuries on Friday.

Obituary. The infant son of Mr Bryrne engineer for Kidman Bros fell from the balcony of the premises in Argent St North at Broken Hill and died of his injuries a few hours later aged 1 year 11 months.

Obituary. Mr Thomas Harvey of Booborowie died after being run over by a wagon on Thursday. M-C Clarke investigated. The deceased left home a couple of days earlier to go to Wonna scrub for some posts. He reached there, loaded the posts and started back. He stayed at Hallett overnight and the next day got to within three miles of home. The accident was not witnessed, but he seems to have been applying the brake when he overbalanced and fell onto the road. One wheel passed over the body. He seems to have managed to call to the horses to stop while in the act of falling, as they stopped before the second wheel reached him and remained there quietly until 5 o’clock when the Messrs Kelly came along and found the body. After the enquiry do inquest was deemed necessary.

[Born 11 September 1854 District of Adelaide: died 31 March 1910 at Booborowie.]

Mr James Bentley was given a presentation by employees of Drew & Crewes on Saturday night on the eve of his marriage.

Kooringa Hotel found an enterprising buyer at £1,411 the day before the local option poll.

W.J. Edwards, an old Burra boy has visited recently from Broken Hill.

Election result. The old members were returned:

Miller 5116

Newland 4830

O’Loughlin 4675

Hannaford 4220

‘Short & Sharp’

About 40 pelicans were seen at Baldina last week; they evidently came from the Murray.

R.D. Pascoe has taken over The Emporium and will run it on the same lines as McGilchrist & Co.

Rev. Weatherill & Mr Jacob Richards worked exceedingly hard for and against the local option poll.

Police Court

Frank Ford was fined 10/- for being drunk in Ludgvan St Redruth on 29 March.

THERE WERE NO ISSUES FROM 13 APRIL 1910 TO 7 JULYBECAUSE OF A FIRE WHICH TOTALLY DESTROYED THE PAPER’S PREMISES

THE GAP HAS BEEN FILLED WITH NOTES TAKEN FROM THE KAPUNDA HERALD

No. 3,546, Vol. XLVI, 15 April 1910, page 6

A Railway Siding is being called for some 4 to 5 miles north of Saddleworth to ease the traffic for Apoinga, Emu Downs and Tothill’s Belt, etc.

Mr Charles Kiekebusche reports seeing about 40 pelicans on his Baldina property. It is unusual to see these birds so far from the River Murray.

Fire. The dwelling house of the widow Mrs H. Lihou, situated in Welsh Place, burned down recently in her absence and she lost all her belongings. A subscription list was set up and something like £30 has been collected. [See Burra Record 6 Apr. 1910, page 2, where the figure is c. £34.]

Burra Racing Club met last Thursday and the Secretary, Mr Hardy read a statement showing £77 had been spent from last year’s profits on improving the course and grounds. The 1910 meeting had not been particularly successful, being held so close to Easter.

Mr & Mrs Alphonzo Richardson celebrated their Golden Wedding at Nelson, Burra, last Wednesday. A spacious marquee was erected and a large number of friends and family attended. Mr Richardson was born in Bermuda in 1829 and his wife was born there in 1840. They were married at Wesley Church, Bermuda on 6 April 1860 and later migrated to Australia with eight children and three nephews: Messrs J.E. & W. Doe and R.H. Steele. They have lived in Burra ever since. Mr C.A. Fuss, an old friend of the family, proposed the toast to the couple’s health and happiness.

Fire. Last Sunday there was a fire at the residence of the O’Leary Family near the Kooringa slaughterhouse. The cause of the fire in a spare bedroom remains a mystery. After considerable effort the fire was extinguished, having done about £20 damage.

Dr I.J. Sangster Jnr has resigned from the Institute Committee.

Burra Town Council

Ex-Mayor Dr I.J. Sangster Jnr wrote thanking the Council for its good wishes on his leaving the town.

Tenders were called for 200 pickets for tree guards.

SAMA is to be asked for permission for a part of Victoria Park to be used as a Corporation Pound.

It was agreed that the road to Cemetery Flat be cleared of stones.

Big Burra Fire

Early last Friday [April 8] morning fire was found to have taken a strong hold on the offices of W.J. Davey of the Burra Record and of the shop of Mr S.M. Lane, saddler and ironmonger. The only water available was from household tanks and the Market Square pump. A bucket line of men and women worked hard, some of them from the roof of adjacent buildings. The fire seems to have started at the rear of the buildings, but it has not been ascertained at which of them. All that could be done was to prevent the spread of the fire to the adjoining premises of T.W. Wilkinson, chemist and L.L. Wicklein, jeweller. The front room of Lane’s shop was soon cleared of stock, which was thrown onto the roadway. Mr Lane came in time to rescue his books and some valuable property, as did Mr Davey.

The four inch main of town water, which passes the properties could not be used.

Mr Lane’s losses have been covered by insurance, but Mr Davey will have losses of £500 in excess of the insurance cover. Several of those present received minor injuries. Mr J. Urwin tripped over his own skylight. On young man called Herbert fainted and another called Williams received a nasty gash from a sheet of corrugated iron. Some helpers behaved rashly and even foolishly – removing packages of ironmongery, but leaving flammable materials that fed the flames – or ‘saving’ boxes of lamp glasses by throwing them onto the metalled road. The calm night was all that prevented the fire from spreading disastrously. Mr Lane will be able to begin trading once he has sorted his stock, but the Burra Record will be closed for some time, pending the provision of type, machinery and stock. Several items of Mr Lane’s rescued stock were stolen.

Letter. ‘Warning’ writes with reference to the recent Market Square fire, saying that behind the shops in Market Square there was a festering mass of rubbish that authorities had allowed to accumulate. There was a foul stench apparently arising from a mass of ancient eggs and very bad fruit, under a pile of cases and other timber. This should not be allowed in any circumstances.

Kooringa Football Club held its AGM at Lord’s Burra Hotel on Tuesday. S.M. Lane presided. The club was reported to have a small credit balance. Secretary J. Allen tendered his resignation. It was resolved that the colours for the year be red and blue and that the Council be asked for the use of Victoria Park. Elected were: President, Hon. J. Lewis MLC; several Vice-Presidents; Captain, R. Hill; Vice-Captain, W. Kellaway and R. Johnson was appointed Secretary pro tem.

Advt. S.M. Lane, Saddler, Ironmonger and Bicycle House states he is carrying on business again as usual since the disastrous fire on his premises.

Burra School. Mayor Mr S. Burns presented prizes to the cadets.

[Scores are printed.]

The Burra-Adelaide Cycle Race will be run tomorrow. It carries with it the Championship of SA and has been organised by the Continental Tyre Co. and the Port Adelaide Cycle Racing Club. The distance to be covered is 116 miles with the first rider due to leave Burra for Kapunda at 9.15 a.m. for Kapunda and thence to Tarlee and Gawler. Thirty-two riders have entered. The finish will be at Alberton Oval. [Handicap times are printed for entrants.]

No. 3,547, Vol. XLVI, 22 April 1910, page 6

Dr J.I. Sangster Jnr’s resignation as Officer of Health for the Burra Town Council has led the Council to forward Dr Caw’s name to the Central Board of Health as his replacement. Dr Caw has purchased Dr Sangster’s practice.

Robertstown Railway. It is believed likely that a Parliamentary party will investigate the feasibility of a Robertstown Railway now being pushed by locals.

Obituary. Miss Hester Rogers, daughter of Mr Thomas Rogers of Hanson has died.

[Born Hester Christine Rogers on 16 July 1890 at Gum Creek; died 13 April 1910 at Kooringa, residence Hanson.]

Obituary. Mr Frederick Sellers, son of Mr E. Sellers of Redruth has died.

[Frederick Sellars, born 4 August 1869 at Redruth; died 15 April 1910 at Redruth.]

A.C. Moody who has been the returning officer for the District of Burra Burra and who has resided for some time at Orroroo, has said he will be resigning on account of his removal to Adelaide.

Recent Election Results in the Burra district show it is time for the Liberals to get organised. The Labor Party has given them an insight into getting organised – with the latter having all its forces at work, while the Liberals relied upon one or two, who were undoubtedly the means of saving the party from total extinction.

Halley’s Comet has caused many people to crawl out of bed in the early morning to catch a glimpse of this visitor. [The paper then gives times for the comet’s rising, which varied from 4.34 a.m. to 4.04 a.m. between 22 April and 30 April.]

Mr P. Gotschalk, who has been employed at the Kooringa Post Office for several years has resigned upon purchasing the Kooringa Hotel, which he intends to manage.

Marriage. St Mary’s Anglican Church, Burra, last Monday

Zoe Sangster, daughter of Dr J.I. Sangster Sen. of Burra, married Mr Hooper of Adelaide.

The marriage was performed by the newly appointed Rector Rev. S.J. Bloyd, who travelled from Salisbury for the occasion.

Paull’s Consolidated Copper Mining Co. operated Paull’s Mine, which has been practically abandoned for some time, but now there are reports that tributers are raising some splendid ore. A number of Burra residents had considerable interest in the company.

The South Australian Mining Assoc. has released its 65th Annual Report. Income for the year was £197 from rents and £84 from interest. Expenditure amounted to £228. The £53 difference has been transferred to the credit of the profits and loss account. The Board has sold several properties in Kooringa and other sales are pending, which when effected will enable a further dividend of 2/6 per share to be made.

Mr Tregilgas, who has been conducting a general store at Hallett, has sold the premises to Drew & Crewes of Burra. He was given a farewell at the Institute last Thursday.

Burra Town Council

Permission was given for the Kooringa Football Club to use Victoria Park this season.

It was resolved to write to the lamplighter concerning the unsatisfactory state of the streetlamps at the Kooringa end of the town.

F.M. Pearce’s tender of 27/6 per hundred for jarrah pickets for tree guards was accepted.

A urinal is to be erected in the Avenue opposite the Burra Institute.

Approval was given for the erection of a streetlamp at the corner of Kingston and Quarry Streets. [Odd, given that they run parallel!]

The Federal Election

Labour will have a substantial majority in both Houses of Parliament. Of the 18 vacancies in the Senate, Labor won them all. Although returns are not finalised, it seems that Mr Andrew Fisher will lead 42 members in the House of Representatives. The turn-out in SA was a record – though figures cannot be finalised because the Northern Territory does not vote until tomorrow.

Senate Results for Burra:

House of Representatives Results for the Division of Wakefield

Mr Horne will lose his £25 deposit, having failed to score 20% of the number of votes of the winning candidate.

No. 3,548, Vol. XLVI, 29 April 1910, page 6

Drew & Crewes have added to their transport fleet a large motor buggy, by which they can transport up to half a ton of goods at 20 m.p.h.

Accident. Mr Thomas Bewley was delivering milk in a cart drawn by a pony in Chapel Street on Tuesday morning, with a little girl, when the axle broke. The two passengers were thrown out when the horse bolted and was not caught until it reached Market Square. Both the passengers were found semi-conscious and Mr Bewley, who is an aged gentleman, sustained a nasty gash on his head. After treatment by Dr Sangster, both were sent home.

Mr J.F. Moore, who has been manager of the National Bank of Australasia in Burra for 24 years is moving to Mt Barker. He has been Chairman of the Board of the Burra Hospital and a member of the committees of the Burra Institute and the Burra Musical and Dramatic Club. A committee is arranging a farewell and presentation.

Land Sales. There was a rush to buy land subdivided from the South Booborowie Estate when it was offered for sale at the Burra Institute last Friday. 2,847 acres were sold. It has been reported that further portions of the estate between Leighton and Spalding will soon also be offered. The small entry charge raised £8 and Mr Brown of Booborowie offered to match this sum, so that Burra Hospital will benefit by £16. [Details of the purchasers are printed.]

The Adelaide Exhibition. About 100 of the district’s children will attend the Adelaide Exhibition today.

A Company of Pierrots organised at Gum Creek gave a second performance at Leighton on 20 April, with proceeds to aid the funds for the new public hall.

Mt Bryan Amateur Dramatic Club presented a comedy at the new hall on Wednesday and the proceeds will considerably augment the finances of that hall.

The Anglican Church

Rev. W.A. Terry of Burra has been appointed to Millicent, Tantanoola and Beachport as assistant curate to the Rev. R.K. Collison. He will leave Burra on 1 May.

Rev. H.L. Ebbs, late of Burra, has been appointed to Woodforde, Campbelltown and Teatree Gully.

Liberal Party. Following the recent elections there is a move to found a Liberal organisation in the district to further the Liberal cause.

Dr Caw has been appointed Officer of Health to the District Council of Hanson.

W.T. Rabbich, a former resident of Burra and the son of W.A. Rabbich of Aberdeen, has been nominated for a seat in the Western Australia Legislative Council. Mr Rabbich has previously been a Burra Town Councillor and sometime Mayor of Burra. He has also been a Councillor and Mayor at Boulder, Western Australia. He has been an unsuccessful candidate for seats in the lower houses of the Parliaments of both South Australia and Western Australia.

Mt Bryan is going ahead rapidly. The railway station is a hive of activity, with the continual movement of farm machinery, manures, oil and petrol. The National and Australasian Banks have set up branches and there are three stores operating, with talk of saddlers, butchers and bakers setting up businesses.

Obituary. Mr John Sampson died at his Bridge Street residence on 20 April aged 78. He had lived in Kooringa for 63 years, having arrived in SA on La Belle Alliance in July 1847. In his youth he was employed at the Burra Mine, but later had an auctioneer’s and general agency business and was for years the Bailiff at the Local Court at Redruth. He was a Town Councillor for many years and Mayor for three terms. He was a member of the Oddfellows Lodge for more than 55 years and the Chairman of Trustees. He leaves a widow and one son, Mr A. Sampson of Broken Hill and several daughters, who left Burra many years ago. [Born 17 December 1831.]

Robertstown Railway. A committee has been elected to meet with the Royal Commission arranged to visit the town this month. It will urge the profitability of a Eudunda-Robertstown line. The wood traffic alone would be a big item and several other industries would quickly be made profitable by it.

Football

It seems the Ramblers will not take part this year, as a number of their prominent players have left the district.

Aberdeen and Kooringa Football Clubs have held their AGMs.

The Burra Football Association held its AGM on Monday at the Burra Hotel.

The late secretary left the district, taking with him the books and minutes.

Elected were: Chairman, W.T. Truscott; Secretary pro tem, J. Allen and Treasurer, J. McLaren and they were also named as a committee to retrieve the books and minutes.

No. 3,549, Vol. XLVI, 6 May 1910, page 6

Earthquake. Residents at World’s End felt a distinct earthquake shock at about 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Adelaide Exhibition. About 100 children from Burra & Copperhouse Schools went to Adelaide by the Broken Hill Express last Friday to see the Exhibition. They were led by headmasters Mr George Scott and Mr R.G. Galle. Some returned that night, but others remained in the city with friends or relatives for a few days.

Mr Thomas Bewley, local dairy farmer lost a valuable horse on 25 April when some feed left on his farm appears to have been laced with strychnine. Police are investigating. Four or five years ago he lost two valuable horses when three were wilfully stabbed.

Mr H. Trallaghan [sic] a resident of Mt Bryan for 30 years was given a farewell last week, when he left to reside in Burra. He has fulfilled every lay position in the Methodist Church there, besides being the superintendent of the Sunday School for several years. He was Vice-President of the Christian Endeavour Society. Rev. H.J. Parkinson made a presentation of a Morris chair.

Jubilee Avenue’s new post and rail fence that the Council decided to erect, has been completed as far as the post and telegraph office.

A Railway Siding at Brenen’s between Saddleworth and Manoora is being urged by residents of Tothill’s Creek, Black springs, Waterloo and Steelton. A committee has been elected and a petition is already largely signed.

Foxes are a pest in the ranges between Burra and Mt Bryan.

The Central Board of Health has approved the appointment of Dr Caw as Health Officer for the Burra District Council.

Mr & Mrs William Windsor of Hallett celebrated their Diamond Wedding last Sunday at Hyde Park. Mr Windsor is 85 and a colonist of 70 years. Mrs Windsor is 81 and a colonist of 69 years. Born in England, Mr Windsor arrived in Australia on the Eliza in 1840. His wife comes from Scotland and spent some years in New Zealand before coming to Australia. They were married in April 1850 at Mr Crawford. Mr Windsor worked for some years on the Victorian goldfields before returning to South Australia in 1857. He was a resident of the Hallett district for about 14 years. Mr William Windsor Jnr, a son, is manager for Mr Melrose of Hallett.

Mr J. Webb, formerly an old Burra district resident, is reported to be getting more than 15 dwts of gold to the ton of rock from the Arltunga goldfield near Alice Springs.

Radium Hill. Mr S. Radcliff of Victoria reports that the ore from Radium Hill contains sufficient radium to make it worthwhile and also that it can be extracted from the ore more cheaply than from Austrian ore.

The Burra Boy Scouts movement does not seem to have taken on with the enthusiasm shown in other places.

Burra Burra Copper Co. held its 17th half-yearly meeting in Adelaide on Friday. Nothing has been done by the Burra Burra Copper Company at Burra since the evaporation of the Horne Syndicate. A few men have been getting a little on tribute, but do not like the way their efforts are being treated and at present very little is being done.

Streetlighting. Burra Town Council is beginning to see the need for better streetlighting. It has agreed to a proposal from Cr Ockenden for a lamp on the corner of Quarry and Kingston Streets to add to the 8 or 10 already in position. [As already noted, these two streets do not intersect. If it was in Kingston Street perhaps the intersection with East Street was meant, as that would be near the Salvation Army Citadel, but that is sheer speculation.]

The Kooringa Methodist Church Hall was the scene for an evening of unusual competitions last Friday. A few weeks ago the Girls Church-aid Club entertained the young men. On Friday the young men reciprocated with an evening of items and competitions.

[The details of the items and the competitions are printed.]

No. 3,550, Vol. XLVI, 13 May 1910, page 5

Obituary. His Most Excellent Majesty King Edward VII died at Buckingham Palace, London, at 11.45 p.m. on Friday 7 May.

He was born at Buckingham Palace on 9 November 1841. The cause of death was bronchitis.

[Details of his final illness are printed.]

Burra Town Council met on Tuesday night and the Mayor spoke of the king’s death with great feeling. Crs Hardy & Ockenden moved a motion expressing, on behalf of the citizens of the town of Burra, profound sympathy to the Royal Family and their keen loyalty to the throne and the person of His Majesty King George V.

Rev. S.J. Bloyd was welcomed at a social in St Mary’s Church Hall on Wednesday last. Mr H.C. Rundle, the Minister’s Warden, presided. Dr Sangster gave a welcoming speech as one of the oldest parishioners and he also welcomed the catechist Mr Lowe, who will assist Rev. Bloyd in the mission work.

No. 3,550, Vol. XLVI, 13 May 1910, page 6

The Death of King Edward VII was received with general regret. Business people out of respect put up their shutters and flags were flown at half-mast.

Football. After earlier doubt, Burra will have three [senior] teams this season; Aberdeen, Kooringa and Ramblers.

Kooringa Post Office. Further efforts are being made to get Federal authorities to work on the post office. [That is, to rebuild it.]

The Advent of Old Age Pensions has greatly eased the calls on the Burra Jubilee Benevolent Society. [Federal old aged pensions began to be paid in 1909 and invalid pensions in 1910. Both were strictly means tested.]

Burra Rifle Club. The Mackerode Silver Cup presented by Mr A. Gebhardt, has been won by Clem Pearce. Mr A. Bevan scored a possible at 600 yards during the competition.

Drew & Crewes now have their Mt Bryan and Hallett branches operating and expansion of the Burra premises is expected.

Mrs J.F. Moore received a beautiful amethyst and pearl necklace as a toke of general esteem at a farewell held at ‘Heathmount’, the home of Mr & Mrs Thomas Sandland, last Thursday. Mrs Moore had lived in Burra for about twenty years and had taken a considerable interest in philanthropic matters, being a member of the Burra Jubilee Benevolent Society for many years.

The Burra Town Council severely reprimanded four young lads brought before it in connection with larrikinism. They were warned that any repetitions and they would be punished by law.

The Desired Railway Siding at Bensen’s has been urged by a deputation to the Railways Commissioner. The deputation expected the siding would handle 40,000 to 50,000 bags of wheat and upwards of 500 tons of manures annually.

Burra Agricultural Bureau. Efforts are being made to resuscitate the branch now that there are more blockers in the district and more land is under cultivation around the town.

Kooringa Post Office. The Hon. R.W. Foster has said that everything in connection with the new post and telegraph office at Kooringa was being arranged and as soon as convenient for the Federal authorities the work would be put in hand.

The Railways. There are frequent complaints that trains arriving at Burra are up to half an hour late – in a 100 mile run this is preposterous.

The Burra Music & Dramatic Club. The Mutual Improvement Section met for the first time on Thursday when the Rev. Farley of the Methodist Church gave an address on ‘Elocution’.

Mr Allan Carey of Drew & Crewes is leaving their service and moving to Adelaide. He was given a travelling rug in a presentation on Friday. He is a son of F.J. Carey of Kooringa and had been with the firm for three years.

Sheep have been worried by stray dogs around Burra lately.

Burra Chess Club. President Mr George Scott and member W.H. Eckersley with Mr J.M. Belcher, a member from long ago, are playing by correspondence in an interstate match between Victoria and South Australia with 39 players per side.

Kooringa Methodist Hall. An effort is being made to extend the gas lighting already used in the church, to the hall and Sunday school to replace the existing kerosene lamps.

Burra Town Council

Council approved one week’s holiday on full pay for all employees.

A letter of condolence was sent to the family of the late Mr John Sampson, a Councillor for 14 years and Mayor for 3.

Dr Caw reported two cases of typhoid and one of erysipelas.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club’s Billiard Tournament has been won by Mr L.S. Penrose, with Mr F. Wheatley as runner-up. [Complete results are printed.]

Football

Burra will have four clubs this season – two at either end of the town. The north end will have Aberdeen First and Second (the Second team comprising juniors). The southern end will have Kooringa and the Ramblers.

Mt Bryan is showing signs of prosperity and improvement.

Thirty years ago this was one of the busiest spots on the railway. This was before the construction of the railway from Burra. [Sic]

[This is rather confusing. What the writer is attempting to say is that more than thirty years ago, before the extension of the railway north from Burra in 1878, this spot on the road north was very busy.]

It was a huge camping site for teamsters and others around the ‘Flat’, that area in the vicinity of the old District Council Chamber and not far from the old hotel that was some two miles north of the present town and which did remarkable business. Several years passed in which Mt Bryan was a town in name only – though that name was kept in the news by the district’s high quality of merino sheep production. Then wheat and hay production was introduced and the pastoral land became top-priced agricultural land. The district became populated by prosperous producers and the township is now busier than ever.

There are now besides the railway station four or five stores, an hotel, many dwelling houses, school buildings, a new public hall, postal, telegraph and telephonic accommodation, a blacksmith shop and a group of wheat agents’ offices. The Agricultural Bureau is well alive, as is the District Council. There are Methodist, Anglican and Catholic Church services and an active Music & Dramatic Club and a literary society. There are cricket, football and tennis clubs and other sporting bodies. As well as being the centre of a cereal producing district, it remains well-known for producing some of the best merino sheep in Australia.

No. 3,551, Vol. XLVI, 20 May 1910, page 6

Burra Jubilee Benevolent Society held its AGM at Burra Institute 10 May. Dr J.I. Sangster Sen. Presided. The year’s income was £110-13-1, including £75-12-3 carried forward. Expenditure was £81-0-10, leaving a credit balance of £29-12-3.

Elected: President, Dr J.I. Sangster Sen.; Vice-President, P. Lane; Secretary, Miss Lane; Assistant Secretary, Mrs Thomas Sandland and Treasurer, Mr T.W. Wilkinson.

Mr & Mrs Henry Pilz of Redruth celebrated their Golden Wedding last Monday. Mr Pilz was born in the Hartz Mountain in Germany in 1838 and his wife was also born there in 1841. They arrived in SA in the Xeres on 25 April 1850 and were married in Kooringa Wesleyan Church on 9 May 1860.

Mr Michael Farrelly has worked at Gum Creek Station for a somewhat lengthy period. Prior to his going away the manager Mr John Bowman presented him with a saddle and bridle in recognition of his services. A very successful farewell social and dance were held at the station’s large wool room.

Burra Chess Club held its AGM at the Institute on Friday. Mr Henry Roach was re-elected President and Mr George Scott was re-elected Secretary. A letter of sympathy is being sent to Miss A.B. Miller of Victoria, an old member who is presently seriously ill.

Foxes have killed several lambs on Mr J. Reed’s head station in the Wandillah Ranges in the past week.

Empire Day. A meeting was held at Burra Institute on Friday night to consider how to celebrate Empire Day this year. Empire Day Secretary Mr George Scott reported they had £5 in assets and £2-15-4 in hand. A number of people spoke and it was generally thought that in view of the death of King Edward VII the program of last year should be curtailed and it was resolved to omit the sports and simply have a few speeches about Empire Day and its object. A list of speakers was drawn up to attend the different district schools. [The list is printed.]

The King’s Memorial Service

A united memorial service will be held in the Burra Institute on Friday on the occasion of the late king’s funeral, starting at 7 p.m.

Mounted Constable Clark, who has been in charge at Kooringa Police Station for some time, has been transferred to Brighton. He has been a member of the Burra Defence Rifle Club. Mounted Constable P.W. Clark of Jamestown will come to Kooringa.

Burra School. A concert and elocutionary recital will be held at the Institute to raise funds for a piano for the school.

Accident. Mr P. Wardle, eldest son of Mr R. Wardle, one of the blockers at Mt Bryan, was knocked down by a young horse on Tuesday and was considerably injured.

Obituary. After a long and at times painful illness extending over four years, Mrs Richard D. Pascoe of Kooringa died on Monday. She was the fourth daughter of the late Mr Thomas Parks and was born in Kooringa. She leaves a widower and family of four sons and three daughters.

[Born Ellen Parks, 26 January 1868 at Kooringa; died 16 May 1910 at Kooringa. Married Richard Delbridge Pascoe 1887.]

Football. In the first game for the season Kooringa 43 points defeated Ramblers 10.

Letter. ‘Nuff Sed’ writes complaining that Burra Football Clubs need to respect their patrons more by being punctual. For years Burra teams have been notably unpunctual and last week’s game, which was scheduled to start at 3 p.m. did not begin until about 3.45 p.m. They will lose patronage if this continues.

St Mary’s Annual Vestry Meeting was presided over by Rev. S.J. Bloyd on 6 May. A strong effort is to be made to have acetylene gas lighting installed in the church and hall. A strawberry fete will be held later in the year. [A list of officers elected is printed.]

The Musical Kennedy Family will give a performance at the Burra Institute on 23 & 24 May.

The entertainment will include many excellent films.

No. 3,552, Vol. XLVI, 27 May 1910, page 2

The Burra District Council, 14 May

Received advice that the appointment of Dr Caw as Health Officer had been approved.

Passed a resolution of sorrow and respect on the death of King Edward VII.

Resolved that a letter be sent to the Burra Institute Committee suggesting a great need for a flagpole to be erected and suitable flags be procured for public occasions.

No. 3,552, Vol. XLVI, 27 May 1910, page 6

King Edward VII Memorial Service

This was one of the most impressive memorial services for a long time. It was held in the Institute Hall and had been arranged by the town’s ministers and Salvation Army Officer. The hall was packed, with many standing outside the doors. The ‘Dead March’ in ‘Saul’ was played by Mr G.E. Dane and the service was conducted by Rev. S.J. Bloyd of St Mary’s, Rev. T. Weatherill of Redruth Methodist Church and the local representative of the Salvation Army. Rev. H.C. Farley of Kooringa Methodist Church delivered a powerful and solemn address. The Mayor and all the Councillors occupied the platform. A memorial service was also held at Burra Public School, where short addresses were given by Rev. S.J. Bloyd and Dr J.I. Sangster, Chairman of the School Board of Advice.

Kooringa Methodist Kindergarten presented a concert and entertainment in the hall on Tuesday to raise funds for lighting the hall with gas.

Weather. Recent rains extended well to the east and the Eastern Telephone System reports falls as follows: Baldina 41 points, Woolgangi 35, Koomooloo 35, Old Koomooloo 39, Sturt Vale 65, Quondong 75 and Worunga [Wahroonga?] 82 near Leighton.

Burra Shopping

A number of businesses are breaking the agreement to close at 9 p.m. on Saturdays and are staying open until 10 p.m. or even later. It has been suggested that trading should cease at 6 p.m. on Saturdays, as on other days of the week or out of consideration for the assistants and others, to keep open on Wednesdays and close on Saturdays at 1 p.m. More will surely be heard on this.

Obituary. An old Burra Resident, Mrs Louisa Whitford died at Moonta last week at the age of 87. She was the mother of Mrs Philip Lane and many years ago resided in Burra. She was born in Cornwall and had lived in SA for 62 years.

[Born Louisa Steer c. 1823; died 14 May 1910 at Moonta. Married (1) William James in 1842 at St Just, Cornwall and (2) Richard Whitford at Kooringa in 1856.]

Drew & Crewes at Hallett have renovated their store and installed the first acetylene gas lights in the town.

Mt Bryan Dramatic Club staged Won at Last on Wednesday at the Hallett Institute in aid of the tennis and cricket clubs. They realised more than £10.

Burra Street Lighting. A petition is circulating calling for further streetlights.

Football. Last Saturday on Aberdeen Oval Aberdeen 7.14 defeated Ramblers 2.9.

Burra Defence Rifle Club held its AGM at Burra Hotel last Thursday. Secretary H.L. Riggs read the balance sheet, which showed a credit balance of £15. Elected were: Captain, Mr George Lord; Secretary, H.L. Riggs and Treasurer, R.D. Pascoe.

Mr J.F. Moore, branch manager of the National Bank of Australasia in Burra for 24 or 25 years, was accorded farewell at the Burra Council Chamber on Wednesday evening. The Mayor Mr S. Burns opened proceedings and speeches were also made by:

J.E.H. Winnall for the Burra Hospital Board

F.T. Harcus of the Bank of Australasia for the Institute Committee

Mr Thomas Sandland of Koo-owie for the Show Society

S.M. Lane for the Burra Musical & Dramatic Club

L.A. Lewis of Bagot, Shakes & Lewis for the Burra Automobile Club

Albert Gebhardt of Mackerode for the district

Dr J.I. Sangster Sen. for the Benevolent Society

And a number of others.

Mr Moore was presented with a solid leather travelling and dressing case.

He made a suitable reply.

Burra Town Council, 16 May

Ramblers Football Club was granted permission to use Victoria Park for the season.

The Private Secretary for the Governor wrote acknowledging the letter of condolence in connection with the death of the king.

Approval was given for a public meeting of ratepayers to discuss improvements to Market Square.

The erection of a urinal opposite the Burra Institute was approved.

It was resolved that all money collected from Victoria Park be set aside for improvements there.

Council will ask the Institute Committee to provide a flagpole and flags for public occasions.

Council resolved to attend the Memorial Service for the late king in a body.

Dr Caw reported 1 case of typhoid and 1 of diphtheria (originating from Broken Hill).

Advt.

Burra Institute Saturday 28 May & Monday 30 May

The Great Continental

WONDERSCOPE PICTURES

The greatest animated picture enterprise in the world

Wonderscope Singing Pictures introducing Miss Marie Lloyd

James Hornby Scotch Comedian, The Virginian Coon Band

Wonderscope Electric Light Plant – Largest in the Southern Hemisphere

Art – Drama – Comedy – Films

Prices: 3/-, 2/-, 1/- Children half price

No. 3,553, Vol. XLVI, 3 June 1910, page 6

The Burra Branch of the Labor Party held a social and dance at the Burra Institute on Wednesday night. The Mayor Mr S. Burns presided.

The Keystone View Co. presented a picture show at the Burra Institute on Friday night in aid of Burra Public School.

Mr W.S. Thompson has arrived to take over as branch manager for the National Bank of Australasia. His last post was at Gladstone.

Closer Settlement

We have it on good authority that a large slice of Hill River Estate will shortly be made available for sale and that the owners of Booborowie and other large estates around here are deciding to follow this example.

Miss Olive Canter will give an elocutionary recital at the Burra Institute on Saturday evening, assisted by Miss Melva Cilento, a vocalist of great promise. She is 13 years of age and has won laurels at Pt Pirie and Petersburg contests. Local ladies and gentlemen will also take part in this entertainment to raise funds for a piano for the Burra School.

Football at Petersburg last Wednesday. Petersburg 7.1 defeated Burra Association 4.3.

There was a social evening at the Petersburg hotel after the game and a return match will be played in Burra on 11 June.

On Saturday at Kooringa Oval Kooringa 2.11 (23) defeated Aberdeen 3.4 (22).

Ratepayers’ Meeting

Last Thursday a meeting was held to discuss improvements to Market Square in place of the present structure around the pump. There was a large attendance and Mayor S. Burns presided.

Cr Wise said it would soon be necessary to remove the present unsightly structure and also the trees, which were interfering with the pipes. It was suggested that there be a wall topped with a steel railing; the enclosure to be in the shape of a horseshoe.

Mr George Sampson said that if something were done to improve the square he would be prepared to contribute a ‘fiver’.

Mr C. Fuss thought the Council was correct to consult with the ratepayers and he would like to see improvements if the costs were not too high.

Mr John Pearce would also support the work if at reasonable cost.

Crs Walker from North Ward and Lane & Ockenden from East Ward were opposed to any of the costs coming from their respective wards.

Cr W.H. Hardy supported the improvement scheme and thought it could be done for little cost to the Council. He moved that the Mayor start a fund with a view to erecting a suitable enclosure in Market Square, that the Council be asked to assist and that the proposed structure be dedicated to the memory of the late King Edward VII, bearing a suitable inscription or stone and that the Town Council be a committee to attend to the matter on behalf of the citizens and the town.

Cr Wise seconded and Crs Walker, Lane & Ockenden withdrew their objections.

Mr John Drew then expressed his support, but said it might be best not to confine the matter to the town, but to invite the sympathy of the residents of the whole district.

Cr Hardy then said that if Cr Wise was agreeable, they would withdraw his proposal in favour of something along the lines suggested by Mr Drew. Cr Wise agreed and Mr Drew then proposed:

‘That a public meeting of the residents of the town and district be called for Friday June 3 at 7.30 p.m., to discuss the whole matter and deal with same.’ Seconded by F. Treloar and carried.

Burra & the North East Agricultural, Horticultural & Pastoral Society. (The Show Society)

The AGM was held in Burra Institute last Friday. More than 60 people attended and P.L. Killicoat presided. Secretary Mr Frank Treloar tabled the balance sheet that showed the society to be in good funds. He said that the past two years had given the district many new residents and he had therefore sent out circulars to newcomers as well as old supporters. After discussion the date of the next show was chosen as Wednesday 5 October. Officers elected: Patron, Hon. J.J. Duncan MLC; President (for two years, when a new president must be appointed) P.L. Killicoat; and a number of Vice-Presidents.

[Stewards are then listed.]

It was decided to hold a sheepdog trial in connection with the show and Mr W.G. Hawkes & Mr T.H. Pearse moved it be on 2 August. Carried.

[It is surprising then that an advertisement immediately after this article gives the Show date as 5 October and the dog Trial date as Wednesday 10 August. Subsequently this was proved correct.]

No. 3,554, Vol. XLVI, 10 June 1910, page 6

Burra Town Council last Thursday met in connection with improvements to Market Square.

Cr Wise presided in the absence of the Mayor with influenza. Crs Lane, Walker and Ockenden were absent. Crs Hardy & Lowe moved that Council offer a site in Market Square about 40 ft by 50 ft for the purpose of the proposed enclosure. This was carried and will be put to the public meeting.

Obituary. Rev. Father Redden died on Wednesday last aged 38 at the residence of his parents at Pekina. His first mission had been at Burra, where he had been very popular both in connection with his duties and in general social life. He took an active part in athletic sports. He was a patron and supporter of the local football clubs. For a time he was president of the Burra Association. About six years ago he left on an extended trip abroad in a search for health, but on his return developed consumption. [James Patrick Redden died 1 June 1910 at Pekina, residence Kooringa aged 40.]

Mr R. Gull of the SAR has been transferred from Mt Bryan to Adelaide after a stay of three years. He will be missed as a local preacher in the Methodist Church, leader of the local Band of Hope and a leading member of the Endeavour Society. He was for a time Secretary of the Mt Bryan Athletic and Tennis Clubs and a prominent member of the Aberdeen Football Club. He was presented with a suitably inscribed travelling bag.

The Burra Branch of the Pastoralists’ Association held its AGM in the Burra Institute on Friday. President P.L. Killicoat presided and was re-elected.

An address was given by Mr J.A. Riley, the general secretary, on the demands of the AWU at the conference held in Melbourne on 4 May.

An Elocutionary Recital was arranged by Mrs William West in aid of the Burra School Piano Fund. The recitals and songs by Misses Carter and Cilento and by Messrs Lower and Collins were especially attractive.

Public Holiday last Monday. Entertainments offered in Burra:

A rifle match between Burra & Terowie

Burra Football Association’s Social & Dance

A Public tea associated with the Anniversary of the Redruth Methodist Church.

Ensign Reeves, Officer in Charge of the Salvation Army in Burra gave a lecture at the Kooringa Barracks last Thursday night on ‘A trip around the world’, illustrated with beautiful views through his powerful lantern.

Burra Railway Station is currently being renovated and painted inside and out and when the work is finished it will look better than any time in the last 30 years. All the trade advertisements have been removed.

Burra Branch of the Labor Party held a well-attended meeting at the old German Church on Tuesday night when Mr A. Adams presided. £7-7-0 was voted to a fund being raised to assist the widow of the late Mr Fred Sellars.

Burra Cinderella Quadrille Class opened its present season at Burra Institute last Tuesday night.

Drew & Crewes have complied with the law regarding the storage of inflammable oils by constructing a large suitable underground storage chamber at their bulk store at Aberdeen.

Opie’s Hotel at Aberdeen is shortly to change hands. Mr Okely, who has been in charge for a few months, since Mrs Seal took over the Globe Hotel in Naracoorte, will give place to Mr Olliver of Adelaide. The house has recently been renovated inside.

Mr J. Richardson, an old Burraite and present owner of Vivian’s Commercial Hotel, has purchased the Earl of Aberdeen Hotel in Adelaide for £4,999.

Public Meeting re Market Square

The Mayor S. Burns presided over the meeting and said the Council had decided to provide a suitable site in Market Square of about 50 ft in the centre of the square and to ask the assistance of the whole town and district. He said if they raised about £150 they could erect a worthy enclosure. Cr Wise moved ‘That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable to erect a suitable enclosure in Market Square in memory of the late King Edward VII.’ This was seconded by Mr C.A. Fuss and carried.

Burra Rifle Club met on Tuesday at Lord’s Burra Hotel to hand over the two prizes won in recent competitions. The Mackerode Silver Cup went to Mr Clem Pearce and the Davey Photograph of World’s End Creek went to Mr F. Wheatley.

Mounted Constable Clark was farewelled.

It has been discovered that the cash balance of the club at the end of last financial year was £21-0-3 and not the £15 previously stated. With assets of £62-15-0 and liabilities of £1-2-8, the club is in a very satisfactory financial position.

No. 3,555, Vol. XLVI, 17 June 1910, page 3

Burra Rifle Club

Burra versus Terowie on 6 June: Burra defeated Terowie 654 to 640.

A. Bevan shot possibles at 200 and 500 yards. Captain Lord shot a possible at 200 yards.

No. 3,555, Vol. XLVI, 17 June 1910, page 5

Memorial to King Edward VII

The collection of money to fund a public memorial to the late king is approaching £100 and the full amount of £150 seems likely to be gathered in.

Telephonic Communication

The telephone connection between Adelaide and Burra, promised some time ago is likely to soon be realised. Kapunda is to be linked to Burra soon and the Adelaide to Kapunda line is being attended to. The trunk line is now in the neighbourhood of Salisbury on its way to Adelaide.

No. 3,555, Vol. XLVI, 17 June 1910, page 6

Accident. Mr W.H. Hardy has been visiting the King’s Bluff gold mine at Olary and on Thursday last missed his footing at about 590 ft from the surface in the main underlay shaft. He fell and considerably injured his left foot, but is now recovering.

Mr H.S. Stephens of Mongolata, who has been Chairman of the Mt Bryan DC for several years and done much good work for the district, has resigned because he is about to leave the area. He has sold his Mongolata Station.

Burra Town Council has spread about 1,000 yds3 of metal on the main roads in Burra in the past few weeks. Growing population in the district has generated more traffic.

Kooringa Post Office. There has been no further news on starting the proposed work on the post office since the late Federal elections and residents are growing anxious.

Football. Last Saturday Ramblers 5.11 (41) defeated Kooringa 2.11 (23).

Last Saturday Burra Association 5.13 (43) defeated Petersburg 6.4 (40).

Burra entertained the visitors to dinner after the match.

Burra Town Council, 7 June

The Mayor said he had issued subscription lists to several gentlemen for the purpose of raising funds for a memorial in Market Square to the late King Edward VII.

Hume Bros wrote seeking permission to give quotations for rolled steel railings and gates for the contemplated Market Square enclosure.

One case of typhoid was reported for Kooringa and one in Hampton – supposed to have been contracted in the north.

No. 3,556, Vol. XLVI, 24 June 1910, page 5

Mr Thomas Sandland has been appointed Chairman of the Burra Hospital Board in place of Mr J.F. Moore, who has left the district for Mt Barker.

District Council Elections

Nominations:

Kooringa Ward E. Bowman

Baldina Ward J.G. Rooke

King Ward W.P. Barker

Auditor E.J. Davey

All are elected unopposed.

No. 3,556, Vol. XLVI, 24 June 1910, page 6

Burra District Council

Mr William Davey, District Clerk, has resigned on account of advancing age. He is one of the oldest residents and was employed as a clerk in the Burra Mine. He was afterwards for many years caretaker of the Institute and then Town Clerk before taking on the clerkship of the District Council.

Applications are called for the position of District Clerk.

Larrikinism. There are individuals lurking around corners at night, frightening girls and women.

The Heller Entertainers performed on two nights at the Burra Institute before good houses. The show was one of the best seen for some time.

Mr Fed Whitney, an old and popular railway guard was given a purse of sovereigns by friends last week on the occasion of his retirement. He ran the first train north from Burra and conducted the last train that crossed the old wooden bridge over the Burra Creek before it was demolished.

Redruth Methodist Church held anniversary services on 5 June.

Morning and evening services were conducted by Rev. W.H. Rofe of Auburn and the afternoon service by Rev. J. Williams, an old Burra boy, now a resident of Queensland.

Many people commented on the improved lighting since the installation of acetylene gas lights. The Mayor of Burra, Mr S. Burns presided at the public meeting on Monday when Rev. Rofe gave an inspiring address. Rev. H.C. Farley of Kooringa and the circuit minister Rev. T. Weatherill also spoke.

Closer Settlement. It has been decided to subdivide a portion of the Koonoona Estate, which is well known to contain some fine cereal growing land. There are more than 400 applicants for this land.

Football. Last Saturday at Victoria Park the match between Aberdeen and Ramblers was drawn with each side scoring 6.12.

No. 3,557, Vol. XLVI, 1 July 1910, pages 3 & 6

The SA Railways gave a special passenger train a trial run on Friday to record times and other particulars pertaining to rail traffic. It is rumoured that due to heavy passenger traffic on the line there is a need for an express to Burra in the morning, stopping only at Riverton for breakfast and returning in the afternoon, stopping all stations. Thousands living in the Mid North would hail such a new departure.

Page 6 explains this further.

The idea would be to run such an express occasionally on Fridays. It would be a boon to Burra stock markets, enabling buyers to reach Burra in time for the start of sales and by returning after the present afternoon passenger train, would mean buyers would not have to run away before the sales were over.

No. 3,557, Vol. XLVI, 1 July 1910, page 6

Kooringa Methodist Church. The members of the Girls’ Church Aid Guild gave a drawing room entertainment on Tuesday night in the Hall to raise funds towards lighting the hall and classrooms with acetylene gas. [The program is printed.]

Burra Town Council is considering adopting the land values system for rating purposes and is likely to conduct a ratepayer poll on the issue.

Leighton Hall. Last Wednesday a concert was held in the new Hall and attracted a fair number, including some who rode out from Burra. [Program printed.]

Burra & North East Agricultural, Horticultural and Pastoral Society. (The Show Society)

There was a meeting on Friday night where Mr John Melrose’s name was added to the list of Vice-Presidents. After a long discussion it was also decided to ask the Governor to open the show and to approach the railways to get a special train for the day from Petersburg or Terowie.

Burra Gymnasium

For some time there has been a move from residents of Aberdeen and Redruth for a gymnasium. Admirable premises have been secured through the kindness of Mr Henry Roach, in the former Butterworth’s Mill and the club was opened last Tuesday night by the Mayor, Mr S. Burns, when there was a large attendance of ladies and gentlemen. Mr H. Roach was elected President and Mr J. Thompson, Secretary. Speeches in support were given by Rev. T. Weatherill, Mr H. Roach, Mr J. Tapp, Mr C.A. Fuss, Mr H. Thomas, Rev. Lower (Curate of St Mary’s) and Mr George Bartholomaeus.

Burra Town Council

SA Mining Association wrote refusing permission for a pound to be erected at Victoria Park.

Tenders for the erection of a place of public convenience were deemed too high. [Presumably a reference to the proposed urinal opposite the Institute.]

Cr Hardy gave notice that he would move the fencing of the Avenue be extended from the Post Office to Mr McLaren’s residence and that a new gas streetlight be erected in Kangaroo Street on the corner of Mr Hodge’s residence.

The Kooringa lamplighter to be written to re the unsatisfactory state of lights and lamps.

Letter to be written to the federal Minister for Home Affairs asking when the work at the Kooringa Post Office was likely to begin.

Cr Hardy tabled information he had obtained concerning reserves and enclosures at Broken Hill with costs of same, in view of the proposed improvements in Market Square.

Football. Aberdeen Oval on Saturday: Aberdeen 28 points defeated Kooringa 21 points.

Burra Defence Rifle Club last Wednesday: Burra 912 defeated Wasleys 906, at Burra.

Burra School Cadets. The best results in a recent shooting match were from G. Tiddy, M. Killicoat, F. Riggs, C. Thomson, A. Tiver, H. Rundle and L. Griffiths.

The King Edward VII Memorial Fund

One of the circulated lists for subscribers is printed and totalled £76-2-0.

Advt. Burra district Council calls for applications for the position of District Clerk. Salary £52 per annum.

Advt. Burra & North East Agricultural, Horticultural & Pastoral Society

Sheep Dog Field Trial, August 19 and Stallion Parade August 19.

No. 3,558, Vol. XLVI, 8 July 1910, page 3

Football. At Burra on 25 June Manoora II 7.14 (56) defeated Aberdeen II 1.0 (6).

No. 3,558, Vol. XLVI, 8 July 1910, page 6

Fox reports from Mr James Reed’s property continue to be received.

The Gymnasium at Aberdeen is proving to be popular, with increasing membership. It is open nightly, with instruction twice a week.

The Canowie Subdivision is changing the landscape, with blocks being fenced and the district changing from pastoralism to agricultural settlement. Further subdivision is likely.

Mr & Mrs J. Finley were given a farewell at the new public hall at Leighton last Wednesday. They had sold their land and are moving to Burra, where they have taken over the Bon Accord Hotel from Mr Birdseye. Mr Finley was given a smoker’s outfit and Mrs Finley a silver-mounted pickle cruet.

Marriage. At the residence of Mr S. Broad, the bride’s father on 29 June:

Violet Minetta Broad married Mr George Wayman Mosey. The couple will live at Brady’s Creek near Robertstown.

Obituary. F.T. Jones, a sheep farmer of Mongolata died at his residence on 22 June aged 82. He had been a resident of the Burra District for more than fifty years. Many years ago he had a business as a tinsmith and ironworker in Kooringa in partnership with the late Mr Builder. Later he took up land at Mongolata. [Frederick Thomas Jones.]

Mr R.G. Galle, who has been in charge at Copperhouse School has resigned from the Education Department and left for Queensland. A presentation was made before he left.

Mr G.W. Hawkes of Koonoona Estate has been appointed to judge the strong wool merino sheep at the Royal Sydney Show.

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday Kooringa 4.16 defeated Ramblers 2.10.

VX, 897 (2), 13 July 1910, page 2 [Second use of number 897.]

Advt. R.D. Pascoe, Hairdresser & Fancy Goods Dealer ‘The Emporium’ Kooringa.

[This clearly indicates that at some time after ‘The Emporium’ was passed in at auction in February R.D. Pascoe acquired it. This is confirmed by a report on the same page that Drew & Crewes have taken over the shop of R.D. Pascoe and will make extensive and up-to-date alterations. Presumably this was the shop on the eastern side of Drew Lane.]

Obituary. Lydia Mary Woollacott, eldest daughter of T.H. & C. Woollacott of Redruth, died on 4 July of meningitis. [Born 14 December 1898 at Redruth.]

Editorial on the phoenix-like return of the Burra Record after the fire, which destroyed it recently. Thanks are extended to all those who helped in containing the fire and especially to the men and women who ‘manned’ the pump in the middle of the night. [Unfortunately which night is not stated. 8 April MS] [The description of the effort suggests that women pumped water to fill tubs and then men carried buckets to the fire, where a chain of eight got the water up to the top of the wall to pour it onto the fire.] Water from tanks behind the building was also used. The front room was saved, but the machinery suffered through the heat and all the stationery was destroyed by smoke and the front windows were smashed. The wall the men had stood on was so weakened that it had to be rebuilt and it was very lucky that it survived to support the men without collapsing into the flames with them. The Record suffered heavy losses, but has risen now with the finest plant of any provincial paper in SA. At the moment we cannot yet work in our new and commodious offices. We start again today with an increase in circulation, which is already the largest of any provincial press in SA. The Record circulates in the mid-north, north and northeast of SA and across the border into Queensland. The fire destroyed all the back premises and with it all the type and the photographic studio. This is now being rebuilt two storeys high* to become one of the largest and best lit studios anywhere. The neighbouring shop of S.M. Lane also suffered. Thanks are also extended to the providers of tea, coffee and eatables during the firefighting effort.

[Advertisements make it clear the rebuilding was on the same site in Market Square.]

Elsewhere on the page there is a report that the new premises include a lofty and well-ventilated composing room that is well lit by acetylene gas. It was built by John Pearce.

[*But note that the report in VX, 902, 17 Aug. 1910, page 3 describes a three storey building, which photographs would seem to verify. It is ironic that this building was also destroyed by fire: see Burra Record Vol.76, 50, 19 Dec. 1950, page 1]

Marriage. On 2 July in Sydney Muriel Lane, the youngest daughter of P. Lane married C.W. Hooper. They will live in Cobar.

Weather. It has been a wet week. Water has flowed four times in the creek this winter and dams are generally overflowing.

King Edward VII Memorial. Donations have reached £130 for the memorial to the late king to be built near the pump in Market Square.

R. Urwin & Sons are extending their building back to the boundary.

F.W. Finlay (Frank) has taken over the Bon Accord Hotel from Alf. Birdseye and is renovating it throughout.

The coachbuilders, implement makers & smiths have got together to determine prices that ought to be paid for certain work.

A Bolt. A horse attached to L. Day’s cart took fright on Friday afternoon at the station, when a train approached. It was able to drag the dray off down the slippery road despite the wheel being chained. The harness was considerably damaged.

Burra Show Soc. sheep dog field trials will be held on 10 August.

VX, 897 (2), 13 July 1910, page 3 [Second use of number 897.]

The Burra Record resumes this week after a lapse of three months due to the fire. The premises are still being rebuilt and we operate temporarily in entirely unsuitable premises as far as the compositors are concerned. The fire reduced the old type to flakes of metal from 2-6’ long and 12” to 3’ wide.

The Golden Grain Club gave a social at the residence of William Midwinter at Iron Mine on 10 June, to make presentations on his leaving the district. Mr Fahey has bought the farm. Mr Midwinter has taken a house at Aldgate.

21st Birthday. A few days ago 85 guests assembled at the home of Mr & Mrs J.G. Oates ‘Hill View’ to celebrate the coming of age of their youngest son Oscar.

Burra Rifle Club. Since the last issue of the paper C.W. Pearce has won the Macrode [sic] Cup [Mackerode Cup] with 15 points and F. Wheatley The Record picture with 11 points.

Mr Bevan is on track to win the Mayor’s Medal: he has 12 of the 15 points needed and H.L. Riggs is in 2nd place with only 4.

Masonic Lodge. On 4 July W.B. Page was installed as W.M. and P.M. Bro. A. Bennetts was presented with a Masonic jewel. A banquet at the Institute followed the installation.

Football. The first round of matches resulted in the following premiership points:

Aberdeen 7 from 3 wins and a draw, Ramblers 3 from 1 win and 1 draw, Kooringa 2 from 1 win.

Mt Bryan East has petitioned for a twice-weekly instead of a weekly mail service.

Mr & Mrs W. Taylor were farewelled at Booborowie last Wednesday.

Arthur A. Davey has been appointed District Clerk, replacing his father, Mr Davey Sen.

Salvation Army. Ensign Reeve is officer in charge. There will be special meetings tomorrow in connection with Rescue Work. Bioscope Films will be shown on Monday 18 July. 1/-, children 6d.

Burra Town Council.

A new fence for Jubilee Avenue has been erected from Mr Hartlett’s corner to the Institute. There are red gum posts throughout and 3 wires plus a top rail. We hope soon to see it extended to Aberdeen.

M-C John Clarke has been transferred to Brighton and will be replaced by M-C P.W. Clark from Jamestown.

Mr Davey Sen. has just retired as District Clerk at age 82. He arrived in Burra in 1851 and worked in the mine for some years and was later storekeeper there. He was librarian and caretaker at the Burra Institute for 22 years and Town Clerk of the Burra Corporation for 10 years. He was also secretary of the Loyal Burra Burra Lodge for 15 years and Clerk of the Burra District Council for 11 years.

VX, 898, 20 July 1910, page 2

Football was cancelled last Saturday because Aberdeen refused to play. Kooringa submitted four names of players for the club, which were allowed by a majority of Association delegates, but Aberdeen disputes these names and refuses to play as a result.

VX, 898, 20 July 1910, page 3

H.S. Stephens & his son Leonard were given presentations at the Burra Hotel on Wednesday evening. Mr Stephens has been a Mongolata resident for 31 years.

Elsewhere on the page there is an extended report of 11⁄4 columns. The Rifle Club was losing two of its loyalest members who had influenced many other eastern men to join the club.

Methodist Home Mission services were held last Sunday. Rev. J.D. Langsford was the preacher.

Kooringa Police Court, Wednesday.

John Landers, a newly arrived compositor was charged with stealing a greyhound from H.E. Crocker near Marrabel. [The report extends for c. 1 column.] He was fined £1 or 14 days and went to gaol.

The Football Crisis.

On 4 July the names of H. Williams, A. Carroll, H. Gordon and E. Raymond were submitted by Kooringa for registration by the Association. Aberdeen held a meeting and voted that their delegates be instructed not to allow their registration for Kooringa. After a warm discussion at the next Association meeting the Aberdeen delegates left the room.

A recent rule says ‘no player be allowed to play for any club . . . living outside a radius of 12 miles and any player must reside in the district 14 days before being allowed to play for any club’.

The men in question have complied with this, but Aberdeen believes if they are allowed to play a game they then qualify to play in the final whether residents or not. Both Aberdeen and Kooringa have broken the previous rule in the past. The men in question are presently playing with the Clare Club, which is in the Mid-Northern Association, of which rule 22 forbids playing for more than one associated club without the consent of the executive, which Aberdeen says has not been given. Aberdeen says it has withdrawn from competition for the rest of the season. The Association has passed a resolution not allowing matches to be played on Aberdeen oval without Association approval. G.R. Maxwell has resigned as Association Captain to be replaced by R.J. Hill. Farrell’s Flat, Mt Bryan and Hallett teams are being asked to join the Association for 1911. The match with Broken Hill today will not include any of the Aberdeen players.

The Burra Record has not yet settled into its new premises.

Burra Rifle Club. A. Bevan won the Mayor’s Medal and F. Pearce and H.L. Riggs tied for 2nd.

Salvation Army. Quite a good crowd turned out for the Bioscope pictures in the Barracks on Monday night.

VX, 899, 27 July 1910, page 2

Editorial on The Growth of Trees.

VX, 899, 27 July 1910, page 3

H.S. Stephens will receive a presentation from Mt Bryan friends on 6 August in appreciation of his work as Chairman of the Mt Bryan DC for several years past.

The Burra Record carpenters expect to get on to our back premises in a day or two, which will ease the inconvenience we are suffering at present.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club held its AGM on Tuesday. Heavy expenditure in the early part of the year left £7-17-8 of unpaid accounts. The Bohemian Girl will probably be produced in 3-4 months.

Ayers Forest, under the control of Mr E. Cock near Leighton, is one of the best kept and prettiest in the state and was praised by Mr Gill, Conservator of Forests, on an official visit last week.

Salvation Army. Ensign Reeve is to move to northern WA. His six months in Burra have been ‘an uphill flight’, but he has done well and won many friends.

The Hockey Club annual social will be held on 3 August in the Institute. Nellie Pearce is the Secretary. At a match on Saturday Burra 1 defeated Clare 0.

Football. W.T. Truscott, Chairman of the Burra Football Assoc. writes to thank the Record for its fair reporting of the current dispute and says the only solution is for the Aberdeen Club to ask the Kooringa Club to withdraw the players in contention as delegates to the Association can only act in accordance with their club’s instructions.

The German Chapel Fire.

The old German Chapel at the rear of the Court House Hotel was destroyed by fire last week. The origin of the fire is a mystery. No alarm was raised. Mr C. Lowe was in the building the previous night cleaning the lamps and left c. 9 p.m. At about 10 p.m. a light was seen in the building, but was assumed to be a meeting. Even at 11 p.m. no one thought of a fire. Later a resident found the fire and tried to extinguish it with buckets of water from the creek, giving up only after falling in. Cpl Gibbons attended, but by then could only watch. The greatest losers are the Oddfellows Lodge in Aberdeen, who held meetings there and who lost their regalia, records and dispensation boards etc. The building was uninsured and no inquiry into the fire was held. [See next issue for clarification of this last point.] The Germans held monthly meetings in it, but another place will now have to be arranged.

West’s Pictures were shown at the Institute to a full house on Monday. The main feature was the funeral of King Edward VII.

Football. A much-depleted Burra side played Broken Hill West Suburban on Wednesday at Victoria Park: Broken Hill 1.4 4.4 5.7 7.11

Burra 0.4 1.4 1.6 2.11

On Saturday at Hallett: Aberdeen 5.10 defeated Hallett 4.10.

Mr Gill, the Conservator of Forests, spoke on Forests at Leighton Hall on Wednesday.

VX, 900, 3 Aug. 1910, page 2

Weather. A further 1.32” was recorded this week. The creek was replenished three times with the strongest flow on Saturday morning.

The German Chapel Fire. Cpl Gibbons made diligent enquiries about the fire, but to no avail and after that Mr Winnall JP decided an inquest was unnecessary.

A Stallion Parade will be held for the first time in the town: on Aberdeen Oval on 19 August.

Salvation Army. A pasty supper was held at the Barracks on Thursday 28 July to farewell Ensign and Mrs Reeve. It was a great success. They leave on Friday to be replaced by Ensign and Mrs Bennett from Albany WA, who arrive about 12 August.

King Edward VII Memorial. A meeting of subscribers in the Council office this week heard that the fund stood at £144. The clerk is to obtain plans and specifications from an architect.

VX, 900, 3 Aug. 1910, page 3

The British & Foreign Bible Society held its annual meeting this week and Mr Wilsmore, Assistant Secretary of the SA Branch, was the deputation. £25 was sent to the Central Committee for the year. Elected: President, J. Winnall; Secretary, F. Harris; Treasurer, P. Lane (for the 40th year).

Burra Chess Club continues to meet on Friday nights.

‘Private’ writes endorsing the Council’s call for a public toilet opposite the Institute, but suggesting it be over the embankment rather that immediately alongside the road to create an unpleasant stench.

‘Well-wisher’ endorses the very favourable remarks in the paper concerning Ensign Reeve.

‘Answers to correspondents’ suggest there was some dissension in the Rifle Club over A. Bevan’s performance.

Burra Rifle Club. At the Pt Adelaide Range on Saturday: Burra 753 defeated Commercial Travellers 732.

The Corporation Pound. Mr Killicoat is to give terms on which the enclosed yard and Smelting Works would be let to the Council for erecting a pound.

VX, 901, 10 Aug. 1910, page 3

Sappho Halls. Captain Watt has sent from Adelaide a medal won by trooper Sappho Halls, brother of T.P. Halls, in the South African War. Halls fought at Graspan and Reitz Farm and rose to be a corporal. The medal is a massive silver one.

H.S. Stephens received a massive gold chain pendant and sovereign case at the Mt Bryan Council Chamber on Saturday in recognition of his 13 years service as Chairman of the Council. He is leaving the district.

Hockey. On Wednesday: Burra 4 defeated Riverton 0.

Dr Sangster Sen. has decided to leave Burra on a date to be decided and will go to Glenelg.

Mr Hardy writes to say he was impressed with the letter from ‘Private’ last week.

Obituary. Mr John Beckwith of Mt Bryan died at the Burra Hospital on Monday, aged 76.

[Died 8 August 1910 aged 78 at Kooringa, residence Mt Bryan.]

King Edward VII Memorial. The architect T.H. Smeaton arrived in Burra on Saturday at midday and was met at the station by the Mayor, S. Burns and the Town Clerk, R.H. Steele. The proposed memorial was discussed and an inspection was made of the Market Square site. Mr Smeaton has been instructed to prepare plans and specifications for the work.

VX, 902, 17 Aug. 1910, page 2

Notice. A.D. McLaren has taken over the business as Grocer, Greengrocer, Fruiterer and Confectioner that was formerly C. Parks.

Notice. S.M. Lane has taken over the business of saddler and harness maker Herbert Cox of Aberdeen.

Advt. Mrs M.E. Pressick, agent for Edison Phonographs and Records. In the shop next to the Commercial Hotel, Kooringa.

St Joseph’s School. The essay contest My Impressions of Burra was won by Lindsay Joraslafsky, aged 11. [Often later as Lafsky.]

VX, 902, 17 Aug. 1910, page 3

The Burra Record Studio now in the course of construction will be three storeys high. The first floor will comprise a ladies waiting room and dressing room. The second floor will be the studio and the top floor will be for the treatment of plates, photographic finishing and enlarging. The building should be ready in about two weeks.

Mr George Lord last week purchased the Burra Hotel and alterations and extensions are expected in the near future.

Salvation Army. Ensign and Mrs Bennett arrived in Burra at the end of last week.

Sheep Dog Field Trials were held last Wednesday at Aberdeen and the honours went to Mr R. Laidlaw of Mr Bryan. Attendance was good.

Mr H.S. Stephens’ presentation at Mt Bryan is much more fully reported in almost 1 column.

Mr Nutt, 2nd son of Mr Nutt of Mt Bryan is in the Burra Hospital in a critical condition after his horse rolled on him.

A Bolt. A horse with a trap bolted from in front of Bagot, Shakes & Lewis’s offices in Commercial St on Wednesday. It went up Kingston St and the Baldina Road to the stock road, which was negotiated till the hill was confronted after crossing the creek: the horse then started back and the trap overturned in the creek on the return run. The axle was bent and a wheel damaged, but the horse escaped unscathed.

VX, 904, 24 Aug. 1910, page 2 [No. 903 was not used]

Aberdeen Ballast Quarry is starting work again after some time idle and about 20 men will be required.

Aberdeen Oddfellow’s Lodge is proposing to build a lodge room is satisfactory arrangements can be made.

Football. Saturday: Woolgangi 0.9 defeated Koomooloo 0.1.

The Matrons’ Ball at the Institute on Thursday night was a great success. Setaro’s String Band from the city played.

VX, 904, 24 Aug. 1910, page 3

Burra Show Society Sheep Dog Field Trials are reported more fully.

Puppy Stakes won by R. Laidlaw’s yellow & white dog Banshee.

Novice Stakes won by S. Battam’s yellow dog Ginger.

Open Class won by R. Laidlaw’s Banshee.

The Stallion Parade did not come off on Wednesday. The reason given is that owners had more to lose than to gain by having their animals displayed in such a parade.

Methodist Foreign Missionary Conference was held at Kooringa on Wednesday. The address was given by Rev. J.G. Wheen of Sydney, General Secretary of the Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Church.

Obituary. Thomas Tobin, youngest son of Mr Michael Tobin of Ware St has died aged 27. He leaves a father, two sisters and one brother. Another brother, Michael, was shot and killed by an Aboriginal in WA about two years ago. [The surviving brother was Joseph.]

[He was actually speared to death. See VX, 778, 3 July 1907, page 3 and more details in VX, 783, 7Aug. 1907, page 2, also VX, 783, 7 Aug. 1907, page 2, VX, 784, 14 Aug. 1907, page 3, VX, 787, 4 Sep. 1907, page 3, and VX, 804, 8 Jan. 1908, page 3]

[Died 21 August 1910 at Kooringa.]

Iron Mine Methodist Church has established a Band of Hope.

Obituary. Eliza Williams, eldest daughter of Mrs A.M. Williams of Paxton Square has died aged 24. She was a staunch soldier in the Salvation Army. [Born 27 January 1886 at Aberdeen: died 20 August 1910 at Kooringa.]

VX, 905, 31 Aug. 1910, page 2

Obituary. Mrs Frank Herbert died on Friday 26 August, aged 80. She came to Burra in the early days. She was the mother of Nathalius (Nate) and George.

[Margaret Bridget. Maiden name uncertain: perhaps Kean.]

VX, 905, 31 Aug. 1910, page 3

George Bartholomaeus is disposing of all his ironmongery stock at 121⁄2% off, as he has taken up land in the Mitchell District of Queensland.

AO Foresters Social at the Kooringa Hotel last Saturday. Dr Ashton, who succeeds Dr Sangster Sen., attended.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club held a billiard tournament that was won by L. Lewis 250, from W.H. Crowder 219.

Marriage. At Kooringa Methodist Church on Wednesday Miss Williams married James Peak of Crossroads.

Mrs J.I. Sangster Sen. was presented with a tourmaline broach and gold chain as a farewell presentation at ‘Heathmont’, the home of Mrs Thomas Sandland, the other evening.

Dr Ashton, who succeeds Dr Sangster Sen., arrived in town last week.

Obituary. James Harris died at Petersburg last week. He was the nephew of Ambrose Harris of Burra. Many years ago he beat the famous Petherick in a Sheffield Handicap run at Princess Royal.

[Michael James Harris born 26 July 1860 at Bertha: died 25 August at Petersburg.]

The Cinderellas will hold a masquerade, plain and fancy ball at the Institute next Monday evening.

VX, 906, 7 Sep. 1910, page 2

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will sell on Wednesday 28 September the stock in trade of W.J. Richards, who has sold his business to Vivian Lewis Ltd. Comprising 20 bicycles and 6 second-hand motorcycles etc.

Burra Rifle Club members Capt. Lord, & Messrs C. Lord, L. Nutt & L. Stephens went to Gawler last week and all were successful in the annual rifle matches.

Marriage. At Hanson: Miss L. Blunt married Mr H.W. Hunt.

Marriage. At Iron Mine: Miss A. Oates married Mr Walter Finch.

The Leighton Hall Funds were aided by a concert, supper and dance held there last Thursday.

King Edward VII Memorial. A meeting was held in the Council Chamber last Friday evening, but unfortunately only one sketch of the proposal was submitted. We hope the public and subscribers will get the worth of their money and ‘a monument of beauty and not one of a public nuisance.’ We fear if the ‘sketch’ is not considerably altered the latter will be the case.

VX, 906, 7 Sep. 1910, page 3

‘A Mother’ complains of ‘bad conduct’ in the school grounds and is appalled that it continues ‘unobserved by the head of the school.

Court.

Albert Beaglehole was sent for trial in Adelaide, charged with stealing £8-4-7 from Charles Wilkey in the bar of the Burra hotel on 3 September. [Details extend for 3⁄4 column.]

Weather. A storm on the night of 2 & 3 September began with rain from c. 11 p.m. which continued in torrents throughout the night. By Saturday morning the Burra Creek was flowing strongly and by 2 p.m. was the highest for 20 years. The Pig and Whistle footbridge was washed away and a boy who was foolishly about to cross had a lucky escape. About half the footbridge behind the Burra Hotel was swept away. In Aberdeen the waters covered almost the whole of the new oval and much of the country to Mt Bryan was flooded with all traffic suspended. The footbridge at the White Hart was covered and water lapped the doors of Messrs Reed & Gully, but the level soon subsided.

The heavy falls also extended to the east.

At Mt Bryan by the church the flood was over a mile wide.

Redruth Methodist Church. The fair on Friday at the Institute was a great success.

VX, 907, 14 Sep. 1910, page 2

West’s Pictures at the Institute on Tuesday showed Living London, Pathé Animated Gazette, In the Border States, The Face at the Window and The New Boss of Bar X Ranch.

The Cinderella Class held its last dance for the season on 6 September at the Institute. It was an unqualified success. Geotze’s Band from Adelaide played.

VX, 907, 14 Sep. 1910, page 3

Bachelors’ & Spinsters’ Ball at the Institute on Thursday. Setaro’s Band played. Dancing till 2 a.m.

Redruth Court, Monday.

Isaac J. Warnes was fined £1-16-0 plus costs for not destroying rabbits on his property in the Hundred of King. [This was corrected in the next issue by the statement: ‘someone else with another name’.]

W. Blair was fined 10/- for being unlawfully on the premises of the Royal Exchange Hotel during prohibited hours on a Sunday.

Richard Simpson (45) of George St was committed for trial for indecently assaulting a 12-year-old girl.

Dr Sangster Senior’s Farewells.

At Burra Public School on Wednesday 7 September the School Board, Parents & Friends and the Headmaster, Mr Scott, assembled to Farewell Dr Sangster. He was presented with an aseptic surgical pocket case by Edith Harris on behalf of the students. [Details in 2⁄3 column.]

On Wednesday he was also farewelled by the School Board of which he had been Chairman.

On Friday an enlarged photo of the hospital and nurses was presented to him at the hospital.

At a social at St Mary’s he received an illuminated address.

On Friday evening a large number of people assembled at the Institute for a farewell chaired by the Mayor, Mr S. Burns. Speakers were:

Mr Winnall for the Burra Hospital

W.J. Davey for Court Unity AOF

C.J. Pearce for the Rechabites

F. Treloar for the Loyal Burra Lodge IOOFMU

C. Fuss for the Aberdeen Oddfellows

W. Wilkinson for the Burra Jubilee Benevolent Society

Rev. H.C. Farley for Methodism

George Scott for the School

Dr Caw

The mayor presented him with a solid gold watch and a silver salver.

Dr Sangster expects to retire in 3-4 years and meanwhile has gone to a lighter practice in Glenelg. He had come to Burra for ‘a couple of years’ and had almost multiplied that by 16.

VX, 908, 21 Sep. 1910, page 2

Weather. More rain in the last week saw the Burra Creek rise again on Friday night.

Salvation Army. The Self Denial Week effort has been raising money and Ensign and Mrs Bennett hope to top last year’s target.

VX, 908, 21 Sep. 1910, page 3

Recent floods have placed huge strains on District Councils and Government help will be needed.

VX, 909, 28 Sep. 1910, page 2

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School. Work has begun on the new kindergarten building.

Burra Town Council.

There is concern that the amalgamation of the jobs of the Town Clerk and the Inspector is not working out with stray stock a problem in town ‘all day long’.

VX, 909, 28 Sep. 1910, page 3

Iron Mine Methodist Sunday School Anniversary was held on 18 September. The preacher was Rev. Gray.

Tennis. Kooringa on Saturday: Kooringa 50 games defeated Hallett 40 games.

Burra Racing Club. The balance sheet shows a loss for the year 1909, but it is amply covered by the money in the bank. The new course meant greater than usual expenditure.

Fire. A small fire damaged the display in T.W. Wilkinson’s window on Saturday. It probably started from the head of a match when the gas was lit. It was soon extinguished with little damage.

St Joseph’s. Father O’Dowling SJ conducted Mass at St Joseph’s on Sunday and then travelled to Booborowie, returning for the evening service at St Joseph’s. On Monday a Nuptial Mass was held for Mr M. Hogan of Booborowie.

IO Rechabites held a social in the Institute on Thursday on the occasion of a visit of District Officers. The local tent has 136 members with 165 in the female tent and 30 in the juvenile tent.

VX, 910, 5 Oct. 1910, page 2

Burra School Board of Advice is continuing to investigate bad conduct of pupils in the grounds.

Snakes are plentiful in town.

VX, 910, 5 Oct. 1910, page 3

Obituary. David Ryder died at Copperhouse on 26 September, aged 80. He was the father of the late James Ryder and was staying with his granddaughter, Mrs J. Nickles. He had worked in the Pinnacles Mine for a number of years.

Tennis. Wednesday at Redruth: Aberdeen 12-83 defeated Kooringa 4-56.

Burra Rifle Club. There is a report of an altercation between an unnamed Rifle Club member and a snake in the marking pit at the rifle range.

Fred C. Cleve & Co. return to the Burra Institute on 18 October. The performance includes the wonderful Stillwell the Great, marvel of magical mysteries.

Echidnas. Porcupines are to be seen on the hills south of Burra.

Obituary. Mrs Jane Ewins, wife of C.H. Ewins, draper of Kooringa, died 2 October, aged 64. [The death notice in the next issue says in her 64th year.] She had been ailing for many years of a heart affection. [Born Jane Dennis.]

Marriage. Hanson Methodist Church, 28 September.

Leila A. Blunt, youngest daughter of E.S. Blunt of Hanson and

Hubert W. Hunt, 2nd son of Henry Hunt of Wirrabara.

VX, 911, 12 Oct. 1910, page 2

Richard Simpson, who was tried in Adelaide for the indecent assault on a young girl, was sentenced to 9 months.

King Edward VII Memorial. The two large trees by the Market Square pump have been removed in preparation for work on the Edward VII Memorial.

Salvation Army. The fair on Friday raised c. £14. There was a concert in the evening.

VX, 911, 12 Oct. 1910, page 3

Weather. Last Sunday showers and hail fell and on Sunday night it snowed. The hills and gullies were covered on Monday morning, though it had melted by about 8 a.m. A fall this late in the year is unusual. Snow persisted all day on the higher ground towards Mt Bryan and Hallett. Monday continued wet and cold.

C.A. Lott’s tender was accepted to erect a verandah at the Institute caretaker’s cottage.

Burra Show on 5 October was the best for many years with record entries. The Governor of SA attended. As usual sheep were the main attraction for many and cattle were sparsely represented. There were no stallions. The agricultural machinery display was good. The Terowie Band played all day.

[Personal interest:

Agricultural Produce

Lucerne A. Fuss [Since he was not known to be a farmer: why/how?]

Dairy Produce

Rolled Bacon A. Forrest 1st & 2nd

Eggs, Hen Ah Chin 1st

Eggs, Duck Ah Chin 1st

Poultry

Pekin Drake Ah Chin 1st

Pekin Duck Ah Chin 1st

Draught Horses

Brood mare in foal or at foot A. Forrest 1st

Pair of plough horses A. Forrest 1st

Dray horse A. Forrest 2nd

Dogs

Ladies fancy dog Ah Chin 1st

Vegetables

Collection Ah Chin 1st

Herbs Ah Chin 1st

Cauliflowers Ah Chin 1st

Rhubarb Ah Chin 1st

Red Beet Ah Chin 1st

Celery Ah Chin 1st

Collection salad vegetables Ah Chin 1st

Pie Melons Ah Chin 1st

Marrows Ah Chin 1st

Vegetables grown within 30 miles of Burra

Cauliflowers Ah Chin 1st

Lettuce Ah Chin 1st

Turnips Ah Chin 1st

Rhubarb Ah Chin 1st

Carrots Ah Chin 1st

Red Beet Ah Chin 1st

Collection Ah Chin 1st

Herbs Ah Chin 1st

Pie Melons Ah Chin 1st

Flowers: All 1st prizes unless otherwise indicated

Prize to Ah Chin

Freesias

Prizes to A. Fuss

12 pelargonium zonale 3 pelargonium zonale 3 stocks

Prizes to R. Fuss

6 anemones 6 dianthus 3 dianthus (2nd)

3 nasturtiums (2nd) 6 poppies 3 poppies

12 pansies 6 pansies 3 pansies (2nd)

12 phlox drummondii 6 phlox drummondii 1 rose

6 shrubs 3 shrubs 12 stocks

6 stocks 3 stocks (2nd) 6 verbenas

3 verbenas basket of flowers (2nd) 1 azalea in pot

3 cyclamen 1 cyclamen (2nd) 6 primula

3 primula 1 primula (2nd) 3 rex begonias

1 rex begonia 1 basket plant 6 ferns

3 ferns 1 fern 3 seven inch pots

6 pots for table 3 pots for table 1 pot for table]

VX, 912, 19 Oct. 1910, page 2

Aberdeen Ballast Quarries

Residents of Burra have had a deputation to the Attorney General (Mr Denny) to ask the Government to consider buying the Aberdeen Ballast Quarries or making arrangements for their continual working. The matter will be laid before the Premier.

[The arguments for doing so are expounded in over 1⁄2 column.]

King Edward VII Memorial. The base has been finished and the other work will proceed at once.

VX, 912, 19 Oct. 1910, page 3

Burra Rifle Club. On the Eight Hour Day Holiday in Burra: Burra 890 defeated Hamley Bridge 832.

Miss Riggs won the Ladies Small Bore Match 19 points from Miss M. Pascoe 18.

The Point Money Match was won by F. Wheatley 104 from C. Muller 103.

The Old Age Pension Act. There is a 3⁄4 column article on the working of the Act. To get the pension you had to apply to the local registrar (the clerk of the local court) for the forms. There were three to be filled in.

One of 38 questions to be completed by the applicant.

Two with 30 questions to be completed by persons who had known the applicant for 25 years.

The forms then had to be declared before a JP, Minister of Religion etc. as stipulated in the Act.

The Registrar then examined the forms and, if necessary, corrected them.

He then instructed the local policeman to enquire into the character of the applicant and whether he or his wife owned property.

The Town Clerk then had to supply a valuation of any such property and a similar application was made to the applicant’s bank manager.

The applicants then had to wait until a sufficient number of such applications had accumulated in the area for a magistrate to hear a group of cases.

The applicants were then sworn in and examined by the Special Magistrate and successful applicants got £1 a fortnight.

In Burra over 100 claims had been heard. The Act was inaugurated on 1 July 1909.

Burra Creek Boating. There is an amusing account of some boating, or at least some makeshift rafting on the creek.

Burra Racing Club. The AGM on Friday night heard that the club had spent about £100 on the course and ended up in credit £13-£14.

The Labor Party held its social in the Institute on Friday night.

Gypsies. A group of gypsies arrived in town on Monday afternoon. The police have given them 24 hours to move on.

VX, 913, 26 Oct. 1910, page 2

Kooringa Methodist Church Anniversary was held last Sunday and Monday. Rev. Vivian Roberts was the preacher and at the Monday meeting he spoke on Cornish Character and Stories.

Burra Cemetery. The local cemetery is covered in high grass and there are piles of rubbish. The system inaugurated by the Council is not working.

Weather. There was a severe hailstorm last Thursday.

Burra Creek. The recent floods have created deep pools 10-12’ deep and in one place south of the town there is a pool 15’ deep and about 100 yards long. It is likely to last for months as it has uncovered springs.

The Stillwell-Cleve Co. performed twice to moderate houses last week. Stillwell the Great was particularly good as a conjuror, while Fred Cleves is a comedian of high merit.

W. McDonald has taken over the eastern mail contract.

The McBride Cottages were opened on Monday afternoon. They are tenanted by 5 or 6 old people.

[The row opposite the Kooringa Methodist, later Uniting, Church.]

Obituary. Mrs Jane Harvey died at Burra Hospital last Sunday. She was the mother of Mrs W.E. Jordan and Mrs John Peak. [Probably born Jane Carty: died 23 October 1910 at Kooringa aged 74.]

The Mayor, Mr S. Burns had a stroke one day last week and partial paralysis has confined him to his room.

The North Booborowie Estate of 33,587 acres is to be subdivided into farming blocks.

Kooringa Post Office. J. Pearce has won the contract for the alterations and additions.

Portions of Hill River Estate were sold at the Burra Institute on Thursday.

Burra Bicycle and Athletic Club met at V. Lewis’s Garage on Monday. They intend holding their annual sports on Boxing Day, 26 December with prize money amounting to £50.

Burra Rifle Club. The 6th match for Urwin’s Medal saw C. Muller 101 from C.W. Pearce 100.

Two possibles (35) were recorded, one by A. McLaren over the 600 yard range and one by J.A. Riggs over the 700 yard range.

THE ISSUE DUE ON 2 NOVEMBER WAS NOT PRINTED:

DUE TO THE ILLNESS OF THE EDITOR & PROPRIETOR, MR W.J. DAVEY.

THE GAP HAS BEEN FILLED FROM AN ISSUE OF THE KAPUNDA HERALD

No. 3,575, Vol. XLVI, 4 November 1910, page 6

Obituary. Mrs Jane Harvey, an old resident of Burra died in the Adelaide Hospital last week after a short illness. She was the mother of Mrs John Peak of Hanson and Mrs W.E. Jordan of Kooringa.

[This report seems to me to be wrong, though checking the background is not straightforward. Mrs Margaret Harvey died 23 October 1910 and was buried in Burra Cemetery 24 October 1910. Both sources say she was 74. Death registration however, gives the place of death and residence as Kooringa. The age suggests a birth c. 1836. Her marriage to John Harvey in 1865 suggests a birth date c. 1839. She does though, seem to be the mother of Mesdames Peak and Jordan.]

The Burra Bicycle & Athletic Club will hold a mixed sports on Boxing Day.

Accident/Obituary

On Friday Mr Charles Talbot, a boundary rider on Booborowie met with a fatal accident. He was driving home near the Devil’s Hole when his horse bolted. The vehicle capsized and Mr Talbot was pinned to the ground with the cart crushing his chest. He was aged 58 and unmarried.

[Died 28 October 1910 aged 59 at Devil’s Hole Booborowie Estate, which is also stated as his residence.]

Accident. Two young men, employed at W.P. Barker’s shearing shed, went for a swim in Baldina creek on Monday and got into difficulties. A rouseabout named Farrelly and his mate Eldersay were rescued by a fellow employee named Brown. Farrelly was in a very bad way when rescued.

Accident. Harry Geach, son of Thomas Geach of Kooringa was cutting feed for a tradesman’s horses when he accidentally knelt on the cutting edge of his scythe, inflicting a nasty wound requiring several stitches.

Elder, Smith & Co. offered 14,300 sheep on Friday, being surplus from McBride’s Outalpa & Oulina Stations at Mannahill. A special train was chartered from Petersburg to get buyers to the sale.

Mt Bryan Tennis Club recently got Mr W.H. Evans of Petersburg to deliver his popular lecture ‘People I have known’, to aid their funds.

Paull’s Consolidated Copper Mine. Tributers are reported to be getting good ore.

Mr John Melrose of Ulooloo has purchased Williambury Station in the Gascoyne District of Western Australia, comprising 500 acres freehold and 298,000 acres leasehold, for £28,000.

Burra Burra Copper Mine held its 18th half-yearly report, which showed nothing but a little tribute work had been done. Receipts were £200 and expenditure £164. The credit balance in hand was £2,563. Regret was expressed at the death since the last meeting of T.B. Gall, who had been a chairman for some time.

The Burra Chess Club has gone into recess on account of several members moving away and others being unable to get into town.

Land Sale

Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd will sell 33,587 acres of the North Booborowie Estate. After that the owner of South Booborowie Mr T.L. Browne has decided they will offer 6,000 acres for sale, comprising the Carraca, New Carraca and Baldry Paddocks.

Grasshoppers are in the northeast in vast numbers and are wreaking havoc between Cockburn and Burra. It is thought they will move southeast to land along the River Murray and wheat growers are hoping they will not affect the cropping country.

Obituary. Mr G.T. Ley died at Unley Park on 25 October. He was born at Exeter, Devonshire on 21 October 1836 and came to SA with his parents when aged 16. He settled in the Southeast and married Miss P. Tonkin in 1864. He moved to Farrell Flat as a farmer and grazier, retiring to Unley Park in 1901. He left six daughters and two sons – George & Walter Ley of Farrell Flat.

Mr & Mrs H.C. Rundle & Miss Muriel Rundle were given a farewell by the Kia-Ora Tennis Club on the eve of their departure for Petersburg.

The Season

The outlook has never been better for both wheat growers and pastoralists in the Burra district. The new wheat areas around Shafton, Braefoot, Mt Bryan, Petherton, Koonoona and to the northwest and southeast generally are expected to break records. A few areas are infested with dandelion and they will need careful handling. Averages of 20-30 bushels are talked of. Farmers in the Mt Bryan area are jubilant.

For pastoralists lambing was good and shearing is expected to cut out considerably better than expected a few months since.

Dairymen also are having a profitable time.

Kooringa Cottage Homes

Recently five cottage homes directly opposite the Methodist Church, built by Mr J. McBride for the use of the worthy poor, were declared open by the Rev. Vivian Roberts, the President elect of the Methodist Church of South Australia. They are built on the site of old mine cottages, which had stood for many years, but which had become dilapidated eye-sores. The new buildings were erected by John Pearce & Sons and are replete in every comfort and convenience. Mr & Mrs McBride and family attended. Mr McBride, in handing over the deeds said it was simply a gift to God to be held in trust by the Methodist Church for the use of those worthy poor people who needed a home at the close of their lives. Rev. Roberts expressed his pleasure at accepting such a trust from ‘one who had done so much in his long life for his needy fellow creatures’. The visitors then inspected the buildings and expressed pleasure and delight at the cosy and homelike appearance of the dwellings.

No. 3,575, Vol. XLVI, 4 November 1910, page 7

Special Article on ‘The Gums’

[The article includes four poorly reproduced photos of sheep and a poor quality photo of the homestead.]

At one time farmers tried to cultivate the vast stretches of land between Burra and the Murray. For a year or two barns were filled with wheat, but soon the climate prevailed and one after the other the farms were abandoned and the story of how T.H. Pearse built up ‘The Gums’ is typical of others in this respect. After its recital one must eliminate all suggestions of ‘luck’ in connection with its success.

The property is now like one immense grassed prairie. ‘The Gums’ may be reached from Mt Mary or Morgan on the North Eastern Railway or from Burra on the main Northern Line. Mt Mary is the nearest rail point and the post town. [The article continues as the report by a visit of a reporter.]

I was met by Mr Harold Pearse, the youngest son of T.H. Pearse, who drove him from the Morgan railway station to the homestead at 20 m.p.h. in a 7 h.p. Swift, covering the 25 miles in 11⁄4 hours. There I was welcomed warmly. Shearing was in progress. The mail had started an hour before us, but arrived an hour later.

The homestead is on a rise north of a magnificent belt of gum trees, from which the property takes its name. The trees mark a big swamp, which is watered when the Burra creek overflows. The garden and lawn are objects of Mrs Pearse’s care and attention. A permanent supply of water has allowed a great range of flowers to be grown. Climbers and standards flourish.

T.H. Pearse has been on the property for 26 years. In 1884 in conjunction with Mr W. Cockrum he bought it from Mr R.J. McBride. The partnership lasted until 1895 when it was dissolved by mutual consent. Mr Pearse stayed on. He has three sons; B.W., N.H. and H.L. Pearse. B.W. Pearse was for some time the owner of Caroona Station some 40 miles northwest of ‘The Gums’. The second and third sons went to Roseworthy Agricultural College and now assist in the management of ‘The Gums’.

Mr Norman is in partnership with his father in the firm of Thomas H. Pearse & Son and lives at Corra Linn, about two miles away and the two homesteads are connected by telephone. The station covers some 95,000 acres of saltbush country, 15,000 acres having been bought in the last few months from Mr Harold Pearse, the youngest son. This vast area has in its time been practically devoid of feed and Mr Pearse can relate awful tales of droughts endured. In one such in an eighteen month period only 11⁄2 inches of rain fell and thirteen thousand sheep died – that was in 1889. The 1901-02 period was another terrible drought. The average rainfall is 9 inches. In the last year or two the gauge has measured c. 16 years. [Sic: presumably a misprint for inches.]

As the struggling farmers in the Hundred of Bundey fell, he gathered their properties one after the other – adding 33 such holdings to the original station. The South Australian Legislature was slow to acknowledge this change and short term tenure offers no inducement for expenditure on fences, water supply etc. Only in the last dozen or so years were those who persevered given comparative security of tenure with perpetual leasing and long leases, with right of purchase. This has encouraged investment in improvements.

Except for about five miles the whole of ‘The Gums’ is now protected by vermin-proof fencing and that gap will be closed this year. Paddocks range from 1,500 to 7,000 acres and are arranged to take best advantage of feed and water. Foxes are present, but keep down rabbits and the loss of 5-7% of the lambs to them is a bearable price to pay for that benefit. There are more than 30 dams on the property with a capacity of more than 20,000,000 gallons and dispersed so that no paddock is unsupplied. Water on hand now will serve for about eighteen months. Dams range in size from 175,000 to 2,100,000 gallons and two wells give an inexhaustible supply of good stock water. Burra Creek touches one corner for about 4 miles. Further bores are being put down to test the idea that the waters of Baldina Creek flow underground across the property. One bore at 164 ft is in operation in support of this theory.

Almost the whole of Mr Pearse’s efforts have been directed for some years to the raising of big framed strong-wooled merinos, which he has proved can be raised on saltbush country without special protection and are inured to the trials of a hot dry climate. The had observed that wool in the east had a tendency to become light and thus lose character and he aimed to retain that character.

In 1890 he shore 38,000 for 500 bales and in 1909 he shore 16,000 for 420 bales.

For all the conservation of feed, less management work and labour and better supervision of the smaller flock he gained greater commercial value of the sheep for a cost of 80 bales of wool. The average weight of shorn fleeces has increased 50%.

Last year 12,000 sheep averaged 12 lb each and the lambs a little over 4 lb.

This year they expect 13 lb and more than 5 lb respectively.

In establishing this flock Mr Pearse has secured the Koonoona and Murray merinos – large framed, grass-fed and strong wooled. He has culled anything indicating deterioration and now rears his own rams with occasional imported stud rams from the Koonoona-Wanganella strain and aims always to breed true to type.

The flock of stud ewes of 450 should average 18 lb fleeces this year.

In a drive around the property we saw lambs five months old that were almost as big as their mothers. These sheep are well suited to saltbush country and the lands opening back from the River Murray and the fame of the Pearse Stud is spreading.

Lambing at ‘The Gum’s takes place in March and April and this year there was a drop of 4,600 at a rate of over 90%.

Early on he suffered from overstocking, but has learnt that a safe rate is one sheep to 5 acres and now runs 15,000 to 20,000 sheep depending on the year. This year he could have run nearly 50,000, but prefers to look at keeping twelve months’ feed in reserve. Since the 1902 drought broke bare patches have been filling up and while the ground is not yet entirely covered, it does not bear the barren look, which is the despair of the pastoralist.

In the area fed by the overflow of Burra creek green feed persists to Christmas every year that has anything like a flood. Rich clover, succulent spinach, geranium and a wonderful variety of indigenous grasses and bushes grow in profusion.

This has been a marvellous season for the east and there is an abundance of cotton, salt and blue bushes, barley, silver, canary, prairie and spear grasses. The sheep have become choosey, being able to pick the choicest morsels. We drove through 6,000 acres of black spear grass 3 ft 6 inches high and yet in one drought year 3,000 lambing ewes were kept alive there on sandalwood that ‘all hands and the cook’ broke down for them.

The timber consists mainly of little mallee, myall, sandalwood, black oak and bullock bush, with magnificent stands of gums along the creek near the homestead. Rank growth of the tobacco tree is a problem that has spread over the swamp. Mr Pearse thinks that the seed must have washed down the creek in floods from the Burra area.

This year ‘The Gums’ will shear some 18,000 animals. The shed has eight stands and is fitted with the Moffat-Virtue Sheep Shearing Machines, driven by a 4 b.h.p. petrol engine. The Federal Sheep Shearing Company has the contract and they supply the shearers, overseer and book-keeper. The wool classing is done by students from the School of Mines under a foreman from the same.

The station has also bred splendid horses, suitable for the remount service. The name of T.H. Pearse & Son is well known in the half-yearly shows held in Adelaide by the royal Agricultural Society and at other shows.

VX, 914, 9 Nov. 1910, page 2

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis on instructions from Dr Sangster Sen. will sell the growing crop of about 10 acres in the Princestown paddock on 9 November.

Obituary. Thomas Hastie, aged 84, died on 5 November at Redruth of bronchitis. He was the husband of Margaret Hastie. [Registered as dying at Roach Town.]

The Record was not published last week due to the illness of the editor and proprietor, Mr W.J. Davey.

Hooligans entered Alex. Harris’s wood yard in Kingston St on Sunday night last and assaulted an Afghan who was camping there as he has done at various times in the last 20 years. They smashed the pole of the van and damaged it in other ways. Drink seems to have motivated them and so far the police have made no progress in the case.

Miss Irene Crewes has come top out of 500 competitors in the Royal Drawing Society’s annual examinations in London, where she sent her work. She has been a pupil of James Ashton of Adelaide.

Rev. D.R.B. Gribble of Yarrabah (NQ) gave an illustrated lecture in St Mary’s Hall on Friday evening on Life Amongst the Australian Aborigines.

The Kia-ora Tennis Club farewelled Mr & Mrs Rundle and Miss Muriel Rundle last Saturday. They are going to Petersburg. Mr & Miss Rundle have been active members.

The Aberdeen Ballast Quarry is again idle. The men are being taken to do more urgent work elsewhere. Most of those from Burra are at Yarcowie doing re-laying work.

Salvation Army. The Self-Denial Effort has raised £173, of which Frank Harris was responsible for £124.

VX, 914, 9 Nov. 1910, page 3

The Mayoralty. It is unlikely that Mr Burns will be able to stand for another term since his recent illness.

St Joseph’s. Rev. Father Daly, who has served at Burra, Mt Bryan and Booborowie for nearly three years, gave his last service at St Joseph’s on Sunday.

W.J. Davey, proprietor and editor of The Burra Record has been lying seriously ill in Adelaide for the past fortnight. He is now making progress.

Guy Fawkes Day was a fairly quiet affair in Burra on 5 November. The custom seems to be dying out.

Weather. There were widespread thunderstorms on Friday. Redcliffe Station reported over 2” in a very short time and at Leighton 1.30” fell in less than 30 minutes.

King Edward VII Memorial. There is an annoying delay in erecting the memorial.

Streetlights. Four extra lamps were erected last week.

Scavenging in the town is arousing considerable dissatisfaction at present.

Burra Rifle Club. The 7th match for Urwin’s Medal resulted in C. Radford 107 from J. Hatherly 105 and G. Lord 102.

Obituary. Charles Talbot, aged c. 59, was killed near the Devil’s Hole when his horse took fright and he was crushed beneath the overturned cart. [Died 28 October 1910 aged 59 at Devil’s Hole Booborowie Estate.]

Mc Brides Homes. Five cottage homes built opposite the Kooringa Methodist Church by Mr J.M. McBride for the use of the poor were opened on 24 October by Rev. Vivian Roberts, President-elect of the Methodist church of SA. The site was previously occupied by old mine cottages for over 50 years. The new ones were built by John Pearce & Sons to Mr McBride’s orders. Mr & Mrs McBride attended, Mr McBride handing over the keys.

The Mails. From 1 November the World’s End mail will be delivered from Robertstown twice a week instead of from Burra. The eastern mail run will be made by William McDonald instead of G. March and Mr Carey of Kooringa will run the mails between Hallett, Braemar and Canowie.

Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, 2 November.

John Leslie Sandland and Elsie Myra Crewes. They will live at Nackra. [sic]

[Nackara has a confusing nomenclature: at times known as Nackra and Tregu. Even Manning does not make it very clear.]

A prowler was seen around the Crewes’s house the night before the wedding and it was feared he was after some of the £150 worth of wedding gifts. He managed to escape, though without any loot.

Obituary. Thomas Hastie was born near Glasgow in 1826, where he was engaged in farming. He arrived in SA on the Shackmexon in January 1853 and worked as a farmhand near Gumeracha and then at Angaston and Dempsey Vale and then as a partner with George Mellor at Tanunda before buying a farm at South Rhine*. He first arrived in Burra shortly after the mines were discovered and carted copper ore to Pt Adelaide. He acquired a farm at Ironmine and after retiring from farming visited England with his wife in 1883. He had a shrewd knowledge of farming and stock and was a man of high principles.

[*The Hundred of South Rhine was renamed Hundred of Jutland on 10 January 1918. The sequence of events listed above seems a little odd. 1853 is 8 years after the mine started and the carting statements do not fit well with the farming statements for Barossa Valley areas. His retirement is suggested at age 57, which is possible, but rather young given that his health apparently allowed him to live to 84. I would suggest treating this account with caution.]

VX, 915, 16 Nov. 1910, page 2

Advt. Aberdeen Football Club will meet 23 November in the Gymnasium Hall Aberdeen.

[What building is meant by the Gymnasium Hall? Butterworth’s Mill?]

Notice. Due to the effluxion of time the following officers of the Town Council are retiring: Mayor, S. Burns and Councillors Walker, Ockenden and Wise.

The Edward VII Memorial earns a 5-stanza poem.

Burra Racing Club. At a meeting at the Burra Hotel on Friday George Lord took the chair. George Maxwell was appointed secretary and W. Hodge assistant secretary. W.H. Hardy was thanked for past services.

S. Burns will definitely not run again for Mayor following his recent serious illness, though he is getting about again.

St Mary’s Annual Strawberry Fete will be held in the Institute next Friday.

Fred. M. Pearce has taken over the old established business of G.F. Bartholomaeus at New Aberdeen.

VX, 915, 16 Nov. 1910, page 3

H.C. Rundle and family left Burra for Petersburg on Saturday. He has been in charge of the Kooringa Post and Telegraph Office for some two years. They were active members of St Mary’s Church.

King Edward VII Memorial. The material for the Rotunda has now arrived and will be erected at once. The other associated work will be completed in a few days.

W.J. Davey’s health is improving.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School’s new kindergarten building is nearing completion.

Kooringa Post & Telegraph Office. John Pearce & Son are getting to work on the new building.

Drew & Crewes will carry on the PO business at Mt Bryan and will build an office near their store.

Lady Holder visited Burra last week.

John Harvey, dayman for the Town Council, is seeking 9/- per day.

School Age. There is an effort in SA to increase the school leaving age from 13 to 14.

Robertstown Railway. There is a 1⁄3 column of evidence from the Royal Commission into the proposed railway to Robertstown.

‘T.B.’ of Kooringa writes urging the Council to water down the roads when storms threaten, at least near the grocers, butchers etc. so we don’t get filth from the streets deposited on food.

VX, 916, 23 Nov. 1910, page 2

Burra Town Council Elections

The Mayor and Crs Walker, Ockenden & Wise together with Auditor William Pearce are retiring due to the effluxion of time and nominations for their replacement are called.

The Conservator of Forests W. Gill visited Ayers Forest recently and found some 56,000 tress had been planted this year using the following species:

From NSW Leather jacket Eucalyptus punctata

Spotted gum Eucalyptus maculate

Yellow box Eucalyptus melliodora

Forest red gum Eucalyptus tereticornis

From SA Sugar gum Eucalyptus coryno-calyx

Box gum Eucalyptus hemiphloia

Blue gum Eucalyptus leucoxylon

Mr A. Bartholomaeus is pegging out some of the available land in front of the shed at the cemetery which will yield about 100 extra blocks. He is also preparing a plan of the new portion of the burial area.

A Bolt. A horse in a dog cart driven by Mr Green of Aberdeen bolted from the Burra Hotel while he was attending to business. It sped towards the bridge in Kingston St. He gave chase and while trying to get hold of the pony he was knocked down and broke an arm.

A Bolt. The Town Clerk Mr R.H. Steele drove to Aberdeen last Thursday in a dog cart and while he was out engaged in some business the pony was frightened by a motor car. Despite the wheel being chained the pony bolted and dragged the cart nearly half a mile. No damage was done.

Drew & Crewes’ heavily laden van driven by a young man named Jordan very nearly capsized at Braefoot on Wednesday when one of the wheels collapsed. Little damage was done except to throw the contents about somewhat and give the driver a nasty fright.

Weather. Wednesday last week was unpleasantly hot and dusty.

The Memorial Rotunda in Market Square is being erected.

The Robertstown Railway moved a step closer when a meeting there on Monday came to an agreement concerning the guarantee.

Rt Rev. Dr Norton Bishop of Pt Augusta visited St Joseph’s at the end of last week and officiated at three services on Sunday.

VX, 916, 23 Nov. 1910, page 3

W.J. Davey, proprietor and editor of the Burra Record, who has been an inmate of Miss Hill’s Private Hospital in Adelaide for the last four weeks, has recovered sufficiently to leave there for a sea trip on the advice of Dr Poulton.

The Mayoralty will be contested by Cr John Wise and Mr John McLaren, the local representative of Bagot, Shakes & Lewis. Both men have previous experience on the Council.

North Booborowie Estate has been purchased by the Government from Messrs Dutton & Melrose for £6-2-6 an acre with a view to subdivision for closer settlement. It comprises some 33,587 acres. It is intended to allot the bulk of it in time for some work being done before next season.

Burra Rifle Club. The 8th match for the Urwin Gold Medal was fired over 800, 900 & 1,000 yards and best scores were by A.D. McLaren, J. Riggs & R.D. Pascoe.

J.J. Kelly of Mt Bryn writes about a report in last week’s paper of a court case of Farmers’ Union v. J.G. Rooke. The editor had said it was a win for a Burra Farmer, but Kelly says a non-suit was ordered and therefore Farmers’ Union may bring the case again when they get sufficient evidence.

The Scott Beresford Company will appear at the Institute Saturday & Monday. On Saturday they present the Irish Drama Kathleen Mavourneen and on Monday two pieces: Molly Doolan and the farce Felix O’Callaghan.

‘Short & Sharp’

Material for the enclosure of Market Square has arrived.

The Teddy Bear has become a fashionable favourite with the ladies.

Residents have taken to the new? Kooringa post office – like kittens to milk.

Thomas Ryan MP late of Burra seems to be in his element trying to ‘corner’ Premier Verran. The thing is: Can he help it? We question.

St Mary’s Church Strawberry Fete after having been let go for some two years was resuscitated this year and held in the Institute last Friday. It was opened by W.G. Hawkes. Total proceeds were over £104. [Personal interest: Mrs C. Fuss was on of the workers on the Refreshments Stall.]

Hallett Annual Strawberry Fete yielded over £40 on Saturday afternoon. Half will go to the manse fund and half to circuit funds.

Redruth Methodist Sunday School held its anniversary last Sunday. W.H. Chambers formerly of the SAR, but now residing at Balaklava conducted three services. The tea was on Wednesday in Jubilee Hall with the public meeting in the church.

VX, 917, 30 Nov. 1910, page 2

Obituary. Raymond Kingsley March, aged 12, died on 23 November at Kooringa as the result of an accident. He was the 4th son of W.H. & S.C. March. A report on page three says he died as a result of falling from a tree near the old brewery. [Born 14 December 1898 at Kooringa.]

Aberdeen Ballast Quarry is again working raising ballast for the Adelaide-Burra line. The Department lease is nearly up and there is talk of its being extended.

Shafton & Braefoot. There is a 1⁄2 column report on the positive results of closer settlement of the Shafton and Braefoot estates 8-10 miles SW of Burra. They were recently cut into blocks of 340 to over 1109 acres, after Government purchase. They are now growing good wheat crops. Nearly 20 families occupy the place of one.

VX, 917, 30 Nov. 1910, page 3

Swimming Club. Last year at a meeting in the Burra Institute it was decided to form a swimming club, but little was done due to it being near the close of the season. J. McLaren chaired the AGM last Friday night. A discussion on the great lack of interest shown in the club saw the club lapse.

[It was last season rather than last year, as the meeting referred to took place on 18 February 1910.]

The Scott-Beresford Dramatic Co. performed in the Institute on Saturday & Monday, staging Kathleen Mavourneen on Saturday and Felix O’Callaghan on Monday. The two were well performed and well supported.

St Mary’s will hold Hospital Sunday next Sunday when all the local institutions will be represented.

Municipal Elections. Nominations.

Mayor John McLaren Stock Agent

John Wise Farmer

East Ward E.J. Harris Storekeeper

Carl A. Lott Builder

North Ward George Maxwell Blacksmith

John Walker Wheat Agent

West Ward Thomas Geach Driver

Charles Parks Baker

Tennis. At Aberdeen on 26 November: Hallett 11-84 defeated Aberdeen 4-57.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School. The new kindergarten will be ready before the end of the year.

Influenza has broken out in Burra.

King Edward VII Memorial has been nearly completed, but progress has been slow.

The Ratepayers’ Meeting in connection with the Burra town Council was held last Tuesday. It was a tame affair. Frank Treloar took the chair.

The Town Clerk, Mr Steele, read the Mayor’s Annual Report on account of Mr Burns’ illness.

The General account is in credit and the parklands and health accounts are in debit.

Work done in the year includes a decent fence along Jubilee Avenue and increased street lighting. Over £400 was spent on main roads to advantage.

The Council erected a memorial to Edward VII in Market Square at the expense of public subscription.

The cemetery has been improved.

Candidates for election then spoke. Messrs McLaren & Wise as candidates for the Mayoralty apparently spoke at length, but the paper report at least gives no indication of anything of substance from either.

The candidates for Ward seats are not reported as saying anything beyond a platitude or two.

Burra School Visiting Day.

The average attendance in 1910 was just under 200 with 230 on the roll, of whom 191 were examined. The Inspector rated the school as good. The 4th Class gained 11 Compulsory Certificates and the 5th Class saw 9 Honour Certificates go to: Maurice Fuss, Thomas Rosewall, Andrew Bartholomaeus, Jack Richards, Tom Fuller, Rodney Woollacott, Harry Killicoat, Jessie Hunt & Fanny Watson.

Robert Colin Scott gained a three-year Agricultural Scholarship to Roseworthy College.

On the staff Messrs Escott & Lewis have gone to other schools.

Cadet numbers are currently 20. The rifle-shooting prizes awarded by Dr Sangster Jun. went to R. Woollacott, F. Riggs and F. Carey. A match fired against Kapunda was won by Burra. The Military Department prizes went to M. Killicoat, F. Riggs, C. Thomas, A. Tiver and H. Rundle.

Burglaries. Last weekend the shops of Miss R. Bentley, fruiterer and confectioner and of A.S. Richards in Young St, were entered by breaking the window and stock was disturbed and stolen. No arrests have yet been made.

[R. Bentley was Rosetta, later Mrs Alfred James Wallis. Her younger spinster sisters Alison & a Maria known as Tot ran the store for many years.]

VX, 918, 7 Dec. 1910, page 2

Marriage. Iron Mine Methodist Church, 2 November

Harry J. Williams, 2nd son of Mrs W.H. Williams of Burra and

Hilda Williams, eldest daughter of W.J. Williams of Iron Mine.

Burra musical & Dramatic Club assisted by city artists under conductor G.E. Dane will render Handel’s Messiah at the Burra Institute next Wednesday with Burra Choral Society and Orchestra.

Soprano, Miss Muriel Check; Contralto, Miss Lizzie Duval; Tenor, Mr A.E. Hawkes; Bass Mr W.S. Deane. 90 performers in all.

Influenza has been widespread and victims included Dr Daw. [Presumably Dr Caw.] It is now easing.

Weather. There was a severe dust storm last Wednesday.

National Defence League. A meeting at Burra Institute last Friday decided to disband the Women’s Branch of the Australian National League, [which seems more often to have been reported as the National Defence League.] with a view to forming the Liberal Union.

W.J. Davey is expected home at the end of the week.

King Edward VII Memorial is now completed and just needs painting.

The New Footbridge in George St will soon be finished. [At the Pig and Whistle crossing.]

VX, 918, 7 Dec. 1910, page 3

Municipal Elections. Results.

Mayor John McLaren 213

John Wise 77

East Ward Edwin J. Harris 88

Carl A. Lott 30

West Ward Charles Parks 57

Thomas Geach 15

North Ward John Walker 67

G.R. Maxwell 32

Booborowie District. There is a 1-column article inspired by the closer settlement scheme.

To North Booborowie (just purchased by the Government for closer settlement) you go southwest from Hallett through Cartapoo, through some magnificent farms. Previously it was worked by Alf. Coon and John Wise, the latter now a successful dairy farmer at Burra and a bacon producer. The country around Cartapoo and Petherton was once owned by C. Goode, but is cut up into agricultural blocks.

Nearing Booborowie you find the old stock road growing wheat and hay. You can get a history of the area from Ted Wall, a very old resident, who runs the Booborowie Eating House, Post Office and store etc. Booborowie currently boasts two churches (Methodist and Catholic), a District Council Chamber and a public school.

Booborowie was first taken up by the Doctors Brown in 1845 and after the death of Doctor Brown in 1897 it was divided. The Homestead and southern half was retained by Mr Brown, the Doctor’s son and the present owner. The northern half was bought by Messrs Dutton & Melrose and they produced magnificent sheep and cattle. Booborowie Station was managed for 20 years by Mr J. Loudon and since his death by Mr B. H. Beaven. Now that the Government has bought the greater portion many changes are in store for the district.

Kooringa Methodist Church Grand Christmas Festival and Fancy Fair was held last Friday and proceeds were satisfactory.

Marriage. Last Tuesday.

Adelaide Myrtle Olive dew, daughter of Mr & Mrs Fred Dew of ‘Blue Bells’ near Burra and

Elliott Stanley Wise, youngest son of ex-Councillor John Wise of Kooringa.

Motorists are generating complaints by driving too rapidly, endangering pedestrians and raising terrific dust.

VX, 919, 14 Dec. 1910, page 2

Snakes are plentiful at present.

Aberdeen Ballast Quarry is presently employing over 20 men.

VX, 919, 14 Dec. 1910, page 3

Burra Housing. There is currently a shortage of decent housing in the town despite brisk building activity for the past year.

Messiah will be produced tonight in the Institute and will be repeated on Wednesday at Mt Bryan.

Evangelists. Two preachers have been speaking in the open air at Kooringa advising one and all to ‘flee from the wrath to come’.

SAR. There is agitation to make the railways operate more sensibly and conveniently. Fresh fruit and vegetables arrive on the train at 6 p.m. just as the gates are locked for the night. Generally it sits there unsold till morning when an extra hour would see the perishables delivered expeditiously.

There are also complaints about the timetable, which has been changed to the disadvantage of many, but especially those attending the saleyards. The editor considers that allowing four hours for a journey of 100 miles is hardly a great sign of advancement.

[It is not possible to indicate the real nature of the problem here because the timetable that is printed in the paper is exactly the same as that printed in February 1910!]

Timetable as printed – but presumably out-of-date.

Trains from the north Arrive Burra Depart Burra

7.05 a.m. 7.12 a.m.

3.26 p.m. 3.31 p.m.

Trains from Adelaide 11.12 a.m. 11.17 a.m.

8.36 p.m. 8.41 p.m.

Scavenging. Complaints about the town scavenger continue. Probably more money will have to be offered. We are told the night cart might be given more work, to advantage.

Messrs Laubman & Pank will provide a free illustrated lecture at the Institute on 16 December on The Human Eye. There will also be musical items.

Mt Bryan. There is an article of 2⁄3 column on the developments in the district.

Closer settlement has seen more people arrive with the sale of Petherton estate and parts of Wandillah and Mt Bryan estates etc. As well some of the state’s best sheep country is now producing excellent wheat. The township is growing and new businesses are opening. There are several shops including Drew & Crewes, a blacksmith and wheelwright, a hotel, a public school, a Council Chamber and a public hall. Water can be got at a few feet in depth.

Tennis. At Aberdeen on Saturday: Manoora 11-83 defeated Aberdeen 7-77.

Burra Rifle Club. 8th match for Urwin’s Gold Medal.

R.D. Pascoe 96 from E. Kellock 70

9th match: A.D. McLaren 94 from N. Pearce & H.L. Riggs, each 87.

Advt. Aberdeen Boarding House, next to Rabbich’s Butcher Shop. Mrs F. Gray, proprietress.

George St Bridge. The general opinion is that it is a little too high.

Dr Caw has been very ill, but is recovering.

New Railway. There are moves for a new railway to Spalding via Clare.

W.J. Davey has returned to Burra after his serious illness in Adelaide.

Rev. W.F. James, formerly of Burra, will soon retire from circuit work after 44 years of it.

VX, 920, 21 Dec. 1910, page 2

Advt. A sale of land subdivided from 5,507 acres of freehold, formerly North Bungaree, will be held at Burra Town Hall (Institute) on Wednesday 25 January 1911, by Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd.

It is to be offered in 12 lots ranging from 272 to 881 acres.

Terms are 20% deposit, 15% on possession and the balance over 5 years at 41⁄2%.

W. Dearlove of Ketchowla has sent Drew & Crewes £3-3-0 to be devoted to Christmas cheer for the town’s poor, as he has done for a number of years now.

Editorial on Christmas, comprising the usual comforting thoughts.

VX, 920, 21 Dec. 1910, page 3

Kooringa Methodist Church held its Hospital Sunday last Sunday. Rev. H.C. Farley officiated.

School House. The Education Department is to build a teacher’s residence near the school.

North Booborowie Estate is being divided into small blocks.

Riverton-Spalding Railway. A Royal Commission has been appointed to report on the proposed line.

West’s Pictures on Friday will feature:

Uncle Tom’s Cabin

Native Lion Hunting (A sporting feature in Africa)

Little Angel of Luck (A drama)

The Girl of Triple X (A Western)

The Isle of Wight (Featuring beauty spots)

Further Adventures of Foolshead, Tontolini and Tweedledum (A comedy)

Dr Sangster Sen. was in town to examine local nurses yesterday. He left afterwards for his son’s residence at Koonoona.

Handel’s Messiah was performed at the Institute last Wednesday by the Burra Musical and Dramatic Club with 90 performers under G.E. Dane as conductor. The principal singers from Adelaide were: Soprano, Muriel Cheek; Contralto, Lizzie Duval; Tenor, Albert E. Hawkes; Bass, William S. Deane. The performance was a great success both from an artistic and financial point of view.

St Joseph’s School prize giving took place in the week. [Details are not published.]

A Notable Car Trip.

W.J. Richards conveyed John Collins and Mr Edwards (a relative) from Collinsville north on the 8 December in a 12 h.p. Talbot, to inspect new grazing country near Lake Frome. They left Collinsville at 5 a.m. and got to Yunta about noon. They proceeded via Waukaringa and Mt Victor to Coonamore and Curnanona, arriving by 6 p.m. having gone some 180 miles. The next day they went via Coondappie, Wilpina and Outowie to Frome Downs, about 40 miles. After travelling about 246 miles in all, including inspecting part of the property, the party started back and reached Frome Downs that night. They left the next morning at 5 a.m. and reached Curnamona in two hours. They reached Yunta for lunch, leaving at c. 2 p.m. and were at Terowie by 6 p.m. and Collinsville by 7.15 p.m. They covered 260 miles for the day and over 500 in the three days – all without a hitch.

[Curnanona in one place and Curnamona in three places in the article.]

Burra Rifle Club. 10th match for Urwin’s Gold Medal: C.W. Pearce 89 from George Herbert 82.

Poison Weed. The Hon. J.J. Duncan lost c. 240 sheep between Braemar and Lock Winnock last week through their eating a green pea-like creeper with pods. Others have had less severe losses. Sheep seem to ignore the plant unless very hungry, but then eat it and die suddenly. The weed is prolific in some watercourses.

Burra Town Council, 19 December.

A.W. Dobbie quotes £8-10-0 for the plate for the King Edward VII Memorial.

The District Councils of Hallett and Burra will support the Town Council’s complaint about the railway timetable.

Prices are to be got for a new trough etc. in Market Square.

J.E. Winnall has been retained as Council solicitor for 1911.

Mr S. Burns is to be asked to open the King Edward VII memorial.

Dr Ashton reports two cases of whooping cough and one of typhoid.

[The Council seems to have dropped the idea of having a town pound.]

A Drivers’ Strike in Adelaide is causing shortages in the town.

Two of the hotels are out of beer [Though the Court House Hotel is advertising Clare Beer.]

One tradesman is unable to fulfil orders and of the grocers, three are out of sugar, two out of potatoes and kerosene is running short. Fortunately there are signs of a resolution to the dispute.

‘Short & Sharp’

‘The Messiah’ was brilliantly rendered.

The George St Bridge is finished and looks good.

Mr William Dearlove of Ketchowla keeps up his gifts to the poor.

West Ward with two new street lamps will be well lit up at night.

Hospital Service at Kooringa Methodist Church on Sunday was well attended.

West’s Pictures will be in Burra on Friday night with Uncle Tom’s Cabin as a star film.

The landlord of the Burra Hotel, talking of converting the hotel into a two storey building.

Characteristics of the 1910 paper.

Page 1.

Large advertisements, both local and others.

Page 2.

Notices and moderate size local advertisements. Advertisements for stock sales, entertainments, coming events etc. There are no editorials and the news begins here as small items mixed with advertisements that appear very similar. This may extend to two columns.

Page 3

News continues with a couple of larger advertisements and news-like advertising.

Page 4

Larger advertisements and a column of the town directory. There is a column of humour in fluctuating amount.

After the fire.

Page 1

Much the same as before.

Page 2

Advertisements increase in number and the news contracts often to less than one column, but can be as much as almost two. There are a few editorials.

Pages 3 & 4

Much as before.

Overall the paper shows few signs of very active reporting and there is relatively little editorial comment. The extended illness of the editor and proprietor in the latter part of the year cannot have helped in maintaining the paper’s vitality. Locals do seem to have rallied round with advertising after the disastrous fire early in the year.

Numbering of issues in 1910

Volume VX continued for the whole year, having started 12 July 1905.

The year began with Volume VX Number 884 on 5 January 1910

And continued to Volume VX Number 920 on 21December 1910.

Within this sequence the numbering was consistent except that number 897 was used twice and number 903 was left out.

XV, 921, 4 Jan. 1911, page 1

Advertisements

E.J. Harris Grocer, Fruiterer and General Dealer, Market Square

A.R. Creswick Dentist at Vivian’s Commercial Hotel Twice Every Month

Luke Day Grocer, Fruiterer and General Dealer, Market Square

F.W. Finlay Bon Accord Hotel

Mrs M.E. Pressick Edison Phonographs and Records, next to Commercial Hotel

G. Lord Burra Hotel

S.M. Lane Ironmongery & Saddlery, Market Square and Best Place

August Bartholomaeus Agent for Norwich Union Fire Insurance Soc.

W.T. Truscott Butcher, Cool Room & Small Goods Dealer, Market Square

Charles & F. Streicher General Store, Market Square

J.E. Greenwood Tinsmith & Ironworker, Commercial St

XV, 921, 4 Jan. 1911, page 2

Advertisements

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Auctioneers

Elder, Smith & Co. Auctioneers

Dalgety & Co. Auctioneers

A.D. McLaren Grocer, Greengrocer & Fruiterer

W. McDonald The Eastern Mail Run

Mrs F. Gray The Aberdeen Boarding House, next to Rabbich’s Butcher Shop

West’s Pictures Burra Institute

Drew & Crewes Universal Providers, Kooringa, Aberdeen, Mt Bryan & Hallett

Urwin’s Clothiers etc., Market Square

M. Maughan Dentist at Lord’s [Burra] Hotel every six weeks

XV, 921, 4 Jan. 1911, page 4

Advertisements

E.J. Davey Agent for Japanese Superphosphate from Arthur H. Hassell

John Allen Agent for Colonial Mutual Fire & Accident

R.D. Pascoe ‘The Emporium’, Kooringa

C.A. Lott Carpenter, Builder & Contractor, Market Square

C.C. Williams Ironmonger, Commercial St

Maxwell & Harris Carriage Factory near the old White Hart Hotel

S. Burns Agent for City Mutual Life Assurance

John Pearce Contractor & General Builder, Chapel St

Sara’s Railway Store, Aberdeen

Murray Aunger Branch Garage, Kooringa

George Sampson General Smith, Wheelwright, Coachbuilder, Thames St

S. Burns Blacksmith & Wheelwright, Commercial St

Fred Pearce Carpenter, Builder & Ironmonger, Aberdeen

XV, 921, 4 Jan. 1911, page 2

Obituary. Millicent May Bishop, only daughter of W.B. & L.M. Bishop of Hallett, died on 23 December 1910 at the Burra Hospital, aged 2 years 7 months. [Born 28 May 1908 at Kooringa.]

Burra School. The headmaster, George Scott, has been transferred to Terowie and the Balaklava head teacher, Mr Johnson, will come to Burra.

Ray Jillet (5) son of W. Jillet near Cross Roads had his leg broken when he fell off a horse which then stepped on his leg. [Actually Ray Gillett, son of W. Gillett.]

West’s Pictures will show every Friday evening.

The New Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Kindergarten was opened last Sunday, 1 January.

Footpaths. People are complaining that storekeepers are leaving cases on footpaths in front of their shops: sometimes with jagged hoop iron and nails protruding, which can catch on clothing.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School picnic was held last Monday at Sod Hut grounds.

Drew & Crewes held a Christmas competition to guess the name of a huge doll securing a gigantic Christmas stocking. But not one of the more than 200 entries guessed the name was ‘Mavis’ so the stocking has remained the property of the firm. We would suggest distributing the contents to the children.

Influenza, whooping cough, typhoid fever and other diseases have been prevalent of late.

Burra Hospital benefited by £25 from door money taken at the sale of Hill River land in Burra recently.

The New Year was welcomed quietly. No doubt its being a Sunday induced some residents to abstain from some of the less creditable acts of the past. A few lads threw stones on roofs, but otherwise peace prevailed.

XV, 921, 4 Jan. 1911, page 2-3

Burra Primary School broke up on 22 December, but few parents attended due to the very rough weather. Mr Scott the headmaster expects to be transferred from Burra and Miss Grosser on the staff has gained her BA. [Personal interest: attending every day for 1910 were Maurice and Norman Fuss. The prize for perseverance in 5th Class went to Manville Fuss, but this seems likely to be a mistake for Maurice Fuss.]

XV, 921, 4 Jan. 1911, page 3

Burra Rifle Club went to Kapunda & Tanunda in the holidays.

Burra 873 defeated Kapunda 798.

Tanunda 607 defeated Burra 573.

World’s End Sports were held on 1 January very successfully. Results are printed.

Obituary. Mr John Morgan died 31 December 1910 aged 71. He was born in Gloucestershire in 1839 and arrived in SA in 1858 in charge of horses for the late Dr Brown. He was among the first to take up land at Baldina and one of the first to grow wheat on the east side of the ranges. Some time ago he sold most of his land and took the job of ranger, inspector and overseer of works for the Burra District Council. He was an active member of the Burra School Board of Advice. A short while ago he developed bronchitis. He leaves a family of six sons and six daughters: Walter (Ironmine), John (Yancannia Station NSW), Herbert (Redruth), William (Kooringa), George Brettle & Edwin Henry (Morganville Station [sic]), Mrs W. Byles (Redruth), Mrs D.E. Williams (Ironmine), Mrs Henry Motherall (Hanson), Mrs H.A. Byles (Old Koomooloo), Mrs W.H. McWaters (Sampson’s Well) & Mrs W. Morgan (Boulder City WA) and 42 grandchildren. [Born 6 October 1839.]

Christmas in Burra

Christmas Eve in Burra 1910 will be remembered without a doubt as one of the best. Every business did well and afternoon and evening business was exceptionally brisk. Purchasers in many instances showed that prosperous times had come along. Prominent businessmen reported record receipts. Fruit and cool drink shops did good trade and hotels were crowded. Youngsters competed to see who could make the most noise. Crowds were a record since the old mining days. Good behaviour generally prevailed and ensured one of the most pleasant Christmas Eves ever in Burra.

Thomas Sandland’s car got away from its park outside their house, Heathmont, and rolled down Limestone Hill. It came to rest among the remains of M. Hoare’s fence. The car was little damaged, but the fence suffered more.

Boxing Day Sports organised by the Burra Bicycle and Athletic Club at the Aberdeen Oval was well run and an excellent meeting. Results are printed. There was a dance in the evening.

Mr & Mrs I.J. Warnes gave a grand social and Christmas tree at Leighton Hall on 20 December when over 300 persons were entertained.

Kooringa Magistrate’s Court, 22 December.

Harry Millar fined 10/- for drunkenness.

Thomas Radford, Jehu, [i.e. driver] was charged by David Moore with assault and the latter was cross-charged with using insulting words. In the end, after several witnesses were heard, each was fined 5/- + 10/- fees with each to pay his own costs.

Christmas in Burra was cool.

John Pearce is making good progress in erecting the new Kooringa post office.

Earth tremors were felt around SA in December.

Aberdeen Ballast Quarry workers got only Christmas Day off as a holiday.

Hanson Methodist Church held its Anniversary on Christmas Day. Rev. T. Weatherill preached and the new Estey organ [of which details are printed] cost £72 and was opened on Christmas Day free of debt. The tea meeting on 28 December was very successful when 120 came from Burra by train with many more by other means. About £12 was raised.

Considerable sickness in Burra over Christmas period.

Miss Edith Cave arranged the usual Christmas festival at the Burra Hospital on 23 December with Christmas tree and entertainment etc.

XV, 922, 11 Jan. 1911, page 2

Advt. West’s Pictures, Burra Institute 13 January

Winning a Widow

The Sheriff’s Capture

The Heroic Shepherd

The Great Secret

The Road to Richmond, etc.

Cadets. Lads between 14 & 17 seem to be registering themselves in compliance with the requirements of the Defence Act.

Mr William March the eastern mail driver made his last trip under the present contract last Tuesday and a presentation of a watch & chain and a purse of sovereigns was made.

The Rotunda & enclosure in Market Square is practically finished.

Coronation Gifts. A meeting of ladies named Mary, Maria or May will be held at the Institute Lodge Room on Friday 20 January to arrange to unite with other such ladies across the Empire in a presentation to their illustrious namesake, the Queen.

XV, 922, 11 Jan. 1911, page 3

Magistrate’s Court

John Collins (a labourer from Liverpool) & Joseph Schmidt (a labourer from Holland) were each fined 10/- (or 3 days’ jail) for being drunk on the Eastern Road.

Burra Institute, Annual Meeting last Monday. Mr Page the Vice-President took the chair.

The Institute had a credit balance of £143-16-10 on 31 December 1910.

On 31 December 1901 the library had 3,508 books and on 31 December 1910 there were 3,917.

Subscribers. December 31 1909: Double 21 Single 85 Total 106

December 31 1910: Double 22 Single 78 Total 100

The committee contemplates starting a juvenile section early in the New Year.

Improvements in the year.

A new street scene was added to the scenery.

The verandah near the dressing rooms has been enclosed.

Shelves and a table for social purposes have been installed [probably in the verandah.]

A verandah has been erected in front of the caretaker’s cottage.

Elected were President, Mr Page; Vice-President, Mr Dane; Treasurer, Mr Wilkinson & Secretary, Mr Winnall.

Advt. Drew & Crewes, Kooringa, invite tenders for the erection of a stone front shop with inside fittings, cellar etc. at Hallett.

Kooringa Methodist Church. Opening of the New Kindergarten Rooms.

For some time now the officers and teachers have been contemplating an up-to-date movement to provide greater accommodation for an increased number of scholars and to introduce new methods of instruction. Some time ago Me Lipson Hancock, Vice-President of the World’s Sunday School Union, visited and assisted in the drawing up of plans. The aid of a generous donor enabled work to be entered upon at once. Three months ago Messrs J. Pearce & Sons began the work. The new additions are of small corrugated iron and matchboard with Wunderlich ceilings. Sawdust has been used extensively as insulation in the walls. The building is at the rear and is attached to the present lecture hall. It contains Kindergarten and Primary schoolrooms, cloak rooms for lady teachers and a room for beginners. Space is provided for secretaries’ tables and work. There are two pianos, two baby organs and 100 kindergarten chairs, hygienic blackboards and adult chairs and space for parents and friends. There is an excellent supply of sand trays.

Rev. A.W. Wellington, President of the SA Conference, opened the new rooms on Sunday 1 January after a short service. Mr John Deene spoke words of explanation and appreciation. Mr John Drew as Superintendent of the Sunday school explained the vision teachers had for the new school. An appeal to the congregation for funds brought in £10, the Girls’ Church Aid raised £20 towards renovating the lecture hall and £30 towards the new building.

Burra Town Council, 4 January

A.W. Dobbie advises the plate for the rotunda will be ready in a few days.

Radford Bros. were given permission to erect private telephone poles through part of the Corporation.

Cr Hardy Moved that overtime worked by the Corporation employees be paid for and not be taken out as hitherto. Seconded by Cr Lowe and carried.

Cr Hardy moved a small gate be erected at the cemetery to allow public access at all times and the curator’s services on Sunday’s be dispensed with. Seconded Cr Parks and carried.

Local Board of Health

Cr Hardy pointed out that the scavenging of the town was very unsatisfactory and contentions had arisen over what the scavenger had to take away as per his schedule of duties. He moved a special meeting of the Board be held during the next two weeks to go into the matter and to ensure justice to both the scavenger and the ratepayers.

Cr Parks moved an amendment that no meeting be held and consideration of the matter be held over till the scavenger’s contract ran out.

Cr Hardy’s motion was carried on the casting vote of the Mayor.

The Liberal Union

Mr Thomas McWaters chaired a meeting in the Lodge Room at the Institute on Friday with a view to the formation of a branch of the Liberal Union in Burra. Mr Warren, the organiser, addressed the crowded room. He said the formation of a new group was necessary to fight socialism and the old organisations that were opposed to it, namely the Farmers & Producers Political Union, the Liberal & Democratic Union & the Australian National League, had all been fighting each other allowing the socialists to win. The three old movements had decided it was time to sink their differences. The new party aimed to create general interest in public affairs, to secure a fair representation in state and federal Parliaments, to promote sound, progressive and humanitarian legislation, to unite all persons who agreed with their objects and platform and to select and support suitable candidates. The new party did not agree with the present Government, the members of which had proved themselves incompetent. Neither did they support the Government’s taxation arrangements.

W.H. Hardy moved that a branch of the Liberal Union be founded in Burra. Seconded by W.E. Hodge and carried. J. McDonald was elected President and S.M. Lane & L. Lewis were elected Secretaries.

[The Farmers & Producers Union had represented mainly the pastoralists, the Liberal & Democratic Union supported the interests of the small wheat farmer and the Australian National League served the rural/urban establishment. The Liberal Union was formed in 1909, was later renamed the Liberal Federation, became the Liberal & Country League in 1932 and in 1976 the SA division of the Liberal Party. (The Wakefield Companion to South Australian History)]

Burra Rifle Club. The 11th match for the Urwin Gold Medal produced best scores from H.L. Riggs, George Herbert, G. Lord & L. Lewis.

Robberies at Aberdeen. Several robberies have been reported recently at Aberdeen. Fruit, cool drinks, lollies and tobacco were taken and more recently a box of cigarettes was taken from a case of groceries at the railway goods shed. Several lads aged 7 to 12 were found responsible and were dealt with at a closed juvenile hearing yesterday. They will be chastised by their parents who were ordered to pay the costs of the hearing.

Guessing Competition. Messrs Urwin & Son ran a guessing competition at Christmas with valuable prizes. Entrant had to guess the dates on a sovereign, half sovereign, half crown, florin & penny laid date down in a sealed box. The dates were revealed on Saturday and the winners were:

First Lady Mrs W. Gillett, Second Lady Doris Hobby

First Gentleman Mr R. Fuss Second Gentleman Mr W. Gillett

Consolation Prize to Miss May Pascoe.

‘Short & Sharp’

West’s Pictures on Friday night last were the best seen in Burra.

A successful aeroplane flight has taken place in WA.

[Obituary] Mr Henry Braefoot Scott* died on Friday last at Milton, Cootamundra, aged 74.

Our own Tommy Ryan MP ex-railway porter etc. is off for a trip to England.

Mrs W.H. Hardy of Kooringa who has been seriously ill is still in the hospital.

The calendar issued with last week’s Record was much appreciated.

The ex-Mayor (Mr S. Burns), who was so ill at the time of the last elections, is staying on Kangaroo Island.

Mr W.H. Hall, a telegraph operator at Kooringa Post Office, has been transferred to the Adelaide GPO.

Many of the young chaps are sorry that the Burra Swimming Club could not be kept alive. Always the same when too late.

[* See an extended obituary XV, 923, 18 Jan. 1911, page 3.]

XV, 923, 18 Jan. 1911, page 2

Advt. West’s Picture, Burra Institute 20 January

The Sergeant

The Stork at Home

A Woman’s Vanity

The Clown & the Minister

Jim the Ranchman

A Lucky Toothache, etc.

Riverton-Spalding Railway via Clare. Evidence will be taken during February on this proposal.

William Moxom [Moxham?] employed by I.J. Warnes at Sturt Vale met with an accident on Thursday as reported by a telephone message from there about noon. A scoop he was using in a drain struck a stump and the handles of the scoop struck him severely in the stomach and on the chin. Remedies were sent out.

John Somerville (who is employed by Drew & Crewes) was thrown head first from a buggy onto the road when the seat was jerked off in going over a rut. He received a nasty cut on the face and other injuries, but is recovering.

Rev. D.S. Wylie a sometime minister in Burra has been seriously ill in North Unley and has been under the care of Dr R. Brummitt of North Adelaide.

Fire. As we went to press last week a big fire was burning to the southwest of the town. It was at Hughes’ Park the property of Hon. J.J. Duncan of Gum Creek Station. Some miles of country were swept by the flames and a number of landowners have sustained heavy losses of sheep and cattle and fencing.

Mr J.T.F. Johnson, previously head teacher at Balaklava, has been transferred to Burra. Mr George Scott of Burra School has been moved to Terowie.

Fire. Mrs C.A. Lott burnt his hands somewhat on Monday night extinguishing the curtains in a bedroom where a candle had been placed too close to them. Damage is estimated at £4-£5.

XV, 923, 18 Jan. 1911, page 2-3

Henry Pinch has retired from the Hospital Board due to old age and home ties. He came to Burra in the 1840s and has been here ever since. He was the first schoolmaster in Burra, keeping an evening class. He had been on the Hospital Board for over 20 years.

XV, 923, 18 Jan. 1911, page 3

Obituary. (From the Cootamundra Herald 6 January.) Mr Henry Scott of ‘Milton’ Cootamundra died on Thursday night after being a chronic sufferer. He arrived in SA when aged seven from Scotland – five years before it was created a province and eleven before it was a crown colony and nearly twenty before it gained responsible government.* He married a daughter of a fellow colonist (Elizabeth Thompson) who survives with three sons and six daughters: Murray & Percy Scott of Dirnaseer and the third son who lives in Adelaide. The daughters are Mrs Whyte & Mrs Richardson of SA and the Misses Alice, Janet, Edith & Nellie of ‘Milton’. There are five grandchildren. Mt Scott was a well-known and respected pastoralist. His station was Braefoot nine miles from Burra SA.

[* The underlined sentence is nonsense. Henry Scott was born in Scotland in 1836 and arrived in SA in 1839 with his parents according to BISA information.]

W.H. Martin, the retiring mail contractor of the Burra-Oakbank route, was farewelled at a gathering of some 30 people at Sturt Vale on Monday. Mrs Greeves very capably managed the catering and a presentation was made of an inscribed gold watch with chain and a purse of sovereigns. [The list of subscribers is printed.]

Burra Cabs. A meeting of the Town Council’s Finance Committee on Tuesday resolved that cab stands be made at Market Square and Young St Aberdeen. Fares are to be 6d per passenger from the stands to the railway station and 1/- per passenger from any locality off the stands.

Local Board of Health. Special meeting on scavenging, 10 January.

Cr Hardy said there had been bitter complaints about the unsatisfactory way in which scavenging was being carried out. He moved that the inspector be instructed to see that the work of the scavenger was carried out according to the contract he signed and that failure to do so be reported to the Board. Carried unanimously.

James H. Isaac writes complaining that good road metal is hard to break at the various quarries and tenderers are so keen to get work that they are offering prices that yield an income below the minimum Government wage. The present price of 2/3 per yard is too low and he hopes the Councillors will not accept the lowest tender.

‘One of Them’ writes concerning the Town Council’s decision to enforce section 2 of by-law 7 concerning obstruction of footpaths. They claim it is because boards placed outside business premises are a grave danger to public safety. He can’t see that, as they are only there in the full light of day. He says more serious obstructions are the verandah posts outside Cr Hardy’s office and Mrs Pressick’s shop, which people have walked into at night. Stray cattle camped on the footpaths at night are another danger with people falling over them and yet the Councillors ignore such glaring obstructions and centre their attentions on a few boards offering no obstruction at all.

‘Disgusted’ writes about the milk supply. Cr Hardy asked how many milk licences had been applied for and how many had been granted. The answer was none in each case. Why has this been allowed to slip past the Board? It is a serious and dangerous proceeding for a person to sell milk without having their premises passed by the authorities. ‘Disgusted’ goes on to echo the sentiments of ‘One of Them’ concerning the notice boards on footpaths.

Burra-Adelaide Telephone Line. The new copper wire is now nearly linked up from the city to Burra and with the opening of the new post office there will be better a telegraphic service and a telephone service.

J.M. McBride was 80 last Friday and almost the whole family was there to celebrate. He was born in Northern Ireland in 1831, the eldest son of the late Mr James McBride who held a commission in the British Army. He left home at 14 and was a seafarer till settling in SA in 1856. He arrived with 5/- in his pocket and worked himself up to being one of the most successful squatters in the district. He is the father of five sons and six daughters. He bought Broken Hill shares when they were £10 each and sold some later when they were £1,400 apiece. He presently owns Teetulpa Station of 900 square miles, carrying 50,000 sheep, as well as other valuable stations. He has been a great philanthropist, especially in later years. Although he had had severe illnesses he is in fairly good health at present. The Mayor sent a letter of best wishes.

Burra Town Council, Monday.

Notification of a Main Roads grant of £419 has been received.

F. Treloar was granted leave to erect tie-up posts opposite his house.

A new pump will be erected at the cemetery.

Cab arrangements were approved as noted above.

Burra in the Early 1850s

A recent visitor once lived in the first dwelling built in Kooringa. He expressed surprise at the pleasing improvements in the town. He said he arrived in Adelaide on Tuesday 29 July 1851 to find there was not the demand for workers they had been told existed. A great number of those who came with him went to the Victorian goldfields. The miners took houses in Adelaide for their wives and families and headed for Burra. Those who could afford it rode, but many had to walk. There were many unfamiliar sights along the way: parrots, cockatoos, trees that shed their bark rather than their leaves, trees that rotted from the inside first, trees with bark 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 inch thick. A man who could afford the £400 to £500 to take land generally did well. Of those tradesmen who started business only about one in twenty succeeded. At the Burra Mines many of the workers had been shoemakers, tailers etc. and they found the toil there very hard on them. Burra was a barren and desolate place with very little land in cultivation. Large gatherings of natives could be seen wherever water was handy. They were very quiet and did not interfere if left alone. They came to the whites for ‘tuckout’ and were glad of any discarded clothing, a little food and ‘bacca’. Miners were getting c. 30/- a week, blacksmiths 39/-, carpenters 7/- a day and shoemakers 7/6. Food was very dear, but got cheaper as time went by. Flour was 18/- a cwt and per pound beef was 2d, mutton 2d, sugar 41⁄2d, figs 6d, currants 7d, butter up to 2/-, tea 2/-, apples 1/6, pork 10d, soap 41⁄2d, soda 31⁄2d, salt 3d, tobacco 6/6 to 8/-, coffee 1/6 and eggs were up to 2/- a dozen. The town is heaven now to what it was then.

XV, 924, 25 Jan. 1911, page 2

Notice. Burra Town Council.

Cab Stands will be at:

That portion of Market Square between the Rotunda and Frank Harris’s shop

The corner of Young and Morehead Sts.

Cab fares will be:

Stand to stand: 6d

Either stand to Railway Station: 6d

Anywhere off stand to anywhere in the town: 1/-

Notice. Applications are called for the position of Nightman under the Local Board of Health.

Notice. S. Burns, Ex-Mayor of Burra, will open the Edward VII Memorial on 1 February at 1.30 p.m.

Burra School. Provisional Assistants appointed:

Miss Alice M. Bulle

Miss Catherine McDonald

Mr James Jack

Miss Cissie Jones and two younger sisters, daughters of Eli Jones, were thrown from a cart coming down Baldina Hill when the horse fell. None was seriously hurt, though Cissie badly sprained one wrist.

Obituary. Esther Milligan of Kooringa, sister of Mrs John O’Leary and a native of Northern Ireland who migrated to SA between 20 and 30 years ago has died. She was formerly a dressmaker in Market Square. [Death registered as Hessy Milligan died 19 January 1911 in Kooringa aged 61.]

West’s Pictures. The projector broke down last Friday and patrons were offered their money back or tickets to the next screening.

XV, 924, 25 Jan. 1911, page 3

Fire Danger. There are complaints that people in the town are stacking hay close to their neighbour’s property and calls that the inspector should act at once to remove this danger.

The Rotunda. The grass planted in the enclosure is growing nicely. The committee has settled on 1 February at 1.30 p.m. for the opening ceremony. Sir Jenkin Coles MP will be invited to speak and ex-Mayor Mr S. Burns will open the memorial. He was in office when moves to erect the memorial were started.

Cricket. A junior cricket club has been started.

SAR Accident.

Ferdinand Oppermann of Petherton Estate was driving a wagon loaded with some 60 bags of wheat to Mt Bryan railway station on Thursday when the horses were struck by the express from Broken Hill at the crossing 1⁄4 mile north of the town. Two horses were killed instantly and one other had to be shot. Mr Opperman, who was standing on the shafts, was thrown against the fence and believed killed, but has survived and is now out of danger. He says he did not hear the train’s whistle, as he is deaf.

[There is adverse comment about the train’s guard, whose erroneous report of the accident was taken up by a city daily.]

Burra Rifle Club. 12th match for the Urwin Gold Medal.

Best three: A. McLaren 98, C.C. Lord 98 & J.E. Hatherly 98.

Liberal Union. A meeting at the Burra Institute last week decided to form a Women’s Branch of the Union. Elected were President, Mrs E. Bowman; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames T. Sandland, C.H. Bartholomaeus, A. Gebhardt & W. West; Treasurer, Miss Coglin & Secretary, Mrs P.L. Killicoat.

Liberal Union. The 1st meeting of the Burra Branch was held in the Institute last Friday.

John Pearce’s contract for the Kooringa post office is £1,600.

E.C.D. Thomas’s Aberdeen Private School re-assembled on 17 January.

Mrs W.H. Hardy, who has been in the Burra Hospital for 2-3 weeks [recovering from a stroke] went home last Sunday, but has had another seizure and is again seriously ill.

XV, 925, 1 Feb. 1911, page 2

Bert Knevitt’s pony with his dogcart bolted from the railway station on Wednesday morning and was not halted till S.M. Lane did so outside C.C. William’s store in Kooringa. No damage was dome.

The North Bungaree Sale at the Institute on Wednesday attracted few buyers and seven blocks were offered without reaching the reserved price. The other five were then withdrawn from sale.

Koo-owie Estate Sale saw 1,142 acres offered in nine lots and only lots 8 & 9 were sold comprising 192 acres at £4 per acre and 87 acres at £5-7-0 an acre. Mr Eckert was the buyer.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club held its half-yearly meeting:

Receipts £83-17- 6

Expenditure £73- 6- 8

Balance £10-10-10

This is very satisfying since they began with a deficit of £7-17-8.

Farrell’s Flat postal business is to move from the railway station to Denton’s store and all telegraph business goes to Burra, which will be connected to Farrell’s Flat by telephone. This adds to the work of the already overburdened Kooringa office.

Mrs Sanders, the widow of John Sanders a resident of Burra in 1851, paid a visit to Burra on Thursday. She expressed pleasure at seeing the progress made in beautifying the town. She is 86 years old and was one of thirty persons who left Ponsnooth [Ponsanooth] in Cornwall in 1851 and sailed to SA in the Omega. She stayed in Burra till the mine closed and then went to Booleroo Centre where her husband took up land.

[She was born Avice Martin and the John Sanders mentioned was the brother of James Rawling Sanders, my great-great grandfather. John Sanders of Booleroo Centre lived 1822-97 and Avice Sanders nee Martin from 1825-1913.]

F. Oppermann continues to make good progress after his railway accident.

XV, 925, 1 Feb. 1911, page 3

Universal Obligation for naval or military training is introduced. All males turning 14, 15, 16, or 17 years in the year ending 31 December 1911 must register in the month of January 1911. Parents, guardians or others acting in loco parentis are required to register such persons. Penalty not exceeding £10.

A High School? The Mayor, John McLaren, is collecting information on the number of children from Hallett to Manoora who might attend a District High School at Burra. Twenty-four children who have Class V certificates are required to start a school.

Phosphate. Another effort is to be made to work the phosphate deposit between Robertstown and World’s End.

C. Casaretto is building a store at Mt Bryan to supply refreshments and picture framing.

H. Watson of Elder, Smith & Co. was given a social and presentation on Monday night at the Commercial hotel. He is being moved to Orroroo.

Mt Bryan East has had five teachers in 18 months!

Aberdeen Ballast Quarry continues in full swing.

Burra School. The site for the schoolmaster’s residence has still not been decided.

Burra Rifle Club. At the rifle match on Monday J.F. Pearce won a sheep, L. Nutt a lamb and J.A. Riggs a clock.

Bleak House is to let. Apply to James Reed, Aberdeen.

XV, 926, 8 Feb. 1911, page 2

A new trough 24 feet long will be placed in Market Square.

Kooringa Methodist Church Harvest Thanksgiving services were held last Sunday.

Hon. J.J. Duncan MLC (Owner of Gum Creek) with his wife and two daughters left Adelaide on Thursday for a six-month trip to England. He has also long been connected with the Wallaroo and Moonta Mines.

Rabbits & Foxes are both nuisances locally.

Quarry. Contractors taking road metal from the Reservoir Quarry on the Mine Hill have now worked dangerously close to the reservoir for the town supply and the Waterworks Dept. has called a halt to work there. A new road metal supply will have to be found.

The Mayor Mr J. McLaren has reminded the local MPs that the district is in need of more JPs.

Visiting MPs Miller & Newland were also reminded that the town would like to see the Government take over the Aberdeen Ballast Quarry on a long lease and install crushing equipment.

Film. The picture of the Johnson-Jeffries fight will be shown at the Institute tonight.

Redruth Court, 1 February.

Bert Regan, John Regan & Mickey Regan, aged from 7 to 14, were charged that on 22 January at Baldina they broke into the house of Thomas Villis and stole3/6 in silver, a child’s money box containing 6d, money to value of 1/9, 100 cartridges (1/6), 2 dozen matches (7d), tomatoes (1/-) and a canary (10/-).

Bert, aged 14, was sent to the reformatory till 18 and the other two cases were dismissed. A charge of breaking into A.J. McBride’s house was withdrawn.

XV, 926, 8 Feb. 1911, page 3

A Revolutionary Socialist. A misguided youth who claimed this title arrived in town last week. He took a stand in Market Square on an empty case and sacrificed commonsense and a large portion of the English language in an effort to give people an idea of economics etc. His wild flights of fancy included what he wished to do or see done to capitalists, farmers, the Labor Party and in fact to all and sundry. Some of his statements were so wild that Mr W.H. Hardy (as a public man) challenged him and pointed out the illogicality of his platitudes and the fact that his wilful and uncalled for remarks were a grave mistake if he was trying to convince a respectable audience. He admitted mistakes in reference to the challenged statements, made an excuse of being tired and retired.

King Edward VII Memorial. The rotunda memorial to the late king was opened on Wednesday last, 1 February. A large crowd attended and children from the Burra, Copperhouse, St Joseph’s and Miss McMinn’s School attended. As well as Councillors and former Councillors those present included the local MPs Miller & Newland, I.J. Warnes, Chairman of Mt Bryan DC, and Thomas McWaters, Chairman of Burra DC. The former Mayor, Mr Burns, performed the ceremony. After speeches by Mr Burns, Mr McLaren (present Mayor), Mr Miller & Mr Newland, Ex-Councillor Wise gave an account of the idea leading to the erection of the memorial. Mr J.E.H. Winnall led all in three cheers for King George and the schoolchildren sang The Song of Australia. The structure cost c. £160 of which £150 had already been collected or promised. Prior to the opening the Mayor presided at a luncheon in the Burra Hotel for the MPs, Chairmen of the DCs and other members of the Corporation.

A Public Meeting at the Institute on Friday, chaired by Thomas McWaters, was largely attended to protest the new Land Tax assessment. In some cases the assessment was up by nearly 50%. Inferior country had risen along with the rest and sometimes had been assessed higher than good land. A motion was passed that all should appeal individually and John McLaren and Thomas McWaters were appointed delegates to attend a deputation to the Commissioner of Taxes this week.

Burra Rifle Club. 13th match for Urwin’s Medal.

Best three: L. Nutt 92, F.J. Pearce 87 & C.W. Pearce 86.

Burra Town Council

The new bridge in George St is to be strengthened.

The bridge over the deep creek near Mr Finch’s is to be repaired.

An enlarged photo of the opening of the Rotunda is to be obtained and hung in the Council Chambers.

The price of road metal is raised by 6d a yd. [Corrected next issue to 3d.]

The scavenger was given 1 month’s notice.

XV, 927, 15 Feb. 1911, page 2

Advt. West’s Pictures – many short features plus Henry VIII and Catherine Howard and the special film on The Anarchist’s Last Stand: the spectacular great Houndsditch battle with over 1,000 police and detectives from Scotland Yard.

Foxes are particularly bad between Burra & Mongolata.

The Telephone Line between Burra and Adelaide is almost completed and awaits only the completion of the new Post & Telegraph Office.

New JPs. S. Burns and S.M. Lane have been appointed JPs.

Moving Pictures. The Reno version of the Johnson-Jeffries fight was shown last Wednesday: put on by Will Herbert. The Champion ‘pug’ knocked out Jeffries in the 15th.

Sanitation. The cesspit and water closet question will have to be addressed in Burra before long. It has proved impossible to secure a nightman and cesspits in town are filling rapidly. The health officer advocates a pan system. In any case the matter will have to be taken in hand.

Railways. Arrangements are underway to build a 1,063-mile railway from Pt Augusta to Kalgoorlie, which it is said can be done for £4,000,000. We believe it is a big mistake and 50 years ahead of its time. Far better would be to build the Oodnadatta-Pt Darwin line.

The Railway Commissioner has recommended a Saddleworth-Spalding line rather than a Riverton-Spalding line. [The latter was eventually built.]

XV, 927, 15 Feb. 1911, page 3

Mushrooms are plentiful after the recent rain.

The Burra Scouts are still keen, but are in recess for want of a Scoutmaster.

Railway Timetable.

A petition complaining of the current timetable is being circulated.

[From the petition it would appear that the morning train was arriving 19 minutes later and the train to the city was leaving 22 minutes earlier, which gave some 40 minutes less time to attend to correspondence requiring an urgent response and in particular reduced the time in Burra for buyers on market days. These were three Fridays in the month and the new arrangements gave buyers only from 12.30 to 2.30. This calculation is somewhat speculative, since the paper continued to publish on page 4 the same timetable it had for months past.]

[A changed timetable is finally published on 19 July and it may be what the complaint is about, as the train from Adelaide is show to arrive 20 minutes later at 11.32 a.m. and the one to Adelaide departs 22 minutes earlier at 3.09 p.m.]

Advt. Olympic Picture Co. at the Institute tomorrow night: over 7,000 ft of film – includes all 15 rounds of the Johnson-Jeffries fight.

Professor Stevenson appeared at the Institute last Monday before a well-deserved splendid house in his demonstration of Jiu Jitsu. [sic]

Redruth Court.

Two World’s End farmers cross sued each other in a dispute over fences, dams and water, but after a lot of conflicting evidence both were non-suited.

Burra Town Council.

The Council on Monday night agreed to exchange land with G. March for an enlargement of the cemetery. This involved closing roads and notice for this having been duly given the following changes were made: closure of Peacock St abutting allotments 202-203 & 204 and a portion of road north of allotment 204 extending 6 chains north from Challoner St.

Advt. St Leon Bros. Circus will appear on 17 & 18 February at the rear of the Commercial Hotel.

Marriage. On 8 February.

Hilda Pearce, 6th daughter of John Pearce of Kooringa and

Percy Milner, 5th son of the late W. Milner of Nailsworth

The reception was at Leighton House, the residence of the bride’s parents.

Town Health Report from Dr Ashton.

In the last five months there has been one case of pulmonary TB (arrived from WA), 2 cases of diphtheria, 2 of whooping cough and 1 of enteric fever. The trade premises and hotels are generally in good order. Cesspits could better be replaced by a pan system.

Booborowie Railway.

A public meeting was held at Booborowie in the large woolshed, chaired by I.J. Warnes, about a railway to the town. The meeting considered the three railways under consideration:

Riverton – Clare – Spalding

Saddleworth – Clare – Spalding

Farrell’s Flat – Booborowie – Spalding

The last named was favoured and is 30 miles instead of 50 and it could use the stock route for half the distance and South Booborowie land for the rest.

A second meeting on the same subject was held on Thursday night at Leighton Hall. Not surprisingly it too favoured the route Farrell’s Flat – Booborowie – Yakilo – Spalding.

Obituary. M. [Michael] Tobin died on Tuesday 14 February, aged 87. He came from Limerick, Ireland over 50 years ago and resided almost ever since in Burra. His wife died two or three years ago, since when he has lived with his two single daughters, the Misses Maggie and Philomena, in Kooringa. There are several adult sons and daughters.

XV, 928, 22 Feb. 1911, page 2

Advt. W. McDonald has taken over the Eastern Mail.

Booking Offices: Aberdeen Parcels at Sara’s Store

Passengers at Royal Exchange Hotel

Kooringa Parcels at Drew & Crewes’

Passengers at Burra Hotel

Telephone. The line between Burra and Adelaide was connected yesterday and will be available for use this week.

An Earth Tremor was felt mildly from Ulooloo to Kooringa last week.

A.D. McLaren (26) son of the Mayor is in hospital and is thought to be developing typhoid fever.

Obituary. Mrs Roberts, the wife of F. Roberts and a daughter of Jacob Burrows, a Burra resident in the early days and a pillar of the Kooringa Methodist Church died on 12 February at Broken Hill. She had suffered an illness for more than 16 years. [Born Maria Ellen Burrows 1 January 1870 at Moonta.]

King’s Bluff Gold Mine near Olary continues to hold promise, encouraging local investors.

Miss N. Edwards was farewelled from Mt Bryan last week. She has been a keen Methodist Sunday school teacher, a member of the Christian endeavour Society and of the Choir.

Post Office Hours. Postal authorities are said to be thinking of closing offices at 6 p.m. daily. This would mean businesses would not get their night mail from Adelaide and would set them back a day in their correspondence.

Mr F. Oppermann has recovered sufficiently after his amazing escape from his accident with the train at a crossing near Mt Bryan that he has left hospital.

Rev. R. Hancock who was in charge of the Kooringa Bible Christian Church in 1861 and who was a typical ‘Cousin Jack’ was 89 on 14 February and is the oldest minister in SA.

Gerald Dow, relieving officer in the telegraphic service, has been reduced from 4th Class to 5th Class with a cut in annual salary from £185 to £180. He is a Burra boy and at one time worked at the Kooringa office.

Tennis, Wednesday: Kooringa Methodists 12-93 defeated Aberdeen 6-61.

On Saturday: Kooringa Methodists 6-44 defeated Aberdeen 4-47.

Mr R.J.M. McBride has sold Outalpa & Oulnina Stations along the Petersburg-Broken Hill railway. They comprised some 1,651 square miles and had over 90,000 sheep, 100 horses, 100 head of cattle etc. The buyer was R. Crawford of the Barrier. Mr McBride had owned Outalpa for some 14 years and Oulnina for about 4. Both are fine grazing properties.

St Mary’s. The Very Rev. Dean of Adelaide visited on Saturday and conducted Harvest Thanksgiving services on Sunday. The new acetylene gas lamps were used for the first time on Sunday evening and proved a vast improvement on the old kerosene lamps.

XV, 928, 22 Feb. 1911, page 2-3

Obituary. Michael Tobin died 14 February and was buried the next day. His wife died in 1904 and his son Michael was fatally speared by a native in WA when he was away in the interior with the Canning exploration party. Another son Thomas died last July. Two sons and three daughters survive. [He was aged 87.]

XV, 928, 22 Feb. 1911, page 3

Pastoralists Association. A special meeting at the Institute on Friday was held to consider land tax under right of purchase and perpetual leases. E. Bowman took the chair. After discussion I.J. Warnes moved that 2/6 an acre was a fair maximum unimproved value for all leasehold land east of Goyder’s Line. Carried unanimously.

Liberal Union. Burra Branch met at the Institute on Friday when 120-130 members attended with J. McDonald in the chair.

Earthquake. The most severe tremor for many years was felt at 11 p.m. last Sunday. A large section of ceiling plaster fell on the bed of one person at the north end of town, just missing their head. Plaster fell from walls in several buildings. Houses shook and windows and crockery etc. rattled alarmingly. Some people stayed outside after the shock which was also reported from Leighton and Ironmine.

Burra Town Council

The Council decided it could not refund rates paid on McBride Cottage Homes.

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis as agents for Mrs Moody wrote saying alterations to the shop in Commercial St were contemplated, but they could not make any promise to remove verandah posts.

Messrs Tennant & Finch of East Ward asked for a crossing of Burra Creek to be made near the slaughterhouse. The matter was left with the Ward Councillors.

Leighton & Ironmine Sports were held last Wednesday and are reported with the results. Apart from the usual races and jumping events others held included: cotton-winding for ladies, tossing the caber, tilting, nail-driving for ladies, sheaf-tossing and a threading-the-needle race.

Burra Rifle Club. 10th match for Urwin’s Medal. Best scores came from C. Muller, G. Herbert & M. Radford.

Mt Bryan Methodist Church held its Harvest Thanksgiving last Sunday with two sermons from Rev. H.J. Parkinson.

Kooringa Methodist Tennis Club held a concert last Monday to liquidate debt caused by the erection of a shelter-shed at the court.

XV, 929, 1 Mar. 1911, page 2

St Joseph’s. Rt. Rev. Dr Norton, Bishop of Pt Augusta, conducted a confirmation service for c. 60 candidates at St Joseph’s on Monday.

Weather. Rain on Monday brought c. 50-60 points from Farrell’s Flat to Hallett.

An Earthquake a week ago last Sunday was followed by several aftershocks: five were reported from Baldina. Some plaster ceilings were destroyed and in Mr Crewes’ new house in Kooringa some walls were cracked from top to bottom. Damage was also reported at Mr Black’s at Princess Royal.

Railway. The Royal Commission has reported in favour of the Eudunda-Robertstown railway.

Accident. J.G. Oates was thrown from a spring dray when his horse tripped coming down Flagstaff Hill. The dray continued downhill at a great pace and was destroyed in a capsize lower down. Strangely neither the horse nor the driver was much the worse for the event.

Richard Thomas of Quarry St is 80 and has recently resigned as curator of the cemetery after 28 years service. He was born in the Parish of Ludgovan [Ludgvan] in Cornwall and came to SA in the Isle of Finnet, of 515 tons, from Plymouth, on 27 July 1854. He worked at the Burra Mine till it closed. He is the father of 12, but only 2 daughters survive of the family in addition to his wife: Mesdames Pressick (Kooringa) and J. Snell (Broken Hill).

Mrs C. McDonald of Leighton is leaving the district for Adelaide after 40 years. She was given a social in Leighton Hall on Saturday night and presented with a dressing case.

A Royal Commission has been set up to take evidence about a Farrell’s Flat-Spalding railway following a petition.

XV, 929, 1 Mar. 1911, page 3

New Kooringa Post Office: work is progressing well.

Mr E. Kiekebusche of Baldina reports killing 100 foxes and over 1,000 rabbits on his property since June last. He thinks that on the whole the foxes are mainly killing rabbits.

North Booborowie Estate, which the Government bought some months ago, is being subdivided and will soon be gazetted for sale.

Albert Gebhardt has made a present of some 23 acres of land to be added to the oval syndicate’s holdings at the north end of the town. This is a valuable donation considering the rest of the paddock was recently sold for £10 an acre.

Brady Creek Sports were successfully held on 25 February. Results are printed.

Mt Bryan Estate Sale at the Institute on Wednesday saw some spirited bidding. 5,600 acres was offered in 25 blocks. A good portion was purchased for farming. Details are printed.

Burra Rifle Club. 15th match for Urwin’s Gold Medal. C. Muller 100 from F. Wheatley 95.

Marriage. Last Wednesday Linda May Wise, daughter of John Wise and

T.G. Goodridge of Gum Creek.

Fire. Last Wednesday it is believed that fire broke out on Mr E.N. Finch’s land, but soon spread to the land of Josiah Thomas near Firewood Creek on the Mt Bryan Road. Mr Thomas sustained most loss when some 200 acres of good feed and a lucerne patch were destroyed. The flames licked the verandah posts of Mr Thomas’s home and several times the roof of the machine shed caught alight. A telephone call to the Kooringa Post Office brought some help from Aberdeen and Redruth.

Burra Rifle Club, Saturday: West Broken Hill Club 910 defeated Burra 885.

Harry Vivian, landlord of the Commercial Hotel, fell from a chair he was standing on and seriously hurt himself a few nights ago. He has one or two broken ribs and kidney damage.

The Women’s Branch of the Liberal Union met at the Institute last Friday and they resolved to ask people to vote NO at the forthcoming referendums.

XV, 930, 8 Mar. 1911, page 2

Market Square is being improved by a thorough overhaul of the pump and a new 24’ galvanised iron trough has been erected.

Burra District Council has asked the Government for a bridge on the main road between the railway station and Shafton near Copperhouse. In winter the road here becomes almost impassable and at times it is impossible for Copperhouse residents to get into town.

Inspector Both of the Central Board of Health was satisfied with the sanitary arrangements in town on a visit last Wednesday.

Spalding Railway. The commission reporting on the proposed line to run from Riverton or Saddleworth to Spalding has received instructions to investigate also a line from Farrell’s Flat to Spalding via Booborowie.

XV, 930, 8 Mar. 1911, page 3

Kooringa Post Office. The contractor John Pearce says work on the new building is well in hand and on time. The building will be up-to-date in every detail and includes accommodation for telegraph and telephone services as well.

E. Kiekebusche of Baldina says that in the past season on his property over 1,000 rabbits and 100 foxes have been destroyed. Four or five foxes are seen every day, but they seem to be doing little damage among the sheep and are rather serving to reduce rabbit numbers.

Closer Settlement

North Booborowie was purchased recently and is being surveyed now. In a few weeks it is expected the subdivided land will be gazetted.

Compulsory purchase for this purpose was considered some time ago, but in fact landowners have been offering land faster than it can be taken up. F. Maslin’s Bundaleer Estate for example of 30,000 acres cannot be considered by the Government at present on account of shortage of funds.

The Sports Syndicate. F. Treloar secretary of the syndicate reports that Mr Albert Gebhardt of Mackerode has made a gift of 23 acres to be added to the sports ground at the north end of the town, so now there is adequate land for the showgrounds and a racecourse. This is a valuable gift, seeing that the rest of the paddock sold last week for £10 an acre. Mr Gebhardt was a member of the original syndicate.

Brady Creek annual sports were held 25 February and about 500 attended. Results are printed.

Mt Bryan Estate. A portion of this subdivided estate was sold by Bagot, Shakes & Lewis at the Burra Institute on Wednesday. About 5,600 acres went in 25 blocks. Purchasers and prices are printed.

Burra Rifle Club. 15th match for Urwin’s Gold Medal

Best results were by C. Muller, F. Wheatley, H.L. Riggs & J. Hatherley.

Kooringa Police Court, 1 March

Harry Long was given one month in jail for being idle and disorderly.

XV, 931, 15 Mar. 1911, page 2

The Telephone connection to Adelaide is complete except for the final fitting out of the instruments in the Burra office.

Advt. Miss Pearce, late of Messrs Drew & Crewes, has taken over W. Trusscott’s Refreshment Rooms and will open them on 15 March.

Advt. Grand Ju Jistsu Demonstration at Institute 20 March featuring Ryugora Shima, World Champion and Kiyo Kameda, SA Champion.

XV, 931, 15 Mar. 1911, page 3

Methodist Conference.

Rev. H.C. Farley of Kooringa goes to Brompton.

Rev. J.H. Nield comes to Kooringa.

Rev. Thomas Weatherill of Redruth goes to Summerton.

Rev. W.A. Bainger comes to Redruth.

A Bolt. The horses in W.H. Stevenson’s buggy were tied to the verandah post at the post office on Saturday when they became frightened. They broke the bridle, pulled down the post and dashed for home along the road to Aberdeen. They went up the hill, past the station and were only stopped at the gate to Springbank by Mr Lewis who followed in a car. Amazingly no damage was done to the buggy or the horses, other than the broken bridle.

West’s Pictures at the Institute last Friday featured a beauty contest Adelaide’s Fairest Daughters and played to a full house.

Salvation Army Harvest Thanksgiving last Sunday and Monday drew large congregations.

Holiday Report. There is almost 1⁄2 a column from Frank T. Sara and Vernon Nicholls, who are making a trip to the New Hebrides.

Obituary. Mr Richard Webber of Mt Bryan East died from pneumonia on Sunday night at the Burra Hospital, aged 65. He arrived in SA 58 years ago and went into brick making in Hindmarsh. He later took up farming at Mt Bryan East with his mother and brothers. About 20 years ago he married a sister of F.J. Carey. He leaves a widow, two sons and two daughters. [Died 12 March 1911 at Kooringa, residence Mt Bryan East aged 62.]

Terowie Sports were held on Wednesday last and results are printed.

XV, 932, 22 Mar. 1911, page 2

Foxes are very common to the east and southeast towards the river.

Census Forms are beings distributed for the census on the night of 2-3 April.

Burra Show Society AGM was held in the Institute on Friday. There was a good attendance with I.J. Warnes in the chair. The show will be held on 1st Wednesday in October.

Advt. West’s Pictures continue to be shown on Fridays at the Institute. The films for 24 March will feature Adelaide Today and King George [V]opening his first Parliament.

XV, 932, 22 Mar. 1911, page 3

Mt Bryan Athletic Sports were a great success last Wednesday. In the evening a concert was followed by dancing till morning. Results are printed.

Obituary. Mr John Sanders one of the oldest residents of Copperhouse died in the Burra hospital on Saturday; at the age of 69 years. He came to SA in 1851 on the Omega arriving on 27 July. He was for some years Post Master at Copperhouse and later worked on tribute at the Burra Mine.

[Born 15 November 1844: died 17 March 1911 at Kooringa, residence near Burra (Copperhouse). Birth date is suspect.]

A Labor Party Rally was called for Thursday night at the Institute, but the speaker failed to arrive and a dance was held instead.

Burra Institute Committee will try to arrange for some lectures during winter. Local doctors are also to be asked about the formation of St John Ambulance classes.

Court Pride AOF (Juvenile Lodge) celebrated their 20th Anniversary with a sports picnic at Princess Royal on Wednesday.

Burra Rifle Club. The final match for Urwin’s Gold Medal resulted in a win for J. Hatherly of Mt Bryan.

Farrell’s Flat Sports were most successful last Wednesday. Results are printed.

XV, 933, 29 Mar. 1911, page 2

The Scott-Beresford Dramatic Co. played A Mother’s Sacrifice at the Institute on Race Night, 22 March, to a large and appreciative audience.

Burra Town Council met on Friday last to consider improvements to Victoria Park to make it fit for football, cricket, etc.

United Labor Party held a branch meeting in the Institute on Thursday.

The Liberal Union held a meeting on Friday.

Burra Rifle Club. In the competition for Urwin’s Gold Medal the leaders were J. Hatherly on 17 points followed by G. Herbert, C. Muller & C.W. Pearce each with 13 points.

Telephone. There is a request for a telephone to be installed at the Hanson post office.

West’s Pictures. The main feature for 31 March is The Pirates of 1920.

Telephone. The telephone line to Adelaide was officially opened on Friday 24 March by the Hon. J.H. Howe MLC. At 2 o’clock Mr Rollinson introduced the Mayor, John McLaren, and Crs Hardy, Harris & Lane and others to the Deputy Postmaster-General Mr Waddy. Mr Howe then declared the service open. Rev. Farley was then switched through to Ru Rua Hospital in North Adelaide where R.J.M. McBride was lying ill and he conversed with Mrs McBride.

XV, 933, 29 Mar. 1911, page 2-3

Burra Football Association AGM was held at the Burra Hotel on Thursday. The Association is in good credit. The secretary J. Allen, said the Hallett and Farrell’s Flat clubs favoured joining, so there could be five teams in the competition this year. Present train arrangements would make games possible. Mr Truscott was appointed chairman of the Association.

XV, 933, 29 Mar. 1911, page 3

Sturt Vale Athletic Club held its 2nd annual meeting on 13 March and the results are printed. A musical program was held in the woolshed in the evening.

Burra Races were held on the Aberdeen course on 22 March in excellent weather and there was a record attendance. Details of the meeting run for c. 2 columns.

Mr A. McWaters of Terowie has bought the farm of Mr I’Anson near Mt Bryan.

XV, 934, 5 Apr. 1911, page 2

M-C Clark of Kooringa is seriously ill with pneumonia in Adelaide.

Obituary. Pat Dower, son of P. & E. Dower of Kooringa, died in the Burra Hospital on Sunday 2 April. He was aged 6 years 5 months. [Patrick Dower born 31 October 1904 at Kooringa.]

George Sampson is pressing on with work at Victoria Park to make it fit for football.

Burra Cemetery. Details on the closing of Peacock St and the exchange of land at the cemetery are almost complete.

Rev. Weatherill was admitted to Burra Hospital on Wednesday on the eve of his departure. He was suffering from appendicitis.

Rev. H.C. Farley was given a farewell by the Masonic Lodge on Tuesday.

The Education Dept. has secured land in Kooringa for the headmaster’s house.

XV, 934, 5 Apr. 1911, page 3

West’s Pictures will not be shown in Burra this week as they are required in Wallaroo on Thursday to show before the Governor.

South Booborowie Estate. 33 lots were sold at the Institute on Friday. All lots were sold in about an hour at an average £6-1-6 per acre. The 1/- charge to enter the hall raised £11-6-0 [Representing 226 people] for the Burra Hospital. The sum was then matched by the sellers. Prices, areas and names of purchasers are printed.

Obituary. J.J. Kelly of Mt Bryan died at the Clare Hospital on Friday. He was one of the new settlers at Mt Bryan and a JP. He was agent for the Farmers’ Union, an active member of the Agricultural Bureau and the Farmers’ Political Union and a member of the local athletic club. He leaves a wife and six young children. [Jeremiah Joseph Kelly died 31 March 1911 at Clare, residence Mt Bryan aged 45. He was probably the Jeremiah Kelly born 20 June 1865 near Mintaro.]

Diphtheria has broken out in Burra and so far six cases with one death have been reported. The local State School and St Joseph’s School have been closed for three weeks and it has been suggested that Sunday schools be suspended for two Sundays. A son of Mr Dower died on Sunday morning.

Kooringa Methodist Church farewelled Rev. H.C. Farley, Mrs Farley and their family at a gathering on Friday evening. Mrs Farley was given a handbag and Rev. Farley a purse of sovereigns.

The Referendums. There is a column presenting the Liberal Party’s point of view about the referendums to be put on 26 April. It urges a ‘NO’ vote.

Burra Town Council.

The bridge near the smelting works is to be repaired.

XV, 935, 12 Apr. 1911, page 2

Obituary. Graham Oppermann, eldest son of William and Kate Oppermann of Redruth, died at Broken Hill on 2 April aged 20. [Born Graham Bertie Oppermann 30 October 1890 at Redruth.]

Obituary. Alice Manicum, eldest daughter of the late Richard Dearlove of Burra, died at Leonora Hospital WA on 15 March aged 42. She left three young daughters. [Born Alice Dearlove 28 July 1868 at Kooringa.]

R.J.M. McBride is slowly improving in Ru Rua Hospital.

Rev. Thomas Weatherill is slowly improving in the Burra Hospital.

Mr John Pearce has just introduced a large plate glass window to the premises of Urwin & Son in Market Square.

Obituary. Henry Scott of Cootamundra NSW and formerly of Braefoot near Burra died on 5 January 1911.

John Pearce has won the tender for the new schoolhouse in Kooringa.

Easter. The Government has declared the Saturday after Good Friday to be a public holiday.

Diphtheria. Fresh cases have been reported.

Rev. J.H. Nield is expected in time for next Sunday’s services at Kooringa.

Rev. S. Kessell returned to fill in last week.

Rev. W.A. Bainger is now at Redruth and conducted the anniversary services at Hanson where the usual tea will take place on Good Friday.

XV, 935, 12 Apr. 1911, page 2-3

May Bartholomaeus & Natalie Sara were accorded a social and presentations by Redruth Methodist Sunday School in Jubilee Hall on the occasion of their approaching marriages.

XV, 935, 12 Apr. 1911, page 3

Kooringa Post Office. Now that the building is taking shape it seems that the main alterations advocated in the first place have almost been lost sight of. The matter will be drawn to the attention of the authorities.

Burra Rifle Club. Match fired Wednesday & Saturday: Norman Pearce 101 from H.L. Riggs 99 and C. Radford 99.

Obituary. Graham Oppermann died in Broken Hill on 2 April. The deceased went there about six weeks ago and worked for only a few days in Central Mine before contracting typhoid fever. He had been a valued member of the Aberdeen Football Club. [Graham Bertie Opperman was born 30 October 1890 at Redruth.]

The Referendums. There is another 1⁄2-column article from the Liberals urging a ‘NO’ vote.

Obituary. Mrs Neydock died at her residence in Ayers St on Monday. [She would appear likely to be the Anna Rosina Schneider who married Leberecht Neideck at Ebenezer in 1858 and whose death is registered as Annie Rosenie Neidick on 10 April 1911 at Kooringa aged 71.]

Obituary. Mrs Rule, mother of Mr W.J. Rule blacksmith of Aberdeen, died at the residence of Mrs Turley early in the week. [Born Sophia Bellmann and died 10 April 1911 at Aberdeen aged 81.]

Football. The AGM of the Rambler Football Club was held at Mr Pickering’s rooms last week. W.H. Hardy presided. Elected: Patron, W.P. Barker; President, L.W. Gebhardt; Secretary, Mr Pickering; Capt., A.W. Lott; Vice-Capt., R. Sandland. Colours will be blue and gold: the same as last year.

Kooringa Football Club met in J. Allen’s rooms on Monday and elected: President, Hon. J. Lewis; Capt., J. Kellaway; Vice-Capt., N. Pearce; Secretary, C.C. Lord.

The Liberal Union organised a large political meeting at the Institute on Monday evening to hear addresses condemning the coming referendums.

Diphtheria. The outbreak has worsened and the hospital is stretched beyond capacity. The Mayor has been empowered to attend to the provision of extra beds and tent accommodation. An extra horse and dray is to be employed to assist the scavenger for a week.

Burra Institute will form First Aid classes if sufficient people come forward.

XV, 936, 19 Apr. 1911, page 2

Advt. For Sale. Mr A. Richardson’s property in the Township of Nelson c. three acres of good land, well fenced and with a house of six rooms with wash-house, stable and buggy shed.

Hanson Methodist Church. The anniversary tea on Good Friday was well attended and about 80 went by train from Burra, returning by the Broken Hill express, which stopped especially. Numbers were down due to the diphtheria outbreak. The occasion raised c. £18.

Mice are numerous between Hallett and Burra and particularly bad at Mt Bryan where much wheat is stacked.

R.J.M. McBride is back home in Queen St, but is still far from recovered.

Leighton Hall. The anniversary of the opening of the hall was marked by a dinner on Thursday with the retiring president I.J. Warnes in the chair. Elected were President, I.J. Warnes; Vice-President, W.H. Field; Secretary & Treasurer, S. McDonald.

A suggestion was made that the hall become incorporated.

‘A Liberal Voice’ A half-column article urges the citizenry to vote NO at the forthcoming referendums and arguing that a YES vote would see the states shorn of nearly all their powers.

Burra Literary Society. A meeting of ladies and gentlemen was held at the Institute on Wednesday to attempt to resuscitate the society. There was a small credit balance from the old society and the Institute could provide a room with lights. The rules of the old society were adopted and subscriptions fixed at 1/- a quarter. Elected were President, J. McLaren; Vice-Presidents, Messrs Winnall, Fuss & H. Roach. [Personal interest: probably C. Fuss.]

West’s Pictures on Friday last showed: The Great Italian Hydroplane, The Greater Call, The Preacher’s Wife, The Child’s Prayer.

Next Friday they will show: Life on an Italian Ironclad, Gambler of the West, Picturesque Salzburg, How Mary Met the Punchers, Daddy’s Did’ums & the New Baby, With Interest to Date, The Colour Sergeant’s Horse & Tontolini in a Trap, etc.

Coming soon the film from a contest in Sydney: Sirens of the Surf.

Burra Rifle Club. Tanunda Club visited on Saturday and Burra 847 defeated Tanunda 795.

At Farrell’s Flat on Easter Monday Burra 856 defeated Watervale 814.

Football. Aberdeen Football Club met at the gymnasium with T. Harris in the chair and elected Captain, A. Lomman; Vice-Captain, M. Morton; Secretary, M. Morton; delegates to Association, C. Fuss & T. Tapp.

Hallett sports were held on Monday in fair weather. Results are printed.

XV, 937, 26 Apr. 1911, page 2

Advt. West’s Picture, Burra Institute 28 April.

The main features were Hamlet and Sirens of the Surf.

The latter features ‘Charmers from Coogee, Mermaids from Manly and Beauties from Bondi’.

Obituary. S. Nolan, an old Burra resident and railway ganger, was struck by the Broken Hill express at Gawler on Thursday and died in the Adelaide Hospital on Monday.

[Stephen Nolan died 24 April 1911 at Adelaide, residence Yatala aged 57.]

The Referendums. Mr E.A. Roberts MHR addressed a large gathering on the referendums in the Institute on Friday. Mr J. Richards, President of the local branch of the Labor Party, took the chair.

Mice are a real problem around the wheat stacks at railway stations.

John McLaren has left the town for a short holiday with his son who is recovering from typhoid fever.

Obituary. John Kellock aged 71 died at the Burra Hospital. He was among the first to take up land at Baldina and went there as a bullock driver in the early days. A widow and adult family survive.

[Died 19 April 1911 at Kooringa, residence Thistlebeds Baldina aged 70.]

Accident and obituary. Leslie Sandland, son of Mrs J.C. Sandland of Burra, was seriously injured when he was thrown from a trap he was driving at Nackara a few days ago. The horses bolted and of Mr Sandland’s two companions, Mr Nelson jumped out and Mt T. Howard was thrown out and killed.

[Timothy Andrew Howard died 18 April 1911 at Nackara aged 43.]

Obituary. Charles Paull, a former Burra resident, died at West Hindmarsh last week aged 77. He arrived in SA in 1855, spent some time in Burra and a while at the Victorian goldfields. He returned to SA to live at Moonta. He had been several years at Hindmarsh and is survived by a widow, two sons, 3 daughters, 23 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

[Charles Paull died 18 April 1911 at West Hindmarsh aged 77.]

Burra Town Council, 19 April.

Council will assist in collecting for China Famine Relief.

A new foot crossing is to be placed in Taylor St.

XV, 937, 26 Apr. 1911, page 3

Diphtheria. There were two or three new cases in the last week, despite which schools re-opened on Monday. In all about 25 cases have been reported from 15 families with up to six in one family involved. The schools have been disinfected and several houses fumigated.

Drew & Crewes are expanding their premises at Hallett and are building a dwelling house there.

The Referendums. Further Liberal propaganda is printed.

Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church on 22 April.

Mr Theo. M. Carey of Claremont WA and

Miss Natalie Olive Sara, only daughter of Mr & Mrs J.G. Sara of Aberdeen.

The couple will live in Claremont.

China Famine Relief Fund was launched with a 10/6 donation from John McLaren.

XV, 938, 3 May 1911, page 2

Obituary. Jeremiah Joseph Kelly died on 31 March at Clare. He was the husband of Katie M.E. Kelly of Mt Bryan and the eldest son of Mr P. Kelly of Mintaro. He was 45 and leaves a wife, three sons and three daughters.

Diphtheria. The outbreak is now abating.

Mr G. Sampson has ploughed, graded and rolled Victoria Park and the playing area has been much improved.

C. A. Uhrlaub, one time head teacher at Mt Bryan, has been appointed a professor of languages and chief instructor of languages to the Boy Scouts Headquarters. He is highly qualified in Esperanto.

The 1d postage system was inaugurated on Monday to place SA on a par with the other states.

XV, 938, 3 May 1911, page 3

Advt. Swift’s Musical Comedy Co. will appear Saturday 6 May at the Institute.

It features 8 Star Artists and a Big Electric Biograph. The performances include the picture Drink or Saved by a Play and Revost: the World’s Greatest Acrobatic Act.

[And a collection of Vaudeville-type performers.]

It will show the famous ‘Harem Skirt’ as worn by Miss Elsie Knowles.

The Referendums. Liberal Voice reports glowingly on the referendum results.

On the Legislative Powers question YES 459,743 and NO 708,520.

On the Monopolies question YES 462,175 and NO 702,343.

There was also a state referendum to raise politicians’ salaries by £100. YES 41,682 NO 85,252.

Rev. Thomas Weatherill slowly improves.

China Relief Fund reaches 19/6.

Burra Liberal Union meeting on Friday in the Institute. The Union is to get an organising secretary for £200 p.a.

[Somewhat surprisingly given his past writings W.H. Hardy not only attended, but moved a motion.]

Burra Literary Soc. Will hold an opening meeting this evening of songs and recitations as well as business to pave the way for the working of the new society.

Burra Local Board of Health. Maternity Home licence was granted to Mrs Mary Wilks of Kooringa.

XV, 939, 10 May 1911, page 2

Advt. West’s Picture, 12 May will screen: The Grand National Steeplechase (run 24 March 1911), What Shall We Do with Our Old, Six Brompton Girls, Chillian Sports, Seth’s Temptation, Peach Growing in Canada, The border Ranger, etc.

Referendum. After scrutiny of absent votes:

Legislative Powers Yes 319 No 538

Monopolies Yes 323 No 535

State Poll Yes 284 No 571

Diphtheria. Several new cases have been admitted to hospital from outside the town, but the trouble in the town is gradually abating.

Mr W.T. Rabbich has been visiting Burra from WA. He is an ex-Mayor and after going to WA was Mayor of Boulder City for two or three terms. He has been engaged in farming and has met with a certain amount of good luck. He is staying with his brother Harry Rabbich of Aberdeen.

Aberdeen Ballast Quarry work has been suspended, throwing about 30 men out of work. The quarry has been active for some time and was expected to be so for several more months. It is reported that work will recommence after next month.

Bicycle Race. The planned race from Burra to Adelaide on 10 June is attracting considerable interest.

Weather. Thursday & Saturday were very uncomfortable and winds from the south enveloped the town in clouds of dust to the annoyance particularly of shopkeepers. A good soaking rain fell on Sunday.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Anniversary that had been postponed due to the diphtheria outbreak was held on Sunday and Monday last. Rev. W.A. Bainger preached in the morning and Rev. J.H. Nield in the afternoon and evening.

Kooringa Post Office. Work on the new building is almost completed according to the contractor Mr J. Pearce. The mason work is almost finished and plasterers are well advanced. Carpenters have almost finished the roof and most of the inside work.

XV, 939, 10 May 1911, page 2-3

Joseph Denton of Farrell’s Flat has earned a reputation as a successful water diviner for some time now on both the eastern and western sides of Burra. He is an old resident of the district, being the second son of the late J. Denton of Aldinga and was born in 1869. For a time he had a general store at two Wells and then went to Saddleworth where he joined Mr Partridge in his big business there. He later opened a store at Waterloo in 1896 and subsequently gave its management to his brother and extended operations to Mintaro. Afterwards he bought Mr Sexton’s business at Farrell’s Flat. In 1899 he married and has two sons and two daughters.

XV, 939, 10 May 1911, page 3

The Old Burra Literary Society has been resuscitated and held its opening meeting last Wednesday when about 40 attended. A musical evening was held. On 17 May Rev. J.H. Nield will address the society on The Rise and Fall of the South African Republic.

‘The Liberal Voice’ reports the recent referendum results for the Kooringa Subdivision:

Legislative Powers Yes 532 No 1175

Monopolies Yes 544 No 1164

Increase in Salaries Yes 480 No 1229

(State Poll)

Mr R.M. Harvey, formerly manager of the Bank of Australasia in Kooringa, was sent to Shepparton in Victoria and has now been moved to Bendigo in a distinct promotion.

Football. On Saturday Farrell’s Flat 103 defeated Kooringa 3.

Hallett 53 defeated Ramblers 16.

XV, 940, 17 May 1911, page 2

W.H. Crowder, Manager for Elder, Smith & Co., is seriously ill in Burra Hospital.

Diphtheria. Several fresh cases reported.

Counterfeit coins are being passed is SA.

Kooringa Post Office. Owen Smyth, Superintendent of Public Buildings, has visited Burra and approved of changes at the post office to improve public accommodation. A new fence will be considered.

Weather. Good rains last week get the season off to a good start.

Hockey. At Clare last week Burra 1 defeated Clare 0.

Burra Show Society. The Sheep Dog Field Trials are scheduled for 5 July.

Advt. West’s Pictures for 23 May: main feature is The Squatter’s Daughter.

The Engineer of Roads & Bridges will inspect the site for a bridge on Shafton Road.

XV, 940, 17 May 1911, page 3

M-C Kelly, now in charge of the Kooringa Police Station, caught two cardsharpers who were operating on the northern railway line. In Redruth Court James Reid and Louis Meyers were found guilty. Reid was sentenced to one month in gaol and Meyer to two months.

[It would appear from the paper of 21 June that the charge was one of vagrancy.]

Burra town Council, 15 May.

Complaints have been received that certain streets in East Ward have been obstructed by fences and are hence unavailable for the movement of stock. It was decided to re-open such roads.

R.J.M. McBride has donated £25 to China Relief Fund which now stands at £26-19-6.

Local Board of Health.

Since the last meeting Dr Caw reports 4 cases of diphtheria and one of whooping cough. Dr Ashton reports one of diphtheria.

Football. On Saturday at Victoria Park Ramblers 52 points defeated Hallett 26 points.

Burra Rifle Club. Last match saw George Herbert 104 and Capt. Lord 104 in the lead from O.G. Walker 102.

A Burra Band. The Mayor, Mr McLaren, is supporting efforts to form a band in the town.

XV, 941, 24 May 1911, page 2

Obituary. Elizabeth Ward, relict of the late Richard Ward and mother of Miss E.A. Ward, died on 22 May at her residence in Kooringa aged 81. [Born Elizabeth White 1 September 1829 at Bristol UK.]

Mushrooms are plentiful at present.

Burra Band. A meeting will be held tonight in the Institute to try to form a Burra Brass Band.

Advt. West’s Pictures for 26 May. The main feature is East Lynne, supported by 15 shorter films.

Major John Ward, of the Salvation Army, who is an old resident of Burra, is visiting relatives here at present.

The Cemetery. The southeast wall will be extended to take in the newly acquired area.

Burra Literary Soc. Met in the Institute on Wednesday. Attendance was large considering it was a damp night. Rev. J. H. Nield gave a lecture on the rise of the South African Republic.

A.E. Oppermann killed five foxes on Wandillah one night last week.

XV, 941, 24 May 1911, page 3

Burra Institute. Arrangements have been made for Dr Caw to conduct a course of lectures on First Aid. Estimates are to be obtained for a flagpole 40’ to 50’ high with jarrah stays for erection in front of the Institute.

St Mary’s. The Bishop of Adelaide conducted morning and evening services on Sunday and took the afternoon service at Black Springs. Thirty-two candidates were confirmed in the morning.

Obituary. Mrs Elizabeth Ward, relict of the late Richard Ward, died aged 81. She was born Elizabeth White in Bristol, England, 1 September 1829 and married in Trinity Church, St Philips, Bristol. She arrived in SA on the Emigrant in 1854 and went to live at Belalie (White Hutt) [Manning offers no help with White Hutt or Hut – at least in this area.] She came to live in Burra in 1870 where her husband was a storekeeper and general dealer. Mr Ward died 18 February 1886. She leaves one daughter, Miss E.A. Ward. Major John Ward of the Salvation Army is a nephew.

Obituary. Richard Austin, who ran a butchering business in Aberdeen for so long, died at Glenelg on Friday 17 May aged 83 and was buried at Burra.

Obituary. Mrs Caw, wife of Dr Caw, died suddenly on Monday 20 May aged 25. She was married about 12 months and came from WA. She was buried in the Payneham Cemetery.

[Kathleen Euston Caw died 21 May 1911 at Kooringa aged 25.]

Burra Rifle Club. The AGM was held at the Burra Hotel on Friday. Capt. G. Lord presided. The club is financially sound. G. Lord was re-elected Captain and H.L. Riggs is Secretary.

Accident. A car turning at the eastern end of the Black Bridge in Kooringa at midnight recently hit two posts, some railing and a pepper tree.

China Relief Fund reaches £27-9-6.

James Seal has returned to Burra from Naracoorte to take over the Royal Exchange Hotel. He previously had Opie’s Hotel.

XV, 942, 31 May 1911, page 2

Advt. West’s Picture for 2 June feature The Price of Victory (A Drama of the Days of Napoleon), supported by 12 shorter items.

Advt. Burra Institute.

The Kenneth Ames-Wilson Forbes Dramatic Organization of Metropolitan Artistes Stars, supported by 13 artistes.

Tuesday June 6: The Squaw Man’s Revenge

Wednesday June 7: Uncle Tom’s Cabin

Thursday June 8: The Terrors of Paris

Obituary. Richard Austin, husband of Julia Austin, died at the residence of W.J.P. Giddings at Glenelg on 21 May aged 83.

Obituary. Joseph Williams died at Aberdeen on 8 May aged 76. He was a colonist of 66 years. He is survived by a wife and five children: Mrs C. Radford, Mrs J. Lockett (Broken Hill), Messrs W.J. Williams, T.J. Williams (Iron Mine), & Rev. J.A. Williams (Millicent). [Born in Cornwall in 1835.]

James Henderson of Kooringa had the tops of his left hand fingers almost severed in a circular saw on Friday. He is progressing as well as can be expected.

Redruth Methodist Church will hold its Anniversary next Sunday & Monday. Rev. J.H. Nield and Rev. W.A. Bainger will preach.

Mr & Mrs F.J. Carey of Kooringa celebrated their silver wedding on 28 May. Mrs Carey is the daughter of the late Richard & Mrs Snell of Quarry St. Mr Carey is the only son of the late John Carey, an old resident of Kooringa.

Celebrations. A committee has been formed to decide how the town will celebrate Empire Day (21 June) and the Coronation of the King (22 June).

North Booborowie Estate, which the Government bought from Mr Dutton and Mr Melrose, has been subdivided and should be gazetted in the next week or two.

Diphtheria seems to have abated somewhat in the town, but has spread westwards with cases reported at Braefoot and Clare and with reports from as far as Moonta.

Foxes have become troublesome at hogback.

T.H. Williams, a former Burra resident who has been Deputy-Chief Stock Inspector for several years, has been appointed Chief Inspector during the holidays of J.R. Needham. [The report implies that J.R. Needham was also an old Burraite.]

XV, 942, 31 May 1911, page 2-3

R.J.M. McBride has donated a piano to the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School.

XV, 942, 31 May 1911, page 3

Burra Band Fund. An obscurely worded paragraph implies that Wilson Forbes will donate 25% of the gross takings from The Terrors of Paris to the Burra Band Fund.

Notice: Mrs Austin announces that the butchering business of the late Mr Richard Austin will continue as before. Carts will run daily and customers be waited on as usual.

Half Day Closing. A move by shop assistants to change the half day closing from Wednesday to Saturday has been defeated by the town’s businessmen who favour the status quo.

Football. Victoria Park, Saturday: Aberdeen 57 points defeated Kooringa 36 points.*

[* At least this appears to be the probable result: the description of play gives progressive scores quarter by quarter that don’t seem to make any sense.]

On Wednesday at Riverton the Burra Association lost to Riverton by 10 points. The actual scores are not stated, but apparently Burra played with only 12 men.

Hockey. A match at Riverton was drawn with each side scoring 3 goals.

Obituary. Joseph Williams was born at Redruth in Cornwall in 1835 and came to SA in the Lady Bruce in 1845 with his parents J. & Ann Williams. They came to Burra almost immediately and he worked for a while at Princess Royal Mine before going to the Victorian Gold Fields. On returning to Burra he became a carter between Burra and Adelaide or Pt Wakefield. He leaves a widow, 5 children, 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. [Died 8 May 1911 at Aberdeen.]

J.M. McBride has gone to Melbourne on a trip to recover his health. He is over 80 years old.

Obituary. Richard Austin, who died at Glenelg on 21 May, arrived in Burra 56 years ago and began work as a miner. He later became a butcher and farmer. He married twice. His second wife was Julia Killicoat and they had one son, Henry. Though not active in public affairs, he helped financially many causes that promoted the welfare of the town and district. Not feeling well he went to Glenelg for a change of air and to consult Dr Sangster Jnr. Complications set in and he died of heart failure aged 83. The funeral procession in Burra was one of the longest for some years.

Public Notice: The butchering business of Richard Austin will be continued as usual.

Burra Band. A meeting at the Institute on Wednesday decide to form a Burra Brass Band. Instruments having been bought will be vested in the Corporation. Subscriptions of up to £50 have been promised. The band is to be known as the Burra Coronation Band.

XV, 943, 7 June 1911, page 2

Mice are in plague numbers. Houses are swarming with the rodents that are destroying clothing and bedding etc.

Mr Merkel at the Black Waterholes is growing large potatoes.

Advt. J. & N. Tait present at the Institute on 12 June: Nicola the Monarch of Mystery.

Magic, illusions and juggling with 15 tons of Gorgeous Paraphernalia. 4/-, 3/- & 2/-

Advt. West’s Pictures on 9 July feature La Tosca and Camille.

XV, 943, 7 June 1911, page 3

The Wilson Forbes Dramatic Co. is playing Uncle Tom’s Cabin to a good house as we go to press and will present The Terrors of Paris on Thursday night.

The Kooringa Hotel will stage a billiard tournament on Friday.

School Attendance for the last quarter: Booborowie 25, Burra 179, Copperhouse 38, Gum Creek 10, Hanson 20, Koonoona 4, Leighton 20 and World’s End 20.

The AOF Brass Band of 27 players under P.E. Copp visited Burra on Monday and played to the hospital in the afternoon and presented a concert at the Institute in the evening to a fair house.

Football. At Victoria Park on Monday Burra 51 points defeated North Adelaide Juniors 27 points.

On Saturday at Victoria Park Ramblers 31 defeated Kooringa 30.

XV, 944, 14 June 1911, page 2

Burra Coronation Band. A further meeting at the Institute on Wednesday confirmed the decision to form a Brass Band for Burra. Over £80 has been raised. Two acetylene gas lamps valued at £1-1-0 each came from R.D. Pascoe and G. Sampson.

[Were these for use, or for a money-raising exercise?]

Boy Scouts. What has become of the Boy Scouts? Parents who invested in uniforms are asking when they will be resuscitated.

Obituary. Mrs Kelly, wife of Michael Kelly of Booborowie for over 20 years, died at home on Thursday aged 64. She leaves a widower, 1 daughter and 10 sons.

[Born Elizabeth Murphy: died 7 June 1911 at Booborowie aged 65.]

The Kenneth Ames-Wilson Forbes Dramatic Co. staged three plays very well last week, but unfortunately the bad weather reduced the size of houses and this sadly also reduced the donation to the Burra Band Fund.

Kooringa Post Office work has stalled over the planned improvements for the public. Cr Hardy called attention to this and the Mayor will take steps to get things moving again.

Obituary. Alfred Dearlove, formerly of Burra, died at Broken Hill on Thursday 8 June.

[Born 22 May 1871 at Kooringa.]

Obituary. Mrs E.A. Johnson, an old Burraite and late of Sons of Gwalia WA, died on 9 June. She was the mother of Alfred Dearlove and the shock of the telegram concerning his death is believed to have precipitated her own demise. [Born Jane Ann Sanders 3 September 1848.]

XV, 944, 14 June 1911, page 3

Football. On Saturday at Hallett 14 players from Burra played a game in very cold, wet and windy conditions and Burra 2.4 defeated Hallett 1.5.

At Aberdeen Oval Aberdeen 2.6 defeated Ramblers 1.6

At Farrell’s Flat Farrell’s Flat Juniors 3.3 defeated Burra Juniors 3.0

Burra Racing Club held a meeting of members on Friday and revealed a profit of £142 on the last race meeting. An honorarium of £20 was paid to the secretary Mr W.E. Hodge.

Burra Town Council, 6 June.

Mrs Smith replied to a letter from Council saying she had no road enclosed at the rear of her residence.

G.E. March similarly replied that the land concerned near the cemetery was not a road and he held a title from SAMA when he purchased.

E.W. Hawker was given permission to erect telephone poles in West Ward.

Thames St footpath and the road to the slaughterhouse are to be repaired.

H. Ockenden, the lamplighter, was given one month’s notice.

An advertisement was placed for someone to clean and light the lamps at 4/- per lamp per month.

Local Board of Health.

Dr Caw reports two cases of diphtheria since last meeting.

Robertstown Sports were held last Monday in poor weather and drew a poor attendance. Results are printed.

Nicola drew a good audience at the Institute on Monday and receives a favourable review.

The Burra-Adelaide Bicycle Race was run on Saturday in bad weather and only 5 of the 23 starters finished the course and that in slow time. Best times were by A.S. Grigg & S.J. Tobin who both recorded 6 hr 34 m 34 sec. Best corrected time was W.E. Grigg 9 hr 15 min 101⁄2 sec.

XV, 945, 21 June 1911, page 2

North Booborowie Estate has been divided into 89 blocks totalling 32,430 acres in the Hundreds of Anne, Ayers & Reynolds and applications are called under the Closer Settlement Agreements.

Obituary. Jane Ann Johnson aged 62, relict of the late E.A. Johnson, died on 8 June at Gwalia WA.

[Born Jane Ann Sanders 3 September 1848.]

Burra Institute. A grand dance was held in the Institute on Tuesday night with J. Burns as MC.

The Education Dept. has bought a portion of the Unicorn Brewery property facing Burra Creek on the west and the school on the north in order to erect a house for the head teacher.

A shooting party of 28 residents on Tuesday at Apoinga traversed the hills between Waterloo and Tothill’s Belt and shot 7 full-grown foxes and almost 150 hares and rabbits.

Dog Poisoning. A number of dogs have been poisoned in the town, especially in West Ward. The laying of poison in the streets is dangerous, especially where children are at play.

Louis Meyers’ appeal against a recent vagrancy charge has been dismissed.

Obituary. Mr B. Rush of Mt Bryan aged 74 has died. He was a resident of 30-40 years and worked as a blacksmith and wheelwright. He was born in SA and began his trade at Gumeracha. He is survived by a widow and several adult children. [Benjamin Rush died 14 June 1911 at Mt Bryan.]

North Booborowie blocks will not be available before August, too late for fallowing this year, due to the red tape involved in their allocation.

Burra Literary Soc. Over 60 attended the meeting at the Institute on Wednesday. Performers were:

Miss Bainger A violin selection

Miss Grosser A paper on William Pitt

Miss Bullen An exhibition of club swinging

Miss A. Harris A song

Miss Price An address on shoes, ships and sealing wax

Miss V. Wilkinson A paper on wood pulp

XV, 945, 21 June 1911, page 3

Burra Rifle Club. First match for the clock.

W.H. Sandland 109 from A.D. McLaren & G. Herbert both on 102.

In the 2nd match W.H. Sandland 106 led from R.D. Pascoe, J.A. Riggs and A.B. Riggs all on 94.

West’s Pictures last Friday showed King Henry VIII and next week will show A Tale of Two Cities and other features.

Burra Town Council, 19 June.

Attention of the police will be drawn to the poison baiting of dogs.

W.C.F. Rule appointed lamp lighter.

The Manager of Burra Mine is to get the guttering repaired in front of houses in Kooringa.

[This may mean the Agent for SAMA since the sale of the mine to the Burra Burra Copper Co. still left SAMA with residential holdings in the town.]

A Ball at the Institute on Thursday evening had a very large attendance and the music was supplied by Setaro’s canary string band from Adelaide.

Football. Saturday at Victoria Park: Ramblers 38 defeated Farrell’s Flat 18.

XV, 946, 28 June 1911, page 2

Advt. West’s Pictures on 30 June. Main feature: The Fall of Troy.

5/- in every £1 taken will go to the proposed band funds.

Kooringa Post Office. It is to be hoped the rickety old fence will be replaced as part of the rebuilding.

Burra Town Council is 35 years old tomorrow.

Empire Day was celebrated at the school on 21 June. There were special lessons in the morning and then saluting the flag and the singing of the National Anthem before a half-holiday.

Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church on 22 June.

Joseph R. Urwin and Emily Beatrice Isaacs, daughter of J.H. Isaac. [sic] [Surname spelling is inconsistent in the paper.]

Marriage. On 22 June Oliver Baynes of Booborowie married Sarah Duell of World’s End.

Redruth Reformatory. The girls, in the charge of Matron Price, attended the showing of The Tale of Two Cities on Friday.

XV, 946, 28 June 1911, page 3

The New Record Photographic Studio is now in daily use.

W.J. Davey took a magnificent photo of the Coronation celebrations at the Rotunda in Market Square on Thursday. It is finding a speedy sale.

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday Kooringa 45 defeated Hallett 19.

On Monday at Victoria Park Single Men 38 defeated Married Men 5.

Ladies Hockey. At Jamestown on Wednesday: Jamestown 4 defeated Burra 2.

On Monday Burra 3 defeated Hamley Bridge 0. There was a social and dance in the evening.

Kooringa Hotel’s billiard tournament is proceeding.

George V Coronation Celebrations.

Business places and the Square and rotunda were handsomely decorated with flags and bunting. Some 500 children from the district schools assembled at the rotunda with the Town & District Councils, the School Board of Advice, ex-Mayors and residents. At 11 o’clock the Mayor, Mr J. McLaren and Crs E.J. Harris, S.M. Lane, W.H. Hardy, C. Lowe, & John Walker with the Town Clerk, Mr R.H. Steele assembled with other Council officers and ex-Chief Magistrates, P. Lane, T.W. Wilkinson, John Drew, J.E.H. Winnall, E.W. Crewes & S. Burns. The churches were represented by Rev. S.J. Bloyd (Anglican) and Ensign Bennett (Salvation Army).

The mayor hoisted the Union Jack and the Flag of Australia and gave an address on His Majesty the King. The National Anthem was then sung.

Rev. Bloyd spoke on The Coronation.

John Drew spoke on The Union Jack.

J.E.H. Winnall spoke on The Commonwealth.

Ensign Bennett spoke on The Empire.

E.W. Crewes spoke on The British Nation.

S. Burns spoke on the Festivities of the Day.

Burra Defence Rifle Club fired a salute.

The children then marched to Victoria Park and were regaled with refreshments followed by a program of sports.

E.J. Harris provided afternoon tea etc.

W.J. Davey took a magnificent photo of the gathering in Market Square.

The results of the sports are printed.

Coronation Day at Hallett saw sports for the school children and Mr J. Melrose paid for fireworks and the whole day was rounded off with a dance.

XV, 947, 5 July 1911, page 2

Old Buildings. There appears to be a crusade going on against many old buildings in the town, especially those owned in Kooringa by SAMA. The Corporation will be asked to have the corporation Act complied with and thus get unsightly placed removed and made safer. ‘Many of the old structures have done good service and deserve pensioning off.

Mt Bryan School. After a long delay the Minister of Education has said that the accommodation at the school will be improved at once.

Kooringa Post Office. The work as requested is to go ahead at once.

Mr Luke Hall, brother of T.P. Hall, was hit on the head by an Adelaide cab driver last week in an evident attempt to rob him. The attempt failed and though much knocked about, Mr Hall was not seriously injured. [The surname should be Halls.]

XV, 947, 5 July 1911, page 3

West’s Pictures. ‘The Fall of Troy was far and away the best picture yet put on at Burra’

[Though it is worth noting that very similar things were said of The Tales of Two Cities and La Tosca etc. Still, perhaps there was a steady improvement in the quality of films!]

On 7 July the main feature will be Our Navy. This tells the story of the Royal Navy from Nelson’s time to the present.

Burra Rifle Club. The trip to Wasleys last week resulted in Wasleys 1086 defeating Burra 1071.

Mt Bryan King’s Coronation Sports. Results printed.

Football. At Hallett on Saturday: Aberdeen Juniors 41 defeated Hallett Juniors 31.

At Victoria Park Kooringa 5.8 defeated Ramblers 4.10

Obituary. William Finch Senior died aged 78. He arrived from Brixham [Devon] in 1870. He worked for his father at Springbank before taking up land in the Hundred of Bright. His wife and sons, William & George, then followed from England. In this venture he was very successful. He retired to Burra only a few months ago. He leaves a widow and three sons: William (Kooringa), George & Sam (Bright). [Died 2 July 1911 at Kooringa aged 77.]

Obituary. Mrs Johanna Farrell, wife of William Farrell and a long time resident of Redruth, died at home on Thursday aged 74. She came to SA c. 50 years ago from Co. Kilkenny, Ireland and on arrival resided for some time near Mintaro with the Bowan family. On coming to Burra she was employed at the Pig and Whistle Hotel before taking on the Court House Hotel. After that she married Constable Farrell of Redruth Police Station. They took a trip to Ireland and induced the brothers of the deceased (Messrs O’Connell of Petersburg and Nackara) to come to SA. After returning to SA for a while they let the hotel on lease and retired.

[Apparently born Johanna O’Connell and died 29 June at Redruth aged 74, but note that the age given at death gives a birth year 1837, while that given at marriage gives a birth year 1846.]

Burra Literary Soc. On Wednesday at the Institute the evening was one of various papers and prepared speeches. [Including one by C. Fuss on Coal.]

XV, 948, 12 July 1911, page 2

M.T. Dunstan, the son of former Burra and Broken Hill Mayor John Dunstan, is going to Burma to take charge of the Burmah Mines smelting laboratory.

Burra Cinderella’s Dance was held in the Institute last Tuesday and was splendidly done with dancing to the early hours.

Obituary. William Pascoe aged 71 has died in Maryborough, Victoria. He was one of a family of 9 who came to SA 63 years ago from England. The deceased was a brother of Mrs John Harris and of Joseph Pascoe of Kooringa and has other relatives in Clare and WA.

[Born 1840 in Crowan Cornwall.]

Obituary. John Warrick of Holowilina [Flinders Ranges] has died aged 86. He arrived in the ship Fairfield in 1829. [sic!] Years ago his family has interests near Hallett west of the Wildongoleache Hotel. [John Warwick died 24 July 1911 at Holowilena Station aged 76. BISA says he was born in 1835 at Canonbie Liddisdale Scotland and arrived in SA in 1839.]

West’s Pictures on Friday 14 July has Our Army as the main feature.

J.P. Slattery has taken over Opie’s Hotel and has a licence to operate till the next licensing day at Clare on 12 September.

XV, 948, 12 July 1911, page 2-3

Burra Show Society’s Sheep Dog Field Trials at the Aberdeen grounds on 5 July were a great success. A.J. McBride lent the sheep.

Puppy Stakes won by G.S. Kemp’s slut Syb.

Aged & Open was won by H.E. Collins’s slut Jed.

Novice Class was won by W. Wade’s dog Sweep.

XV, 948, 12 July 1911, page 3

Accident. On Wednesday afternoon Mesdames F. Kemble and J.A. Knevitt were thrown from a trap near the Young St ford when the shaft broke. An accompanying child was unhurt. The horse ran against Mr R. Reed who was sitting on his verandah and the shaft injured his shoulder. Mrs Kemble has back injuries and Mrs Kemble was severely shaken.

Football. Aberdeen last Saturday was the scene for a poor match with bad football played in bad spirit and including ‘a most disgraceful scene’. An Aberdeen player struck a Kooringa player and in the following melee play was halted till one of the Kooringa players left the field (under protest). In the last quarter another Kooringa player walked off in disgust at so many of his own players arguing with the umpire. Aberdeen 29 defeated Kooringa 15.

At Farrell’s Flat Ramblers 3.1 defeated Farrell’s Flat 1.8.

Burra Town Council, Special Meeting on Monday.

Council decided to defer a decision to buy a horse and dray to the new council. They also decided to defer a decision on cab traffic.

XV, 949, 19 July 1911, page 2

Obituary. John James White, husband of Louisa White of Farrell’s Flat, died aged 51 at the Burra Hospital. [Born 7 August 1859 at Princess Royal: died 11 July 1911 at Kooringa, residence Farrell’s Flat.]

China Relief Fund has been boosted by £40 from J.M. McBride and £10 from Mrs Sandland.

J.M. Belcher, an old Burra resident, won the SA Chess Championship on Friday.

Foxes & Rabbits. Locals are dismayed at how the Government has allowed vermin to infest the North Booborowie Estate since they purchased it.

Robertstown Railway. The Commissioner of Public Works says a bill for the construction of this railway will soon be introduced.

The Season, though a bit late, is looking good for wheat and there has been a good lambing too.

Advt. West’s Pictures on 21 July will feature Pageant of Empire and other shorter features.

XV, 949, 19 July 1911, page 3

Burra Literary Soc. Met at the Institute on Wednesday and W.H. Hardy presided over a mock municipal election. Over 60 people attended.

Candidates were: Mayor L.A. Lewis

F. Pearce

East Ward Mr Letheby

A.W. Lott

North Ward P. Milner

H.H. Thomas

Winners were Messrs Lewis, Letheby and Thomas.

Rev. T. Weatherill is steadily improving at Mallala.

Burra Rifle Club. 3rd match for the clock: T.H. Broad 108 from F. Wheatley 104.

Obituary. John James White of Farrell’s Flat died aged 51 leaving a widow, four sons and two daughters. W. White (Manoora) is a brother and sisters are: Mrs T. Selby (Jamestown), Mrs Robert Spackman (Black Springs) and Mrs R. Hill (Burra). Mrs John White of Black Springs is his mother.

Burra Town Council, 17 July.

Council has ordered 70 street trees for planting.

Football. At Petersburg on Wednesday Burra lost to Petersburg. [Presumably badly, since no scores are mentioned!]

On Saturday Aberdeen 62 defeated Hallett 10, but the game was played in an impossible gale with Hallett mustering only 14 men.

At Farrell’s Flat on Saturday Kooringa lost and once again no scores are given.

A Dance in the Institute last Thursday drew over 100 and music was by Setaro’s String Band from Adelaide.

Senior Cadets drilled Tuesday and Wednesday in the preliminary stages of the compulsory military training scheme.

XV, 949, 19 July 1911, page 4

The Train Timetable as printed each week is finally changed and may possibly reflect the change complained of in the paper of 15 February!

From the North to Adelaide arrives 7.05 a.m. departs 7.12 a.m.

arrives 3.02 p.m. departs 3.09 p.m.

From Adelaide to the North arrives 11.32 a.m. departs 11.39 p.m.

arrives 8.56 p.m. departs 9.03 p.m.

XV, 950, 26 July 1911, page 2

Obituary. Richard Jenkin Davey died on 21 July at Aberdeen. He was the husband of Alice M. Jenkin Davey of Glanville. [Born 12 February 1856 at North Adelaide.]

Booborowie Training Farm. The Government is to establish a training farm for boys at Booborowie.

Streetlights. A new lamp has been placed in the rotunda in Market Square and it is a great improvement on the old lamp at the pump, which has been relocated to the corner of Chapel and Commercial St.

Weather. The last week has been frosty.

J.A. Pearce, an old Burra boy, is contributing some capital cartoon work for the Adelaide and Sydney papers.

Hatpins. [The large hats of the day required very long hatpins to hold them in place and removing or adjusting hats in trains or at the pictures turned into such a dangerous operation that local by-laws were passed in many places to save others from injury. Hatpins could exceed 30 cm in length.]

On Friday a visitor to West’s Pictures had the end of a hatpin caught in his eyelid as a lady played with her headgear.

Obituary. Mrs E.J. Keynes died at Quorn aged 77. She arrived in SA in 1847 and came to Burra where she married a Mr Julian who died in 1867. She then remarried Mr K. Keynes at Blinman and has lived in the north ever since. She leaves a husband, 8 children, 51 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. [Born Ellen Jane Julian: died 11 July 1911 at Quorn aged 77.]

Advt. West’s Pictures on 28 July: the main features will be The Coronation of King George V.

XV, 950, 26 July 1911, page 3

North Booborowie Blocks. There are almost 2,000 applicants for the 89 blocks totalling 32,400 acres.

Vermin Problems. The Government has decided not to act on the vermin problems on North Booborowie Estate because the land will shortly be allocated.

‘Resident’ writes of the ‘disgraceful and unworthy’ act of the Government in making the above decision.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club. The AGM was held at the clubrooms in Kooringa on Tuesday. The retiring President, G.E. Dane, took the chair. Receipts for the year were £58-1-7 and expenditure £52-13-3. Elected: President, L.A. Lewis; Stage Manager, S.M. Lane; Musical Director, G.E. Dane; Secretary & Treasurer, P. Milner.

Obituary. The late R.J. Davey, district foreman of the Burra Railway District died in his sleep from heart failure. The funeral was at Glanville. He was a brother of W.J. Davey, editor of the Burra Record and of J.J. Davey of Glanville Workshops, Mrs S. Chynoweth (Kadina), Mrs Hubert (New York) and the late S.J. Davey (Broken Hill). [Richard Jenkin Davey born 12 February 1856 at Adelaide: died 21 July 1911 at Aberdeen.]

Burra Rifle Club. 4th match for the clock. A.B. Riggs 90 from N.W.R. Pearce 89.

Rev. J.H. Nield gave a lecture in the Salvation Army Hall on Monday evening on Personal Experiences as a Chaplain During the South African War.

XV, 951, 2 Aug. 1911, page 2

M-C Dow, late of Redruth, has for some time been in charge of the police station at Alice Springs and has now been appointed Commissioner for Taking Affidavits in the Supreme Court, Port Darwin.

Measles has broken out around Terowie and Yarcowie and it is feared will spread south.

Weather. The eastern country has so far had good rains this year.

Foxes are troublesome to the southeast in the Apoinga and Bright areas.

Hockey. Burra Gentlemen 1 defeated Burra Ladies 0.

Burra Literary Soc. The last meeting features impromptu speeches.

XV, 951, 2 Aug. 1911, page 3

Sheep. There is considerable demand in WA for prime SA sheep. A few days ago 70 young rams were shipped west from Collinsville.

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday a cold gale blew across the oval all day and the ball was repeatedly put out of bounds. Burra 24 defeated Petersburg 17.

Redruth Court, 31 July.

Straying animals in town streets continue to cost people fines.

Mrs T. Warner, & Messrs T. Duell, T.H. Woollacott, F. Kemble, G. Lord and T. Harris were fined 2/6 per animal plus costs.

Mt Bryan Coursing Club had its first meeting at Hallett today.

Advt. Kiosk Pictures presents at the Institute on 3 August: The Spithead Coronation Naval Review and other films.

XV, 952, 9 Aug. 1911, page 2

Advt. West’s Pictures, 11 August: When the Dead Return (Tragedy of a Lumber Camp) and 10 other superb film novelties.

Golf is becoming a fascinating pastime in Burra and several wielders of the stick are to be seen on the racecourse and showgrounds at Aberdeen. There is every prospect of a club.

South Booborowie owners are shortly to sell some 10,000 acres of that fine estate.

XV, 952, 9 Aug. 1911, page 3

Catapults. There has been an annoying and dangerous outbreak of stone throwing and catapult use, especially in West Ward. Birds, fowls and cats have commonly been the victims, but stones frequently miss their targets and land on roofs and elsewhere.

The Telephone has now been extended in all directions from Burra, chiefly by landowners. Most recently between Collinsville Estate and Mt Bryan Post Office.

Mt Bryan Coursing Club had a successful meeting last Wednesday. Results are printed.

Hockey. There was a fancy dress ladies v. gents match at Brewery Flat, which resulted in a draw with both sides scoring 1 goal. The gents appeared in Harem skirts, hobble skirts, divided skirts and every other form of skirt.

Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday Aberdeen 22 points defeated Farrell’s Flat 9 points.

At Hallett Ramblers 1.5 defeated Hallett 0.7.

Burra Town Council. A piece of road near Roach Town is to be repaired.

The cemetery curator is to be paid off.

XV, 953, 16 Aug. 1911, page 2

Advt. West’s Pictures, 18 August. A Little Lad in Dixie (A Tale of the American Civil War) and other features.

Beebe’s Vaudeville Co. appeared at the Institute on 10 August and is favourably reviewed as clever and polite.

XV, 953, 16 Aug. 1911, page 3

Cadet Drilling is becoming excessive and is interfering with the lads’ employment. No doubt a suitable accommodation can be reached.

The Aberdeen Ballast Quarry ceased most of its activity on Wednesday and a number of men were laid off. It is expected that they will be offered work on the railway line north and south of Burra.

Burra Rifle Club. 5th match for the silver cup. [Though the 4th match was for a clock!]

Captain Lord & H.E. Riggs 100 from C. Radford 96.

Burra Literary Soc. Met at the Institute on Wednesday. Mr C. Fuss presided. There was debate against the Clare Literary Soc. On the question: Was Napoleon’s character worthy of admiration?

G.W. Halcombe of Petersburg was the judge and he deemed Burra to have won 251 to 236.

Redruth Court.

John W. Pickering, junior porter, alleged that Martha Gully set her dog on him resulting in torn pants and a bitten leg when he tried to remove her from the station platform for which she had no ticket. Miss Gully said Pickering had torn her dress and she did not know the dog had followed her from home. Both sides produced witnesses and eventually the court decided Gully was guilty and fined her 5/- plus costs.

Two visitors to Burra, John Glass and Patrick Duggan, were charged with stealing two pairs of boots valued at 2/11 a pair from Martin Pederson, boot and shoe maker of Kooringa. They were found wearing the boots on Saturday night in the Burra Hotel. They pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 1 month in gaol.

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday a strong gale blew across the ground all day, constantly taking the ball out of bounds on the eastern side. Ramblers 39 points defeated Aberdeen 20 points.

Kooringa forfeited their match against Hallett on account of the rough weather.

Premiership Table at present: Farrell’s Flat 12 points

Ramblers 12

Aberdeen 11

Kooringa 6

Hallett 5

XV, 954, 23 Aug. 1911, page 2

Advt. Delphic Pictures & Calbert the Mystic will appear at the Institute on 29 August.

Kiosk Pictures played at the Institute last Wednesday to a moderate house, presenting The Passion Play plus songs and dances.

XV, 954, 23 Aug. 1911, page 3

Advt. Wanted for Burra Hospital, a ‘good laundress’: wages 20/- a week.

Obituary. R.J. Needham, Chief Inspector of Stock has died. He lived at Parkside, but was a resident of Burra for 20 years. He leaves a widow, 3 sons and 5 daughters.

[Richard John Needham died 17 August 1911 aged 66 at Parkside.]

Hockey. On Wednesday Burra 2 defeated Jamestown 1. A social and dance for the visitors was held afterwards in the Institute.

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday Farrell’s Flat 42 defeated Ramblers 39, but Ramblers have protested Farrell’s Flat’s use of several unqualified players.

Burra Town Council, Monday.

The Town Clerk Mr R.H. Steele tendered his resignation from all offices, which was received with regret.

The Salvation Army is to be asked to hold its meetings near the rotunda instead of near the footpath.

John Harvey has been appointed curator of the cemetery.

As a result of the Town Clerk’s resignation applications are called for the following positions:

Town Clerk, Collector of Rates, Issuer of Licences and secretary to the Local Board of Health for the town of Burra. Salary £80 p.a.

Also for Ranger and Inspector under the Municipal Corporations Act 1903, the Health Act 1898 (Sanitary Inspector & Inspector of Cattle), Inspector of Weights & Measures and Inspector under the Food & Drugs Act, the Width of Tyres Act, Guns & Firearms Act, Boards Act, Road Act, Lights on Vehicles and Public Vehicles and under the Thistle & Burra Act 1862. Salary £80 p.a.

Bachelor’s Ball last Thursday at the Institute was very successful with dancing till 3 a.m.

XV, 955, 30 Aug. 1911, page 2

Football. The Ramblers’ protest against Farrell’s Flat for playing an unqualified man on 16 August was upheld and Ramblers therefore go to the head of the table.

Redruth Court.

Stray stock again cost various citizens 2/6 plus costs. The following were involved:

Mrs Warner Annie Seal Mr J.A. Knevitt Mr W. Richards

Australian Wattle League. There is a move to establish in Burra a branch of this league, which aims to see more wattle planted and to celebrate the wattle with National Wattle Day on 1 September.

New Cab Fees.

Kooringa to the Railway Station or any point in between. 6d

To & from the Railway Station and any place off the stands in

Aberdeen, Graham Town, and to the Eastern boundary of Redruth 6d

Millerton, Roach Town or the Girls’ Reformatory 1/-

Kooringa off the stand 1/-

Hampton 1/6

XV, 955, 30 Aug. 1911, page 3

Burra Rifle Club. 6th match for the clock. J.E. Pearce 96 from A.D. McLaren 92.

Kooringa Post & Telegraph Office is nearly finished and will be available for occupation in a few weeks. The fence shows no signs that it will be attended to. The other slipshod aspect of the authorities’ attention is their retention of old-fashioned kerosene lamps rather than changing to gas.

New Oddfellows Lodge Hall.

At Aberdeen on Wednesday Bro. August Bartholomaeus opened the new hall for the Loyal Aberdeen Lodge MUIOOF. PG Bro. C. Fuss was in the chair. Bro. Bartholomaeus was the oldest member in Burra and could look back 53 years to the opening of the Lodge in Burra. The Lodge first met at the old Burra hotel, now the Hospital. The Aberdeen Lodge was opened in 1858 and it met at the old Aberdeen Hotel and had upwards of 90 members in its first year, but after a while they moved to the old [German] schoolroom near the Court House in Redruth and met there for 38 years until it was destroyed by fire in 1910. Some 487 members had passed through the lodge and over £6,700 had been distributed in sick-pay plus doctors’ money and funeral fees etc. They had at present 137 members. Various speeches followed. The hall cost upward of £200.

Burra Cinderella Quadrille Class is to hold a masquerade ball in the Institute on 7 September.

Football. Saturday at Victoria Park: Aberdeen 74 defeated Kooringa 14.

T.H. Williams, late of Burra, has been appointed Chief Inspector of Stock.

Leighton Hall next Wednesday will see a children’s fancy dress and adults’ all-night dance.

Burra Literary Soc. Met last Wednesday at the Institute and Rev. J.H. Nield gave an address on Rhodes and Kruger.

Whyte-Yarcowie Coursing Club held a successful meeting last Wednesday.

Advt. At the Institute on 31 August.

Hassan the Great Indian Fakir & Co. and by special engagement Lilian French, Contralto.

Hassan is the Prince of Conjurors and is supported by a great combination of artists.

XV, 956, 6 Sep. 1911, page 2

Hassan played to a good house, but the accompanying films were marred by inferior projection equipment.

Delphic Pictures drew a poor house to a good product due to inadequate notice.

Wattle Day on 1 September saw business houses decorated and sprigs in many buttonholes.

Weather. A mini-tornado struck on Thursday about a mile south of the Burra Railway Station. Telegraph poles were snapped off at the ground.

XV, 956, 6 Sep. 1911, page 3

Booborowie. Tents and iron huts are going up all over the place as new settlers move in. Roads that barely existed before are fearfully cut up.

Obituary. Edward Gare aged 81 died at Aberdeen on 29 August. He was born on 22 February 1830 at Low Ham, Somerset, England and arrived in Adelaide in September 1859 in the Salamanca. He worked at Mt Arden Station and was later manager of Nackara, Rylands and Bimbowrie Stations. He then settled at Mt Bryan and later at Hallett and Mt Bryan East. He was Clerk of the District Councils of Hallett and Mt Bryan before going to Broken Hill. When he retired he went to live in Malvern, but finally returned to Burra. In 1862 he married the 4th daughter of Rev. Charles Hall, who survives. He has 9 sons and three daughters: C.A. (Semaphore), A.E. (Pt Pirie), F.M. (Katanning WA), C.W. (Mt Bryan East), W.H. (Woodend Victoria), S.E.R. (Adelaide), L.W. (Boulder WA), S.P. (Boulder WA), Mrs James Thomas jun. (Mt Bryan East), Mrs H.H. Thomas (Burra) and Mrs W.J. Hunkin (Adelaide).

He was an enthusiastic Methodist Church worker and was important in establishing several churches in the north. [Death place registered as Redruth.]

Football. Semi-Final Saturday at Victoria Park. Farrell’s Flat 31 defeated Ramblers 17. There is another protest that Farrell’s Flat played one or two unqualified men. The game was not of high standard and was played in poor spirit.

Hallett. There is a 3⁄4 column history of Hallett.

Burra Town Council.

E.J. Davey has been appointed Town Clerk.

E. Wilks has been appointed Ranger & Inspector.

XV, 957, 13 Sep. 1911, page 2

Advt. West’s Pictures for 15 September. The main feature: The Circus Girl.

Wild cats are appearing to the northeast of Burra.

Streetlight. There are calls for a street lamp in front of the new post office.

Kooringa Masonic Lodge. Bro. R.H. Steele was presented with a Past Master’s apron, collar, jewel and gauntlet. He was wished every success in his new home. He leaves Burra after a residence of 35 years.

Miss Dorothy Steele has been a valued member of Burra Musical and Dramatic Club and a teacher at Kooringa Methodist Sunday School.

Mt Bryan School. Enlargements and improvements have been announced by the Minister of Education.

XV, 957, 13 Sep. 1911, page 3

Obituary. William Thomas, an old Burra resident and brother of Miss Thomas schoolteacher of Aberdeen, and of Mrs C.J. Pearce of Kooringa, has died at Southern Cross WA aged 59. He was an assayer and has wandered widely over Australia. He was long a familiar figure in the mining areas of WA and also spent some years in the NT. He survived the destruction of the Gothenburg in 1875 when it was wrecked off the coast of Queensland on a voyage from the NT to Adelaide. About 100 people died. He leaves a widow and three children in Boulder WA. [Born 26 July 1851 at Apoinga.]

IO Rechabite Lodge reported 153 adult and 28 juvenile members and a sound financial position. R.H. Steele resigned as Treasurer on leaving the district.

Burra Rifle Club. 7th match for the clock. E.A. Riggs 107 from N. Pearce 100.

The progressive tally of points so far is: McLaren 11, followed by Sandland, Pascoe, H.E. Riggs & N. Pearce all with 10.

Burra District Council.

Miss Saunders [i.e. Sanders] offered to let the Copperhouse pound on the usual terms. Accepted.

Burra Cinderellas’ Masquerade Ball last Thursday at the Institute drew over 100 dancers and a large crowd of onlookers on the stage. Costumes are described.

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday Aberdeen 27 defeated Kooringa 21.

The protest from last week of the Ramblers against Farrell’s Flat was again upheld and the match awarded to the Ramblers.

Obituary – Accident. L. Penrose of Drew & Crewes left for Cleve yesterday where on Monday his sister, Mrs Pethrick, was accidentally shot dead by her stepbrother Mr Bates who was cleaning a rifle that exploded.

[Born Leila Maude Penrose 1 February 1888 at Moonta: died 10 September 1911 at Cleve.]

XV, 958, 20 Sep. 1911, page 2

Hail and snow fell last Friday morning.

The Kooringa Methodist Kindergarten in Queen St is an elaborate and up-to-date establishment, which has been aided by philanthropic residents and last week Mr L.L. Wicklein of Kooringa presented them a handsome 8-day clock.

XV, 958, 20 Sep. 1911, page 3

Hockey. A fancy dress match was played on Wednesday at Victoria Park with proceeds to aid the Burra Coronation Band. The game of ladies v. gents ended in a 3-all draw.

A Christian Endeavour Rally last Wednesday at Redruth brought together members from Hallett, Mt Bryan and the local groups. Rev. W.A. Bainger took the chair. The address was by the Vice President of the Christian Endeavour Union, Adelaide, Rev. M.L. Murphy of Alberton. Other addresses and musical items were presented. Tea was provided at Redruth Sunday School and a public meeting in the evening was addressed by Rev. F.W. Brasher of Hallett and Rev. Murphy.

West’s Pictures last Friday featured the pictorial version of The Merchant of Venice – a coloured series of great merit.

Football. The final was played at Victoria Park on Saturday.

Ramblers 20 45 46 ?

Aberdeen 15 30 47 ?

[Unbelievably the final scores are not given – BUT Ramblers won!]

King Edward VII Memorial Fund

The balance sheet is printed. Subscriptions amounted to £151-17-9.

Obituary-Accident. P.L. Killicoat was found on Thursday unconscious by the roadside close to his home, with nasty head injuries. He was discovered by Ralph Hill: an employee of Mr W.T. Truscott. Mr Killicoat was conveyed to the house and the doctor sent for. He died between 8 and 9 that evening without rallying. Mr Hill found only half the swingletree was attached to Mr Killicoat’s trap. On retracing the deceased’s route he found other pieces by Mr W. Oppermann’s house at the bottom of a long hill. From the marks shown, one trace had dragged and the horse had pulled the trap with only one trace. On reaching the shallow creek the horse appears to have trodden on the hanging trace and suddenly stopped, throwing the deceased out. The horse broke free and walked slowly home.

Mr Killicoat was born in Parranwell [Perranwell] Cornwall on 18 August 1844 and came to Australia with his mother in the Malacca when aged 10. His father had come earlier in the Abberton with a shipment of mules from Monte Video. Mr Killicoat Senior purchased Abberton Park which, when he died in 1877 was one of the largest estates in the district. The deceased took over the estate on his father’s death and also held considerable land to the east. He had been a mayor of Burra and was a member of the hospital Board for 16 years. He was also President of the Show Society, a member of the Burra District Council and active in the Church of England. He married in 1874 and had 5 sons and 7 daughters. Mrs Killicoat was in Adelaide when the accident occurred.

[Philip Lander Killicoat died 14 September 1911 at Aberdeen. The place of death would more accurately be near Redruth.]

Burra Town Council, Monday.

A letter of condolence was sent to Mrs Killicoat.

The Salvation Army is to be written to concerning their obstructing the road on Saturday nights.

The new Town Clerk & Inspector were welcomed.

Obituary. Frank Pearce, eldest son of John Pearce, contractor of Kooringa, was found dead yesterday morning in the old Bible Christian Church with part of his head blown away. It is believed he committed suicide between 7 & 8 a.m. having left his nearby home, seemingly to go to the Kooringa post office where the firm has the contract for renovations. When he failed to arrive there a search was made between 10.30 and 11.30 and his father found the body lying on top of a rifle. (He was a member of the Burra Defence Rifle Club.) It is assumed worry over work matters caused the rash act. He was aged 33 and leaves a wife and two small children.

[James Francis Pearce born 19 January 1878 at Aberdeen: died 19 September 1911 at Kooringa.]

XV, 959, 27 Sep. 1911, page 2

Burra Literary Soc. The last program for the season was due last Wednesday, but was cancelled out of respect for the late Frank Pearce who was a prominent member.

SAR has decided to run a Saturday night train after all. It will depart Adelaide at 4.50 p.m. and continue to Petersburg.

Obituary. F.G. Richardson died in Adelaide last week. With his headquarters in Saddleworth, he did the bulk of the surveying in Kooringa. [Frederick George Richardson died 21 September 1911 at North Adelaide, residence College Town.]

Weather. Rain so far this year has come in light showers. Crops are doing well, but the Burra Creek has not had so little water for many years.

Burra Hotel. G. Lord is beginning the preparations for the erection of a second storey to the Burra Hotel. The parapet has been removed and building will start when materials arrive. Some 12 or 14 rooms will be provided upstairs.

Police. With M-C Kelly on leave the town has only Cpl Gibbons at Redruth and this is insufficient, especially with so many strange men in town at shearing time.

Hatpins. A man travelling on the Broken Hill express the other night received a nasty injury near his left eye from a woman’s hat pin as she adjusted her hat while sitting next to him. The pin was over a foot long.

The wool clip is coming into Burra from the outside country and sheds nearer the town will be busy in a few days. The clip is generally good.

XV, 959, 27 Sep. 1911, page 3

The new SA Budget makes no provision for a bridge on the Shafton-Burra Road, which has been badly needed for many years.

British & Foreign Bible Society has received a gift of £100 from J.M. McBride. He has also sent a gift of £10-10-0 to the President of the Methodist Conference to be placed on the foundation stone of the new church at Penong.

Cricket. J.T.F. Johnson, head teacher at Burra School, made an effort on Thursday night to get a cricket Club formed in Burra, but too few turned up to do so. Another meeting in Mr Pickering’s rooms in Kooringa on Tuesday night was more successful and it was decided to form a Kooringa Cricket Club. Mr Pickering was appointed secretary.

West’s Pictures have been shown for almost a year now on Friday nights at the Institute and have done ‘very fair business’. They have decided to serve a new area, at least for a term, and the screening on 29 September will be the last ‘for some time’.

‘Police Protection’ writes taking up the theme of lack of police in the town, especially given that the policeman at Redruth is also Clerk of the Court. This inconveniently closes the court when he is called away. Police are also forced to collect various statistics and to deal with areas beyond the town. One is not enough, especially when so many strangers are about.

Football. Ramblers will celebrate their premiership with a smoke social on 3 October.

Obituary & Inquest on Frank Pearce, 20 September.

T.H. Wilkinson JP was coroner and held an inquest on the body of Frank Pearce, found shot in the Bible Christian Church at Kooringa on 19 September.

John Drew:

Identified the body, was called to the old church on 19 September where he saw the deceased lying in the northeast corner with a rifle under his legs. Sent for the doctor and the police. Last saw the deceased on 17 September when he looked haggard.

Elizabeth Jane Pearce, wife of the deceased:

Last saw him about 7 a.m. on the 19th at breakfast. Of late he had suffered from severe insomnia and had been depressed and weak. He was avoiding people. He had no known financial worries and was on good terms with his father and family. He had a rifle and had been a member of the Rifle Club for years.

John Pearce, father of the deceased:

Last saw the deceased between 4 & 5 p.m. on the 18th. He seemed dull and worried, as he had for 5 or 6 weeks. Went to see him about 8.30 a.m. yesterday at the post office and not finding him went to my workshop and then back to the post office before going to his house, on leaving which I looked into the old church and saw him lying in the corner, dead.

Gertrude Pearce, sister of the deceased:

Deceased had had trouble understanding business matters recently and seemed very worried. She generally confirmed his state of mind as the others had described.

G.E. Dane confirmed the worried state of mind of the deceased.

Dr A.R. Caw:

Deceased came to see him recently claiming he was depressed. There was nothing physically wrong. Gave him something to steady his nerves and recommended a holiday. He said he could not leave due to the contract. His worry was out of all proportion and by yesterday might have easily reached a stage of mental irresponsibility.

Dr Thomas B. Ashton gave evidence of the scene of the suicide, which was confirmed by that of Cpl F. Gibbons.

The coroner’s verdict was ‘death by shooting himself with a rifle in the ruins of the old Bible Christian Church, Kooringa on Sept. 19 1911, and that at the time he was of an unsound mind.’

XV, 960, 4 Oct. 1911, page 2

Advt. Burra Institute Tonight: Dramatic Performance of Forgery: A Powerful Military Drama in 4 Acts. To aid Burra Show Funds.

John Wise’s garden in Kooringa shows what can be done with a little care. He has some of the best vegetables in SA.

North Booborowie Estate settlers are asking for a siding between Mt Bryan and Hallett to save cartage of about 8 miles.

Kooringa Post Office. The new post and telegraph office is now open for business with much improved accommodation. A decent light outside is still wanting however. The Town Council should see to this. The lighting inside is also very poor and an insult to the 20th century. Officials are to be seen wandering around carrying old kerosene lamps in their hands to see what they are doing.

Mr L.A. Lewis is believed to have offered his services to replace P.L. Killicoat on the District Council.

XV, 960, 4 Oct. 1911, page 3

St Mary’s Sunday School picnic had been postponed due to the diphtheria epidemic, but was held last Wednesday at Sod Hut where refreshments and sports were the order of the day. The outing was marred by rain showers late in the afternoon.

Salvation Army. The local corps was visited by Mrs Commissioner Hay, Brigadier Sharp and other officers on Friday. Their visit was to aid the Self Denial Fund. There was a meeting with the Mayor and Mayoress at the Institute followed by addresses and refreshments in the afternoon. In the evening at the barracks Mrs Hay spoke on Tragedies of slum life in London and Australia to a fair audience. Upwards of £20 was raised by the visit.

Mr & Mrs Charles Parks celebrated their silver wedding last Friday. He is the son of the late Thomas Parks and Mrs Parks was born Sarah Rose Harris, daughter of the late Ambrose Harris. Mrs A. Harris was present with about 40 other guests.

World’s End Methodist Church Anniversary on Sunday 24 September. J.T.F. Johnson preached in the afternoon and Rev. J.H. Nield in the evening. The tea meeting on Wednesday had a good attendance despite the showers. Proceeds were c. £6.

Burra Rifle Club went to Leighton on Wednesday where it was a bad day for shooting with wind and showers. The best scorer was R. Fairchild with 101. Burra 646 defeated Leighton 638.

Railways. Royal Commissioners will take evidence at Booborowie on 13 October and a meeting chaired by I.J. Warnes at Booborowie last Monday discussed the matter of the proposed line from Farrell’s Flat to Spalding via Booborowie and proposed that the Commissioners be taken over the route by motor car.

XV, 961, 11 Oct. 1911, page 2

Obituary. Henry Pilz aged 73 died on 30 September at Redruth. He was the husband of Augusta Pilz. [Wilhelm Christian Heinrich Pilz died 30 September 1911 at Redruth aged 73.]

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School had a fine lantern show on Friday evening. The new lantern was the gift of J.M. McBride.

South Booborowie Estate. A further subdivision of the estate will be offered for sale on 10 November. It comprises 9,319 acres about 8 miles from Burra and is cut into 26 blocks. It lies to the east of the stock route and adjoining North Booborowie to the north and Messrs Murray and Gebhardt’s properties to the east.

XV, 961, 11 Oct. 1911, page 3

Obituary. Daniel Pritchard aged 91 died in the Burra hospital last week. He was born in Wales in June 1820 and migrated to Australia about 45 years ago. He lived in Redruth for over 25 years. For a while he looked after sheep before becoming a wool carter. His wife died over 30 years ago. There are no known relatives in Australia.

[Daniel Prichard died 4 October 1911 at Kooringa, residence Redruth aged 82.]

United Labor Party, Burra & Booborowie Branches held a social and dance in the Institute last week under the Presidency of Jacob Richards.

Cricket. Ramblers Football Club held a meeting on Saturday night and decided to form a Rambler Cricket Club. Patron, Mr Barker; President L.W. Gebhardt; Secretary & Treasurer, Mr Pickering.

Burra Show. There were record attendances this year at both the show and the concert. The inside exhibits were magnificent and will require more space in the future. The sideshows were appreciated. The Terowie Band played for the day.

[Personal interest:

Agricultural Produce Honey A. Fuss

Goose Chin Young 2nd

Poultry Gander Mrs Gully 1st Chin Young 2nd

Goose Mrs Gully 1st Chin Young 2nd

Drake Chin Young 2nd

Pekin Duck Chin Young 1st

Dogs Lap Dog Chin Young 2nd

Blood stock Pony mare in foal A. Forrest 2nd

Roadster Stock Harness pony A. Forrest 2nd

Weight carrying hack A. Forrest 1st

Pair buggy ponies (121⁄2) A. Forrest 1st

Pony mare in foal A. Forrest 1st

Vegetables First prize to Chin Young for the following: Salad vegetables, cauliflower, (Within 20 miles) white turnip, rhubarb, red beet, celery, green onions, leeks, 6 vegetables,

5 herbs.

Vegetables cauliflower, white turnip, rhubarb, carrots, red beet, celery, green onions, (Within 30 miles) vegetables herbs, salad vegetables.

The quality and growth of flowers was lacking and poorer than in previous years.

3 carnations R. Fuss 2nd 1 daffodil R. Fuss 1st & 2nd

3 galliardia R. Fuss 1st 6 nasturtium R. Fuss 2nd

3 nasturtium R. Fuss 2nd 6 poppies R. Fuss 1st

3 poppies R. Fuss 1st 12 phlox R. Fuss 2nd (No 1st)

6 phlox R. Fuss 1st 3 phlox R. Fuss 2nd

12 zonale pelargonium A. Fuss 1st 6 zonale pelargonium A. Fuss 1st

3 zonale pelargonium A. Fuss 1st 6 shrubs R. Fuss 1st

3 10-week stocks R. Fuss 1st 3 sweet peas R. Fuss 2nd

6 verbenas R. Fuss 2nd 6 wallflowers double R. Fuss 2nd

Basket of flowers Miss Fuss 2nd Design of flowers Miss Fuss 2nd

3 azalea R. Fuss 1st 1 azalea R. Fuss 1st

6 cyclamen R. Fuss 1st 3 cyclamen R. Fuss 1st

1 cyclamen R. Fuss 1st 1 petunia R. Fuss 2nd (No 1st)

3 pelargonium R. Fuss 1st 1 pelargonium R. Fuss 2nd

6 primula R. Fuss 1st 3 primula R. Fuss 1st

3 begonia R. Fuss 2nd 6 ferns A. Fuss 1st

6 ferns R. Fuss 2nd 3 ferns R. Fuss 1st

1 fern R. Fuss 1st 3 palms R. Fuss 1st

6 pot plants R. Fuss 1st 3 pot plants R. Fuss 2nd

pot plant in bloom

(freesia) Chin Young 1st

Cooking

Scones M. Fuss 2nd Cornish Pasty H. Fuss 1st

Yeast Bun M. Fuss 2nd Sponge H. Fuss 1st

German Cake M. Fuss 1st

Arts & Industries

Montmellick work V. Fuss 2nd

R. Fuss = L.R. (Bob) Fuss

A. Fuss = August Fuss

M. Fuss = Muriel Fuss (probably)

H. Fuss = Hilda Fuss

V. Fuss = Vera Fuss

XV, 962, 18 Oct. 1911, page 2

Grasshoppers are very bad between Broken Hill and Burra and moving south.

A slight earthquake was felt in Burra about 4.50 p.m. on Saturday.

Fred Jordan had a very lucky escape on 8-Hour Day (Wednesday) when a snake got around his legs while he was out shooting rabbits with friends. He tried to dislodge it with the butt of his gun, but it went off and the bullet grazed the skin on the left side of his head and went through his hat. The snake was disposed of without harm, but he was much shaken.

XV, 962, 18 Oct. 1911, page 3

Kooringa Masonic Lodge installed Bro. C. Bartholomaeus as WM on Wednesday evening followed by a social and dance at the Institute.

Burra Town Council. The retiring members of Council are:

Mayor: J. McLaren

West Ward W.H. Hardy

East Ward S.M. Lane

North Ward C.H. Lowe

Kooringa Methodist Church Anniversary was held on Sunday last when Rev. Frank Lade of Kent Town preached to very large congregations.

Cricket. On Saturday at Aberdeen the game was drawn due to a late start.

Aberdeen 152 & Ramblers 3 for 41.

The Northern Railway Commission was taken over the Farrell’s Flat-Spalding route on Thursday.

The advantages for this route were cited as:

It serves the Hill River & Spalding area as well as a line from Clare would.

It would serve the Booborowie area in addition.

It is a much shorter distance to build.

It is in better country for construction and would thus have lower running costs too.

It would open up over 10,000 acres, which with a railway could go into dairying.

The cost of the line from Farrell’s Flat to Spalding plus one from Riverton to Clare would be £25,000 less than the line from Riverton to Spalding via Clare, with the talked of extension to Booborowie.

Burra Town Council, 16 October.

A notice about the dangerous state of the Burra Club verandah is to be sent to I.J. Warnes. [i.e. The Eastern Telephone Building.]

Iron Mine Methodist Church Anniversary was held last Sunday when Mr Johnson of Kooringa preached.

The Liberal Union held a general meeting in the Institute on Friday and drew a large attendance.

Weather. Rain in the last week has extended well to the east with falls from 50 points at Burra and Leighton to 75 points at Mongolata and Sturt Vale. Quondong managed 1.22”.

XV, 963, 25 Oct. 1911, page 2

Clem Cox, a former Burra boy who served his apprenticeship with R.D. Pascoe, is now doing well as a hairdresser in Hanson St Adelaide. [Hanson St is now Morphett St.]

First Aid. About 30 ladies are attending Dr A.R. Caw’s First Aid lectures at the Institute.

Kooringa Post Office. The mistake of laying an asphalt floor outside the office has now been acknowledged and it is being replaced by concrete.

A Fancy Fair & Concert at Farrell’s Flat has raised £81-10-0 towards a new Institute.

George Magor has visited Burra. Many years ago he conducted a business in the shop now occupied by M. Pederson. [George Mayger?]

Salvation Army. The Citizens’ Fair at the Institute last Friday was very well organised and produced very satisfactory returns.

Farrell’s Flat-Spalding Railway. Further arguments in favour of the line are advanced in an article of c. 1⁄3 column.

XV, 964, 1 Nov. 1911, page 3

Burra District Council.

In the extraordinary election for a District Councillor for Kooringa Ward to replace the late P.L. Killicoat two nominations were received: John Berryman and Lancelot Ashley Lewis.

The election will take place on 4 November.

A slight earth tremor was felt one night last week in Burra shortly before 10 p.m.

Mt Bryan School. Despite promises nothing has been done to improve the school.

Salvation Army Self Denial Effort has raised £194 in Burra, of which £130 was collected by Frank Harris.

Weather. The latter part of the season has been dry and for the farmer only moderately good. To the east the crops have not been a success this year. Most will have to be cut for hay.

Football. Ramblers Football Club sent several members to see their president, Mr W.P. Barker, a few days ago to hand over an enlarged photograph of the team.

Burra Rifle Club. The last match was fired in the competition for the 8-day clock, presented by Mr Pearse of ‘The Gums’. H.E. Riggs 90 from R.D. Pascoe & L. Nutt both on 89.

In the overall points tally H.E. Riggs came first with 16 and R.D. Pascoe was runner-up.

Burra Racing Club will apply for the date of 20 March 1912 for its next meeting.

Robertstown Railway. The estimated total capital costs are £86,000 with an estimated revenue of £2,100 p.a. and working expenses of £2,000 p.a. Interest p.a. of £3,340. The length is 123⁄4 miles and would be 5’3” gauge built with 60lb rail. Estimated nett loss would be £3,344 p.a.

Tennis. On Saturday at D.E. Williams’s Braefoot: Ironmine 43 games defeated Booborowie 37 games.

Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Ramblers 117 defeated Aberdeen 78.

XV, 965, 8 Nov. 1911, page 3

Vandalism. Last week someone threw a portion of the wall at the Mine Bridge into the creek. It has been replaced.

Measles is still hanging around with several cases to the west and also between Burra & Robertstown.

Slight earth tremors continue to be felt.

SAR. On Wednesday night the ordinary mail train ran north, but a Broken Hill express also ran, starting at about 7 p.m. with a new parlour car.

The Methodist District Synod reported the following new buildings:

A new Kindergarten School at Kooringa

A new wood and iron church at Koonoona

Permission was granted for the erection of a new church at Mt Bryan East.

Burra District Council Election

Extraordinary election for Kooringa Ward:

Berriman (Berryman?) 28

Lewis 28

The returning officer, A.A. Davey, gave his casting vote in favour of Lewis.

Burra Town Council.

The lamp in Mt Pleasant is to be moved to the National Bank corner.

In the Municipal elections the Mayor, Cr Lane & Cr Lowe say they will stand again, but on account of his wife’s illness Cr Hardy will not.

Burra Rifle Club. At Burra on Wednesday: Burra 640 defeated Leighton 635.

Football. Burra Football Association AGM was held at Lord’s Hotel. The year ended in credit £12-9-6 with assets worth about £8. From the 4 outside matches played there were two wins and two losses.

Aberdeen Ballast Quarry. The men are on 8/- a day and carried a motion on Friday demanding 9/-.

Obituary. Henry Mytton died on Sunday, 5 November. He was caretaker of the Burra Musical & Dramatic Club for about eight years and of the local private telephones in Kooringa since their inception. He was 73 and had no known relatives in SA. [Death registered as at Kooringa aged 68.]

[This means he was the telephonist for the Eastern Telephone Syndicate. Their exchange was in the building that was also the home of the Burra Musical & Dramatic Club.]

Liberal Rally. At the Institute on Friday night over 300 people attended to hear speeches by: Miss Grace Watson and the Hon. A.H. Peake (Leader of the Opposition). The Hon. L. O’Loughlin moved the vote of thanks. Refreshments and a dance followed.

XV, 966, 15 Nov. 1911, page 2

Aberdeen Ballast Quarry workers have been awarded 9/- a day.

Measles continues to be a problem with new cases among both adults and children inside and outside the town.

XV, 966, 15 Nov. 1911, page 3

Accident. A serious accident has happened at an old disused well in Kooringa and it will be covered over as will the dangerous well at the Mine Bridge.

Snakes remain very numerous.

A man named Russell, who was walking to Broken Hill in search of work, was found unconscious on the road at Aberdeen on Saturday. He was taken to the Hospital and is recovering.

The Renmark Club sold £12,000 worth of drink last year. There is some irony in Sir William Holder having introduced the bill to establish it. Holder favoured establishing the club on account of the amount of sly grog selling that was being carried on. [Sir Frederick William Holder.]

Liberal Union. W.H. Hardy has been appointed assistant secretary.

South Booborowie Estate. A portion of the estate was sold in the Institute last Friday. All on offer was disposed of at an average price of £5-12-0 an acre. The buyers, areas and prices are printed. The £17-4-0 admission to the hall will be matched by the proprietors and the total of £38-8-0 will be given to the Coronation Band Fund. [Check the figures in the paper, since twice £17-4 should be £34-8-0!]

Accident. On Saturday a little girl aged 8 years the daughter of D. Pizzo of Kooringa, fell down an old well on the property of the SAMA in Thames St, occupied some time ago by S. James. It is nearly 40’ deep and although dry has rocky sides. The girl was knocked about and sustained a broken thigh. She was taken unconscious from the well by Fred Gebhardt.

Fire. On Friday just after the midday train passed to the north, a fire started on the property of P.V. Oates c. 11⁄2 miles north of the station. About 20 tons of hay was lost and 14 acres of wheat.

W. Dare of Piltimittiappa was thrown from his trap when the pole broke at the north end of the town on Friday evening. He needed stitches in one of his hands, but is recovering.

XV, 967, 22 Nov. 1911, page 2

Burra School. A new fence will be erected around the school.

Kooringa Post Office will get a new fence.

XV, 967, 22 Nov. 1911, page 3

Mr W.J. Bailey of Gawler arrived on Thursday as assistant in the Kooringa Methodist Circuit. He will work mainly in the eastern district.

Burra Rifle club. 1st match for a clock. J. Hatherly 82 from L. Nutt 81.

Leighton Rifle Club held a social at Leighton hall on Wednesday.

St Mary’s Strawberry Fete and Fancy Fair was held at the Institute on Friday and was opened by Dr Sangster Senior.

Burra History. There is a 1-column article by ‘Old Hand’, but little of historical value emerges in this effort.

Obituary. Mr John Goldsworthy died at his residence in Kooringa on Saturday.

[Died 18 November 1911 at Kooringa aged 65.]

XV, 968, 29 Nov. 1911, page 2

Municipal Elections: Nominations.

Mayor John McLaren

North Ward Carl Heinrich Lowe

East Ward Frederick Kemble

Stanley Monteith Lane

West Ward Percy Milner

Ludwig Leopold Wicklein

The election will take place on 2 December.

XV, 968, 29 Nov. 1911, page 3

Kooringa Post Office. The Commonwealth Government is to be requested to place a lamp outside the post office.

The Liberal Union has established an office in the Eastern Telephone Building.

Elder, Smith’s last sale saw over 16,000 sheep offered and over 13,000 were sold.

Foxes are a problem to the east.

Fire started from a harvester on I.J. Warnes Wahroonga property on Saturday and destroyed several bags of oats and several acres of feed, besides a little crop before it was extinguished.

Fred Gebhardt was presented with an inscribed sovereign case filled with coins at the Institute on Wednesday in recognition of his courage in rescuing a girl from a well recently.

Burra School Visiting Day was held last Friday. There has been a decided improvement at the school, which is reflected in its rise from Class C to Class B. W.J. Davey, Chairman of the School Board of Advice, presented certificates to fifth class scholars.

Martha Gully, a well-known resident of Aberdeen, was taken to Port Adelaide on Monday where it is believed she will have to answer a charge for alleged larceny of a bag.

The Annual Ratepayers’ Meeting was held on Wednesday night at the Institute when S. Burn, a former Mayor, presided over a moderate attendance.

The Mayor reported a generally prosperous year in which the further subdivision of the country must tend to increase the town’s trade.

The Kooringa Post Office has been finished and telephonic communication with Adelaide and all places on the trunk line was achieved. When this is connected with business places and the railway station its value will be enhanced.

The rotunda had been opened in November 1910 and its value as a meeting place was shown for the Coronation of George V.

Mr P.L. Killicoat, a former Mayor, had died during the year and the respected Town Clerk and Inspector, Mr R.H. Steele, had departed for the city. Mr E.J. Davey had become Town Clerk and Mr Wilks the Inspector.

The Burra Coronation Band of 18 equipped members has been established.

The heavy cost of street lighting at £76 would justify a lighting rate.

The parkland account debit of almost £20 has been converted to a small credit and Victoria Park has been levelled, but considerable useful work remains to be done there.

The Local Board of Health account is in debit. The bank is owed £36-9-9, mainly due to the expenses of the diphtheria outbreak.

The cemetery has acquired new land and only the registration of title remains to be done. It is in credit £76-0-3.

The main roads are in good condition.

Cr Hardy is retiring after more than 12 years experience and we thank him for the benefit of that experience. We are glad he has profitable and congenial employment to take up his time.

Cr Hardy spoke at length and said he was retiring due to his wife’s ill health.

Little else of the evening is reported.

[With the Liberal Union having an office in the Eastern Telephone Building, Hardy seems to have combined secretarial duties for them with the job of telephonist, which had become vacant due to the death of Henry Mytton.]

Obituary. Mrs R.J.J. Ockenden, wife of Richard J.J. Ockenden of the Paddock, died at Burra Hospital on Monday evening aged 54. She reared a family of 8 sons and 2 daughters. She married in Burra 32 years ago and had lived here for the last 28. She was the eldest daughter of the late Levi Lampard of Anlaby.

[Born Mary Isabella Lampard 1 January 1857: died 27 November 1911 at Kooringa.]

Cricket. There was a drawn game at Farrell’s Flat on Saturday.

Ramblers 135 & Farrell’s Flat 7 for 88.

XV, 969, 6 Dec. 1911, page 2

Mr Martin of Mt Bryan was accidentally shot in the foot while rabbiting last week.

Measles is serious at Mt Bryan where 14 children are away from school with it.

XV, 969, 6 Dec. 1911, page 3

A Concert & Dance at Leighton on Wednesday was presided over by I.J. Warnes.

Municipal Elections.

Mayor: John McLaren (elected unopposed)

North Ward C.H. Lowe (elected unopposed)

East Ward F. Kemble 36

S.M. Lane 71

West Ward P. Milner 17

L.L. Wicklein 61

St Mary’s Hospital Service last Sunday. Archdeacon Samwell of Petersburg was the preacher and the Corporation and Friendly Societies were represented as well as a large congregation from outside the town.

Mrs J. Edwards of Copperhouse suddenly became deranged on Wednesday and chased her children with an axe. She was removed to the hospital pending removal to the city. Unfortunately on the way home to Copperhouse her daughter aged c. 18 was thrown from the cart when the horse made a sudden plunge and Miss Edwards was taken to the hospital with considerable injuries to head and shoulders.

Burra Rifle Club. 2nd match for the clock saw G. Herbert 85 lead from A.L. Walker 83.

Cricket. Saturday at Mt Bryan: Ramblers 100 defeated Mt Bryan 47

Burra Town Council, last week.

Postal authorities in Melbourne have referred the request for a lamp to the Adelaide authorities.

The Local Board of Health reports the incidence of infectious diseases for the year:

Erysipelas 3

Enteric fever 3

Pulmonary TB 3

Whooping cough 4

Measles 26

Diphtheria 34

These last two were not local outbreaks and the epidemic in both was widespread in Adelaide and other country areas.

The report favoured the introduction of the pan system instead of cesspits.

The new council met on 4 December.

Mayor’s allowance was set at £15.

The Salvation Army is to be given a final notice to meet near the rotunda.

Weather. Nice rains have been widely reported, though as they derive from thunderstorms they have been patchy. Burra reports over 100 pts, Quondong 60, Sturt Vale 40, Old Koomooloo 15, Koomooloo 12, Baldina 30, Leighton/Ironmine 68, Mongolata 40, and Caroona 17.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club will present Handel’s Messiah at the Institute on 13 December.

Pt Adelaide Court, 29 November.

Martha Gully, alias Vera Gilbert, pleaded not guilty to obtaining by false pretences a hat valued at 13/6, the property of Archibald James McGregor.

The defendant obtained two hats on approval she said for Mrs Gyss. One was later returned. The defendant was employed by Mrs Gyss, who gave no instructions to buy hats. The defendant left her without notice. The accused wore the hat back to Adelaide when arrested. She elected to be tried at the Supreme Court and was released on £25 bail. She was also charged with stealing a handbag worth 15/6, the property of Adelaide Gyss.

Obituary – Inquest. At 9 o’clock Tuesday night 28 November W.J. Richards was driving Mrs Richards and two lady friends to the hospital to enquire about the health of their child. Near the hospital the car ran over a small girl, Jessie Bowen, daughter of Mr E. Bowen of Kooringa, killing her almost instantly. [Jessie May Bowen born 27 May 1906 at Kooringa.]

The inquest was held on Wednesday by J. McLaren JP.

Rev. S.J. Bloyd was at the site of the accident fixing up his own car on the side of the road. Richards, he said, was driving slowly and the lights were on and the car was on the correct side of the road. After the car had passed he saw something on the road and thought it had fallen from the car. It was the body of a child.

Mr Richards said he did not notice any bump or anything wrong.

The other children said that as the car approached one of them advised another to run across the road. Deceased fell in the middle of the road and was struck when she was getting up.

The verdict was that the child Jessie Bowen’s death had been caused accidentally and there was no blame attachable to anyone.

First Aid. St John Ambulance Certificates have been awarded to 17 young ladies who attended the lectures given by Dr Caw.

[Personal interest: they included a Miss S. Fuss who was presumably Shirley Doris.]

XV, 970, 13 Dec. 1911, page 2

M-C Dow, an old Burra boy who was given charge of the Alice Springs police station some 3 years ago is being transferred to SA, having been unwilling to be taken over by the Commonwealth Police Force.

Measles cases are very bad at present with new cases being reported almost daily. There are also several diphtheria cases.

Obituary. Ethel May Turner aged 23 years 6 months died at the Burra Hospital on 9 December. She was the eldest daughter of Thomas & May Turner of Hampton. [Born 12 June 1888 at Kooringa.]

Weather. The nice rains of last week flushed out the creek removing tons of rubbish from both the main and side creeks. It also damaged wheat crops.

Rabbits are a pest on the Burra Mine property.

The Government is compelling new settlers to kill the rabbits the Government allowed to breed up on the land while they owned it and moreover are notifying them they must pay the rates from October 1910, though they were not allotted Booborowie until August 1911.

Obituary. Sir Jenkin Coles died at Glenelg on Wednesday 6 December aged 68. He was well known in Burra, having conducted an auctioneering business here many years ago in company with the late Mr W.G. Goodchild as Coles & Goodchild. He had been a Member of Parliament since February 1875 and was speaker for about 21 years.

XV, 970, 13 Dec. 1911, page 3

St Joseph’s Church has not had a resident priest since the time of the late Rev. Father Redden, but now Rev. Father O’Halloran has been introduced. He comes from Quorn where he was stationed for several years.

‘Ratepayer’ writes to complain that the new lamplighter has been lighting the lamps long before sundown, which is a waste of carbide.

Cricket. At Terowie on Saturday: Terowie 152 defeated Ramblers 100.

Redruth Court.

James McDonald of the Kooringa Hotel was charged with supplying a lad under the age of 16, named Callahan, with 2 bottles of beer. There was evidence however, that although the lad had drunk some of the beer and actually carried it, the beer had been bought by Mr Luke Halls. McDonald was given the benefit of the doubt and a further similar charge involving Stanley Warner was withdrawn.

Luke Halls was then charged with sending a boy under 16 to get beer and was fined £5 plus costs.

Government Training Farm at Booborowie. An article outlines the operations of the farm.

Obituary. Ethel May Turner aged 231⁄2, who died on 9 December, was born in Burra and was a member of St Mary’s Church and active in Sunday school work. She was removed to the hospital for treatment of an abscess in her head. [Born 12 June 1888 Kooringa.]

Burra Institute. 12 scholarships will be given to Burra Public School children for the coming year.

The Robertstown Railway Bill has passed the house of Assembly.

Weather. Another half an inch of rain has fallen over a wide area to the east.

Christmas Cheer. Messrs W. Dearlove of Ketchowla and John Collins of Collinsville have forwarded to Drew & Crewes £3-3-0 & £2-2-0 respectively for Christmas cheer for the poor.

Telephone. At last the Government has made arrangements to extend the telephone system to private firms and to the Burra Railway Station. The work is quickly being pushed on to serve Messrs Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd. & Messrs Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd.

Supreme Court Adelaide

Martha Gully aged 19 gave evidence that she had always intended to pay for the hat, but had received a letter from her mother asking her to return to Burra as she was seriously ill. She gave the letter to a barman at her employer’s shop to explain her departure. The jury was unimpressed and the case was made a remanet for the next session. She was found not guilty of the charge of stealing a bag from Mrs Gyss.

Burra Show Soc. Met on Friday to elect a replacement for the late P.L. Killicoat as President. Various matters were discussed, but the question of the presidency was held over to the next meeting.

XV, 971, 20 Dec. 1911, page 2-3

Editorial on Christmas: an article of the usual platitudes.

XV, 971, 20 Dec. 1911, page 3

Rats have appeared near the Burra Railway Station.

Burra Rifle Club. 4th match for the 8-day clock. N. Pearce 88 from A.B. Riggs & A.D. McLaren 86.

Lamp lighting. Mr Rigby has thrown up the lamp lighting job and Mr Phillips has been appointed pro tem.

The Measles Epidemic has extended further with no signs of improvement yet.

The Robertstown Railway Bill has reached the 2nd reading stage in the Legislative Council and is expected to pass before the end of the session.

Cricket. At Kooringa on Saturday Ramblers 62 defeated Mt Bryan 32.

Handel’s Messiah was not as well attended as anticipated, but a great musical treat.

The Burra Hospital. The Premier said recently in answer to a question.

The old building used as a hospital was originally a hotel and was bought in 1876 for £2,547 and vested in the Burra Corporation. The following additions have been made after 1879.

Dead House and additions £653

Isolation Block £263

Septic Tank £375

Operating Theatre £655

New Floors in Duncan Wing etc. £150

General Improvements & maintenance £1,491

The front needed heavy buttressing to keep walls in position.

Roof timbers and ceilings needed strengthening.

More recently new kauri floors were put down.

Total cost to date £6,118.

The question is now what will the Burra public and the Government do towards a new building.

The problem is that the present condition of the walls could cause a disaster in event of an earthquake.

R.J.M. McBride has just given away much more than £3,000 to deserving organisations.

Kooringa Methodist Kindergarten 490

Salvation Army, Adelaide 310

Salvation Army, London 200

Home for Incurables, Adelaide 200

Petersburg Methodist Sunday School 170

Central Methodist Mission 150

Blind Deaf & Dumb Institute 100

Dr Barnardo’s Home, London 100

Ragged School, London 100

YMCA, Adelaide 100

YWCA, Adelaide 100

Burra Methodist Church 100

Minda Home 100

East Adelaide Methodist Church 100

Koonoona Blocks Wesleyan Church 100

Foreign Missions 100

Institute for the Blind 100

House of Mercy 100

Methodist Bush Mission 100

Boys Brigade, Adelaide 100

Muller’s Orphanage, England 100

Bible Society 100

Children’s Hospital, Adelaide 100

Philanthropic Mission, London 100

Salvation Army, Petersburg 100

South Broken Hill Baptist Church 100

Total £3,420

He also gives freely to local needs.

Burra Town Council, 18 December.

The Police Department is to be asked to have the Police Station connected by telephone.

Sports? What has become of the Boxing Day Sports in Burra?

Mr P. Lane, our first Mayor, celebrates his golden wedding tomorrow.

Obituary. Mrs William Bullen aged 63 died at her residence on Monday night.

[Born Rosina Evans and died 19 December 1911 in Kooringa aged 62.]

Characteristics of the 1911 paper.

Page 1.

Large advertisements both local and otherwise.

Page 2.

A few notices and personal advertisements.

A mixture of small and large local advertisements including stock sales.

Some very large advertisements for International Harvester Co. motor buggies and tractors.

News mixed with small print advertisements extends usually for 1 to 11⁄2 columns.

Editorials are very rare.

Page 3.

A mixture of news and advertisements, many of which are disguised to look like news. Sometimes there is padding out with humorous items. The reporting of the Town Council is brief and uncontroversial.

Page 4.

Dominated by large advertisements.

Usually there is a column of civic information.

The political line of the paper is not very strong editorially as editorial columns rarely appear, but the general tone is anti-Labor and pro-Liberal. Liberal Union activities are very well reported and in small items an anti-Labor stance can sometimes be detected. Strikes are never justified and wages should never rise and the Liberals are the only Party that seeks to govern for all rather than for sectional or class interests. But generally matters beyond the local district’s immediate interest are not much discussed.

Numbering of issues in 1911

Volume VX which had started 12 July 1905 was presumably finally noticed to be an error and 1911 started with a reversion to Volume XV which had previously run from 7 December 1892 to 5 July 1905.

The year began with Volume XV Number 921 on 4 January 1911.

And continued to Volume XV Number 971 on 20 December 1911.

XV, 972, 3 Jan. 1912

Page 1 Advertisements

E.J. Harris Grocer Fruiterer & General Dealer, Market Square

A.R. Creswick Dentist at the Commercial Hotel Monthly

Luke Day Grocer, Fruiterer & General dealer, Market Square

Mrs M.E. Pressick Edison Phonographs & Records

Tea, Coffee & Refreshments, Next to the Commercial Hotel

George Lord Burra Hotel

S.M. Lane Saddlery & Ironmongery, Market Square & Best Place

August Bartholomaeus Agent for Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society

W.T. Truscott Butcher, Smallgoods Dealer & Cooling Chamber, Market Square

Drew & Crewes Agent for Alliance Insurance Co.

W. Pearce Agent for Alliance Insurance Co.

Charles & F. Streicher General Storekeepers, Market Square

C.A. Lott Carpenter & Builder, Market Square

Page 2 Advertisements

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd Auctioneers

Elder, Smith & Co, Ltd Auctioneers [Regular advertisers, but not in this issue.]

A.D. McLaren Grocer etc.

James McDonald Kooringa Hotel

Mary M. McMinn Mine Bridge School

Pederson & Sons Boot & Shoe Store

John Pearce Contractor & General Builder, Chapel St

M. Maughan Dentist, Burra Hotel every four weeks.

Harold Pank Opticians, visiting Burra periodically

Drew & Crewes Universal Providers & Importers

Page 4 Advertisements

Fred M. Pearce late G. Bartholomaeus, Carpenter, Builder & Ironmonger, Aberdeen

R.D. Pascoe Hairdresser & Fancy Goods Dealer, ‘The Emporium’, Kooringa

S. Burns Blacksmith & Wheelwright, Commercial St

John Allen Agent for Colonial Mutual Fire & Accident Office

C.C. Williams Ironmonger, Commercial St

T. Harris Carriage Factory near the old White Hart Hotel

George Sampson General & Shoeing Smith, Coachbuilder & Wheelwright

Manager: Frank H. Pledge

C.H. Ewins & Sons

Murray Aunger Ltd Motor Garage, Adelaide & Kooringa

XV, 972, 3 Jan. 1912, page 2

Advt. Salvation Army Farewell Meeting for Ensign and Mrs Bennett on 7 January and social 8 January. They go to Moonta Mines and will be replaced by Ensign & Mrs Dawson from Millicent.

Advt. The Mine Bridge School, Principal Mary M. McMinn, will reassemble on Jan. 19, 1911. [sic]

Notice. Golden Wedding of Philip Lane, 5th son of John Lane of Winkleigh Devonshire and Louisa James of Kooringa. Married December 11 1861 at Kooringa by Rev. Thomas Lloyd.

Obituary. Edwin Henry March aged 21 died 21 December 1911, son of Mr & Mrs W.H. March of Kooringa. [Born 8 October 1890 at Kooringa.]

Obituary. Mary Ann (Polly) Geake died at Queen St, Kooringa, on 29 December 1911 aged 55, daughter of the late William & Mary Ann Geake. Survived by three sisters and one brother.

[Born 5 April 1856 District of the Murray.]

XV, 972, 3 Jan. 1912, page 3

Mr De Villiers, the great illusionist, will appear at the Institute tomorrow night.

Redruth Methodist Sunday School annual picnic at Sod Hut last Wednesday.

Mr & Mrs I.J. Warnes gave the annual Christmas festival at Leighton on 19 December when over 200 were entertained. A great Christmas tree with toys etc. was arranged.

Miss Cave of Redruth arranged the annual Christmas tree at the Burra Hospital on 21 December.

Obituary. Thomas Pearce, son of the late S. Pearce of Leighton was injured at Mt Bryan on the Thursday prior to Christmas Day when he slipped while getting onto a wagon loaded with 50 bags of wheat. The wheel smashed one leg to pulp from knee to ankle and took the big toe off the other foot. He was sent to Burra Hospital by goods train and died from shock the following morning about an hour before his wife arrived from Adelaide. He is also survived by two small children.

[Born 1 April 1869 at New Baldry: died 21 December 1911 at Kooringa, residence Cheltenham.]

Burra Rifle Club. At the match at Burra on Boxing Day Burra 714 defeated Clare 665.

Christmas in Burra was very good for the storekeepers with great activity on Christmas Eve despite the day being hot, windy and dusty, with a late change and slight rain. The Kooringa Methodist Hospital Service was well attended. Christmas Day was quiet, being again windy and dusty.

Obituary. Mrs Thomas Hill, an old Burra resident, died at Broken Hill on Christmas Day aged over 69. She was the mother of Ralph Hill of Kooringa. She had lived in Burra for more than 50 years and was a colonist of 58 years, arriving in the Standard in company with John Peak of Kooringa. Mr Hill died 29 years ago. She is survived by two daughters and four sons (all married).

[Born Susan Ivey at Cameron, Cornwall UK.]

Obituary. E.H. March, eldest son of W.H. March of Kooringa, was brought in from the east to undergo an operation for appendicitis. Complications set in and he died 14 days later on 21 December aged 21. [Born Edwin Henry March 8 October 1890 at Kooringa.]

Obituary. Mary Ann (Polly) Geake died on 29 December aged 55. She was born in the house in which she died. She was connected with the Kooringa Methodist Church and the Lily of the Valley Tent of IOR. [Born 5 April 1856 District of the Murray.]

Christmas Competitions.

R. Urwin & Sons issued numbered tickets and the winning numbers were: (1) 4089, (2) 2111 & (3) 6030. Who holds these tickets?

No one guessed that Drew & Crewes’ doll was called Arabella.

Mrs Pledge had lucky No. 217 to win a Christmas stocking from A.D. McLaren.

The Golden Wedding of Mr & Mrs P. Lane is reported in 2⁄3 column.

Mr Lane has been in business in Burra longer than any other resident. He came to SA as a youth on the Princess Royal in 1847, having been born in Winkleigh, Devonshire, in 1833. He will be 79 in November. In Burra he started business as a saddler and harness maker. He has held more public positions than any other resident. In the early days he made a brief trip to the Victorian gold fields. From 1874-75 he was a member of the Burra District Council and became first Mayor of the Town Council, a position he held for 4 years. [Actually the first term was July 1876 to Nov. 1877 and he subsequently was Mayor for 1880 and 1881 – a total period of approximately 31⁄2 years.] He was instrumental in getting the public school built and also the Institute. He has been a JP for over 35 years and a visiting justice to Redruth Gaol for 18 years. He has been Treasurer of the local branch of the [British & Foreign] Bible Society for over 40 years. For over 35 years he has been chairman of the trustees of the Institute. For 10 years he was Chairman of the Burra School Board of Advice. As Mayor he instigated subscriptions for tree planting. He has been a member of the Benevolent Society for many years and has also been connected with the Ag. Soc. [The Show Society] He has several times been asked to stand for Parliament, but has declined. He has two sons: Philip Lane (Broken Hill) & Stanley Lane (Burra). There are six daughters: Mrs H. Roach Senior (Burra), Mrs A.J. McBride (Kooringa), Miss Mary Lane, Miss Florrie Lane, Mrs Waldeck & Mrs Hooper.

Mrs Lane is not very well at present, but Mr Lane remains hale and healthy.

The Mine Bridge School Prize Day was held one day last week.

Cricket. At Victoria Park: Drew & Crewes’ Employees 79 defeated Ramblers 78.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Picnic took place at Sod Hut on 1 January and was one of the largest gatherings for years with dozens of traps and carts as well as the trollies etc. that took the children.

Railway Accident. The goods train from Burra on Friday night ran into cattle north of Mt Bryan, killing three and severely injuring two others.

Hanson Methodist Church Anniversary on Christmas Day was held in very unpleasant weather conditions, despite which nearly 100 people travelled from Burra by the afternoon train.

Koonoona School teacher, Miss Courtney, held a Christmas tree in the holidays at the school. Father Christmas attended and about 60 friends. There was dancing afterwards till just after midnight.

World’s End Races were held on 1 January and the results are printed.

XV, 973, 10 Jan. 1912, page 2

Advt. Our Boys’ Institute will present a Grand Entertainment on Wednesday 17 January at the Institute. Band, jugglers, conjurors, comedians & sketches. 14 performers.

The Great De Villiers attracted a moderate audience and performed with credit.

Strike. The wheat humpers at Burra, Mt Bryan and Hanson, who were getting 10/- a day, went on strike about Christmas time demanding 12/- a day, which agents objected to on account of irregularity of arrivals. Other methods of handling the wheat were instituted.

The Eudunda-Robertstown Railway Act has been passed.

Weather. Last Thursday was very windy and dusty. At Thomas McBride’s Redcliffe it was even worse and nearly all the outsheds were unroofed.

The Aberdeen Ballast Quarry has been working fulltime.

The New School Residence in Kooringa is being erected.

C.A. Lott is erecting a new carpenter’s workshop on the vacant lot next to Dr Caw’s residence.

XV, 973, 10 Jan. 1912, page 3

Burra United Labor Party meets fortnightly. T.H. Woollacott jun. took the chair last time.

Burra Town Council, 3 January.

Postmaster-General advises a second lamp will be placed at the Kooringa post office.

P.B. Phillips has been appointed lamp lighter for East & West Wards.

Extra labour at the cemetery is to be paid 8/- a day.

Provisional Teachers. The Government calls for entrants to the profession: 6 months training at 15/- a week for women and £1 for men. On appointment women to get £80 p.a. and men £100. After one year’s satisfactory service women to get £100 and men £120 p.a. With further study classified teaching positions become possible.

Cpl Gibbons, who has been in charge of the Redruth Police station for almost 21⁄2 years, has been promoted to sergeant. He has served for 361⁄2 years and has been in charge at Palmer, Mannanarie, Salisbury and Tanunda. He is also Clerk of the court, Registrar of Old Age Pensions, District Registrar if Births, Deaths and Marriages and Representing Officer of the Destitute Board. He has worked his way to this rank by sheer merit and is to be congratulated. There are only 8 sergeants in SA.

Percy Clark, formerly police constable at Kooringa, is now landlord of the Commercial Hotel.

St Joseph’s congregation has welcomed the arrival of Rev Father O’Halloran who is settling well into his work.

Booborowie Boys’ Farm. Much interest is being shown in the farm at North Booborowie with a number of applications for the matronship.

The crops to the west of the town, both to the north and the south, are good with some up to 30 bushels per acre.

Harry Vivian was farewelled at the Liberal Union rooms in Kooringa on Friday after 31 years as landlord of the Commercial Hotel. The Mayor, John McLaren, took the chair and other speakers were J.H. Gallagher, J.E.H. Winnall, W.H. Crowder, W.J. Richards, E. Cock, G. Lord, C.H. Ewins, M. Pederson, S.M. Lane, F.T. Harcus, W.H. Hardy & W.E. Hodge. He was presented with a bag of sovereigns to almost £50. Another gathering at W.J.C. Ewins’ house on Monday presented a massive silver salver to Mrs Vivian and purses of sovereigns to Misses Nellie & Rita Vivian. Miss Rita also received a silver inkstand from the hockey club of which she was secretary and Miss Nellie received a silver vase.

Advt. Social and dance at Leighton Hall on 24 January in aid of the Catholic Church Bazaar.

XV, 974, 17 Jan. 1912, page 2

George Lord is erecting a septic tank at the rear of the Burra Hotel.

Burra Mine. Before resigning as Government Geologist, Mr H.Y.L. Brown stated that the Burra Mine was worth working, though the company thought otherwise. Mr Davis, who was in Burra for the Bewick Moring people some time ago, thought it worthwhile when copper was anything over £60 a ton. On Wednesday copper was quoted at £64-5-0 a ton.

E.A. Pearce, only son of the late Thomas Pearce and Mrs Pearce of Ware St, and F. Davey have qualified as inspectors under the Health Act and the Food 7 Drugs Act at exams conducted by the Royal Sanitary Institute.

T. McBride has had good stock water found in a bore sunk to 300’ on Redcliffe Station. The water rises over 130’ up the bore.

XV, 974, 17 Jan. 1912, page 3

Obituary. W.E. Moore of Kooringa died suddenly last Saturday. The deceased was a driver for Mr F. Robertson of Aberdeen. [William Ezra Moore died 13 January 1912 at Kooringa aged 46.]

Obituary. Mrs Casaretto, wife of C. Casaretto of Mt Bryan died at the Burra Hospital on Monday aged 49. The couple were at one time in charge of the Court House Hotel before going to the Kingston Hotel at Mt Bryan. [Born Mary Ann Lynch: died 15 January 1912 at Burra, residence Mt Bryan aged 48. See also next issue page 2.]

Burra Institute Annual Meeting.

In the last year the innovations included a Juvenile Library, St John’s Ambulance Classes and a Literary Soc. They committee tried for a series of winter lectures, but were unable to bring it off. They have hopes for 1912. The books now total 3,947.

Membership: Ordinary Double Total

1910 78 22 100

1911 69 26 95

Financially the Institute is sound and the bank accounts rose to £116-8-4.

The St John’s Ambulance First Aid Group attracted 31 with an average attendance of 28. 17 gained their certificates.

The Literary Society under President John McLaren and Secretary Mr Milner had an average attendance of 40.

Mr A. Davey has been an efficient caretaker and librarian.

Elected were President, Mr Winnall; Vice-President, Mr Lane; Treasurer, Mr Wilkinson; Secretary, Mr Harcus. [Personal interest: Mr C. Fuss was on the committee.]

Local Branch of the Liberal Union is active in view of the coming elections and held a big rally at the Institute last Friday.

Cricket. At Aberdeen on Saturday: Ramblers 122 drew with Aberdeen 6 for 116.

‘Constant Traveller’ writes complaining of broken bottles on roads – ‘the dastardly act’ of ‘some miscreant’.

George Sampson of Kooringa has placed on the market a new silt scoop for dams that can operate in dams practically full of water.

XV, 975, 24 Jan. 1912, page 2

Obituary. Mary Ann Casaretto (nee Lynch of Riverton), wife of Charles Casaretto of Mt Bryan, died at the Burra Hospital on 15 January aged 48 years 5 months. Suddenly stricken with paralysis.

[See also previous issue page 3.]

Kooringa Post Office. The second lamp has been provided while the mail is being delivered, but after that the place is in darkness.

XV, 975, 24 Jan. 1912, page 3

Public Meeting called by the Mayor to consider the best way of raising funds for the widow and family of the late W.E. Moore.

Burra Public School is to be equipped with a new set of desks.

What has become of the Boy Scouts? Can any reader answer our correspondent’s question?

Burra Races will be held on 20 March 1912.

The Mails. Complaints are being received about the lateness of the evening mail on the ordinary train.

Kooringa Post Office. Complaints are also being made about service when the postmaster is on sick leave and Mr Cullen is in hospital with diphtheria. All the work is being done by Messrs Mansfield and Walsh and three small boys. The Department is blamed for not providing relief staff.

Election Meetings in the Institute.

Friday next J.G. Bice, John Lewis: candidates for the Legislative Council.

On Monday 5 February Liberal Union candidates O’Loughlin, Miller & Homburg.

Burra Rifle Club. 5th match for the clock: G. Herbert 99 from H.L. Riggs 96.

Railway Accident, Saturday afternoon.

About 11⁄2 miles south of Burra near Rabbich’s slaughterhouse the 3.09 p.m. passenger train from Burra was derailed when it ran over a bull on a level crossing. The engine plunged over a small embankment and just penetrated a wire fence. The next carriage was the post office van whose occupants were considerably knocked about. The first passenger car was stove in and crushed and how the half dozen passengers in it escaped is marvellous. The third car was slightly damaged and all three leading cars were derailed. The only person really injured was a man who leapt from the train. The engine and post office van were at right angles to the track. Repair gangs managed to open the line for the night train to get through about midnight. Work continued all day Sunday when hundreds of locals visited the site. Passengers were returned to Burra and went on in a special later. No one so far admits to owning the animal that was cut to pieces in the event.

Burra Automobile Club’s annual run to Morgan will be held on 27-29 January. Details of cars, owners and riders expected are printed.

Star: W. McKnight, E. Barker, R. Mitchell, S. Rasheed, W. Quigley, W. Martin, H. Thomas, J. Reed, James Reed, K. Duffield, F. Hansler, S. Fahey, W. Dare & A. Torr.

Siddeley: T.H. Pearse, N.H. Pearse & H.L. Pearse.

Humber: D. Low.

Vauxhall: T. McBride & C.H. Winnall.

Talbot: D. Power, W.G. Hawkes, T. Sandland, P. McBride, H.E. Evans, H. Collins, G. Levy, J. Gallagher, E.W. Crewes jun., A.P. Brown, N. Clem, J. Heaslip, E. Davis, T.P. O’Grady, J. Collins, W.J. Richards, J.M.C. Bennett, M.L. Evan, D. Woolston & F. Custance.

Scat: N.E. McBride, W. May & S. Torr.

Swift: Dr A.R. Caw & C.B. Warnes.

Bayard: I.J. Warnes & A.J. McBride.

Renault: L.W. Gebhardt, A.G. Gebhardt, L. Lewis, M. Collins, A. Collins, D. Dearlove, H. Collins, H. Sandland & G.E. Dane.

Ford: J. Peak & Dr Good.

Flanders: J. Field, W.J.C. Ewins, V. Roberts, Clutterbuck Bros. & R. Ringwood.

Arrol-Johnston: Dr Ashton.

Rover: Rev. S.J. Bloyd.

De Dion: E.W. Crewes, J. Drew & M. Badger.

Minerva: N. McBride.

Darracq: G.F. Thorpe.

Argyll: R. Duncan.

Escape from Redruth Reformatory

Last week Naomi Paul [Paull in next issue] and Mona Goodall escaped from the reformatory. After a fruitless local search Sgt Gibbons had the news they were seen near Manoora. He went there and then on to Saddleworth where the girls were found at the home of Paul’s sister. They were brought back to Burra by the 11.30 train. Paul’s feet were badly cut and swollen and she had to be carried. Paul had escaped last November and had only been back six days when this escape was effected. While she was away she got married in the belief this would protect her.

Our Boys’ Institute Entertainment at the Institute last Wednesday drew a fair audience that appreciated the presentation.

XV, 976, 31 Jan. 1912, page 2

Dry Bible has broken out among cattle at Booborowie.

Burra Mine Pool. Last week Jack Hunt cut his head badly diving into the Mine Pool. The problem is that much rubbish has been thrown into the pool and swimming there should be stopped until proper supervision is provided.

Obituary. W.H. Evans aged c. 68 and a resident of Petersburg, but well known in Burra as a lecturer in aid of charities has died. He visited Burra at least once a month.

[William Henry Evans died 25 January 1912 aged 68 at Petersburg.]

Fire. Last week the express set fire to Mr J. Peak’s paddock about two miles north of Hanson and some 10-12 acres of good grass was lost.

Obituary. Lieut.-Colonel Reade CB, one time editor of the Jamestown paper and member of the local Mounted Rifles, died a few days ago in Canada. He was a veteran of the South African War.

[Charles James Reade born 10 August 1863 at Bendigo Victoria: died c. 27 January 1912 in Canada.]

Charity. The meeting called by the Mayor on Wednesday to aid the widow and children of W.H. Moore appointed a committee to take subscriptions. Several local businesses have agreed to forego amounts due.

XV, 976, 31 Jan. 1912, page 3

Mr & Mrs Thomas Mountford of Hallett celebrated their golden wedding on 26 January. They came from Berkshire in 1856. Mr Mountford is 83 and his wife 80.

Burra Rifle Club. 7th match for the clock: C. Muller & A. Harris 82 from J.E. Pearce 78.

Burra Show Society. The meeting on Friday showed their cash credit after the show was £91-15-4. Thomas Sandland JP was elected President. The next show is to be on Friday 27 September. The move to a Friday avoids clashing with other shows. The earlier date was the wish of sheep exhibitors.

St Joseph’s Social & Dance was held at Leighton last Wednesday and presided over by I.J. Warnes. The hall was packed.

Election Meeting. Hons J. Lewis & J.G. Bice addressed a big gathering at the Institute on Friday.

J.M. McBride donated £50 to Our Boys’ Institute when they visited recently.

Obituary. Grace Ann Dunstan, wife of R.W. Dunstan of Mt Bryan, died on 30 January aged 56. She had lived at Mt Bryan for 7 years, prior to which they had lived in Broken Hill for 17 years.

[Born Grace Ann Williams: died 30 January 1912 at Burra, residence Mt Bryan East aged 55.]

Cricket. At Burra on Monday: Terowie 272 defeated Ramblers 146.

Burra Rifle Club. At Hamley Bridge on the match was won by Hamley Bridge but the scores are not cited.

Burra Automobile Club held its annual run to Morgan Saturday to Monday last. 20 cars made the trip.

XV, 977, 7 Feb. 1912, page 2

Obituary. A man’s body was found in Porter’s Lagoon on Thursday. Sgt Gibbons found it to be a man named Wilson, alias Tom Brown aged c. 45, who had been employed as a mason by Mr Fitzgerald near Black springs. It is believed he was bathing when caught by weeds. There are no known relatives in SA. [Registered as Robert Brown died 1 February 1912 aged 56 at Porter’s Lagoon, residence Farrell’s Flat.]

Railways. The proposed Farrell’s Flat-Spalding railway has disappeared in the dissolution of Parliament: for how long no one knows.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School made presentations on Friday to four retiring teachers: Miss A. McLaren (Secretary of birthday and star rolls), May Riggs (Primary teacher), Alice Davey (Kindergarten teacher) & Miss B. Davey (Primary teacher).

XV, 977, 7 Feb. 1912, page 3

Obituary. E. Kiekebusche, farmer of Baldina, committed suicide by shooting himself in a paddock c. 200 yards from his Baldina home. He was found by his son Charles. He was an old Baldina resident and a widower. He is buried at Baldina Lutheran Cemetery.

[Emil Wilhelm Carl Hermann Kiekebusche died 1 February 1912 aged 69 at Baldina.]

Burra Automobile Club Morgan Trip.

About 20 cars assembled for a photo on Saturday 27 January. They started from the garage about 10.30 a.m. and travelled via Aberdeen to ‘The Gums’ where refreshments were provided by Mrs Pearse and family. At Morgan the cars were housed in Mr Landseer’s Store. In the afternoon Burra defeated Morgan at cricket. Morgan defeated Burra at tennis. The visitors gave a concert in the evening and on Sunday visited New Era by steamer. They returned on Monday with another stop at ‘The Gums’ and a pause at Baldina Church to get the cars together for the entry into Burra about noon.

Election Meeting. The Liberal candidates for the House of Representatives, Messrs R. Homburg jun., W. Miller & L. O’Loughlin, addressed a big meeting at the Institute on Monday night with the Mayor taking the chair.

Cricket. At Aberdeen on Saturday: Aberdeen 115 defeated Mt Bryan 86.

Advt. Miss Renie Crewes, late pupil of Messrs James & Will Ashton, will receive pupils for drawing and painting. [Miss Crewes is represented in the Adelaide Gallery.]

Notice by Mrs H. Wahlert & Sons re trespassing on their paddock on Milton Hill Aberdeen.

[This is an unknown hill. Could it be Millerton Hill – usually known as Cow Dung Hill?]

XV, 978, 14 Feb. 1912, page 2

Robert Woollacott, 4th son of T.H. Woollacott, has passed his final exams as an electrical engineer in Sydney.

Federal authorities have decided to start a new Savings Bank in Burra and to take that work away from the Post Office. The premises will be those lately used by the late Mr Seabury, next to Dr Caw.

Fire. A train apparently caused the fire that destroyed feed on Mr James Melrose’s estate near Hallett and 17 fine rams also had to be put down.

Accident. A lad named Wall, employed by H. Austin to deliver orders, was thrown from the horse on Wednesday near St Mary’s and badly hurt. He was taken to the hospital and is now making a recovery.

Sergeant Gibbons was given a presentation because after two years in Redruth he is being transferred to Pt Augusta. Local justices and others presented him with a set of pipes on Wednesday and led by the Mayor, Mr McLaren expressed their appreciation of his work. The people of Redruth made a presentation on Thursday evening of two silver mounted umbrellas.

XV, 978, 14 Feb. 1912, page 3

Iron Mine Methodist Church Harvest Thanksgiving was held on a recent Sunday and attracted large congregations.

Robertstown Races. Results printed.

Redruth Court.

Straying animals attracted fines of 5/- + costs for: J. Lord, T. Woollacott & Mr Gully.

Burra Town Council.

The flagging in front of the Club and Streicher’s Club is to be put straight.

The gates at the rotunda are to be locked.

The Mayor’s action in allowing the rotunda to be used for political meetings was approved.

Obituary. Lord Lister, [1827-1912] the famous surgeon [and introducer of antiseptic surgery] has died.

The Elections were a great Liberal victory.

Mr Peake wins office. Locally (Burra District) the three Liberals were way out in front:

Miller 6230

O’Loughlin 6114

Homburg 5968

Newland 4474

Callary 3841

Legislative Council counting continues, but for the Northern Division so far:

Bice 5194

Goode 3054

Lewis 4926

This makes it apparent that the old [Liberal] team will be returned.

[The whole report is very pro-Liberal.]

XV, 979, 21 Feb. 1912, page 2

A New Business. Messrs Moon & Cathro, two young men, have commenced business as cycle builders and importers in Commercial St.

Phosphate. There is some talk of a large company working the phosphate deposits near World’s End.

Fire. An extensive fire on the property of A. Edwards at Mt Bryan destroyed a lot of scrub.

Drought. The country to the east is very dry.

Miss Millicent Barker, daughter of W.P. Barker of Baldina, almost died last week as a result of ptomaine poisoning at Glenelg where she was staying.

The Moore Fund raised c. £98 and it was decided to pay funeral expenses and outstanding accounts and then pay the balance at 20/- a week until exhausted.

The Mail. At present mail from the north is carried past Burra and then returned four or five hours later by the morning train from Adelaide. The mail should be sorted between Petersburg and Burra, which would give business time to respond to correspondence by the Broken Hill Express that night. We hope for a change soon.

Redruth Court.

M-C Dow, late of Alice Springs, has been appointed to Redruth and made clerk and bailiff of the Local Court. He is an old Burra Boy, having lived in Redruth with his parents.

XV, 979, 21 Feb. 1912, page 3

Accident. There was a collision on Saturday night between a car and Mr W. Short’s buggy. The buggy was considerably damaged though no one was injured.

Election. Hundreds watched the election results as they were posted on a large screen as they came in by telegraph. Mr W.B. Page organised the screen and two large outdoor lamps to illuminate it. [The February 14 issue says the screen showed results from every district and they were updated until a little after 2 a.m. when the last message arrived. This was organised by the Liberal Union, but no location is given.]

Mr Peake was sworn in as Premier, Treasurer and Minister of Education on Friday last.

Burra Town Council, 19 February.

A letter was received from the solicitor concerning the Council’s right to lot 64 Market Square.

The Commissioner of Police will be asked to connect the police stations by phone.

Cricket. On Saturday there was a drawn match on account of a late start.

Hallett 5 for 153 and Ramblers 3 for 69.

XV, 980, 28 Feb. 1912, page 2

Weather. The season broke with some rain on Thursday. Nearly 50 points in Burra and falls were higher to the near northeast at Mongolata and Wandillah. Good rain extended to Quondong and Redcliffe and also to the west.

Fire. A large bushfire raged through the country midway between Quondong and Oakbank Stations, travelling towards Oakbank. The sheep in the area were carefully mustered to avoid it.

Polo is being played at Hallett, involving several members of the old Burra Polo Club.

The Pt Augusta-Kalgoorlie Railway has reached the tender stage.

XV, 980, 28 Feb. 1912, page 3

The Editor complains about the poor postal service. Deliveries are now reduced to one a day. Recently ‘a small boy’ delivered to the paper those letters whose address he could read and another followed later with those left behind.

Mrs Coombe Senior of Burra, who is over 89, has gone to Broken Hill to visit her daughter, Mrs J. Diplock.

Cricket. On Saturday at Mt Bryan: Aberdeen 151 defeated Mt Bryan 83.

Burra Rifle Club. In the last match for the clock M.A. Radford 78 led F. Wheatley 68, but overall the winner was A.L. Walker with 17 points from H.L. Riggs with 14.

The Moore Fund stands at £98-17-9.

Railways. The Commission on the Spalding Railway is continuing to take evidence on the Riverton-Spalding alternative.

Burra Hospital. It is reported that the main portion of the hospital has been partially condemned and the Government will take steps to put up another building. The old building has certainly done service, having been built as the Burra Hotel and it is known that the walls are getting unsafe. The Council has recently taken steps to see that the Mayor has a seat on the Board, which is only right as the Council are the trustees of the place.

Telephone. There is some discussion about connecting Booborowie by telephone, but some people need to come up with the cost.

Supreme Court Adelaide.

The trial of Martha Gully has finally come off. She was charged with having obtained two hats, valued at £1-11-0, by false pretences.

‘The jury, after a brief retirement, returned a verdict of guilty [sic] and the accused was discharged.’

[Presumably the verdict was, as the headline said, ‘NOT GUILTY’.]

[Details of the case are a repeat of earlier reports and occupy about 1⁄2 column.]

Mr & Mrs Pascoe of Clare have celebrated their diamond wedding. They are the parents of the Hon. T. Pascoe, Minister of Agriculture and of Mrs H.S. Stephens, late of Mongolata.

The Moore Fund is now over £100.

A. McBride is greatly improving the old Unicorn premises.

The Fire near Oakbank last week came from over the NSW border and has now been beaten.

Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, Tuesday.

Alfred Wise, son of John Wise and Myrtle Bullen, daughter of the late William Bullen.

Poison. Some 20 bullocks from two or three teams that went to Quondong a few days ago got onto some poisonous plant and seem likely to die.

XV, 981, 6 Mar. 1912, page 2

Obituary. Robert Urwin, brother of Robson Urwin of Bowden, died at Midland Junction WA on 28 February.

Rev. A.J. Birt of NSW, once in charge of the Primitive Methodist Church here, visited Burra last week en route home after a trip around the world.

I.J. Warnes is thinking of putting down bores on Koomooloo and Sturt Vale.

Bowls. There are moves to start a bowling club in Burra.

Ulooloo. A party of Broken Hill miners wants to do some prospecting at Ulooloo as soon as some rain sets in.

John Pearce of Kooringa has won the tender for improvements to the Mt Bryan School worth between £550 and £600.

Diphtheria is about again with almost daily cases reported around Saddleworth and one reported on Saturday at Kooringa.

The poisoned bullocks at Quondong are still alive, but several seem unlikely to survive.

The Burra Coronation Band had its first performance on Friday night in the rotunda. They have made good progress under Mr F. Wheatley.

XV, 981, 6 Mar. 1912, page 2-3

Liberal Union – Men’s Branch held a general meeting on Friday in the Institute Lodge Room.

XV, 981, 6 Mar. 1912, page 3

Mr & Mrs John Bailey of Leighton have sold their farm and will move to Burra. They were given a social and presentation at Leighton Hall last week, chaired by I.J. Warnes. Mr Bailey was one of the first to plough land in the area about 45 years ago. Mrs Bailey was presented with a tea service and two easy chairs. Mr Bailey received a complete smoker’s outfit

‘Business Man’ writes complaining of the inadequate staffing of the Kooringa Post Office.

A Concert at Mt Bryan on Wednesday raised £13 to help finance some improvements to the District Hall.

SAR. A Robertstown delegation has sought to extend the railway district for the new line and to shift the route slightly to that along the three-chain road from near Eudunda to beyond Point Pass at section 166, where it meets the proposed route. This would save land acquisition. The site of the Robertstown station would be shifted, as the chosen place is boggy in winter.

Tennis. 21 February: Kooringa Methodist 9-61 defeated St Mary’s 2-36.

28 February: World’s End Methodist 10-79 defeated Kooringa 5-56.

At the St Mary’s tournament for the tennis racquet from W.B. Page E.A. Riggs defeated D. Brooke: 6-2, 3-6, 7-5.

Burra Town Council. The Police Dept. advises that arrangements are being made to connect the police stations by phone.

Cricket. At Gum Creek on Saturday: Gum Creek 96 defeated Aberdeen 75.

XV, 982, 13 Mar. 1912, page 2

Burra Mine. What do the Burra Burra Copper Co. intend to do with the mine? They should do something with the price now £64-£65 per ton.

Thomas Hagley, who built the first Robertstown Hotel, has been obliged to give it up and retire after 30 years, to live in the city. The hotel has been bought by Mr Paech of Eudunda.

Obituary. Mrs M. Low aged 74 died at Broken Hill on Sunday. Born in Scotland, the deceased came to SA in 1853 and married Mr Low who predeceased her. After living some time in Burra she went to Broken Hill, where she has lived for 25 years. She leaves 4 daughters and 2 sons.

[Identification uncertain, but may have been born Mary Ure.]

Burra Cadet Corps did some solid drill work on Wednesday with Sergeant-Major Walker of Petersburg. About 70 were involved.

Federal Authorities have decided to commission an Australian artist to do a portrait of Sir Frederick Holder as part of a scheme to perpetuate the memories of prominent Federalists.

W.J. Hinde SM came to Redruth Court on Monday from Port Augusta to relieve Mr Sinclair SM. Mr Hinde was formerly at Redruth. Also at Pt Augusta are former Burra identities Mr Ralph Giles and Sergeant Gibbons.

Marriage. 21 February at Llanbrynean, Brecon, Wales.

Robert Douglas Brummitt, son of Dr R. Brummitt, late of Burra and

May Morgan, 2nd daughter of William Morgan of Llanbrynean.

XV, 982, 13 Mar. 1912, page 3

Cricket. Saturday: the match Ramblers v. Hallett was cancelled due to high wind.

Saturday: Aberdeen 84 defeated Quarrymen 65.

Weather. Friday & Saturday brought 52 points of rain to Burra, but more fell to the east where falls of 60 to 125 points were recorded, though Quondong only got 35. There were also good falls to the west and north.

Redruth Court, Monday.

W.J. Davey won a decision for £1-1-3 unpaid newspaper subscription from David Jones, painter of Kooringa.

The Methodist Conference has appointed Rev. J.H. Nield for another term at Kooringa and Rev. W.A. Bainger to Redruth.

Leighton-Ironmine Sports were held at Leighton Hall on Wednesday and were a great success, with record attendance. The results are printed.

Richard Simpson (55) was arrested on 7 March at Kooringa and charged with the indecent assault of four-year-old Minnie Isabel Wilmott, but after investigation the charge was dismissed.

Advt. Burra Institute 22 & 23 March: Leap Year Fair in Aid of St Joseph’s Church & School.

Chinese Emperor overthrown and a republic declared.

Hatpins. Many municipalities are legislating against the enormous hatpins.

Advt. The only qualified phrenologist in SA, Professor J.R. Pritchard AFPI, from London may be consulted for the next few days next door to Kellaway’s fruit shop in Aberdeen.

XV, 983, 20 Mar. 1912, page 2

Obituary. Mr Masters of Farrell’s Flat died on Friday of heart failure leaving a wife and five children. [George Edward Master died 8 March 1912 at Farrell’s Flat aged 67.]

Obituary. Jimmy, Edward Wall’s 36-year-old horse has died. He was the last blood of the stock of the great horse Talk o’ th’ Hills.

Foxes are a very numerous pest to the south, north and northeast of Burra.

Court Pride of Burra AOF will picnic at Princess Royal next Wednesday.

Marriage. In Adelaide last Thursday.

Millicent P. Barker, daughter of Mr & Mrs W.P. Barker of Baldina and

A. Hooper, son of John Hooper of Norwood.

Burra Institute. Tenders are to be called for a new floor for the hall.

Burra Town Council, Monday.

The deeds to lot 64 Kooringa were received.

Strike. Farmers are preparing to break the strike of superphosphate handlers in Adelaide, as they are desperately in need of the product any time good rain falls from now on.

Burra Rifle Club. A four-day match began to decide on aggregate a prize donated by Mr Gebhardt.

Obituary. The late Mrs J.W. C. Lowe aged 79 and a resident in Burra for c. 62 years, migrated from Germany with her parents in 1849 and married Mr Lowe in old St Mary’s c. 60 years ago. Her husband died about 53 years ago. She leaves two sons: Cr C.H. Lowe of Redruth and A.W. Lowe of Broken Hill. [Born Johanna Wilhelme Charlotte Thanert and died Julia Wilhelme Charlotte Lowe 18 March 1912 at Kooringa, residence Redruth.]

XV, 984, 27 Mar. 1912, page 2

Closer Settlement. Further subdivision of estates continues. South Booborowie is to be again subject to subdivision with 12,000 acres to be disposed of.

Weather. There have been further falls of rain to the east where totals between 11 & 25 points are reported from Saturday & Sunday.

Bowling Club. Efforts to establish a bowling club continue.

Booborowie Government Farm. A dozen city lads have arrived to begin work on the Booborowie Government Training Farm.

The Phosphate Strike. Farmers went to the city on Monday as strike-breakers at the phosphate dispute and are currently loading the [railway] trucks.

The Savings Bank. A new branch of the Savings Bank is being established in Kooringa with Mr T.J.M. Linn in charge.

Burra Races on 20 March were successful, though crowds were down a bit on 1911. The Totalizator turnover fell slightly – mainly because the Hurdle Race became a farce when only Nice John weighed out. The main race, the Burra Handicap (£100) was won by E. Baker’s Pendulous.

XV, 984, 27 Mar. 1912, page 3

St Joseph’s Leap Year Fair raised £132.

Cricket. On Saturday Aberdeen 95 defeated Gum Creek 47.

George Lawn has won the scavenging contract at £12-5-0 per month.

Redruth Reformatory. Naomi Paull escaped from the institution again on Thursday with Teresa Symmons. They changed their clothes in Firewood Creek and then went to Kooringa and enjoyed themselves. They posted letters at the Post Office in Aberdeen and stayed the night at Opie’s Hotel. Then Naomi and her husband (or the man she is supposed to have married on her previous escape) went south. Symmons was picked up in Burra by M-C Dow. Naomi Paull is still at large.

XV, 985, 3 Apr. 1912, page 2

Advt. The Corporation of Burra.

Applications invited for Cleaning and Lighting 12 acetylene gas street lamps in East and West Wards Kooringa at 4/- per lamp per month.

Obituary. Thomas Gray died in the Burra Hospital on Friday. He was a former miner at Ulooloo Gold Field, but of recent years lived in Kooringa.

[Thomas Henry Gray died 29 March 1912 at Burra aged 69.]

Copper is now quoted at £69-7-6 a ton. Will something be done with the Burra Mine?

The Superphosphate Strike is over.

A telephone line is being erected from Eudunda to Point Pass.

The Northern Railway Commission is in its final stages of taking evidence on the Spalding Railway.

XV, 985, 3 Apr. 1912, page 3

Court Pride picnic on Wednesday was held in perfect weather at Princess Royal. 80-90 boys attended. A large luncheon was followed by sports and a sumptuous tea. Sports results are printed.

The New Farrell’s Flat Institute will be opened on 10 April.

Polo. In a match on J. Melrose’s ground at Hallett Mt Crawford 6 defeated Mid-North 2. Mid-North is a newly formed team comprising W.S. Murray (Captain), L.A. Lewis, A. Melrose & G. Melrose.

Obituary. Joseph W. Pascoe died at his residence in Kooringa on Friday 29 March, aged 74. He was born at Ralegh Crowan, Cornwall and came to SA in the Alberton in August 1848 and came to Burra. A year later he went to the Victorian Gold Fields, but returned to Burra for some years before going to live in Broken Hill for over 20 years, returning about two years ago. He leaves a widow and 7 children: Mrs S.J. Davey, Mrs S.J. Cox, Mrs Sampson (Broken Hill), Joseph Pascoe (Burra), Richard D. Pascoe (Burra), Frank Pascoe (WA), Thomas Pascoe (Broken Hill). He has 4 sisters: Mrs Dower (Bethangu Victoria), Mrs J. Collins (Nairne), Mrs S. Williams (Maryborough Victoria), and Mrs J. Harris (Burra). Thomas Pascoe of Clare is a brother and there are 18 grandchildren.

[Joseph Willey Pascoe born 25 January 1838 at Crowan Cornwall: died 29 March 1912 at Kooringa.]

North Booborowie Agricultural Farm has struck trouble with the boys. Four struck last week. One was dismissed for insubordination, which caused the strike. Attendance at Sunday service was voluntary: two did so and the others stayed outside and created a nuisance by playing mouth organs and other instruments.

The Royal Huddersfield Bellringers are coming next Wednesday.

Midnight Brawl. Thomas P. Halls jnr and John Kellaway were charged with assaulting PCs Kite and Kelly on race night in Market Square. M-C Kite of Terowie said he and M-C Kelly saw Halls the worse for liquor with his cab with the lamp out. When it was mentioned the accused lit it. Halls then said Kelly was b______ officious and struck him. A scuffle followed. Later near Dalgety’s & Co.’s Halls and Kellaway set on Kite and both kicked him when he was down. Someone came to his aid and then Kite went to the aid of Kelly who was by then under attack. Halls was got to a cell, but Kellaway ran off. Kelly corroborated and said Kite had since had 5 days sick leave. There was supporting evidence from Dr A.R. Caw, Edwin Burns & A.D. McLaren. Kellaway accused the police of starting the whole thing by using insulting language to Halls and accused Kelly of not being sober and he said Halls was sober and denied ever that night being anywhere near Dalgety’s. T.P. Halls corroborated the above and said he had just got a pool at a shooting gallery to show he was sober. Halls’ version was corroborated by Percy Symons and Thomas Wallard of Morgan, William George and his wife (a travelling showman), Donald Turner & William Herbert. The Court found Halls and Kellaway guilty and sentenced them to two months. Mr Winnall for the accused asked for leniency and a fine. The SM consulted the local JPs and agreed somewhat reluctantly to a fine of £5 each and a promise not to be involved in the like again and to pay for repairs to the constable’s uniform.

Iron Mine Methodist Church held its anniversary last Sunday. £36-10-0 was collected in an effort to wipe out the church debt caused by the recent enlargement.

Tennis. Last week on the Hospital court Gum Creek defeated St Mary’s by 9 games.

XV, 986, 10 Apr. 1912, page 2

Advt. Boot shop to let in Best Place, Aberdeen. Apply Mr J. Kellaway.

Booborowie Government Farm. The boys have returned to work, but for two who have been dismissed and one who has left in sympathy.

School Boards of Advice consider their efforts are a waste of time, as their advice is ignored. As a result the Board at Burra is doing little.

Cadets. There was an afternoon of drill last Wednesday.

Ladies Hockey. At the AGM election: Captain Miss J. Isaacs

Vice-Captain Miss H. Hunt

Secretary Miss L. Jones

Treasurer Miss N. McLaren

XV, 986, 10 Apr. 1912, page 3

Burra Rifle Club. A match at Leighton. Leighton 655 defeated Burra 631.

Best shots were R. Fairchild & R. McWaters with 97 each.

Joseph Kellaway, who had a boot shop in Aberdeen and worked for the F.B.C. branch in Burra, is compelled to go to live in Victor Harbor for health reasons.

Vermin. Rats are in plague numbers out east and mice are in plague numbers in town.

SAR. Trains are commonly running an hour late: there can be no excuse for this.

The American Speaking Picture Co. will appear in Burra Institute on 16 April. By use of the Bio-Megaphone you will see the singer and hear the item he is singing with voice and action synchronising exactly. Also 8,000 ft of the latest moving pictures. These are accompanied by Mr Henry, the celebrated English elocutionist, who gives a lucid descriptive lecture on the pictures.

Mt Bryan Sports were held on 3 April. They were very successful and were held in good weather. The results are printed.

Pederson & Co. are carrying on business in Seabury’s old shop.

XV, 987, 17 Apr. 1912, page 2

Bowling Club. Moves for a bowling club have fallen through, as insufficient people are interested to justify the initial expenditure.

Diphtheria remains bad at Saddleworth, with cases at Petersburg and one case locally.

The Huddersfield Bellringers were in excellent form on Thursday and drew a large audience. They were advertised for Wednesday, but their bells went astray on the railway.

Point Pass Sports on Easter Monday were a big success.

P.J. Pickering, of the Bank of Australasia, has been promoted to the city. He will be missed as Secretary of Rambler Football Club, in the cricket club and in concert parties.

XV, 987, 17 Apr. 1912, page 3

Spalding Railway. The Railway Commissioner has come down on the side of Riverton over Farrell’s Flat as the starting point for the Spalding railway in his evidence to the Royal Commission.

Burra Institute. Fuss Bros. Have secured the tender for a new floor in the hall.

Burra Town Council.

T. Highet is appointed lamp lighter.

L. Pearce will light the rotunda lamp for 1/6 a week.

Mr A.J. McBride is thanked for donating the weathercock for the rotunda.

Marriage. On Thursday.

Meta Heinrich, eldest daughter of W. Heinrich of World’s End and

Hermin Niemz, eldest son of J. Niemz of Eudunda.

Burra Institute, 25-27 April, Martin Dobrilla will give a demonstration of 58 hours of club swinging to set up a state record. He is the world champion club swinger. Last year at Laura he made a world record of 107 hours 38 minutes. To assist him two dances have been organised for Thursday & Friday nights. [Why wouldn’t this also have been a state record?]

Court Pride of Burra (Junior Foresters) held a social in the Institute last Friday for 50 members. In addition to refreshments and entertainment items there was an address by Secretary W.J. Davey on the bad effects of cigarette smoking.

Farrell’s Flat. The new Institute was opened on 10 April by the Premier the Hon. A.H. Peake. The report extends for 11⁄3 columns.

A Burra District Christian Endeavour Rally was held in the Mt Bryan Institute on Good Friday.

Football. Aberdeen Football Club held its AGM last week and elected: Captain, A. Lomman; Vice-Captain, J. Pickering; Secretary, M. Morton; Treasurer, S.R. Davey.

At the AGM of the Aberdeen [sic] Football Club on Friday Mr Pickering resigned as he was leaving the district. H. Paull was appointed in his place. Patron: W.P. Barker; President, L.W. Gebhardt; Captain, W.H. Stevenson, Vice-Captain, R. Sandland. [Judging from the 1911 line-up of officials this was the Ramblers Football Club.]

M-C Kelly is on leave and all is left to M-C Dow of Redruth and given his other duties this is unfair.

XV, 988, 24 Apr. 1912, page 2

J. Rosewall, who was working on raising metal in a quarry on the east side of Victoria Park on Thursday, had a narrow escape when dozens of tons of rock fell on a place he had vacated only moments before.

Telephone. The Adelaide-Burra trunk line is to be extended to Petersburg.

Diphtheria. A six-year-old daughter of A. Walker of Baldina developed the disease in the last few days and required an emergency operation in the Burra Hospital.

XV, 988, 24 Apr. 1912, page 3

The Season. Though rain fell in the summer, there has been little since to enable tilling to start.

Spalding Railway. Booborowie District residents are amazed at the Railway commissioner’s preference for a junction at Riverton. All the economic advantages they believe are with the Farrell’s Flat alternative.

Polo. On Saturday at Aberdeen: Adelaide 7 defeated Mid-North 2.

3rd Annual Eastern Plains Picnic was held at Sturt Vale on Easter Monday. About 70 attended, with sports in the afternoon and musical items and dancing in the evening.

P.J. Pickering, clerk of the Bank of Australasia for two years, was tendered a social and presentation on his departure to head office.

Hallett Sports on Easter Monday came off successfully and the results are printed.

Football. The Kooringa Club met on Friday and elected: President, J. Lewis; Secretary, H. Ockenden; Captain, R. Hill; & Vice-Captain, S. Kellaway.

XV, 989, 1 May 1912, page 2

Obituary. William Midwinter, 2nd son of William Midwinter of Hyde Park, died in Perth on 15 April aged 41. [Born 2 February 1870 at Princess Royal: died 15 April 1912 at Perth WA.]

L.A. Lewis is visiting his father’s well-known station of Dalhousie Springs in the far north.

The Aberdeen Ballast Quarry has been fully manned for some time and over 40 men have been employed. We hear that now the quarry south of Adelaide is likely to be used again and work at Aberdeen will be curtailed.

SAR. Goods traffic to Burra is quite unsatisfactory. Delays of six to seven days are not unusual.

Protection is again called for at the Bon Accord crossing.

XV, 989, 1 May 1912, page 3

Burra Mine. Burra Burra Copper Co. When shares in this company were bought it was generally understood things might happen when the price of copper reached £70 per ton. It has been that for several weeks. Residents are wondering if the directors intend carrying out their promise. The 25th Half-yearly Report is just to hand and profits from house rents, grazing rents, royalties and tributes plus interest, exceeds expenditure. The directors are awaiting a further increase in the copper price before getting in outside capital.

Spalding Railway. Residents in Booborowie District are loud in condemnation of the Railway Commissioner’s preference for the junction at Riverton. They claim the Riverton-Spalding line runs too close to others, while the Farrell’s Flat option saves £300,000 and opens up new country at less expense.

The Liberal Union continues to be regularly reported.

Hockey. On Wednesday the Gentlemen defeated the Ladies.

Foxes are very numerous. At Braemar on Sunday night 24 were killed and another place saw 36 dead after baits were laid.

Mick Roach, a long time ganger at Burra, has been moved to Morgan.

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday Petersburg Imperials 28 defeated Burra 16.

Burra Rifle Club. The final match for the pipes aggregate. A.D. McLaren 372 won from O. Walker 369.

Dobrilla’s Club Swinging is reported in 3⁄4 column. While he continued his endurance event two dances were held in the hall on Thursday & Friday nights. A crowd assembled to see the completion of the 58th hour. Dobrilla toyed with the clubs quite freshly and when time was called the Mayor congratulated Dobrilla on his achievement in setting a state club-swinging record.

The Titanic. There are oblique references to the sinking of the Titanic.

XV, 990, 8 May 1912, page 2

I.J. Warnes is having bores sunk on Old Koomooloo.

XV, 990, 8 May 1912, page 3

Cadets. Drill work continues for the local cadet corps.

A dog poisoner is about again. J. Harvey & R. Bevan have lost a dog each and Mr Bevan has also lost poultry.

Market Square.

The buildings which served so long as dwellings are undergoing change. Not long ago the corner block was bought by Dalgety & Co. on which they erected a nice office. Then Martin Pederson purchased two houses for use as a boot and shoe emporium. He now proposes to erect an up-to-date store on the site, while Walker & Sons have bought the houses to the east and intend to make improvements shortly.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Anniversary last Sunday & Monday was a great success. Rev. J.H. Nield & Mr Clarkson of Adelaide officiated.

Tennis. Kia-ora Club court, Kooringa on Monday. Kia-ora 9-57 defeated South Clare 2-40.

Mr J. Kellaway has resigned after teaching every class in the Redruth Sunday School over a ten-year period. He goes to Victor Harbor to restore his health. He has also been the Sunday school superintendent. He was tendered a social and presentation as was Miss I. Kellaway.

XV, 991, 15 May 1912, page 2

Marriage. At Gwalia, WA on 25 April.

Arthur Frederick Dearlove married Ellie Hume, both of Gwalia.

Obituary. William Henry Lloyd, husband of Johanna Lloyd, died at his residence at Braefoot on 13 May aged 60. He leaves 5 daughters, 6 sons and 2 grandchildren.

Diphtheria is still about the district with several cases in the last few days.

The season has still not broken with no significant rain. Last Thursday brought clouds of red dust.

Dr Caw has begun a new series of first-aid lectures at the Institute.

Hatpins. Most large city councils now have laws to control the wearing of large hatpins on account of the danger they pose. It is time out council did so too.

Foxes in large numbers continue to pose a threat to the lambing season.

XV, 991, 15 May 1912, page 3

Burra Cinderellas first dance of the season on Wednesday.

Vandalism. The lantern glass was smashed and the burner damaged in the lamp at the Mine Bridge a few nights ago.

Football. On Saturday Aberdeen 29 defeated Ramblers 12.

Miss Pearce, who controlled the Kooringa Refreshment Rooms for some time, has had to give up on account of her health and Mr John Allen has taken over.

Salvation Army. Ensign Dawson, who took over from Ensign Bennett at the Salvation Army, has been promoted to Adjutant.

Burra Institute. A public dance has been arranged for next Friday.

The SA Governor, [Sir Day Hort Bosanquet] visited Burra on Monday and was met at the station by the Mayor, Mr J. McLaren. He visited the Girls’ Reformatory and then the Public School, where he granted the students a half-holiday. The mayor and Town council entertained His Excellency and his private secretary, Members of the Hospital Board and the Chairmen of the Burra & Mt Bryan District Councils at a luncheon in the Burra Hotel. The Governor returned on the afternoon train. H.E. thought the school needed better lighting.

Obituary. Mrs Angus McDonald died at Broken Hill a few days ago. She was well known in Burra over 30 years ago before going to Jamestown and then Broken Hill. She leaves a large family.

[Of half a dozen women called Mrs Angus McDonald none had children registered as born in Burra.

A Bridget MacDonald nee Cavanagh has one birth registered in Kooringa.]

XV, 992, 22 May 1912, page 2

The Liberal Union is calling for applications for secretary. [W.B. Page had been promoted to District Secretary, but when had he taken over from W.H. Hardy as local secretary?]

Obituary. Irene Lockett, daughter of J. & R. Lockett, died on 5 May at Broken Hill aged 19 years 6 months. [Born Rose Irene Locket 3 December 1892 at Aberdeen. See more this issue page 3.]

Obituary. John S. Beal, a former resident of Burra died in Adelaide on Tuesday. He once worked at the Burra Slag Extraction Co. works. [John Stephen Beal born 24 May 1859 at Burra Mine: died 9 May 1912 at Adelaide, residence Broken Hill.]

The Building Trade is brisk in Burra at present with new work and repairs at both ends of the town.

XV, 992, 22 May 1912, page 3

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club held a general meeting last week and decided to hold a billiard tournament.

Creeks in town are becoming very unpleasant and need a good flush out.

R.D. Pascoe of ‘The Emporium’ in Kooringa, has secured the premises recently occupied by Joe Kellaway, bootmaker, and will open a shop there with a capable hairdresser and fancy goods salesman.

Burra Literary Soc. Held its AGM at the Institute on Wednesday and elected: President, J.M. McLaren; Vice-Presidents, J. Drew & S. Lane; Secretary, P. Milner.

Obituary. Irene locket, daughter of John Lockett and late of Burra, died at Broken Hill on 5 May. She was a sister of Jack Lockett of Braefoot and of Messrs Will & Joe Lockett and Misses Fanny, Teny, Lita & Stella (of Broken Hill) and a niece of Mr W.J. & Mr T.J. Williams of Iron Mine.

[Born Rose Irene Locket 3 December 1892 at Aberdeen.

Football. On Saturday Ramblers 36 defeated Kooringa 27.

XV, 993, 29 May 1912, page 2

Obituary. Mrs Ann Pounce died on Wednesday 22 May aged c. 90.

[Born Mary Ann Lawrence.]

Accident. The same lamp that had been damaged by a person or persons with a pea rifle at the Mine Bridge exploded last week.

XV, 993, 29 May 1912, page 3

Empire Day was celebrated last Friday.

Obituary. Mr T. Muller of Waterloo died at the Burra Hospital last Monday aged 75.

[Frederick Charles Muller died 20 May 1912 at Kooringa, residence Waterloo.]

Football. The Aberdeen Football Club annual social and presentations was held in W.J. Richardson’s room at Redruth on Wednesday. C. Fuss presided. Details extend for c. 11⁄2 columns.

Burra Agricultural Bureau. Farmers and others met at the Institute on Friday to try to resuscitate the local Agricultural Bureau. Mr W.H. Crowder took the chair and Mr Nicholls of the Agriculture Dept. spoke about the workings of the Bureau. A meeting was called for the 28th as the 1st full meeting and to appoint officers.

School Cadet Corps. Lieut. Woolley of the Physical Training Instruction Staff visited Burra School on Thursday in connection with the Junior Cadets, but he also explained the objects of the new course to all the children.

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Ramblers 46 defeated Terowie 26.

At Hallett: Kooringa 5.4 (34) defeated Hallett 2.3 (15).

XV, 993, 29 May 1912, Supplement (About A5 size, single sided.)

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures Every Friday at the Institute. Next Friday: The Convict.

Notice. Tenders are called for repairs to St Joseph’s Church.

XV, 994, 5 June 1912, page 2

Burra Band played at the Reformatory last week and a dance was indulged in during the evening.

The Season. At last some rain has fallen, but not very much and to the east little or nothing.

‘Progress’ writes asking what the directors of the Burra Burra Copper Co. intend to do. Copper is now over £75 per ton. The present inaction is detrimental to both Burra and SA generally.

XV, 994, 5 June 1912, page 3

Wheat 1911-12.

Area sown rose 86,000 acres to 2,190,782 acres.

Yield fell 3,992,020 bushels to 20,352,720 bushels.

Hay production rose from 595,064 to 605,239 tons.

Theatregraph Pictures last Friday at the Institute were ‘about the best yet screened’.

The main film was The Convicts.

Matrons, Spinsters & Bachelors’ Ball at the Institute last Friday was a brilliant affair. The details occupy 3⁄4 column.

Marriage. Thursday 23 May.

Robert Morris, 2nd son of the late David Morris of Pt Adelaide and

Emily Wall, 2nd daughter of Edward Wall of Booborowie.

Burra School Teachers’ Association met at Burra School on Saturday.

Burra Club Billiard Tournament was won by J. Sommerville (250) from L. Neagle (232).

Football. Aberdeen on Saturday: Aberdeen 14.24 (108) defeated Hallett 0.1 (1). [The report describes this as a win by 117 points, but presumably this is an error for 107 points.]

On Saturday at Terowie: Kooringa 7.14 (56) defeated Terowie 3.6 (24).

At Victoria Park on Monday: Burra 22 defeated North Adelaide Juniors 21.

XV, 995, 12 June 1912, page 2

Advt. Burra Show Soc. Sheep Dog Field Trial, Aberdeen, 24 July.

Advt. Musical Concert at the Institute 20 June by Members of the Royal Institution for the Blind.

Advt. Variety and Gymnastic Demonstration at the Institute, 25 June by Petersburg Boys’ Brigade Concert Company.

Obituary. Mrs Longstaff, wife of R. Longstaff died at Alberton on 22 May aged 25 years 11 months. She was the 3rd daughter of T.F. Robertson of Burra. [Born Florence Robertson 21 June 1886 at Redruth: died Florance Maud Longstaff.]

Notice. Applications are called for two of the McBride cottages in Chapel St that are currently empty.

XV, 995, 12 June 1912, page 3

Hockey. Clare 1 defeated Burra 0 at Clare.

Obituary. Ezra Anthony Moore of Thames St died on Wednesday 5 June aged 82. He worked at Canowie and Hallett for 30-40 years as a wheelwright and had lived in Kooringa for many years. He was a long time member of the Salvation Army and leaves a widow and grown-up family.

[Born 5 June 1830 Garden Island Kingston Canada.]

Burra Rifle Club held its AGM. The club has £20-7-91⁄2 on hand and elected: Captain, G. Lord; Secretary, H.L. Riggs; Assistant Secretary, A.L. Walker; Treasurer, R.D. Pascoe.

Winner of the McLaren Trophy for the yearly aggregate was L. Nutt.

Winner of N.W.R. Pearce’s medal for 2nd yearly aggregate was A.B. Riggs.

Winner of Interclub Teams Aggregate: L. Nutt & A.D. McLaren.

Highest score for the year was a tie between R.D. Pascoe and A.D. McLaren.

The rifle match on 3 June at Broken Hill saw West Broken Hill 938 defeat Burra 911.

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Aberdeen 38 defeated Kooringa 23.

And at Hallett: Hallett easily defeated Ramblers. [No scores are given.] Ramblers had to begin with only 10 players, the rest were delayed by a motorcar accident en route.

Rain. A splendid fall began Saturday night and extended well to the east with totals of from 1.3” at Canegrass and Quondong to 2.10” at Redcliffe.

XV, 996, 19 June 1912, page 2

Advt. George Sampson has given up business as a wheelwright and blacksmith and the business will in future be carried on by M. Morton and C. Sampson.

S.J. Mitchell is the new Special Magistrate for the district. He sat for the first time at Redruth on Thursday.

Utica Copper Mine. Mr Jones, the Inspector of Mines, with Mr W. Allen, the promoter of the syndicate, visited Burra on Monday & Tuesday and inspected the mine, which is in section 3 Hundred of Kooringa, between Mr Heinrich’s and Princess Royal. He says it has the best surface show he has seen in the state. He also inspected the Ballast Quarry and had a casual look over the old Burra Mine.

Copper has reached almost £80 a ton.

XV, 996, 19 June 1912, page 3

Golf has been revived in Burra and a club is being formed. The new links were laid down by Dr Caw and are very fine. A match is to be played on 24 June.

Burra District Council Nominations.

Kooringa Ward Edmund Bowman

Edwin N. Finch (elected)

Baldina Ward J.G. Rooke (elected)

King Ward W.P. Barker (elected)

Burra Rifle Club match at Burra on 15 June: Broken Hill 954 defeated Burra 936.

The visitors were entertained at the Burra Hotel on Saturday night and on Sunday were shown over the Burra Mine and Ayers Forest Reserve.

Rain. Further falls on Thursday were recorded over the west of the district.

John Robinson Gray, a young lad, stole 6/6 from the Redruth Sunday School to buy a football to start a football club. His widowed mother undertook to send him away to stay with relatives for 12 months and he was allowed to go free.

Friendly Societies Sports Demonstration. There is talk of reviving this event in Burra and there seems no reason why it should not be successful. If support is given they will probably be held on 9 October, the 8-Hour Day Holiday.

XV, 996, 19 June 1912, Supplement. [Approx. single-sided A4]

Football. At Aberdeen Saturday: Aberdeen 43 defeated Ramblers 29.

A.T. Penglase writes complaining of the reporting of the last Ramblers v. Hallett game. Ramblers started, he says, with c. 13 players, but two more arrived after 5 minutes and after half-time they had a full team.

Ramblers 1.3 1.3 1.6 1.6

Hallett 0.0 0.2 0.3 3.4

St Joseph’s. A Euchre Party & Dance was held in the schoolroom on Wednesday.

M-C Kelly in charge of the Kooringa Police Station has been promoted to take charge at Oodnadatta.

Sister Mosey, Sister in charge of the Burra Hospital, has resigned after coming as a probationer nurse 13 years ago. Her regime has been one of tact and consideration resulting in a peaceful time.

XV, 997, 26 June 1912, page 2

Advt. John Wise, who is leaving SA, is selling his house and 40 acres of freehold on Kooringa:

Allotment 63 & part section 15 with 7-room stone house, 6,000-gallon underground tank, stables & buggy shed etc. There is a 5-room stone building for bacon curing and a galvanised iron killing room with flagged floor. An inexhaustible well and windmill with 2,000-gallon elevated tank irrigating 1⁄2 acre of lucerne.

[Note that allotment 63 is now part of the hospital and section 15 abuts the main road beyond the hospital.]

Advt. The Mabel Hardinge Dramatic Co. will present the thrilling domestic drama The Workman’s Wife at the Institute on 27 June.

Royal Institution for the Blind Concert took place on Thursday. [There is no useful review, but some names are mentioned.]

Burra Hospital. Sister Mosey has withdrawn her resignation as Matron of the Hospital and that move has been agreed to by the Board.

L.A. Lewis has returned from Dalhousie Springs with a collection of Aboriginal weapons and cultural objects used at corroborees etc.

Cricket. Aberdeen Cricket Club general meeting. In the season the club played 17 matches: it won 8, lost 7 and drew 2. J.W. Pickering had the highest batting average.

XV, 997, 26 June 1912, page 3

Robberies. Burra has joined the group of country towns where robberies have been occurring. We are satisfied that several recent thefts have been the work of strangers.

M-C Kelly left for Oodnadatta with his wife on Thursday. On Tuesday evening he was farewelled by a representative group of residents and presented with a purse of sovereigns.

Obituary. Mrs Patrick Roach died at her home in Aberdeen on 22 June aged 84. She was the mother of Mr M. Roach, who for long worked in the railways locally.

[Born Bridget Linane: died 22 June 1912 at Aberdeen aged 80.]

Cabs. An opposition cab offering cheaper fares has caused the reduction in the cab fares from 1/- to 6d for the Kooringa to Railway Station runs. Events at the station grew lively and ended in court.

Burra Literary Soc. After a shaky start this year attendance was better last Wednesday when Rev. J.H. Nield gave an interesting address on Prominent Personalities in English Politics.

Burra Institute. A new floor has been put down as the old one was unfit for dancing.

Roller-skating. A large galvanised iron room has been erected in Queen St to be opened next week for roller-skating. It is the largest room in the town and will also be valuable for picture shows etc.

Alfred Bourman, a lad working for Alf Gebhardt, was slightly hurt when driving a cart in Market Square on Monday. The horse bolted and overturned the cart considerably smashing it.

XV, 998, 3 July 1912, page 2

Obituary. Elizabeth Thomas, wife of John Thomas died 7 June at Broken Hill Hospital aged 54.

[Born Elizabeth Thomas Teddy 8 May 1858 at Kooringa.]

XV, 998, 3 July 1912, page 3

South Booborowie Run. Elder, Smith & Co. will soon offer some 12,000 acres of this old run in farming lots. It is situated around the South Booborowie homestead and west of the travelling stock road.

Obituary. Mr George K. Jenkins, a well-known farmer late of Terowie died at Ru Rua Hospital North Adelaide last week at the age of 71. He is survived by a widow, 12 children and 9 grandchildren. [Born 1840 in Wiltshire: death registered as George Kirkhouse Jenkins who died at Semaphore 24 June, residence Terowie.]

Aberdeen Ballast Quarry is presently employing some 20 men and a good deal of ballast is being trucked away.

The Asbestos discovery in the Hundred of Bright is raising some excitement. A man was digging a hole for a tank when he found the large deposit. Several residents have pegged out claims. It is now thought the place will be properly investigated, unlike a find in the area some years ago.

The Eastern Telephone Building has been thoroughly renovated. It is also occupied by the Burra Musical & Dramatic Club and the Burra Branch of the Liberal Union.

Petersburg Touring Concert Co. under the auspices of the Petersburg Boys’ Brigade was to have presented a variety and gymnastic demonstration at the Institute last week, but it has been postponed due to the inclement weather.

Mr M. Roach of the permanent way gang at Burra for many years has been transferred to Morgan. He was given a smoke social and a presentation at the Bon Accord Hotel on Friday night. Mr Tapp the stationmaster presented him with a smoker’s companion.

Mr Joe Denton of Farrell’s Flat located a place on ‘Glen View’ Mt Bryan East to drill for water and Mr E. Davis of Jamestown put down a bore 70ft and found an excellent supply.

Marriage. At St Mary’s 19 June

Eunice Green, third daughter of C.P. Green of World’s End married John Shannon.

Leighton Agricultural Bureau had a gala day on Thursday and Mr Quinn the Government horticultural expert gave a demonstration of pruning trees and in the evening a lecture on ‘Horticulture Generally’.

Obituary. George Ford of Redruth died on Sunday aged 81. He was an old resident of Burra and has lived at Redruth for many years. He leaves a widow, but no children.

[Death registration says he died 1 July 1912 at Kooringa, residence Hampton.]

Dr J.I. Sangster is visiting Burra.

The Matrons, Spinsters & Bachelors’ Dance at the Institute on Wednesday was the second in a series.

Burra Rifle Club. The East Torrens Rifle Club visited on Monday and a match was fired in stormy conditions with drizzling rain. East Torrens 626 defeated Burra 601.

Football. Kooringa 65 defeated Ramblers 18.

Burra Town Council, 1 July

The Dayman estimated the cost of a new fence at the back of the cemetery at £22.

Local Board of Health

Annie Chin Young applied for a Maternity Home Licence. To stand over till next meeting.

Mt Bryan-Hallett Coursing Club held their annual meet last week in poor weather. Hares were plentiful and the meet took three rather than two days to complete. Honours went to Nadine the property of Mr G. Shattock. Results are printed.

XV, 999, 10 July 1912, page 2

Advt. T.P. Halls, Butcher and General Trader. Cheapest Meat in Town.

I buy for cash, I sell for cash.

J.H. Gallagher of Quondong Station expects to have no lambs this season due to foxes and wild dogs.

Grand Children’s Concert at Mount Bryan East School on Wednesday.

XV, 999, 10 July 1912, page 3

Burra School. The classrooms are very poorly lit, especially in these dull winter days.

New Skating Rink. Ben Bourman is managing the new venture on behalf of a syndicate. It opened last Saturday.

Redruth Court, Monday.

Mayor J. McLaren v. T.P. Halls for abusive language.

The incident occurred when the blind party arrived to give a concert. Mr Halls claimed them for his cab and the Mayor claimed them as his guests. Halls was eventually fined 5/- + costs, amounting in all to £4-13-0. A counter-claim of Halls v. McLaren for assault was dismissed.

St Joseph’s. The repair work has been completed and the church looks much better. The exterior has been pointed. Despite the money spent there are portions of the building that need attention.

Dr Sangster visited Burra last week. [Which Dr Sangster is not stated.]

United Friendly Societies’ Sports are to go ahead following a decision taken at a recent meeting.

SAR. W. Hopcraft has been transferred from Morgan to take charge of the Burra permanent way gang. Mr M. Roach has been promoted to ganger at Morgan.

Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday the game was played in heavy rain and a strong wind.

Aberdeen 1.1 1.1 1.7 1.7

Terowie 0.0 0.2 0.2 0.2

Obituary. Richard Thomas of Quarry St died on 8 July aged 81. He was born in Cornwall in January 1831 and came to SA in the Isle of Finnet in 1854 and worked in the Burra Mine for about 30 years. [Probably not, as the mine closed 23 years later.] He was cemetery curator for c. 26 years, only retiring about 2 years ago on account of bad health. He was a member of the Burra Lodge for over 50 years. He was the father of 12 and leaves a wife and two daughters: Mrs J. Snell of Broken Hill and Mrs Pressick of Burra. [See also next issue page 2.]

The new Roman Catholic Church at Farrell’s Flat has been opened by Father Enright. £200 was raised at a collection.

Gawler Locomotive Works seems likely to close.

XV, 1000, 17 July 1912, page 2

Advt. The Mabel Hardinge Dramatic Company will present East Lynne at the Institute on 22 July.

Obituary. Richard Thomas died on 8 July at Kooringa aged 811⁄2. He was the husband of M.J. Thomas and father of Mrs S.J. Snell (Broken Hill) & Mrs M.E. Pressick (Burra).

[See also previous issue page 3.]

Kooringa Post Office. Mr T.O. Thomas, who has been in charge for a few weeks, has been replaced by Mr G.P. Chenyne.

The Season. Good rain has fallen both west and east of Burra.

The Liberal Union has accepted the offer of a lease from the Eastern Telephone Syndicate.

Gold. An elderly man named Jones has made a nice find of gold at Ulooloo. It is some time since a good find has been reported from there.

XV, 1000, 17 July 1912, page 3

Burra Town Council, 15 July.

A letter from SAR states that a cab licence has been granted to T. Duell.

It was decided to continue fencing the Avenue from Roach’s Mill to the Mine Bridge.

Local Board of Health.

Dr Ashton has reported Mrs Chin Young’s dwelling as suitable for a maternity home and a licence was granted.

T.P. Hall applied for a pie stall licence. Cr Lowe moved one be granted at 10/6 p.a. 2nd Cr Parks. Not carried.

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Kooringa 30 defeated Hallett 26.

At Petersburg on Wednesday: Petersburg 18.12 (120) defeated Burra 1.2 (8).

A weak team was sent from Burra and they were forced on arrival to take in two or three substitutes. Sadly it was one of the substitutes that scored Burra’s only goal.

E.W. Crewes has been in poor health and is contemplating a trip to England.

District Council of Burra has granted T.P. Halls Senior a licence to slaughter great and small cattle at Mr F. Ford’s slaughterhouse.

XV, 1001, 24 July 1912, page 2

Advt. W.A. Gebhardt offers for sale a good baking business, bakehouse and dwelling with nine adjoining blocks.

Notice. C. Morgan: The Bridge Bakery 22 July 1912.

Corner of Bridge Terrace and Kingston Street.

Bread prices will be 21⁄2d cash and 31⁄2d booked. Bring your own wrappers.

Notice. Mrs A. Young announces the opening of a Maternity Home in George St, Kooringa.

XV, 1001, 24 July 1912, page 3

The Skating Rink has been well patronised.

A High School. Efforts are continuing to get a High School or Continuation School for Burra.

Robertstown Railway. The Government will amend the Robertstown Railway Act to take account of later advice concerning the route and the site of the railway station.

United Friendly Societies’ Committee has agreed on 9 October for the sports meeting.

Court Pride of Burra held a social at the Institute on Monday.

St Mary’s. Over 30 females and 7 males were confirmed by Bishop Thomas last Thursday night.

Closer Settlement. The proprietors of the Gum Creek Estate have decided to sell a portion in about 15 blocks.

Burra Literary Soc. Has decided to go into recess owing to the popularity of the skating rink, which is just about full every night.

Dr A.R. Caw, who has been here since Dr Sangster Jnr left, is leaving Burra to become Staff-Surgeon to the Flagship HMAS Australia. He has been well liked here, but had the misfortune to lose his wife here shortly after his marriage. He will be replaced by Dr Steele from the city.

Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday: Aberdeen 51 defeated Kooringa 16.

Obituary. J.E. Garrett, landlord of the Kingston Hotel Mt Bryan for the last two or three years, died aged 53. He left a widow and two daughters. He was buried on 19 July. [John Edwin Garrett died 18 July at Mt Bryan aged 53.]

Burra Sheep for South Africa. Mr Meeks of Transvaal has been buying locally. He has taken 3 rams from Thomas Sandland’s Koo-owie Station from the 1911 drop along with 150 young ewes and 5 stud ewes. From A. Gebhardt of Mackerode he has taken 5 rams from the 1910 drop and 20 from the 1911 drop. He has also acquired 12 Hill River rams from the 1910 drop.

XV, 1002, 31 July 1912, page 2

Obituary. Fanny Pinch, wife of Henry Pinch, died on 25 July at Redruth aged 94.

[Born Frances Hicks. See more this issue page 3.]

XV, 1002, 31 July 1912, page 3

SA Parliament has passed a law forbidding the wearing of a hatpin in public in such a way ‘that it might inflict injury if it came into contact with other persons.’

Burra Hospital. For some time now the working of the hospital has been too expensive and a Board of Enquiry is to be held to effect economies.

The Skating Season has begun at Leighton Hall and attendance is large. The wear on the floor is considerable and a new hardwood floor will soon be needed.

G.F. Dodwell, Government Astronomer for SA, gave a lecture at the Institute on Monday last to a large audience and Rev. J.H. Nield showed lanternslides.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club held its AGM. For the last year receipts were £66 and expenditure £43-10-0. Elected: President, P. Milner; Secretary & Treasurer, T. Linn; Stage Manager, S. Lane; Musical Director, G.E. Dane.

Obituary. Mrs Henry Pinch of Redruth had lived in Burra the best part of 64 years and was married to Mr Henry Pinch in February 1849 by Rev. Bagshaw at the old Church of England on Limestone Hill. She was 94, being born in Nevegisey [Mevagissey?] Cornwall and came to Adelaide 64 years ago. She leaves a widower and two daughters: Mrs Josiah Thomas (near Burra) and Mrs E.N. Finch (near Burra). [Born Frances Hicks.]

Dr Caw was farewelled by members of St Mary’s Church on Friday and was presented with a fitted suitcase and a Cathedral prayer book.

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Kooringa 12 13 20 31

Terowie 6 22 24 31

Burra Institute, Friday. A large audience assembled to hear the plebiscite candidates speak: Messrs P. Allen, William Morrow, Mitchell & Shannon.

Booborowie Training Farm. Hon. Thomas Pascoe visited last week. 260 acres are under crop. He was disappointed that only 11 boys had taken up the opportunity.

Burra Show Soc. The sheep Dog Field Trial was held on 24 July and went well with a good attendance of spectators. Winners were:

Puppy Stakes Messrs Wade Bros. slut Trib.

Aged & Open Messrs Wade Bros. dog Sweep.

Novice Messrs Wade Bros. slut Gwynie.

(The Wade Brothers were from Koonoona.)

Hockey. At Burra on Wednesday: Burra 3 defeated Jamestown 0. (Followed by a dance at the Institute.)

XV, 1003, 7 Aug. 1912, page 2

Copper is at £78 per ton, but still there is no news from the Burra Burra Copper Company.

XV, 1003, 7 Aug. 1912, page 3

Rain out east has been good and general. Koomooloo recorded 75 points on Thursday.

British & Foreign Bible Society. The annual meetings were on Sunday & Monday, 28 & 29 July. The deputation was Rev. J. Paynter. There were good congregations on Sunday at Redruth, Hanson and Kooringa and a satisfactory attendance at the Monday meeting. Last year £125 was sent away, of which £100 was from R.J. M. McBride. (The other £25 was an increase of £1 on the previous year.) Elected for the next year: President, J.E.H. Winnall; Vice-President, William Davey; Treasurer, P. Lane; Secretary, F. Harris.

Obituary. Miss M. Tobin died at Vine Terrace on Friday aged 42. For many years she had been a dressmaker with her sister. She leaves a brother in WA and a sister in the north.

[Margaret Tobin born 24 June 1870 at Kooringa: died 2 August 1912 at Kooringa.]

Obituary. Mr Rollison, formerly in charge of the Kooringa Post Office, died at North Adelaide on Sunday aged 47. He was born at Wellington SA and leaves a widow with several small children.

[Robert Heuston Rollison born 4 July 1865 at Wellington SA: died 2 August 1912 at Kooringa.]

Football. On Saturday: Petersburg 2 5 27 43

Burra Assoc. 2 4 10 11

XV, 1004, 14 Aug. 1912, page 2

Obituary. Jane White, relict of the late John White, died at Black Springs on 2 August aged 88 years 4 months. [Age as registered 90. See more this issue page 3.]

J.H. Shakes has been transferred to the Burra Railway Station in the engineer’s branch.

Infectious diseases. A case of measles was reported a few days ago and there are also two cases of diphtheria to the west of the town. There is s serious outbreak of diphtheria at Moonta.

XV, 1004, 14 Aug. 1912, page 3

Burra School Board of Advice has recommended to the Department that the school be better lit and that a septic tank be installed.

SAR employee Toppfield sustained two broken legs when struck by a train at Manoora last week and is in the Burra Hospital.

The Liberal Union continues to meet regularly in Burra with J. McDonald as local branch president.

Stud Sheep Sales. The area continues to supply merinos to buyers from New Zealand, South Africa and other Australian States with a shipment going to WA from Canowie and Cartapoo last week.

Salvation Army. Mr Whitfield held a service on Sunday at Sturt Vale Station.

Machine shearing has been used at Oakbank ‘with the best results’.

The Spalding Railway. The Commission has decided on a line from Riverton. Three options were considered:

Riverton to Spalding with another line from Farrell’s Flat to the Bluff near Canowie.

Riverton to a little beyond Clare and another line Farrell’s Flat to Spalding via Booborowie.

Riverton to Canowie via Auburn, Clare Spalding & Booborowie.

Obituary. William Gummow, a very old former resident of Burra, died at Moonta on Wednesday aged 90. He was born at Padstow, Cornwall on 27 September 1821 and arrived in SA in La Belle Alliance in 1848. He drove the first pumping engine at the Burra Mine and went to the Victorian Goldfields in the 1850s. On returning to Burra he drove the first winding engine in SA. He was a Freemason of long standing. He leaves two sons and one daughter and 15 grandchildren. His wife died 5-6 years ago. [Died at Moonta Mines 31 July 1912.]

Obituary. Mrs Jane White, who died at Black Springs aged 88, was a colonist of over 60 years. For 50 years her husband worked on Koonoona Run. She leaves three daughters and one son: Mrs Thomas Selby (Jamestown), Mrs R. Spackman (Black Springs), Mrs R. Hill (Burra) & Mr W. White (Manoora). There are 31 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:

Half-time Three Quarter-time Full Time

Ramblers 32 70 80

Hallett 4 10 16

XV, 1005, 21 Aug. 1912, page 2

Woolgangi will shear 15,000 sheep by hand for C.B. Warnes this year.

Obituary. A child of Mrs Buckley near Leighton died one evening last week aged 2. (From ‘inward convulsions’.)

[Mary Margaret Buckley born 10 July 1910 at Clare: died 13 August 1912 at Leighton.]

Obituary. Thomas Connell, labourer, died at Canowie Station between the 4th & 7th August.

[Died 4 August 1912 at Canowie aged 30.]

Frosts have been heavy at Burra recently.

XV, 1005, 21 Aug. 1912, page 3

I.J. Warnes has secured good water on Sturt Vale Station at 250’.

Spalding Railway. Pressure to complete the railways ‘in the outside country’ will mean the Spalding railway will not be considered in the current sitting.

‘Engineer’ writes urging four dams across the Burra Creek. One opposite the Institute, one at Roach’s Mill, one on the north side of the Aberdeen Bridge and the last between the ford and the railway line. The banks would then be planted to beautify the area.

The editor says that similar schemes have long been spoken of, but starting with one weir would be a worthy beginning.

Redruth Court, 19 August.

T.P. Halls was fined 10/- + costs for writing advertisements on his cab without first getting approval.

The Plebiscite held recently to select three Liberal candidates for the Senate election in 1913 resulted in a win for Senators Vardon & Shannon and for Mr P. Allen.

Obituary. William Lock JP of Aberdeen died at home a few days ago aged 80. He was a pioneer of Terowie and a local Methodist preacher. He was born in Dorsetshire on 4 October 1832 and came to SA with his parents in the Marion in 1851. This vessel was wrecked on the Marion Reef. He went to the Victorian goldfields and then took land at Gawler River before coming north to Terowie in 1874. He retired to Burra about 30 years later. He had been a member of the Terowie District Council for many years and a JP for about 30. His wife was a daughter of A. Riggs of Gawler and died about 4 years ago. There are three sons and two daughters: W.G. Lock (Goodwood), F.H. Lock (Whyte Yarcowie), J.A. Lock (Keith), Mrs G.D. Mudge (Whyte Yarcowie) & Miss Lock (Burra). There are 13 grandchildren. [Died 11 August 1912 at Aberdeen aged 79.]

Burra Town Council, 19 August.

The price of sinking a 10’ grave is to rise to 30/-.

Land at the corner of Kangaroo & Commercial St is to be fences and planted.

Cr Wicklein gave notice of a motion to erect a footbridge in line with the footpath near the main road bridge in Commercial St.

The lamp near Bentley’s in North Ward is to be attended to.

XV, 1006, 28 Aug. 1912, page 2

Oakbank Shearing. 6,000 sheep were quickly shorn by machine in 81⁄2 days by six men working 7 hours a day. The highest daily tally for one man was 201.

Rain has fallen again to the east with falls of 7-30 points generally, though 70 were recorded at Quondong.

Wattle Day will be celebrated on 31 August this year.

Burra Rifle Club. The final match for the picture presented by C. Muller resulted in a win by G. Lord with 13 points from E. Riggs on 8.

Obituary. Mrs Carl Oppermann of Redruth died on Saturday at her daughter’s residence in Unley. She was 76 and came to SA with her husband over 50 years ago.

[Born Auguste Heberle: died Augusta Oppermann 24 August 1912 at Goodwood, residence Burra.]

Obituary. William John Pearce, a native of Leighton, died on Thursday aged 52 as a result of an accident in the Junction Mine at Broken Hill. He was the brother of Syd. Pearce of Leighton.

[Born 14 June 1860 at Mintaro.]

XV, 1006, 28 Aug. 1912, page 2-3

Burra School. The building of the Burra School is much larger than the present enrolment requires. As the old hospital buildings are dilapidated, could the school be converted to replace them and a new, smaller school be built?

XV, 1006, 28 Aug. 1912, page 3

Mr Winfield conducted a religious service at Pine Valley on Sunday.

Football. Aberdeen 3.5 5.6 8.12 10.15 (75)

Ramblers 0.0 0.4 1.4 1.6 (12)

Burra Racing Club held its AGM on Friday. The club is in credit £345-16-11 and the course is in good order. The secretary, W.E. Hodge tendered his resignation.

Burra Cinderella Class staged a brilliant masquerade ball on Wednesday to complete the season. Setaro’s String Band from Adelaide played. Details of the costumes are printed.

Hockey. On Wednesday Burra 8 defeated Petersburg 0.

XV, 1007, 4 Sep. 1912, page 2

Nellie Vivian, daughter of Harry Vivian late of the Commercial Hotel, was robbed of some £40 worth of jewellery at the George Hotel in Sydney on Monday night.

Accident. A party of would-be buyers of South Booborowie land were badly shaken when the wheel of a cab belonging to T. Duell of Kooringa disintegrated and overturned the vehicle last Wednesday near South Booborowie homestead.

Snow. At the end of last week there was hail, sleet and rain in Burra and snow fell on the hills to the north of the town.

A Bolt. A horse in A.D. McLaren’s delivery cart bolted on Saturday, but was stopped along Thames St by Clem Sampson.

Burra Rifle Club. 1st match for a set of carvers.

H.L. Riggs 92 from E.A. Riggs 90.

Marriage. On 23 August at Moore Park Church, Sydney.

Mr R.G. Galle, late head teacher of Copperhouse and Miss Alisa M. McLaren, eldest daughter of the Mayor of Burra, Mr John McLaren. Mr Galle is now a landowner in Queensland.

XV, 1007, 4 Sep. 1912, page 3

Sheep sales. More sheep have been sold to South African buyers. This time they come from Koonoona and from E.W. Hawker’s East Bungaree.

‘Rechabite’ writes deploring seeing a member of the Rechabite Lodge invite a football club into a hotel recently to have a drink at the bar.

Football. On Saturday in a game played in heavy rain and slippery mud, Terowie 31 defeated Kooringa 21.

Land Sale. On Friday last the remaining 13,053 acres of South Booborowie Estate was disposed of at the Burra Institute by Mr Ben Hunt of Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd. The sale realised £99,699-18-6 at an average of £7-12-9 per acre. £31-13-6 was taken as entrance money to the sale and subsidised £ for £ will be split between the Burra Hospital and the Burra Brass Band. The sale was under instructions from T.L. Browne as attorney for A.S. Browne. Details of buyers, prices and areas are printed.

Bachelors & Spinsters’ Dance was held in the Institute last Wednesday and it went off very well. Details of dresses etc. are printed.

Trinity College Music Exams were held in June. Pupils of Miss H. Perkins.

Junior Division pass: Elizabeth Barber

Preparatory Division: Isabella McDonald, full marks.

XV, 1008, 11 Sep. 1912, page 2

Chapel St Bridge. A new footbridge will be erected in Chapel St in line with the footpath alongside the present bridge.

Robertstown Railway. The bill changing details of the line will be introduced soon.

Jubilee Avenue. More fencing along the north end of the plantation in Jubilee Avenue has been completed.

Asbestos. An asbestos deposit near Robertstown is being worked and hopes are expressed that a syndicate will develop the find on a large scale.

Rain. Good rains have fallen in the past few weeks, sometimes accompanied by high winds.

Obituary. General Booth, founder of the Salvation Army has died. A Memorial Service was held at the Kooringa Barracks last Sunday led by Staff Captain Saunders. [William Booth 1829-1912.]

XV, 1008, 11 Sep. 1912, page 2-3

St Joseph’s Church. A Euchre Party and Dance was held at the Institute on Wednesday evening in which over 100 took part to aid church and school funds.

XV, 1008, 11 Sep. 1912, page 3

Obituary. Mrs M.H. Bruse died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs George Anderson, at Fremantle WA on 2 September. She came to Burra from Cornwall in 1845 and lived for a time in the creek. She was aged 75 and had lived in Kooringa for about 50 years. She is survived by three daughters and four sons: Mrs G. Anderson (Fremantle WA), Mrs N. Opie (Coromandel Valley), Mrs T. Toshach (Geelong), Fred. Bruse (WA), Alex Bruse (WA), Jack Bruse (Broken Hill) & Adolph Bruse (Burra). There are 24 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. [Born Margaret James in Cornwall.]

[More next issue page 2.]

Obituary. Dr J.R. Stephens died early last week aged 85. He was a long time resident of Burra, Mongolata and Ulooloo. He was the father of Lady Holder, Mesdames F.C. Catt & G.F. Nepean Smith and of Mr H.S. Stephens late of Mongolata. He was a Cornishman and came to SA when 23. For a time he conducted a school in Kooringa and was also a local Wesleyan preacher.

[John Riccardo Stephens born 11 October 1827 at St Agnes in Cornwall: died 2 September 1912 at Gumeracha aged 84.]

Obituary. Frederick John Bernhardt died in Burra on 31 August aged 72. He was born in Germany in 1840 and arrived in SA 29 April 1857 in the Nugget. He leaves a wife, 8 daughters and 4 sons: Carrie (Broken Hill), Amelia (Baldina), Louie (Adelaide), Annie, Bertha, Selina, Myrtle & Violet (Burra), Fred, Francis, Robert (Burra) & Charles (Broken Hill). There are 3 sons-in-law, 2 daughters-in-law and 12 grandchildren. [Died at Millerton.]

Burra Skating Rink. Last Friday there was a Fancy Dress Carnival. The place was packed. 14 prizes were awarded. Results of competitions are printed.

Theft. A pair of horses and a buggy were stolen from the residence of Mrs Phillips of North Booborowie and driven south. They were left at Manoora. The thief is believed to have bought a train ticket for Adelaide. It is thought he may have been a young man named Houstan, who was locked up in the Redruth cells for the theft of rabbit skins, but was freed by someone on Sunday night.

Bores. E.W. Hawker will try to find water on Caroona.

Football. On Saturday Aberdeen won the premiership.

Aberdeen 55 defeated Terowie 14.

Land Sale at the Burra Institute last Monday. 6,475 acres of Gum Creek estate were sold by Bagot, Shakes & Lewis for the Hon. J.J. Duncan MLC. The average price was £7-7-0 per acre. The £14-6-0 in admission fees will go to the Burra Hospital. Buyers’ names, areas and prices are printed.

XV, 1009, 18 Sep. 1912, page 2

Tenders are called for renovations to the Mt Bryan Methodist Church and for building a porch to it. [This means the old church northeast of the town.]

Obituary. Margaret Bruse died on 2 September in Fremantle at the residence of her son-in-law Mr George Anderson. She was the relict of the late M.H. Bruse, late of Kooringa. She was the mother of Mrs George Anderson (Fremantle), Mr F.T. Bruse (Tammin Settlement WA), Mr A. Bruse (Fremantle), Mr J.C. Bruse (Broken Hill), Mrs N. Opie (Coromandel Valley), Mr A. Bruse (McBride’s Braemar Station) & Mrs W.L. Toshach (Geelong). [Also previous issue page 3.]

School. Koonoona Blocks residents have petitioned for a school.

SAR. There has been another narrow escape at the Bon Accord crossing, which reinforces the need for some protection there.

Sheep Sales. 7 Collinsville rams sent to the Adelaide Sale just for show created a great deal of interest. [Oddly in the next sentence the sheep are referred to as follows: ‘These ewes are by their high priced “Haddon Rigg” Sire – “Dandy Dumont.”

XV, 1009, 18 Sep. 1912, page 2-3

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club billiard tournament was won by R.H. Lackmann 250 from W.H. Crowder 142.

XV, 1009, 18 Sep. 1912, page 3

Hockey. At Brewery Flat on Wednesday: Burra 1 drew with Clare 1. A supper and dance followed in the Institute.

Cricket. A meeting at the Commercial Hotel last week resulted in the formation of the Burra Cricket Association and a program was drawn up. Clubs are Ramblers, Aberdeen, Booborowie, Mt Bryan and Hallett.

A petition to the Commissioner of Crown Lands has asked that the unsold portion of Mt Bryan East comprising about 5 acres, be set aside as a recreation reserve. The request is being considered.

Advt. Burra United Friendly Societies’ Demonstration & Sports, Wednesday 9 October.

Special engagement of Professor Simpson, world record holder and England’s Champion Walker & James S. Wray, Champion Walker of New Zealand and Canada.

Football. On Saturday last:

Burra Association 8 23 29 42

Norwood Union 10 10 14 14

‘Improvement’ writes calling for a 6’-8’ dam near Henderson’s Bridge to beautify the town.

Burra Town Council, 16 September.

North Ward petitioners complain about the pillar box at the railway station for which an extra charge of 1d is made.

The District Council writes seeking the establishment of a joint pound.

Lamps are to be painted white.

XV, 1010, 25 Sep. 1912, page 2

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club have renovated their rooms and transformed the Billiard Room. Membership is increasing.

Diphtheria cases are reported between Saddleworth and Burra.

Koonoona Blocks residents have asked for a post office.

SAR has installed an electric staff instrument.

The Burra stationmaster, T. Tapp, is leaving the department to go into business in Morgan.

The Bright School has been re-opened. It has been erratic since last Christmas.

Mr G.H. Langsford and family were farewelled from Iron Mine with a social and dance and a presentation at the residence of D.E. Williams on Thursday. They are going to Broken Hill. Mr Langsford was one of the first farmers in the district.

Marriage. Pirie St Methodist Church on 18 September.

Rev. J.H. Nield of the Kooringa Methodist Church and

Miss Clem Riggs of Mars Hill, Gawler.

Weather. Last week was very windy, but with little rain and what did fall was only to the west of the town. Wednesday was cold with showers of sleet, hail and snow.

Obituary. William Wingate, an early Burra resident, died at his son’s residence in Wallaroo last week. He was a colonist of over 60 years and one of the first teamsters to take Burra ore to Adelaide. He leaves 5 sons and 3 daughters, 30 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. [Died 9 September 1912 at Wallaroo aged 77.]

XV, 1010, 25 Sep. 1912, page 3

Robertstown. The Asbestos Mining Co. is about to put on some 30 more hands: spurred on by the proposed new railway.

The New Black Springs Hall was opened on Friday by W.G. Hawkes of Koonoona. There was a concert in the evening.

Football. In Adelaide on Saturday: Burra defeated Norwood Juniors by 16 points.

Ernest W. Crewes JP. A sketch of his life.

He is the managing director of Drew & Crewes Prop. Ltd. And has made his mark in Burra by being foreseeing and active. The old firm has recently evolved into a Limited Co. with remarkable promise. Mr Crewes has achieved this with Mr John Drew. He is a native of Truro, Cornwall and arrived here in December 1878. He became first a farm labourer at Mt Bryan before working for Messrs H. Gartrell & Co., storekeepers of Aberdeen, for 12 months. He then became a deliveryman for S. Drew & Co. Soon he was in charge of grocery and hardware. When tin was discovered in the Barrier District of NSW he was sent to open a branch store at Eurowie. He returned to Burra after three years and entered into partnership with John Drew jnr. Drew & Crewes was inaugurated in 1889. Recently branches have been opened in Mt Bryan and Hallett to go with the old stores in Kooringa and Aberdeen. The firm’s operations extend far into NSW and Queensland and throughout the north of SA. Mr Crewes has been Mayor of Burra and a Town Councillor and for a time member of the Institute Committee. He is a JP for SA & NSW and a member of the Masonic Lodge. He married in 1882 and has two sons and five daughters.

XV, 1011, 2 Oct. 1912, page 2

Cricket. Aberdeen Cricket Club held its AGM on 27 September. Elected were President, J. Gallagher; Captain, W. Kellaway; Vice-Captain, M.A. Radford; Secretary & Treasurer, J.W. Pickering.

SAMA will offer for sale a large number of houses, allotments etc. through Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd on 23 October.

Rev. & Mrs J.H. Nield received a welcome social in the Methodist Schoolroom on Monday.

XV, 1011, 2 Oct. 1912, page 3

Burra Cemetery.

A recent meeting of the Town Council decide to put on extra labour to clean up the cemetery.

‘Casual Sunday afternoon strolls in the cemetery are entirely out of good taste.’

‘For health, propriety, and many other reasons, it would perhaps be better it were not thrown open so publicly.’

The ground now enclosed is rapidly becoming crowded, but it is pleasing to know that the council, who are the trustees, have secured more land, and we would like to notice steps being taken to get the wall extended so that the whole of the land might be all compact.

The Burra Show was held on Friday at Aberdeen in splendid weather. Attendance was good and the exhibits above average. The alteration from Wednesday to Friday was because other shows were on the Wednesday. The horse section was weak. Produce was plentiful. Poultry entries were down, but the quality was up. Dogs were well in evidence. The sheep were, as usual, magnificent. Implements were good. Ah Chin secured most of the prizes for vegetables. The gate took over £80.

In the evening the Edwards-Harding Dramatic Company staged A Woman’s Temptation at the Institute, which increased the show funds by over £30.

Merino Sheep. There is a 1-column article on ‘Our Merino Sheep’

XV, 1012, 9 Oct. 1912, page 2

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis offer 400 horses in the Burra Horse Sale on 10, 11 & 12 October.

Obituary. Laurence Quinn, eldest son of the late Thomas Quinn, late of Gawler and Mt Bryan, died at Belcunda Station on 7 October aged 58. [Lawrence Quinn born 11 January 1854 at sea: died at Belcunda Station, residence Gawler. More this issue page 3.]

Burra Show. A series of unfortunate circumstances renders us unable to publish a prize list for the recent show.

Iron Mine Methodist Sunday School Anniversary was held recently. Rev. J.H. Nield officiated.

Burra Brass Band. The AGM was held last Friday night at the Burra Hotel with E.J. Harris in the chair.

XV, 1012, 9 Oct. 1912, page 2-3

Weather. Last Friday saw falls of rain, hail and snow.

XV, 1012, 9 Oct. 1912, page 3

Kooringa Methodist Church holds its anniversary next Sunday & Monday.

Football. Aberdeen Football Club held its social and presentation night at Jubilee Hall last Saturday. Mr C. Fuss took the chair. Details occupy about 11⁄4 columns.

Annual Labor Social & Dance was held last Wednesday in the Institute. There was a large attendance.

Obituary. Lawrence Quinn died on Sunday night. He was brother to Messrs W.H. & D. Quinn (Mt Bryan), J. Quinn (NSW), Mrs T.E. Schmidt (Tarrawingie) and Mrs Dann (Hallett).

[Also this issue page 2.]

XV, 1013, 16 Oct. 1912, page 2

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will sell for SAMA to close accounts:

40 cottages, shop & valuable allotment.

Lot 347 with two four-room detached stone cottages 10. Lot 53

Lot 104 with 4-room weatherboard & stone cottage 11. Lot 57

Lot pt72A with stone & wood shop 12. Lot 58

Lot 72B adjoining the Bank of Australasia 13. Lot 339

Lot 285 two 4-room stone houses 14. Lot 340

Lot 343 with 4-room stone house 15. Lot 341

Pt Lot S with two 4-room stone cottages 16. Lot 342

Lot 352A 17. Lot 10

Lot 51A 18. Lot 124

Township of Graham

Allotments 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19. Each of c. 11⁄2 roods.

Also Allotments 8 & 14 each slightly over 2 roods.

Paxton Square

4 acres 2 roods 17 perches with 33 cottages thereon.

Mail from Burra Railway Station. It is not possible to change the 1d surcharge on mail at the station. The same charge applies at all railway stations in the state.

Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd offers 9,672 sheep at the market on 18 October.

XV, 1013, 16 Oct. 1912, page 3

The Skating Season at Leighton Hall came to a close on Saturday night with a carnival. There was a large attendance.

Burra Rifle Club. A match was fired for C.A. Lott’s trophy, in which O. Walker was top scorer with 68. In the 4th match for Pearse’s prize H.E. Riggs top scored with 103 from E.A. Riggs on 99.

Kooringa Methodist Church Anniversary last Sunday. Rev. W.H. Cann, President of the Conference, preached.

Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Ramblers 157 defeated Aberdeen 105.

United Friendly Societies’ Sports were held on Wednesday and were eminently successful, drawing a large crowd in fine weather. Bros. C. & A. Fuss & A.J. Hunt were judges and George Herbert was starter. There was a social and dance in the evening. Results are printed.

Redruth Court, Friday.

Frank Barber Griffiths of Redruth (42) claimed damages of £290 from Minnie Escott (43) of Koonoona, in that she failed to marry him as promised on 1 May 1912, and refused to do so on any subsequent date. Special damages were: purchase of house (£50), loss of rent (£35), loss of time and wages (£30), purchase of clothing (£5) and rings (£3), for a total of £123. They had kept company for three years. The verdict was for the plaintiff in the sum of £150. [Details occupy c. 11⁄4 columns.]

Obituary. Mrs William Pearce of Chapel St died on Thursday aged 69. She arrived in SA with her parents in 1849 from London, where she had been born on 18 January 1843. She came to Burra in 1869 with Mr W. Birks in whose employ she remained until marrying Mr William Pearce in July 1871. There were 7 children of whom 3 died. Three sons and one daughter survive: J.A. Pearce (Payneham), W. Pearce (Melbourne), C.J. Pearce (Wilmington) & Mrs James Bentley (Redruth).

[Born Mary Pearce at Chelsea London: died 10 October 1912 at Kooringa. Also see next issue page 2.]

Adelaide Road Race. This 100 mile event took place on Saturday. The course was Burra to Prospect. The north wind resulted in a world record when D. Kirkham rode the distance in 4 hrs 30 min 18 secs. 27 cyclists took part. S. Grivell won on handicap of 22 mins in an actual road time of 4 hrs 50 mins 40 secs.

XV, 1014, 23 Oct. 1912, page 2

Obituary. Mary Pearce, wife of William Pearce, died on 10 October at her Chapel St Residence aged 69 years 9 months. [More in previous issue page 3.]

T.F. Robertson, the railway carrier, has bought a motor lorry, which is speedier and more convenient than horse trollies. It is also handy for picnic parties. On Wednesday it took over 25 to the Clare show.

Booborowie. A school has been started and until a new hall is completed instruction will be given in Mr Sullivan’s private residence.

Robertstown Railway. The amendment bill has been introduced to Parliament.

Tennis is expected to expand in Burra this season, as the Methodist Tennis Club has become the Kooringa Tennis Club. To raise money the club has bought the ‘door’ of the Theatregraph Pictures for 25 October.

SAR. A. Litchfield has been promoted to take charge of Burra Railway Station.

XV, 1014, 23 Oct. 1912, page 3

SAR Accident. On Saturday night mistakenly set points sent the northbound goods train on the line to the turntable instead of the main line. The engine continued through the turntable and onto the road. The train was got back on Sunday morning.

The Aberdeen Ballast Quarry is working fully and employing over 20 men. It is anticipated that work will be expanded by widening the quarry and putting down a second line.

Drew & Crewes Pty. Ltd. Shares in the new Company were allotted at a meeting in Kooringa head office on 18 October. And a meeting in Adelaide on 23 October will appoint directors etc.

St Joseph’s Fair was held on Friday & Saturday in aid of the church and school. It was opened by the Mayor, John McLaren and raised c. £100.

Marriage. At Bright Lutheran Church on 3 October.

Mr E. Hansen of Eudunda, 2nd son of Rev. J.E. Hansen of Brinkworth and

Miss S. Duldig, 3rd daughter of F. Duldig of World’s End.

Robertstown. Reports of a good silver-lead find have come in.

New Mt Bryan Methodist Church. The foundation stone was laid by Rev. W. Cann on Wednesday. There was a large attendance and a public tea. £120 of the £180 cost has been raised. The land was given by Mr T. Wilks and the building is about 21’ x 30’.

Obituary. Hugh Smith aged 65 was found down a well at Leighton. Investigation by police and S.M. Lane JP resulted in a verdict of suicide. [Died 20 October 1912 at Leighton aged 70.]

[But note that in XV, 1016, 6 Nov. 1912, page 2, this report is corrected to state that S.M. Lane found ‘That deceased had come to his death through drowning, having fallen down a well, and there was no blame attachable to any person.’]

Burra Light Horse Regiment. Mr Lance A. Lewis is trying to form a light horse regiment in Burra. The required number of 30 men is said to be in sight. The Government will supply equipment and uniforms and the men the horse. Lieut.-Col. Hancock will attend at the Burra Hotel tomorrow night to explain arrangements and to enrol members and take measurements.

The Mayoralty. John McLaren has acceded to a request to stand for the Mayoralty again for 1913.

Burra Town Council, 21 October.

Members retiring are:

Mayor: J. McLaren

North Ward: J. Walker

East Ward: E.J. Harris

West Ward: C. Parks

The Mortuary Chapel at the cemetery is to be painted.

Burra Town Council expressed sympathy with Cr Wicklein on the death of his father.

XV, 1015, 30 Oct. 1912, page 2

Tennis. Kooringa Tennis Club netted over £9 from ‘the door’ of the Friday evening pictures.

Mr Gill, Conservator of Forests in SA is pleased with the newly planted trees at Ayers Forest Leighton. He visited the forest recently.

A New Anglican Church is being built at Tothill’s Belt. The foundation stone was laid by the Bishop of Adelaide, Dr Thomas, last Wednesday.

Salvation Army. The Self Denial Effort this year raised £200 so far locally with £130 being collected by Frank Harris.

A Veterinary Lodge may be established in Burra.

XV, 1015, 30 Oct. 1912, page 3

Burra School. Complaints about the inadequacy of the lighting continue.

The Methodist Synod for the Middle District will meet in Burra this week when over 50 ministers and laymen will attend. Burra hosts such meetings once in five years.

Baldina Methodist Church Anniversary was held last Sunday. Rev. J.H. Nield and Mr W.J. Bailey preached to large congregations. The public meeting was last Wednesday when Rev. J.H. Nield lectured on The Relief of Ladysmith, illustrated with lanternslides. The lecture and supper raised nearly £7.

E.W. Hawker has found water on Caroona a few hundred yards from the homestead.

F.G. Scholz (President) presided over a meeting of Burra Agricultural Bureau at the Institute on Friday, when the question of a Veterinary Lodge was raised.

SAMA Sale. The property sale for SAMA at the Institute on Wednesday saw about 20 lots offered, comprising almost all the remaining unsold property of the company in Kooringa. About 16 of the lots were disposed of at fairly satisfactory prices, but Paxton’s Square was passed in at £500.

Mr & Miss Wise were farewelled early last week at the Kooringa Methodist Lecture Hall on their leaving for the city. Mr Wise has been a Councillor, a leader in the Methodist Church, a Sunday school teacher and a circuit steward. The addresses and presentations are reported.

Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Ramblers 217 defeated Mt Bryan 47.

Polo. Efforts are being made to form a polo club in Burra. A meeting is called for 15 November in Dalgety’s Office.

Mr Gitcham, the guard and only survivor of the railway accident at Peak’s crossing near Hanson on 6 February 1876, celebrated his 80th birthday on Sunday at Southwark. Engine driver J. Wright, fireman J. Warren and ganger W. Holme were killed. Mr Gitcham retired from the railways 17 years ago.

[He died 27 January 1915 at Southwark aged 82.]

Liberal Union Annual Social and dance was held at the Institute last Wednesday. President, J. McDonald presided. The report extends for c. 11⁄4 columns.

XV, 1016, 6 Nov. 1912, page 2

Cricket. On Saturday the match to be played at Hallett was cancelled by the Ramblers due to rain.

[On page 3 Hallett claim that the match was forfeited rather than cancelled.]

Obituary. The correction concerning the verdict on the death of Hugh Smith is printed. The verdict was not one of suicide, but rather S.M. Lane found:

‘That deceased had come to his death through drowning, having fallen down a well, and there was no blame attachable to any person.’

Wool this year has been first class and prices have also been good. I.J. Warnes realised up to 1/11⁄4.

Drew & Crewes. A meeting in Adelaide on Wednesday elected John Drew (Kooringa), E.W. Crewes (Kooringa), John Collins (Collinsville), Isaac J. Warnes (Wahronga) & Robert McEwins (Glen Ewin) as directors.

Marriage. At Mt Bryan on 3 October.

Gertrude Taylor, 2nd daughter of Mrs Taylor and Mr M.M. Sexton of the SAR.

Masonic Lodge. On Wednesday Mr G.E. Dane was installed as Master of Kooringa Lodge No. 6 SAC. The ceremony was followed by a social and dance in the Institute.

Mt Bryan School has been thoroughly renovated with a new room and verandah added. Some 50 children are now attending and while the repairs and additions were being done the school was conducted in the new hall.

Baby Bonus. Mothers of all children born on or after 10 October are entitled to £5 on application to the Federal Government.

XV, 1016, 6 Nov. 1912, page 3

Rain fell extensively to the east last Saturday. Caroona reported 45 points and Woolgangi and Braemar about 80, but at Oakbank, Quondong and Sturt Vale the falls were between 115 and 130 points.

Paull’s Consolidated Copper Mine near Leigh Creek was of great interest to Burra investors a few years ago, but when copper prices fell the company pulled out and work was carried on by tributers. They have found a way of dealing with ribbon ore in the mine and are doing quite well.

Robertstown Silver. The Government Inspector of Mines considers the indications are worthy of a good trial.

Eastern Telephone Syndicate.

Some time ago a private syndicate erected a telephone line some 100 miles to Quondong, connecting en route Sturt Vale, Old Koomooloo, Koomooloo, Woolgangi & Baldina. To the west connections were also made to Wahroonga and Leighton. Since the initial line was constructed extensions have been made to Caroona & Mongolata to the northeast and Redcliffe to the southeast. Braemar and Faraway Hill have been connected and a line has been extended to Oakbank from Quondong. Mr I.J. Warnes of Wahroonga is chairman and Mr W.H. Hardy is secretary and telephonist at Kooringa.

Methodist Synod for the Middle District opened in Kooringa on Tuesday. Permission has been given to the Redruth Circuit to erect a schoolroom at Hanson, for Hallett to purchase land at Mt Bryan and to add a porch to the Mt Bryan Church.

Redruth Court.

Thomas Arnold Westall, swagman, was found in possession of items stolen from William Burradge, employed at Wandillah. He was sentenced to 3 months hard labour.

Redruth Methodist Sunday School Anniversary was held last Sunday & Monday with Rev. R. Rooney of Petersburg officiating.

Burra Town Council, 4 November.

The invitation to attend the Hospital Service at St Mary’s on 24 November was accepted.

XV, 1017, 13 Nov. 1912, page 2

Tenders called for Oppermann’s Llwchwr property, being part of allotment 39 and part allotment 40.

Robertstown Railway Bill has passed the House of Assembly.

Guy Fawkes Day was celebrated on Tuesday with Guys being hawked about the town accompanied by industrious pleadings for pennies. Bonfires and fireworks followed in the evening.

Burra Light Horse. 23rd Regiment of Light Horse enrolments on Friday saw 20 enlist and the required number are expected to come forward. L.A. Lewis will be in charge.

XV, 1017, 13 Nov. 1912, page 3

Burra Public School visiting day was held on Friday and was well attended. Inspector McBride was well pleased with the moral tone and the school was classified as excellent. 21 Class V students gained Honour Certificates. Efforts continue to get a High School established.

Redruth Court, 6 November.

The following were each fined 2/6 + costs for having a stray horse:

G. Sampson A. Lott F.J. Carey G. Lord

Mrs Warner was fined 5/- + costs for a stray cow.

Leighton Hall Annual Dinner was held last Wednesday evening with I.J. Warnes in the chair.

Cricket. Last Wednesday: Ramblers 179 defeated Drew & Crewes Employees 37 & 48 (85).

At Aberdeen on Saturday: Aberdeen was 9 for 172 at the end of play. Hallett did not bat.

At Booborowie on Saturday: Ramblers ‘upwards of 130’ defeated Booborowie ’30 odd’.

On the way home the Ramblers conveyance came to grief becoming entangled in a fence with a broken pole. They were forced to walk 10-11 miles in the rain, getting home about 11 p.m.

Obituary. William Charles Berridge aged 17-18 shot himself with a shot gun on Monday morning at Wandillah Station belonging to Mr E. Bowman. The deceased had just received a letter and had seemed upset by it. An enquiry by S.M. Lane JP concluded that death resulted from a self-inflicted wound whilst in a fit of temporary insanity.

[Born William Charles Godfrey Berridge 28 May 1895 at Port Adelaide: death registered as William Charles Godfrey Berudge 11 November 1912 at Wandillah near Aberdeen aged 18.]

Polo. Mid-North Club’s opening of the season took place at Willogoleeche on Saturday.

XV, 1018, 20 Nov. 1912, page 2

Copperhouse School held their annual picnic on Tuesday 12 November at Sod Hut.

Robertstown Mining.

A Robertstown-Bright Silver-Lead Mining Co. has been formed to exploit the recent discoveries.

The Aberdeen Ballast Quarry remains a scene of brisk activity.

Leighton School visiting day was well attended on Wednesday last and afterwards they adjourned to Leighton Hall for the presentation of Fifth Class Certificates to the Misses Schutz and Master Gray. There are 33 on the roll.

Dr Brummitt, now of Adelaide, gave an illustrated lecture on a recent trip to Fiji in the Kooringa Methodist Lecture Hall last week. Mr T.W. Wilkinson, who accompanied Dr Brummitt, was in the chair.

Rain in the eastern hundreds has brought recordings of c. 200 points at Oakbank, Morgan Vale, Quondong & Redcliffe and c. 120 points at Koomooloo and Woolgangi. Totals were much lower towards Burra with only 70 at Mongolata and 40 at Baldina.

XV, 1018, 20 Nov. 1912, page 3

The Burra Creek. Talk continues about the benefit of a lake between say the Pig & Whistle site and Roach’s Mill.

Sister Mosey. On Wednesday a crowd gathered at the Hospital to farewell Sister Mosey, who has resigned as Matron of the hospital to further her career in Sydney. F. Treloar (Secretary of the Hospital Board) was in the chair. Sister Mosey had been at the hospital in various capacities for 14 years and had been Sister-in-charge for the last 7. She had come as a patient and stayed on as a probationer, charge nurse and matron. She was presented with a travelling bag, nurse’s Bible and a gold watch. [Details occupy c. 1 column.]

Ayers Forest. Mr Gill, Conservator of Forests, has been visiting the general area in company with Mr E. Cock of Ayers Forest. They visited a wide range of the eastern areas, Mr Warnes driving them via Baldina to Koomooloo, Old Koomooloo & Sturt Vale.

Burra Town Council, 18 November.

Government subsidy on the rates of £108-3-2 was received.

Lamp lighters for 1913 at 4/- per month per lamp are Thomas Highett for East Ward and W. Rule for North Ward, the Mine Bridge and St Mary’s.

Messrs Fuss are permitted to erect scaffolding near the Exchange Hotel.

SAMA is ordered to pull down the old shop next to the garage.

XV, 1019, 27 Nov. 1912, page 2

Advt. Burra Institute Tonight: Fasola, London’s Greatest Conjuror and The American Entertainers.

Black Springs School was inspected on Wednesday and declared very good, despite Miss Berry only being there since June, before which it had been closed for c. 8 weeks.

Obituary. Mrs Mary Gilchrist, widow of the late James McGilchrist, died 20 November at Glenelg. She was buried at Kooringa. Mr McGilchrist ran ‘The Emporium’ where R.D. Pascoe now operates. The family previously lived in Naracoorte.

[Born Mary Stokes: died aged 62 at Glenelg, residence Robertstown.]

Mr Linn, in charge of the Savings Bank, has been promoted to the Murray Bridge branch.

XV, 1019, 27 Nov. 1912, page 2-3

Ratepayer’s Meeting. Ex-councillor Hardy took the chair.

The Mayor’s Report.

The year has seen prosperity generally. Telephones were extended to several business places and public institutions. The Governor, Sir Day Bosanquet, inspected the Girls’ Reformatory and the school, the hospital and the ballast quarry. Burra Corporation Band received generous aid from the door money from South Booborowie Land Sales, Thanks to Mr Tom Brown, [check Browne?] attorney to Mr Browne.

All wards ended the year in credit and the general account should end c. £50 in credit. The present rates are: General 1/-, Health 10d and Parklands 2d.

The Cemetery.

The account is £137 in credit, but next year considerable cost will be involved in extending boundaries.

Health Report.

For the year there were 13 cases of diphtheria, 8 of tuberculosis, 40 of measles, 3 of typhoid and 3 of erysipelas. The measles & diphtheria coincided with statewide outbreaks. The Board of Health started with a debit of £94-19-8, but with no serious outbreaks of disease we have reduced the debt to £6-15-0.

Parklands.

A strong fence was placed around Victoria Park Oval.

New plantations were fenced in Commercial St and planted with pines etc.

The Council desires to plant an avenue of pines or other trees at each entrance to the town. We hope to achieve this in 1913.

Saleyards.

As the largest market for stock in SA outside Adelaide we saw for the year about 130,000 sheep and 3,000 cattle sold. Sales of horses were much less, but rising. Though the total sheep numbers are less than in the past, prices are up.

Railway.

In the past year at the Hanson station c. 147,000 bushels of wheat and 29 tons of wool were despatched.

At Burra station:

c. 119,000 bushels of wheat, 5,002 bales of wool, 51,425 sheep, 1,271 cattle, 319 horses and 38 pigs were despatched. 11,295 passengers arrived and 11,572 passengers departed.

XV, 1019, 27 Nov. 1912, page 3

Ratepayers’ Meeting.

Attendance was relatively small. Crs E.J. Harris, J. Walker & Parks supported the report and said they would be standing for re-election.

Koonoona Blocks. Wheetelande School picnic was held on Mr Pratt’s land a few days ago.

St Mary’s Hospital Sunday raised £7-2-0.

Burra Coronation Band held a sacred concert in the rotunda on Sunday night and a large crowd attended. £5 was collected for the hospital.

Obituary. Jack Winter was found lying on the road outside the Kooringa Hotel about 3 or 4 weeks ago. He had two or three nasty wounds on the head. He was taken to Burra Hospital and has since been in a semi-conscious state. He died there on Monday. He had been in Burra only a short time, being employed by D. Jones the painter. His parents are said to live in South Africa. An inquest is being held. [John Winter died 25 November 1912 at Kooringa aged 31. Inquest next issue page 3.]

XV, 1020, 4 Dec. 1912, page 2

Hatpins continue to cause problems and the editor points out that in Adelaide 8-10 ladies have recently been fined for breaches of the by-law there on hatpins.

Burra High School. The Members of Parliament for the district have presented a petition to the Minister of Education calling for a high school at Burra, where 27 scholars are assured and there is ample room in the existing building.

The Season. Crops are looking good, but the harvest will be late with reaping unlikely to start before Christmas.

Obituary. Herbert Woodgate, a former Copperhouse resident, died at Terowie on Thursday. He was born in Kent in 1840 and was a colonist of 50 years. On arrival in SA he was a surveyor at Echunga and then took land at Cherry Gardens. Later he was overseer at Koonoona and then at Wandillah. He went on to Hallett and Terowie and had been an invalid for 20 years. He leaves a widow, 4 sons and 1 daughter. [Died 21 November 1912 at Terowie aged 72.]

XV, 1020, 4 Dec. 1912, page 3

Leighton Festival on Wednesday last with the annual strawberry fete, concert and dance. There was a large crowd.

George Sara, an old resident of Burra, has celebrated his 99th birthday at Willunga. He arrived in SA in 1845 and took up contracting and with his sons built the stations and goods sheds between Burra and Riverton and also the Gladstone Gaol. At one time he owned the Bangor Quarries at Willunga. He is in good health. Two sons are living: Thomas (Adelaide) and William (Broken Hill).

Burra Town Council Elections.

All those nominated were elected unopposed.

Mayor: John McLaren, stock agent of Kooringa.

West Ward: Charles Parks, baker.

East Ward: Edwin J. Harris, storekeeper.

North Ward: John Walker, wheat agent.

Burra Hospital. Miss Wood, the new matron, arrived on Monday and took charge the following day. Nurse Wylie of the Burra Hospital has been appointed matron at Jamestown.

Rain fell to the east on Sunday and 75 points are reported from Quondong.

Aberdeen Ballast Quarry was unexpectedly virtually closed on Saturday and almost all hands put off. The reason is not known.

Polo. A Burra Polo Club has been formed and practice has begun with a scratch match played and another planned for next Saturday.

J.M. McBride has given another £100 to the Pt Pirie Mission Fund.

Cricket. On Saturday Booborowie 116 defeated Aberdeen 85.

Inquest & Obituary. The inquest on the death of Jack Winter is reported at considerable length: the article runs to almost 2 columns. It all adds very little to the bare facts already noted. Evidence was given by Dr Ashton and by Dr Steele, who did the post mortem. Others giving evidence were: George Lines, Thomas P. Halls, James McDonald, Albert Johnson & M-C Skinner. There was no definite single cause of death and Dr Steele was of the opinion that the deceased was generally in very poor health due to heavy long term alcohol abuse and believed the cause of death was septic intoxication. The jury eventually agreed. [Also previous issue page 3.]

XV, 1021, 11 Dec. 1912, page 2

Advt. Utica Copper Co. calls a public meeting at the Institute tonight. The prospectus etc. will be discussed.

Harvesting has begun in the district.

XV, 1021, 11 Dec. 1912, page 3

Railways. The Booborowie farmers have petitioned for a railway siding near the 115 mile post between Mt Bryan and Hallett.

Redruth Court.

George White for riding a bicycle without a light: 10/- + 15/- costs

W.J. Richards for driving a motorcar without a light: 10/- + costs

Jacob Richards for riotous behaviour while intoxicated and disturbing the peace of the Court House Hotel on 16 November: fined £1 + costs, or 7 days

Charles Streicher for driving a spring van without a light: 15/-

A. Fullwood driving a motorcycle without a light: 30/-

W.R. Blott for being unlawfully on the premises of the Burra Hotel in prohibited hours (on a Sunday: case dismissed

for resisting arrest: £3

Harry Lord (barman) for breaches of the betting laws: £17-8-0

for betting: £5

Burra Town Council, Monday.

Estimates are to be obtained for the removal of the urinal opposite the Institute to the bottom of the bank.

The mayor is to take the initial steps towards the council acquiring full control of the Burra Creek and the land on each bank.

Vandalism. Two lads were taken to the city children’s court for breaking insulators on the Eastern Telephone Syndicate’s line. They were reprimanded and warned that information laid under the Criminal Law carried a penalty of up to 2 years.

Rain. There have been erratic falls to the east, but over 1” was recorded at Caroona, Braemar and Quondong. There was also a heavy shower in Burra on Thursday.

Burra Races are scheduled for 18 January 1913 with total stakes of £290 and the main race, the Burra Handicap, of £100.

Telephone. New telephone poles are being erected and soon many business places and the police station will be connected with the city.

Rev. John A. Burns, brother of S. Burns of Kooringa and a pastor of the Mildura Presbyterian Church, is recovering from a serious operation. He is an old Burra boy.

Utica Mining Co. C. A. Fuss presided at a meeting of shareholders at Burra Institute last week. The property comprises 630 acres near World’s End in the Hundred of Kooringa. Samples have tested at 21% from the ground and a dressed sample at 42.6%.

Obituary. Arthur George Page, brother of W.B. Page, secretary of the local Liberal Union, was found dead under a tree in the Adelaide West Parklands aged c. 40. The verdict was death from natural causes. [Born 17 August 1871 at Norwood: died 3 December 1912 at Adelaide, residence Norwood.]

St Mary’s Strawberry Fete on Friday drew a fair attendance and took upwards of £140.

XV, 1022, 18 Dec. 1912, page 2

Advt. E. Slattery has taken over the Royal Exchange Hotel and it is being thoroughly renovated and refurnished. It will be fitted throughout with electric light and fans and a large hall erected for the convenience of customers and visitors.

Christmas Charity. As for the past years Mr W. Dearlove of Ketchowla Station has with other landowners remembered the poor and sent the usual amount to aid their festive season.

The Old Age Pension. The Prime Minister has moved to exempt the houses owned by pensioners from consideration when eligibility is being assessed. It is estimated this will cost the Government £150,000 p.a.

XV, 1022, 18 Dec. 1912, page 3

Copper Mining is being carried out at Shafton by Mr Blott and his son. From all accounts the find is worth testing. [West Burra Copper Mine.]

Robertstown Silver-Lead Mine. Work has started and a manager has been appointed. Shareholders are hopeful.

Burra Rifle Club. 1st match for Mr Pearse’s carvers saw R.D. Pascoe 100 in the lead from J.A. Riggs 93. Points for the trophy are R.D. Pascoe 5, J.A. Riggs 4.

Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Ramblers 5 for 180 declared drew with Booborowie 7 for 101.

Obituary & Inquest. James Herbert Humphries died on Sunday after an accident the previous night.

On the Aberdeen Road, not far from the railway station at about 9.45 p.m. on Saturday a car driven by Mr James Herbert Humphries collided with a spring dray driven by Mr H. Parks. The car was going towards the station and the dray coming from it. Parks was well on his side of the road, but the car was not. In the collision the offside shaft of the dray penetrated the glass windscreen and struck the deceased on the chest. R. Hunt, A. Isaac and H. Parks were in the dray and were thrown heavily to the ground, but were little hurt. T.W. Wilkinson acted as coroner the next day after Humphries had died at about 1 o’clock in the Burra Hospital. Dr Steele gave evidence of the severe chest injuries sustained. Evidence indicates the deceased had been drinking, but his state of intoxication was not clearly established, though there was clearly an attempt to suggest he was less than completely sober. With the deceased in the car were James Gallagher, T. Gregg, H. Austin & W. Rule Senior.

The three on the dray all gave evidence. James Henry Gallagher’s evidence revealed they had been to the Exchange Hotel, Burra Hotel, Commercial Hotel, Kooringa Hotel and then the Bon Accord over a number of hours, including dinner [i.e. lunch] at the Bon Accord and then a drive and then tea and then to the Commercial Hotel and Court House Hotel and then the Bon Accord Hotel, Kooringa Hotel, Burra Hotel and were then going towards the Bon Accord. He said they did not go to Opie’s Hotel before noon. The accident occurred a little after Fuss’s shop. The occupants of the car all gave similar evidence to each other.

The jury said death was due to injuries resulting from the collision with the dray and attached no blame to the driver of the dray and they thought the car was travelling at moderate speed and the deceased had been confused by the approaching lights.

[Identification not certain, perhaps the Herbert James Humphries born 28 June 1876 in District of Grey, but this does not quite agree with an age of death of 34 as registered. Died 15 December 1912 at Kooringa, residence Adelaide.]

Characteristics of the 1912 paper.

Page 1.

Larger advertisements, both local and otherwise.

Page 2.

Notices and advertisements: mostly local, but there are often large advertisements by the International Harvester Co. There are the usual notices of sales and from the various local government bodies. There are no editorials. News starts on this page, but is often severely limited by the advertisements and notices.

Page 3.

News is mixed with news-like advertisements for items like aids to indigestion, for piles, for general debility and for sluggish livers.

Page 4. Large advertisements: mostly local.

There is a column of civic information.

The quality of the paper is generally so-so. The editor seemed to have waited for news to be brought to him rather than to have sought much of it out for himself. There is some padding out with jokes, but usually not very much of that.

Numbering of issues in 1912

Volume XV which had previously run from 7 December 1892 to 5 July 1905 and which was resumed with Volume XV Number 921 on 4 January 1911 ran throughout 1912 as well.

The year began with Volume XV Number 972 on 3 January 1912.

And continued to Volume XV Number 1022 on 18 December 1912.

XV, 1023, 1 Jan. 1913

Apparently Not Published

THE GAP HAS BEEN FILLED FROM AN ISSUE OF THE KAPUNDA HERALD

No. 3,684, Vol. XLIX, 3 January 1913, page 3

Obituary. Miss Maria Fairchild of Ironmine died after a long illness on 28 December aged 74. She was a colonist of 72 years, coming to Australia in 1840 on the Waterloo from England. She was married in SA and lived at Ironmine for 37 or 38 years and then went to reside in Burra, where she had lived as a young girl. She left five sons and four daughters:

Mrs Scott, late of Ironmine

Mrs Gray of Prospect

Tom of Booborowie

Walter, Stationmaster at Blyth

Frank & Robert of Ironmine.

[Born Maria Polkinghorne in 1835 at Redruth, Cornwall, UK and married Thomas Fairchild at St Marys SA, 1860.]

No. 3,684, Vol. XLIX, 3 January 1913, page 6

Christmas Tree Festival

The Misses Cave have organised a grand Christmas tree at the hospital for several years. This year the festival took place on Boxing Day. The tree was erected in the courtyard and was loaded with presents of all descriptions. Inmates able to be moved were wheeled out and a first class program of songs and music was rendered and gramophone selections were played. Mr Winnall presided.

Mr D. Penrose, who has been in the clothing and drapery departments at Drew & Crewes Ltd left Burra during the Christmas holidays for Petersburg.

Christmas in Burra

Christmas festivities proved quite a record in Burra. The big increase in population in the district caused by closer settlement brought quite a crowd to the town on Christmas Eve and subsequently to picnics. Christmas morning brought special services at the Anglican, Methodist and Salvation Armey places of worship and in the afternoon a large number of residents drove to World’s End Creek Gorge [Burra Creek Gorge]

Hanson Methodists held their usual annual tea and public meeting and about 100 residents from Burra went by train to attend. In the evening the Coronation Brass Band played in the Rotunda under the direction of Mr F. Wheatley. On Boxing Day the Redruth Methodists, who had altered the date of their Sunday school picnic from November, enjoyed a first rate outing at Sod Hut.

Obituary. Mr Philip Lane JP died rather suddenly last Wednesday at his residence in Kooringa aged 79. He was an old identity in the district and was known to everyone. He arrived at Pt Adelaide by the Princess Royal in 1847 and came to Burra, where he started in business as a saddler and harness maker. During the Victorian goldrush Mr Lane travelled by the second boat to leave Pt Adelaide, but soon returned to his business. In 1874-75 he was a District Councillor and agitated for a Town Council. When this was brought about he was rewarded by being elected the first Mayor; a position he held for four years. After fifty years of successful business in the town he handed it on to his son Mr S.M. Lane JP about two years ago. He held many positions in the town over the years:

Member of the School Board of Advice for more than ten years.

By his agency the town secured the land for Victoria Park.

He was a string advocate for the establishment of the Public School.

He was also a strong supporter of the Institute, of which he was a trustee.

For many years he was the visiting JP at Redruth Gaol.

For more than forty years he was a member of the British & Foreign Bible Society – mostly as its treasurer.

He was a member of the Burra Benevolent Society from its inception.

He initiated tree planting in the town and collected the first money to make it work.

A long-time member of the Burra Agricultural Society.

He was asked several times to stand for Parliament.

Mr Lane was married for almost 50 years and is survived by his widow and a grown up family of two sons and six daughters:

Philip of Broken Hill

Stanley M. of Burra

Mrs H. Roach of Burra

Mrs A.J McBride of Burra

And Florrie, Mary, Annie and Muriel.

He was an old member of the Methodist Church and had filled every office in connection with the local church. [Born 1833, Winkleigh, Devonshire, UK: died 18 December 1912, Kooringa.]

XV, 1024, 8 Jan. 1913

Page 1 Advertisements

E.J. Harris Grocer, Fruiterer and General Dealer, Market Square

A.R. Creswick Dentist, twice a month at Vivian’s Commercial Hotel

Luke Day Grocer, Fruiterer & General Dealer, Market Square

George Lord Burra Hotel

S.M. Lane Saddler, Ironmonger, Chaff Merchant, Bicycle Depot

E.J. Davey Agent for Norwich Union Fire Insurance Co.

W.J. Davey Record Photographic Studio

W. Pearce & Drew & Crewes Agents for Alliance Insurance Co.

Charles & F. Streicher General Storekeepers, Market Square

C.A. Lott Carpenter & Builder

W.T. Truscott The Big Meat Store, Market Square

W.E. Thomas Dentist

Page 2 Advertisements

Elder, Smith & Co. Auctioneers

[Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Auctioneers – regular advertisers, but not this issue]

Drew & Crewes Universal Providers

A.D. McLaren Grocer & Greengrocer

E. Slattery Royal Exchange Hotel

Emelie Clark Commercial Hotel

M. Maughan Dentist, monthly at Lord’s [Burra] Hotel

Mrs A. Young Maternity Home, George St

Fred M. Pearce Late G. Bartholomaeus, Carpenter, Builder & Ironmonger, Aberdeen

Page 4 Advertisements

W. Carpenter Greengrocer, Fruiterer & Confectioner, Redruth, opposite the Methodist Church

R.D. Pascoe Hairdresser & Fancy Goods Dealer ‘The Emporium’ Kooringa

S. Burns Blacksmith & Wheelwright, Commercial St

John Allen Agent for Colonial Mutual Fire & Accident Office

W.J. Davey Burra Record Photographic Studio & General Printing

T. Harris Carriage Factory near the White Hart Hotel

S. Tuckwell Travelling District Agent for Australian Mutual Provident Society

C.C. Williams Ironmonger, Commercial St

M. Morton & C. Sampson General & Shoeing Smiths & Wheelwrights, Thames St, Kooringa

Murray Aunger Branch Garage, Kooringa. Agent for Sheffield Simplex, S.C.A.T., Swift, Vauxhall, Darracq & White Steam Cars.

XV, 1024, 8 Jan. 1913, page 2

Obituary. Thomas James Williams died at Ironmine on 18 December 1912. He was the son of the late Joseph and Eliza Williams and brother of Mrs C. Radford (Adelaide), Mrs J. Lockett (South Broken Hill), Mrs W.J. Williams (Ironmine) & Rev. J.A. Williams (Millicent). Death was due to heart failure. He was 48. [Born at Redruth 28 June 1864.]

Mr L. Penrose of the drapery department of Drew & Crews has left Burra for a position in Petersburg. A presentation was made by friends before he left.

Mr J. Smelt’s harvester capsized into a creek while he was reaping at Mt Bryan on Christmas Day. Fortunately Mr Smelt jumped clear and with some difficulty the machine was extricated.

Obituary. Mrs Maria Fairchild of Ironmine died 28 December 1912 after a long illness aged 74. She was a colonist of 72 years. She came to SA in 1840 on the Waterloo from Cornwall. She married in SA and has lived at Ironmine for about 38 years, having lived in Burra as a girl. She leaves five sons and four daughters. [Born Maria Polkinghorne at Redruth, Cornwall in 1835 according to family history.]

Accident. A young man named Escott was too free with his spurs at World’s End Sports on New Year’s Day and was thrown heavily. He was brought into Burra Hospital in W.J. Richard’s car.

Vandalism at Booborowie. On New Year’s Eve the organ tune book was taken from the Methodist Church, a pot plant was destroyed and the Bird Protection Act that was pinned to the porch door was set alight.

XV, 1024, 8 Jan. 1913, page 3

Wheat. More wheat than ever is being produced to the west as land is cut up for farming. An increase can be expected next year too.

Mt Bryan Public School Annual Concert was held on Friday prior to Christmas. Mrs Taylor, the teacher, deserves credit for her efforts in preparing the students.

The Burra Hospital Christmas Tree was again organised by the Misses Cave of Redruth.

Christmas Festivities were a record for Burra, as with closer settlement in the district the population has increased and a large crowd assembled in the streets and indulged in a merry time. On Tuesday the shops were decorated with evergreens and artificial flowers, flags and bunting. Later in the day the youngsters added to the festivities and business was very brisk. After tea people came in on every sort of conveyance and by 8 p.m. the streets and Market Square were one mass of humanity. Hotel bars did good business, but excellent order was maintained. Gift shopping was very busy and youngsters were everywhere ‘with musical (?) toys’. The crowd dispersed as midnight approached.

Christmas Day enjoyed excellent weather. Services were held in the morning and large numbers of people went to World’s End Church in the afternoon, while others went to the tea meeting at Hanson.

The Burra Band played in the rotunda in the evening.

Boxing Day was a holiday with picnics and sports, though farmers returned to their harvesting.

Redruth Methodists had a successful picnic at Sod Hut.

Sports were held at Booborowie and at World’s End on New Year’s Day.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School picnic is one of the oldest in the town. At one time it was held at Princess Royal, close to the woolshed, but of recent years it has been at Sod Hut on land of Mrs J.C. Sandland, largely on account of the splendid trees and the state of the road. This year’s event was as successful as ever and 8 or 9 trollies took the children. A splendid sports program was followed. Picnic parties from the town joined them.

World’s End Sports & Horse Races on 1 January were held on the south bank of the Burra Creek among trees. The results of the horse races are printed.

Edward Ernest Hardy (44), drover’s cook from NSW, was charged with indecently assaulting Florence Mabel Emma Mathews (14) of Firewood Creek, in an old mine building on Commercial Road. After evidence was given the charge was reduced to common assault, when he admitted giving her 2/- for kissing her. He was fined £2 + £1-4-6 costs.

Booborowie Sports were held on 1 January and were a great success. The results are printed.

XV, 1025, 15 Jan. 1913, page 2

Obituary. Hannah Herbert aged 86, relict of the late William Herbert died at her residence in Bridge St on 12 January. [Born Hanna Nesbit.]

Burra High School. The Education Department will open a High School at Burra after the Holidays with Mr Barnes as headmaster. [But this did not eventuate when the school opened: see XV, 1026, 22 Jan., page 3.]

Telephones. The erection of the new telephone poles is almost complete. Their convenience will soon be available.

Martin Dobrilla, who appeared in Burra last year, has just completed 124 hours of club swinging.

William Geake, a resident of over 50 years, had to have his appendix removed in an urgent operation last week and is doing as well as can be expected.

Fires.

W. March of Kooringa had a narrow escape when the roof of his house caught alight from a cooking stove at the rear of the building. Willing workers saved the building.

John Allen of Kooringa also was lucky to extinguish a burning bed on Saturday. It was started from a light children took into the room.

A small grass fire was extinguished on the premises of Mr Jones’s paint shop in Kooringa on Saturday before it could do much damage.

XV, 1025, 15 Jan. 1913, page 2-3

Polo. At Broken Hill over the holidays, played on the racecourse.

On the 1st day: Broken Hill 9 defeated Burra 2.

On the 2nd day: Broken Hill 6 defeated Burra 2.

XV, 1025, 15 Jan. 1913, page 3

Robertstown Silver-Lead Mine is raising about 50 tons of ore for a trial crushing.

Obituary. Alfred Otto Stasinowski aged 28, committed suicide by hanging himself near Crawford’s chaff mills at Saddleworth. Mrs Stasinowski and her daughter in Kooringa received the news early last week. He had been concerned about family financial matters. The verdict was death from hanging by his own act while of unsound mind brought about by heavy drinking. The deceased was a Baldina boy. [Born Otto Alfred Stasinowsky 30 April 1885 at Baldina: died 28 January 1913.]

Salvation Army. Ensign and Mrs Meade have been appointed to take charge in Burra.

Obituary. Hannah Herbert, a native of Alnwick, England, came to SA in 1850 and to Burra c. 1854. She leaves two daughters: Mrs T. Parks (Kooringa) & Mrs J. Perryman (Pt Pirie) and three sons: John & George (Burra) & Charles (Sydney).

W.J. McBride writes denying he had complained to the District Council about rabbits on his neighbours’ properties – on only one of them – that of the late P.L. Killicoat.

Entertainment. Philip Lytton’s 4-Act Drama The Man They Could Not Hang, was given in the Institute on Monday and was superbly acted and staged. The company staged At the Mercy of Sherlock Holmes last night with equal success.

XV, 1026, 22 Jan. 1913, page 2

Advt. For Sale. A Blacksmith & Wheelwright’s Business in Aberdeen. On allotments 36, 37, 17 & 13*. There are commodious workshops and an underground tank. Presently occupied by Mr Thomas Harris.

[* This is probably a mistake for 18. In 2005 this property was Thamm’s.]

Mt Bryan Methodist Church has been reopened after alterations. The Hall was used in the meantime.

Railways. The Commonwealth has decided to take over the Pt Augusta-Oodnadatta line.

New JPs. J.M. McDonald (Leighton)

T.E. Richards (Hallett)

G.F. Jenkins (Yarcowie)

W.S. Murray (Hallett)

J.M. McBride. There is a note concerning this popular local philanthropist.

He was born in Northern Ireland in 1831, the eldest son of James McBride. He went to sea at 14 and settled in SA in 1856. He became one of our most successful sheep owners. He also made much money out of Broken Hill, buying shares at about £10 each and selling them later at about £1,400. He has been married twice and has 5 sons and 6 daughters. He is very popular in Burra where he has done a great deal pro bono publico.

Burra Institute Committee sends a letter of condolence following the death of P. Lane.

[Presumably this is announced in one of the missing issues.]

XV, 1026, 22 Jan. 1913, page 2-3

Burra Institute AGM held on 13 January. The President and 17 subscribers attended.

During the last year the committee have established a juvenile library. [Though actually they announced that at the previous AGM.] They also conducted a class in conjunction with the St John’s Ambulance Assoc. that resulted in the awarding of 5 certificates. They supported a Literary Association. The attempted winter series of lectures failed with only one being delivered. This was a very interesting talk by G.F. Dodwell on Astronomy.

The library now holds 3,816 volumes. The committee intend issuing free scholarships for young people to use the library.

Subscribers at 31 December 1912: 25 double, 89 single for a total of 114, which is an increase of 19.

Daily reading room use averages 30.

During the year a new floor was put in the hall at a cost of £79-17-6.

An engine shed was erected to provide for moving pictures. A ramp was constructed for the escape door. Gas was extended to the side entrance and to the copper.

The Burra Literary Soc. Continued under Mr J. McLaren as President, but lack of attendance saw it close down. [This coincided with the boom in skating.]

Mr Dane has started an orchestral class.

The committee lost one member of very long standing when Mr P. Lane died.

Elected were President, S.M. Lane; Vice-President, Mr [C.A.] Fuss; Treasurer, Mr Wilkinson; & Honorary Secretary, Mr Harcus.

XV, 1026, 22 Jan. 1913, page 3

Mr & Mrs E. Moore were tendered a farewell from Farrell’s Flat by their Catholic friends last week. They are moving to Burra.

Burra Races on Saturday offered a fine day’s sport. The track was well attended to. A special train ran from Adelaide. The totalizator was well patronised and the race results are printed.

The main race was the Burra Handicap for £100 with the 2nd getting £15 from the stake. It was won by H. Goddison’s mare Venus, a 5-year-old carrying 8 st 4 lb.

Burra Town Council, Monday.

Parents of children who have been interfering with lamps are to be written to.

Mr Ridgway is to be asked to keep his agreement concerning the reserve and refrain from hanging clothes in the place.

Local Board of Health.

Mr Allen’s place at Redruth is to be disinfected.

All householders are to be given notice to disinfect privies etc.

All cesspools at public buildings are to be condemned.

A new site for a rubbish depot is to be selected.

[A reference on page 2 suggests there had been an outbreak of infectious diseases with admissions to the hospital, but without saying what diseases. A report on 5 February says cases of diphtheria and typhoid had been brought in from outside the town and the above might be a reaction to that.]

Burra District High School. The new High School was opened on Monday with an enrolment of 25. Mr J.W. Statton is headmaster and Mr Johnson is headmaster of the public school. Several short addresses were given at a meeting presided over by John McLaren, Chairman of the Board of Advice. Some 14 children who attended Burra School last year were given free subscriptions to the Burra Institute Library for 1913. Mr Wicklein promised a gold medal for the High School Dux for 1913.

Robertstown Railway. Robertstown people have voted 240 to 0 in support of the new railway. (Plus 1 informal.)

XV, 1027, 29 Jan. 1913, page 2

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will sell 1,170 acres of farmland at Stony Gap, 9 miles south of Kooringa on the Adelaide Road, under instructions from Joseph Flower.

Sections 18, 19, 52, 53, 57, 91, 93, 94, 95, 123, 125 & 126, comprising 9 paddocks and houses of six and four rooms and a school building.

Copper Mining at Shafton continues to be developed by Mr W. Blott & his son. [West Burra Copper Mine.]

T.W. Warnes was injured when thrown from his buggy last week on Koomooloo Station. The reins snapped and the horses bolted, smashing the buggy on a fence.

XV, 1027, 29 Jan. 1913, page 3

SAR. There has been another narrow escape at the Bon Accord crossing. After previous trouble there, the railways for a time sent an employee to warn people when a train was approaching, but this has faded out. On Friday a farmer with a load of wheat barely cleared the crossing when a goods train came along. Surely a gate or even a bell could offer protection at little cost.

Local sheep continue to be widely sought. Recently L.W. Gebhardt and E. Bowman and the Koonoona Proprietors have sold selected rams and ewes to buyers in WA and Victoria.

Cricket. On Saturday Ramblers 233 defeated Aberdeen 72.

On Monday Terowie 259 defeated Ramblers 154.

XV, 1028, 5 Feb. 1913, page 2

Domestic servants are at a premium in Burra.

Snakes are numerous.

The Baby Bonus. The editor’s attitude to this Government initiative is seen in the comment:

‘It is a big task to grip the next silly thing the Fisher-O’Malley combination will do.’

Burra High School enrolments are now near 30.

Harry Hyrdress, a former Burra district resident fell from the Broken Hill express between Yunta and Petersburg and was taken unconscious to the Jamestown Hospital.

XV, 1028, 5 Feb. 1913, page 2-3

Mr Hosking, in charge of the station at Ulooloo, was farewelled at the new Ulooloo Hall on Wednesday and his successor, Mr H. Kennon was welcomed.

XV, 1028, 5 Feb. 1913, page 3

Burra improvements. Council is taking steps to improve the town by getting vacant areas fenced and planted and some of the reserves are also being attended to.

Obituary. F.W. Roberts died at Yorketown on 24 January. He was an early carter between Burra and Adelaide. He came to SA some 57 years ago and later took up land on the Gawler River. He leaves a widow and family of nine. [Frank Wellesley Roberts died 24 January at Yorketown aged 78.]

Robertstown-Bright Silver Mining Co. has sunk a shaft 34’. The lode is now 6’ wide of galena, cerussite and carbonates of lead and zinc. Seams are rich in copper and lead. Assay is promising and more men are being put on.

J.M. McBride has donated £4,000 towards establishing a Chapman Alexander Bible Institute. This is but one of many philanthropic donations. It is estimated that in the last 20 years he has given away at least £3,000 p.a. ‘and he does it so unostentatiously that comparatively few people know anything of it, fewer still realise the full extent of his donations. A hundred pounds here and there, and sometimes a couple of hundred or more is quite a common matter with him.’

Cricket. Saturday in an uncompleted match. Hallett 6 for 153 [declared?] and Ramblers 4 for 84.

Burra Light Horse. There is a compulsory drill on 13 February.

Burra Town Council, Monday.

SAMA wrote asking Council to make an offer for the Burra Creek.

Mr Ridgway wrote. The dayman was instructed to remove the clothesline from the reserve.

Council will meet the resident railway engineer about the Bon Accord crossing.

SAMA is to be asked to submit a plan of the land owned by them in the Burra Creek and to make an offer to Council.

Tarring of footpaths will proceed.

Local Board of Health.

The cases of diphtheria and typhoid have been brought in from outside the town.

XV, 1029, 12 Feb. 1913, page 2

Wheat. It is estimated that over 30,000 bags have been sent from Farrell’s Flat this season with over 70,000 bags at the station and 80,000 yet to arrive.

The Sports Syndicate. When half a dozen gentlemen secured the old polo club ground north of the railway station to make an area for sports and show purposes, the racing club discussed with them the making of a racetrack on the site, but it was found that extra land was needed. A. Gebhardt came to the rescue and offered 24 acres of his paddock at the northern end and with little expense a 1st-class track was established. Now Mr Gebhardt has donated the land to the syndicate free of cost. This is an important gift as the land is valued at upwards of £10 an acre.

A Liberal Union branch has been formed at North Booborowie.

[Though the article refers merely to ‘the union’.]

XV, 1029, 12 Feb. 1913, page 2-3

The Burra Branch of the Liberal Union tendered the Hon. L. O’Loughlin MP (Speaker of the House of Assembly) a social at the Institute last Thursday. He has decided to take a trip to England.

XV, 1029, 12 Feb. 1913, page 3

Redruth Court, Wednesday.

Frank Griffiths sought to recover £290 from Minnie Escott of Koonoona for breach of promise. The verdict was for the plaintiff who was awarded £30 plus costs. [Details occupy 11⁄4 columns.]

[This seems an odd case, as there was a report in XV, 1013, 16 Oct. 1912, page 3, running to a similar length where Frank Griffiths made the same claim and was awarded £150!]

Brady Creek Sports were held successfully on 1 February. He results are printed.

Mrs Sleep’s 83rd birthday was celebrated at the Kooringa parsonage last week with a social gathering. She is the oldest member of the church. [This may possibly mean she has been a member for the longest period rather than the oldest person in the church.]

Cricket. Saturday: Aberdeen 139 drew with Hallett 5 for 105.

XV, 1030, 19 Feb. 1913, page 2

The Seaside Trip. A group met in the Council Chamber on Thursday to arrange a cheap excursion to Adelaide and the Semaphore on the 19 March. A special train will cost c. £75, which will work out at 5/9 for adults and 2/9 for children. A committee was formed and subscriptions will be taken up to provide a good time for the children. The Burra Coronation Band will accompany the children.

Obituary. Mr E. Crisp died last week in Adelaide. He was one of Elder, Smith & Co.’s greatest auctioneers. He held some monster sales in Burra. In 1895 at one sale he disposed of 45,000 sheep and 800 cattle and at four sales that year passed out 162,288 sheep from the same yards.

[Edward Crispe born 17 April 1847 at Gawler River: died 13 February 1913 at North Adelaide, residence Grange.]

XV, 1030, 19 Feb. 1913, page 3

SAR. Washaways delayed the Broken Hill express on Thursday night. An accident on the Kapunda line resulted in the death of Driver Critchley: well known on the Burra line.

Hallett. A crane has been installed at the Hallett station.

J.M. McBride has donated £20 towards the building of the Westbourne Park Methodist Church.

Mr Stephen Sanderson was presented with a Bible at the Baldina Methodist Church on the occasion of his departure to farm west of Burra. Mr Sanderson, who had been the church cleaner etc. for 35 years, was presented with an easy chair.

Eastern Plains landowners continue to search for water. T.H. Pearse & Sons of ‘The Gums’ and Norman McBride of Halford’s are amongst the latest to try.

Mr & Mrs Charles Pickering, old Burraites, celebrated their golden wedding at West Hindmarsh on Wednesday. Mr Pickering lived in Burra for many years and subsequently was employed at the railway station.

Burra Institute, 10 February.

The Hall Committee reported it was not advisable to erect a gallery. Accepted.

Kooringa Methodist Church held its Harvest Thanksgiving on Sunday last. Rev. W. Bullock of Clare officiated.

Cricket. At Booborowie on Saturday: Booborowie 190 defeated Ramblers 68.

Burra Town Council, Monday.

Miss Bentley was granted permission to erect a verandah at her shop in Aberdeen.

The railways are to make the Bon Accord crossing level.

SAR will be asked to install a gong at the Bon Accord crossing.

The lamp near Miss Bentley’s is to be repaired.

Local Board of Health.

The rubbish depot at the rear of the Reformatory is to be put in order.

The Hospital Board is to remedy the state of the septic tank or have it condemned.

XV, 1031, 26 Feb. 1913, page 2

Burra Coronation Band played in the rotunda on Wednesday evening in practice for the trip to Semaphore.

Obituary. Mrs M. Killicoat, widow of the late Captain Thomas Killicoat, who with his brother shared the management of the Burra Copper Co. [Presumably the English & Australian Copper Co.] died at St Peters last week aged 86. She came to Australia in 1853 in the Grand Trianon. There are 7 children living: Mrs R. Austin (Aberdeen), Mrs T. Opie (Monarto), Mrs Curtis (Strathalbyn), Mrs Giddings (Glenelg), Miss Killicoat (St Peters), Mr I. Killicoat (Burra), and Mr Killicoat (St Peters). There are 4 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. [Born Mary Phillips: died 17 February 1913 at East Adelaide aged 86.]

Accident. Mr Isaacs of Kooringa sustained a severely hurt shoulder recently. He was sinking a well near Hanson when the bottom fell out of a bucket dropping a load on him.

Burra Co. Light Horse. About 30 members left Burra by train on Thursday with their horses for a 12-day encampment at Smithfield. In all about 1,100 will take part.

The Great De Villiers, Illusionist, & Company will appear at the Institute on 3 March with some of the world’s leading Vaudeville artists.

Ayers Forest. Some 25 acres remain to be planted in the coming season.

Utica Copper Mining Co. At a meeting at the Institute on Monday directors were appointed. They are W. Allen, G. Lord & A.L. Walker, with W. West as Secretary. A policy of vigorous development will be pursued.

XV, 1031, 26 Feb. 1913, page 3

Mrs M. Doble, widow of the late John Doble, celebrated her 84th birthday at Hindmarsh on Thursday. She has lived there for 50 years, but was a Burra resident in 1854. She was born in Tavistock, Devon.

Miss Daisy Kennedy, who was born in Burra and whose father was in charge of the public school for some time, has become one of the best violinists on the public stage and has been acclaimed in London.

Marriage. G.C. Barnett, son of the late C.L. Barnett of Broken Hill and late of Burra, and

Luna Alice Dunnage of Parkside married on 19 February at Parkside.

Ruby Cotter, ‘not unknown to Burra’ admitted in Adelaide stealing jewellery worth £5-5-0 and £2 in money. She had been in Redruth Reformatory from 1901-09 and since then has twice charged with larceny. The sentence this time was for 4 years hard labour.

Booborowie Railway. A meeting at Booborowie woolshed on Wednesday discussed a petition for a railway from Farrell’s Flat to North Booborowie. The idea is that it would be a guaranteed line under the District Councils Act 1911. After considering their liabilities under the Act the meeting moved to go ahead with the petition.

Cricket. On Saturday the Mt Bryan team played several men short and the result was: Ramblers 7 for 235 defeated Mt Bryan 7 for 49.

Copper price has dropped by £14 a ton this year.

Kooringa Methodists have decided on a new church to seat 350 at a cost of £3,000.

Burra Hospital septic tank continues to emit foul odours.

Salvation Army held Harvest Thanksgiving services last Sunday.

Iron Mine Methodist Church held Harvest Thanksgiving services last Sunday.

XV, 1032, 5 Mar. 1913, page 2

Robertstown-Bright Silver-Lead Mine continues to produce promising samples of ore.

Obituary. A daughter of E.W. Laubsch of Canowie Belt near Hallett died last week aged 4 after being run over by a wagon. [Born Linda Ernstine Laubsch at Yongala Estate 26 February 1913: died Linda Austina Laubsch at Belalie 26 February 1913.]

Telephones. During the past few months almost every business place of note has been connected.

XV, 1032, 5 Mar. 1913, page 3

Salvation Army. The Misses Dulcie and Maggie Bruse were farewelled on Wednesday. They are becoming Salvation Army cadets and were presented with a brief bag. The Methodist Church Choir attended. Ensign Meade spoke of their sterling character.

Obituary. Richard John J. Ockenden died at his Quarry St residence on Thursday 27 February aged 64 after a long illness. He was born on 8 September 1848 at Ealing in Middlesex and was educated at Latymer School, Hammersmith. He migrated to Brisbane, arriving there on 1 May 1866. He worked on sheep and cattle stations in Queensland before coming to SA in 1877. He went into business at Waterloo. He came to Burra in 1884 and was a drover till 1904, when he retired due to ill health. He has been President and Secretary to the Burra Branch of the Labor Party. He served 3 years on the Town Council and was a member of the Burra School Board of Advice. He leaves 8 sons and 2 daughters: Arthur (Adelaide), Frank (Adelaide), Charles (Streaky Bay), Stanley (Broken Hill), Oliver, Harold, Richard & Baden (all of Burra), Mrs R.J. Hill & Miss Nellie Ockenden (Burra).

Mrs Ockenden died about 15 months ago.

Obituary. Charles Payne aged 62 died of natural causes at the Royal Exchange Hotel and was found there on Monday morning. [Died 3 March 1913 at Aberdeen, residence Curnamona.]

Weather. A heavy thunderstorm over Burra on Monday night and early Tuesday morning was enough to flush out the creek.

Cricket. At Mt Bryan on Saturday: Aberdeen 8 for 68 defeated Mt Bryan 60.

[Though the report says there were only 7 men for Aberdeen the scorecard shows 8 batsmen without indicating which one was not out.]

XV, 1033, 12 Mar. 1913, page 2

The Methodist Conference has appointed Rev. J.H. Nield to Kooringa and Rev. W.A. Bainger to Redruth.

Weather. Thunderstorms dumped rain on Tuesday, especially to the east where Baldina got 115 points and Koomooloo got 140 in about half an hour, but the falls were patchy. Sturt Vale recorded 60, Quondong 151, Woolgangi 25, Braemar 130, Mongolata 136 and Black Waterholes almost 2”. The creeks in Burra got a good flushing.

Sheep Sales. WA & New Zealand buyers have been acquiring sheep from Koonoona, Koo-owie, Mokota & Mackerode. Gum Creek recently sold over 100 prime lambs.

Coach. The coach from Clare to Farrell’s Flat lost a wheel near Hill River on Tuesday and the mail missed the train.

XV, 1033, 12 Mar. 1913, page 3

Leighton-Iron Mine Sports on Wednesday last passed off very well with good weather and a large attendance. The results are printed.

Charles McCarthy, an engine cleaner formerly of Burra, has become unpopular in Gawler as a peeping Tom.

Obituary. Edward Hayes, brother of David J. Hayes of Mongolata with whom he has been residing, died a week ago at Burra from peritonitis due to a rupture of the transverse colon. [Edward Hayes died 4 March at Burra, residence Mongolata aged 51.]

Robertstown Races were held last Saturday. Results are printed.

Cricket. At Hallett on Saturday: Ramblers 3 for 150 declared & Hallett 7 for 133.

Local Board of Health.

The Burra hospital Board advises that arrangements have been made to clean out the septic tank.

Black Springs Sports were held on Mr Pratt’s property at Porter’s Lagoon last Saturday and were well attended. The results are printed.

Advt. Burra Light Horse will hold a meeting on 14 March with the object of forming a Light Horse football team.

XV, 1034, 19 Mar. 1913, page 2

Note. Although there was no other printed announcement, this was the first issue to bear the legend ‘Printed & published by the Proprietor E.F. Marston.’ There was no editorial comment either by Davey concerning his departure or by Marston about his acquisition of the paper. The ‘Topics in General’ column which starts the news reverted to an earlier habit of omitting headings and of moving confusingly from one topic to the next unannounced. This was a practice resumed elsewhere in the paper as well. (In this issue column 7 on page 2 offers examples.)

Advt. At the Skating Rink Kooringa Commencing on 19 March there will be an Exhibition of the Celebrated Model of the Great Clock of Strasburg. It is 15’ high and weighs 2 tons. Admission 6d.

Infantry Camp at Gawler this week. About 20 men from Burra will attend.

Polo. At Aberdeen on Saturday: Mid-North 5 defeated Adelaide 4 and Burra 6 defeated Bungaree 2.

Cricket. At Aberdeen on Saturday: Ramblers 3 for 167 declared drew with Aberdeen 5 for 69.

Football. Ramblers Football Club AGM on Friday. A.D. McLaren in the chair.

In view of the Light Horse being likely to form a football club the Kooringa and Rambler Clubs would be left very weak. The chair thought it might be wise for them to combine. Mr Lackman supported this. The Kooringa club will be asked to consider this matter. On the same evening the Light Horse met at the Burra Hotel with S.M. Lane in the chair. It was decided to form a football club. Election: Hon. Sec., Mr Killicoat; Captain, L.A. Lewis; Vice-Captain, W.H. Stevenson.

Farrell’s Flat Sports were held on St Patrick’s Day, 17 March. Results are printed.

Miss Sharrard [or Miss Sharrad, depending on the sentence in the report] was given a social in Leighton Hall. She had been teacher at Leighton ‘for no long period’ and was leaving to get married.

[Strangely ‘she’ is also plural in some of the report, but there is no clear reference to the second (or indeed more) Miss Sharrard or Sharrad!]

Obituary. Mr J. Wilson, an old man who was knocked down and concussed by a trap at Saddleworth the previous week, died in Burra Hospital last Sunday. [John Wilson died 15 March at Burra, residence Saddleworth aged 68.]

XV, 1034, 19 Mar. 1913, page 3

Gold has been discovered near Robertstown.

Thomas McBride, of Redcliffe Station near Florieton, found good water by boring. Norman McBride, on his station, is down 200’ and hopeful of a good supply.

Farrell’s Flat-Booborowie Railway committee is working hard at defining the rating area and soliciting support etc.

Local Liberal Union Branch activities continue to be fully reported.

Canberra has at last been named and christened.

XV, 1035, 26 Mar. 1913, page 2

Marriage. Hanson Methodist Church 19 March.

Gertrude Humphrys, eldest daughter of Flower Humphrys and Harold C. Atkins.

Good Friday Services were held in all the churches and by the Salvation Army. A good many travelled to the tea meeting at Hanson.

Rain. Good falls have extended to the east with falls from 45points at Wahroonga to over 200 at Canegrass and it is still raining widely.

The Record Photographic Studio is to be reopened by a photographer with excellent credentials. Though practically under the same roof, the studio will not be connected with the business of The Record. [Though it is not stated, presumably the studio ceased to operate when Mr Davey sold the paper, as he was the photographer.]

Farrell’s Flat Annual Sports & Races were held on Monday last and all went well. The day ended with a concert and dance in the Institute. Results are not printed.

Football. The Kooringa Football Club AGM was held last Tuesday with George Lord in the chair. It was decided to solicit donations to write off the debt. [Of unstated size.] It was decided to amalgamate with the Ramblers. They favoured the name of the new team being Kooringa Football Club and for it to be affiliated with the Burra Football Association. A combined meeting of the two clubs adopted the name of the Kooringa Football Club.

Cricket. Aberdeen on Saturday: Aberdeen 159 drew with Booborowie 5 for 118.

Mt Bryan on Saturday: Mt Bryan 88 defeated Ramblers 86.

The home team had 10 men and Ramblers only 7.

[But Ramblers must have acquired a substitute since 8 names appear in the scores.]

Hockey. The AGM was held on Tuesday in the rooms of the Burra Musical & Dramatic Soc. Elected were Secretary, Miss A. Bullen; Treasurer, Miss N. McLaren; Captain, Miss H. Hunt; Vice-Captain, Miss A. Isaac.

Rev. C. Hopman of the Lutheran Church will preach in Mr Slattery’s Hall, Aberdeen, next Sunday at 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. The morning service will be in German and the afternoon in English.

[This hall was a new room attached to the Royal Exchange Hotel.]

Hanson Methodist Church Harvest Thanksgiving was held on 16 March. Profits from the usual Good Friday tea meeting there will be about £18.

Adelaide City Council has suppressed open-air meetings there by the Mormons.

The Strasburg Clock Exhibition has attracted great interest. It goes on to Terowie next week.

XV, 1035, 26 Mar. 1913, page 3

West Burra Copper Mine of William Blott & Son at Shafton about 3 miles west of Burra is proving to be the best discovery in the area since that of the Burra Burra Mine over 60 years ago.

Report of the Inspector of Mines.

The mine is situated on Section 118 of the Hundred of Hanson. [Since renumbered so on modern maps 116.] The recent discovery was accidental. A large quantity of stone was being carted from Mr Forrest’s cultivated field and placed on the side of the road. Mr Blott, who was employed breaking road metal, noticed copper carbonates and traced the source. Outcrops were not showing, so the land was trenched and a large lode containing malachite was found 18” down. In two of the surface workings a lode formation bears east and west with a slight angle to the south and is chiefly ferruginous calcite with malachite and copper glance from 1-4’. At one point an underlie shaft has been sunk in the lode to 30’. The formation is fairly defined and in the last 5-6’ of sinking and at the bottom the lode is 5’ wide of ferruginous calcite with a seam of malachite 3-4” wide on the hanging wall. The formation looks promising. At 26’ a drive has been started west. A better plan would be to resume sinking the shaft to prove the deposit. Present indications are highly encouraging. An analysis of samples taken is then printed.

Burra Town Council, 17 March.

Council resolved to try tar dressing of a road experimentally for a chain or two.

The Burra Band asked for the use of the Council Depot for practice on Sunday mornings. They regret the day, but can find no other.

Cr Wicklein was opposed, as there was a church right opposite.

The Mayor understood the band was practising in Victoria Park without permission and he would not care for the Council to officially sanction even that.

Cr Wicklein’s motion denying the request was passed.

Local Board of Health.

Mr Slattery of the Royal Exchange Hotel wrote that the Inspector of Hotels had ordered the removal of urinals and installation of a pan system. He had pointed out that this was not in operation in the town, but to no avail.

Cr Lane thought the pan system an abomination whether carried out in the night or the day. The Council should do all in its power to stop its use anywhere except where absolutely necessary.

Council approved the removal of the urinals.

Kooringa Post Office. Complaints about the poor lighting at the post office continue.

Obituary. Elizabeth Jane Pearce, daughter of the late Jeffrey Pearce, contractor etc. of Commercial St, died in Adelaide on 19 March aged 58. She had been born at Buckfact Lea [Perhaps Buckfastleigh?] in Devon and came to SA aged 2 in 1857 and lived in Kooringa until her death.

[Registered as Elizabeth Jane Pearse died 18 March at Nailsworth, residence Burra aged 56.]

Obituary. Joe Cartwright, a former Burra resident and former Broken Hill miner, died last week aged 50. He was a founder of the Utica Coper Mine Co. Some time ago he was terribly crushed in a fall of earth while engaged in Adelaide deep drainage work and never seemed to fully recover.

[Joseph Cartwright died 20 March 1913 in Adelaide, residence Bowden aged 50.]

Obituary. Mrs W. Thomas died at Auburn a few days ago aged 93. She was born at Penzance, Cornwall in 1819 and arrived in SA in 1840 with her husband and came to Burra when the mines first opened. After about 10 years they went to Auburn as farmers. Family members are: C.A. Thomas (Auburn), James Thomas (Unley), Mrs G. Ward (Parkside), Mrs E. Guppy (Broken Hill), Mrs R. Kirk, Broken Hill), Mrs W. Cook (Perth) & Miss Thomas (Auburn). Also 31 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren. [Identification not certain: possibly born Frances Reynolds. Died 25 February 1913 at Auburn aged 93.]

The Seaside Trip to Semaphore took place on 19 March. Some 600 adults and children took part. The day was excellent and a picnic was held on the beach. People joined at Hanson, Farrell’s Flat and Manoora as well. The train departed Burra at 6.30 a.m. The Burra Coronation Band went along to enliven the day. At Semaphore rooms had been set aside by local authorities at the Institute for the use of excursionists. The train took about five hours to get to Semaphore travelling directly from Dry Creek without going into Adelaide.

XV, 1036, 2 Apr. 1913, page 2

Advt. Elder Smith & Co. will sell the household furniture and effects of W.J. Davey and also the splendidly built residence at the corner of George and Ayers St in Kooringa.

Burra Institute. On 26 March a magnificent lecture, illustrated by wonderful slides, was given by Clement L. Wragge FRGS, FRMet Soc etc.

Mr & Mrs F.T. Schmidt of Ifradale, Mt Bryan, were tendered a social and presentation last Monday in the new hall on their leaving the district to live at Emu Downs.

Robertstown-Bright Silver-Lead Mine reports it has sunk a further 80-100’ and indications continue to be promising. The intention is to continue for a further 120-130’.

Obituary. Mrs Christina Behla, an early resident of Burra, but recently of Kiata, Victoria, died last week aged 81. She came to Adelaide in 1855 from Werben in Germany with her husband who died 15 years ago. They lived at Burra in the early days of the mine and she was well known south of Burra where her husband later farmed. She is survived by a son and three daughters.

[Probably born Christiane/Christiana/Christina Domarschenz/Domaschenz/Domaschens and her husband was apparently Matthias Behla.]

Gold has again been found at Ulooloo.

Obituary. Mat. Eyes died last Sunday in Adelaide aged upwards of 66. He had recently retired as a locomotive driver and was well known by all who travelled on the northern line. He had previously also driven on the London & NW Railway. There is one son who is superintendent of the Mt Lyell Railway in Tasmania. [Matthew Eyes died 30 March 1913 at Adelaide, residence Terowie aged 65.]

Tar-dressing of footpaths is going well and we hope to see it extended.

O. Finch has bought F.E. Chapman’s 497-acre farm on Shafton Estate, 3 miles west of Burra. There was a six-roomed stone house etc. and the property was in the process of conversion from Crown lease.

West Burra Copper Mine. A meeting was held in the Institute on Monday to for a company to work the copper find to the west of Burra on the property of Mr Alex. Forrest jnr. George Lord took the chair. It was decided to float a company to be called The West Burra Copper Mining Company, with a capital of £2,000 in 20,000 shares of 2/-. 12,000 shares will be offered to the public. Provisional directors are Messrs G. Lord (Chairman), S. Burns, S. Lane, A. Forrest jnr & D. Rabbich.

Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday in the premiership match: Ramblers 8 for 193 declared defeated Booborowie 58.

Point Pass Athletic Sports were held last Monday. Results are printed.

Hallett Sports were held on Easter Monday. Results are printed.

XV, 1036, 2 Apr. 1913, page 3

Burra Show Soc. The AGM was held. The society is in credit c. £75. Dog Trials to be held on 23 July. Elections: Sir J.J. Duncan; President, Thomas Sandland.

[Note: the committee includes C. Fuss & A. Forrest.]

[There are 13⁄4 columns of discussion on prizes and problems.]

World’s End Methodist Sunday School has been re-established and their anniversary was celebrated on 23 March. Rev. Nield & Mr W.J. Bailey preached.

W.J. Bailey has worked the Baldina and World’s End part of the Kooringa Circuit for 17 months. He has now been accepted as a candidate for the Methodist Ministry. Baldina and World’s End each tendered him a farewell last week and at Baldina on Thursday he was presented with a purse of sovereigns. Another was presented at World’s End on Friday by Mr T. McWaters. A silver shaving outfit and stud box was presented by the Wesley Guild.

Mt Bryan Methodist Sunday School held its picnic in E.W. bowman’s Mt Bryan paddock on Monday.

St Mary’s Sunday School held its picnic at the usual picnic ground on the Adelaide Road on Wednesday. [i.e. at Sod Hut.]

XV, 1037, 9 Apr. 1913, page 2

Advt. Elder Smith & Co. will sell by order of W.H. Field, who is retiring, the farm known as Westbury some 4-6 miles north and west of Burra.

Lot 1 comprises 663 acres in Hundred of Ayers: sections 154, 155, 156, 171, 172, 174 & 175 with a 7-roomed stone house etc., etc. [This area lies just south of the Leighton Road after Flagstaff Hill.]

Lot 2 comprises 119 acres in Hundred of Hanson, 6 miles west of Burra: Sections 802 & 804.

[Lying about 1.75 km south of Lot 1.]

Lot 3 comprises 384 acres in Hundred of Kooringa: Sections 43 & 47.

[Lying east of the railway line, but adjacent to it and now numbered 201 & 202.]

Railways. Residents of Booborowie, Leighton Ironmine and areas surrounding are coming out strongly for a Farrell’s Flat-Booborowie Railway. Petitions are being largely signed and they are prepared to pay a guarantee if any is needed.

Christian Endeavour Rally of the Burra District was held at Redruth Methodist Church last Wednesday and was well attended.

Obituary. Mr William Teutner died at Broken Hill on Tuesday leaving two children and a widow who is the daughter of Mr Ben Williams.

Obituary. Mrs Maguire, relict of Hugh Maguire, an old resident of Farrell’s Flat, died on 5 April aged 95. [Susan McGuire died 4 April aged 90 near Burra.]

Petty thieves are about: take care.

XV, 1037, 9 Apr. 1913, page 3

Rain out east has placed the country in great condition. Pine Valley Station has had 6” for March and the country around Quondong and Oakbank has never looked better.

Utica Copper Mining Co. Mr Jones, Inspector of Mines, has selected two sites for prospecting shafts and contracts have been let for reaching the 100’ level, to drive on the lodes, and to crosscut to prove the other lodes between the shafts. The visible ore has a high percentage of copper.

SAR have called for the position of stationmaster at Hanson due to the increased work there. A new crane and weighbridge are to be installed. 70,000 bags of wheat arrived there this year.

Tennis. At Kooringa Mr Letheby succeeds Mr Paull (who is quitting the bank and the district) as secretary.

Polo. At Hallett on Saturday: Mid-North Seconds 3 defeated Burra 0.

Mid-North 5 drew with Broken Hill 5

On Monday: Broken hill 5 defeated Mid-North 4.

Football. The combined club officially took the name ‘The Kooringa Club’ on Tuesday last week and the Association meeting then followed. The Association this year will comprise Kooringa, Aberdeen, Light Horse, Hallett & Terowie.

The Aberdeen Club met on Saturday with C. Fuss in the chair. They elected: Patron, C.C. Bartholomaeus; President, J.H. Gallagher; Secretary, J. Pickering; Treasurer, R. Davey; Captain, A. Lomman; Vice-Captain, R.B. Jones.

XV, 1037, 9 Apr. 1913, page 4

Note the use from here on of page 4 for some news.

Redruth Court, 2 April.

George Lyons fined 10/- + 15/- costs for having no light on his vehicle.

George Lord fined 10/- + 15/- costs for owning stray horses.

Johannah Warner fined 10/- for a stray cow.

[These fines represented a change in policy. In recent times the fines had usually been 2/6, but the SM thought this was a ridiculously low figure that clearly had no deterrent effect.]

I.J. Warnes v. Morgan Bros. Warnes was seeking £20 damages for trespass.

The argument was over the right of the occupier to deny travelling stock access to a dam or dams in which he was trying to conserve water in a drought. There had been a Government dam within easy walking distance for the stock.

The evidence extends for c. 12⁄3 columns and resulted in a verdict for the plaintiff of £7-10-0 + costs. The plaintiff gave the damages, less expenses, to the Burra Hospital, having no desire to make money out of the affair.

XV, 1038, 16 Apr. 1913, page 2

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd, under instructions from C. Casaretto, who is relinquishing the keeping of a boarding house, will sell allotments 1, 2, 3, & 4 in the Township of Mt Bryan, each containing 1⁄4 acre near the railway station.

Advt. Kooringa Methodist Church calls a meeting of members, adherents and friends in the church on 22 April to consider the New Church Scheme with an estimated cost of £3,000.

An article adds that the plans and draft specifications have been prepared by Cowell & Cowell, architects of Adelaide. Expert opinion is that it is not possible to repair the present structure with any advantage.

Advt. Mrs M. Wilks has opened a maternity home in Paxton Terrace.

Albert Ward, who previously conducted and owned the butchering business of W.T. Truscott, visited Burra from Kadina on Friday.

Robertstown-Bright Silver-Lead Mine prospects continue to look good. The shaft is now down to 112’.

Mr Paull of the Bank of Australasia, who is leaving the district, was farewelled at the Commercial Hotel on Thursday. He was presented with a thermos flask and smoker’s outfit.

Obituary. Rev. Joseph Hancock, the state’s oldest Methodist minister, died at the beginning of the week in Adelaide aged 91. He was once stationed in Burra. [Died 9 April at North Adelaide.]

Utica Mining Co. has begun operations sinking two shafts: one on the north end of the claim and one more centrally. It is believed the lode in both shafts will be found to unite with an outcrop that has been worked by open cut. At present the mine is employing four men.

The Seaside Trip Committee met on Tuesday and found they had a credit balance of just over £5. They thanked Mr Robertson for the loan of his motor lorry to get children to the station and the Port Adelaide Corporation for the facilities made available at Semaphore.

The Burra Town Council has decided to place a lamp outside the Kooringa Post Office. The postal authorities continue their inaction in the matter.

XV, 1038, 16 Apr. 1913, page 3

Broken Hill by Road. There is a 1⁄4 column report of a motor trip from Adelaide to Broken Hill taking 5 days. The proposed route had to be abandoned on account of mud and instead they went Burra, Alford, Braemar, Faraway Hill, back to Braemar, Nackara, Mannahill, Yunta, Cockburn & Broken Hill.

Obituary. Henry Herbert died at East Moonta on Monday aged 75. He was a former Burra Resident who was organist at the Primitive Methodist Church. [Died 7 April 1913 aged 73.]

Burra Town Council, Monday of last week.

G.R. Ridgway wrote expressing surprise at the tone of a letter from the Town Clerk threatening to regard his stock as trespass after his lease on the reserve expired in the near future. He offered to continue to lease the reserve for £1 p.a. for 1 acre of land.

Cr Walker did not see the need to threaten Mr Ridgway. He understood no harm had been done to the reserve, which was let for horses not cows.

Not a dozen horses, was the Mayor’s comment.

Cr Walker was not, however, in favour of leasing any reserves. Councillors generally were aggrieved at the use of the reserve for horses and a clothesline and refused to renew the lease. It would, they said, cost 5-6 years’ rental to restore the reserve.

The General Traffic Manager of SAR wrote to say that the Bon Accord crossing was comparatively open and trains crossed at low speed so that no electric bell or gong was justified.

The local MPs are to be approached about the matter.

Cr Lane expressed concern at the speed of motorcars in the town.

It was decided to make temporary repairs to the 24-year-old bridge at the rear of the Burra Hotel. The Overseer was of the opinion that ‘it will go down the creek most likely, the next flood’.

It was decided to place a new Grietzner lamp, like that in the Rotunda, at the Kooringa Post Office.

It was resolved to erect a retaining wall on the plantation near Lewis’s Bridge and remove a dead tree at the same site.

The Mayor said the plantation near Lewis’s Corner had not yet received an official name. [i.e. that on the corner of Kangaroo and Commercial Sts.] Several had been suggested, including McLaren’s Vale and Harris’s Pride.

Cr Walker thought that Philip Lane was worthy of remembering.

Cr Lowe agreed it would be a good way to perpetuate his memory.

It was agreed unanimously (with Cr S.M. Lane abstaining) that it be called Lane Garden, subject to the approval of the family.

Local Board of Health.

Mrs Wilks was granted a licence for a maternity home.

The urinals at the Burra Station need immediate attention.

Polo. At Burra on Saturday: Mt Crawford 10 defeated Mid-North 4.

Football. The Burra Association met in Mr Allen’s room on Tuesday to arrange the year’s program. Details extend for 2⁄3 column.

Marriage. At Booborowie on 2 April Annie Affolter married P.E. Jenkins.

Coach Accident. The horses on the Spalding-Gulnare coach bolted on Wednesday last and the coach overturned, throwing all the passengers to the ground. Several were considerably hurt.

XV, 1038, 16 Apr. 1913, page 4

Theatregraph Pictures will be shown in the Institute every Friday night using an electric light plant. This Friday the features will be 4 Dare Devils: the greatest circus picture ever made. Also see the Oakbank Steeplechase.

Mr & Mrs N. Lihou celebrated their diamond wedding last Saturday at their eldest son’s home (H.W. Lihou) at Pt Pirie. Mr Lihou is 84 and his wife 87. They are colonists of 60 years. Mr Lihou was a guard on the SAR and was the guard on the first train to Burra in 1870. He left the railways in 1877 to conduct a cordial factory in Queen St opposite J.M. McBride’s residence for seven years. Three sons and one daughter are living: H.W. Lihou (Pt Pirie), S. Lihou (Broken Hill), A.E. Lihou (Murray Bridge) & Mrs R. Burt (Southern Cross WA). There are 20 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

XX, 1039, 23 Apr. 1913, page 2

Note that this is the first issue with a newly designed masthead.

It is also the beginning of Volume XX, though there is no obvious reason for choosing XX.

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, Friday: The Re-incarnation of Karma.

Advt. Car No. 2,203 For hire on stand, Kooringa. R. Turner.

William John Pearce, formerly of Burra, but who has been working as a butcher in Broken Hill, has gone missing and police have been searching for over a week. Financial worries are thought to be behind ‘his mental lapse’.

Counterfeit Coins are being circulated: beware.

Obituary. Constance Gwen Drew, wife of Harold C. Drew well known in Burra, died suddenly at Gilberton on Tuesday aged 30. [Born Constance Gwen Lloyd 17 December 1882 at Queenstown: died 15 April 1913 at Gilberton aged 30.]

The retaining wall in the side of the creek near the Commercial St Bridge will improve the wellbeing of the town and improve that locality.

Mr Ogilvey postmaster at Kooringa went to Hanson on Saturday to open the telephone and telegraph extension to that place. The business has been opened at the public school in connection with the post office.

Messrs L.A. Lewis & J.C. Killicoat have passed exams for 2nd lieutenant in the Citizen Forces.

Burra Town Council, Monday.

Cr Wicklein introduced the idea of lighting the town with electricity. Surely, he said, if smaller places like Crystal Brook and Jamestown could make it pay, Burra could too. The initial cost would probably be c. £5,000, maybe less. At Gawler it was £4,000, but the plant had to be doubled due to demand. He moved the clerk obtain all necessary information. The Mayor was aware of the great satisfaction expressed in Gawler.

XX, 1039, 23 Apr. 1913, page 3

Farrell’s Flat-Booborowie Railway. A petition for the railway from 198 residents has been presented to Booborowie District Council and they are asked to support it in presenting it to the Hon. Commissioner of Public Works. Mr Murray, Chairman of the District Council, addressed a large meeting of ratepayers in the woolshed on old Booborowie Estate, promising full support. The presentation will be made next Thursday in Adelaide.

E.A. Ridgway writes re ‘that’ parkland. He says the Mayor’s comments about parklands etc. do not fit this case. About 30 years ago the parkland in question was fenced by the Burra Corporation and handed over to my late father for 7 years. He planted all the trees and otherwise beautified it, but all he ever got was ‘abuse’. The Council have never improved it, though they have got close to £20 rent for it. Cr Lane believes the insulting letter was deserved and the Council to have been ‘scandalously abused’ in allowing horses and cattle there. I have never depastured cattle there – though three or four previous tenants of it have done so. There have been clotheslines in the park since its inception and only the ‘present ascetic Council’ has likened it to a backyard. I have one horse and a few of a friend were there briefly until I received the Council’s demand for their removal.

[I wonder if ‘aesthetic’ fits the requirements better than ‘ascetic’?]

Cricket. The season just ended was greatly helped by the formation of the Association. The premiership was decided by 2 points for a win, 1 for a draw and 2 for a forfeit. At the end of the season Ramblers with 21 led from Booborowie 20 and Hallett 19.

Won Lost Drawn

Ramblers 7 2 7

Booborowie 8 4 4

Hallett 5 2 9

Aberdeen 2 8 6

Mt Bryan 2 8 6

Best batsman for Ramblers was John Drew with an av. of 67 and best bowler was A.L. Fulwood with an av. 5.5.

Football. In a scratch game on Saturday at Victoria Park Kooringa defeated Light Horse.

[No scores are given.]

Ironmine Methodist Church Anniversary was last Sunday when Rev. Martin of Terowie preached. The tea meeting on Monday 14th was largely attended.

Salvation Army. Lt-Col. Graham had a good attendance at Slattery’s Hall on Friday 11 April and on Sunday at the Barracks. He spoke on Java and Its Millions in the afternoon.

Burra Institute Committee Meeting.

Much of the debate was over whether a lecture series was:

Desirable to ‘raise the intellectual status of the town’.

Able to attract an audience.

Would pay for itself.

Mr Nield thought that if they could pay £80 for a dance floor then £15-15-0 for three lectures was not too much.

Mr Johnson thought that the loss would be considerable.

Mr Fuss thought the lectures should be thrown open and the Institute bear the whole cost, which Mr Johnson supported.

Eventually it was decided that they would bear the cost of two lectures illustrated with lanternslides for £7-7-0, though Mr Wilkinson saw it as a dead loss.

The Secretary reported that with 121 subscribers the reading room was crowded. The President thought of throwing the reading room and the library into one.

The Institute has between £200 & £300, which Mr Wilkinson says was wanted for building extensions.

XX, 1039, 23 Apr. 1913, page 4

Robertstown-Bright Silver-Lead Mine claim has sparked renewed interest in the old Carn Brea Copper Claim, now renamed the St Elmo and the men there will sink a shaft 40’ and then drive.

XX, 1040, 30 Apr. 1913, page 2

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, 2 May: The Starbucks: a drama of the South.

Advt. The Burra Skating Rink will re-open on Thursday 1 May with a new re-laid floor.

Editorial on ‘Ourselves’

For some few weeks the Burra Record has been under new management. The incoming proprietor is Mr Ernest F. Marston, late of The Leader, Numurkah, Victoria. It is usual under such circumstances to make some announcements about policy.

We believe the large important and growing district will support a larger journal than the Record as presently issued.

This will take a little time as we become better acquainted with the area, establish networks and overcome mechanical difficulties.

Our ambition is to see, in each issue, a chronicle of the week’s happenings in the district.

The local paper should represent the whole district and not any sect or section and in reporting public matters we will have neither friends nor enemies.

2nd Leader on Lighting the Town.

When Cr Wicklein brought up the question of electric lighting we were inly surprised it had not been raised earlier. Dozens of smaller towns in Australia manage it with good results. The initial cost will probably be c. £4,000 and maintenance, depreciation sinking fund and interest will all total c. £600 p.a. With over 300 houses in Kooringa alone and taking them all in would average c. £2 p.a. and though not every house would be connected, the hotels, shops and public buildings would compensate. The present lighting costs of c. £90 p.a. represent an assured revenue. In some towns the water supply is worked electrically and this could also be investigated. Electricity is undeniably more economical and superior for lighting. A generous lighting bill for electricity for a six-roomed villa in Adelaide is c. 7/- a month which compares well with kerosene at 5/- a tin. Generally electricity could be supplied cheaper than that if the Council did not have to make a profit. In addition to lighting electricity could provide for electric fans, electric irons and electric radiators.

E.J. Harris has been elected unopposed the Burra School Board of Advice. We have no doubt of his suitability, but there was an almost complete lack of publicity about the vacancy. Surely it should be advertised widely in the district.

Obituary. Mrs Pearn, relict of the late W. Pearn, died at Moonta on 25 April aged 92. She was a former resident of Burra. She was born in Cornwall and came to Australia in 1855 and travelled straight to Burra and stayed there till 1864 when she went with her husband to the Victorian goldfields. After returning to SA they settled at Moonta. She leaves four daughters, 22 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. [Birth records offer the names: Kezia Wilton, Kezia Wiltore, Kezina Wilton & Kezia Nilton. Death registrations are remarkably unhelpful.]

The Burra Cinderella Class will run six dances on the same lines as last year. (W. Pederson Secretary.) Beginning on 7 May and then fortnightly.

Robertstown-Bright Silver-Lead Mine work proceeds. The main shaft is now at 119’ with the lode improving and the whole continues to look very encouraging.

J.A. Southwood of Kadina, Labor MP, addressed electors from the Rotunda on Saturday evening. Cold weather limited the attendance.

Obituary. Mrs Elizabeth Tonkin died last week at Nailsworth aged 83. She was a former Burra resident of the mining days and a long-standing colonist. She was the widow of the late W.H. Tonkin of Railway Town, Broken Hill and was well known there and at Moonta. [Died 12 April 1913 at Prospect.]

T.W. Wilkinson with Dr & Miss Brummitt visited Fiji some time ago and have now donated and collected money to provide a £129 motorboat for the Nadroga Methodist Circuit there.

XX, 1040, 30 Apr. 1913, page 3

Koomooloo Sports were held last Monday. The results are printed.

Burra Rifle Club. 6th match for the B.W. Pearse Trophy. In aggregate points to date G.L. Nutt with 19 leads G. Herbert 12.

Leighton Rifle Club. AGM last Saturday at Leighton Hall. I.J. Warnes resigned as Captain to be replaced by J. McDonald. R. Fairchild Secretary & Treasurer.

Leighton Hall AGM last Saturday in the Hall. President I.J. Warnes presided. Continuing liabilities on the property were now £120. Upwards of £250 has been paid off since the hall opened.

SAR. The Bon Accord crossing has been much improved, but still has no protection. Increasing traffic has resulted from the population increase to the west and the new bridge being constructed between Burra and Copperhouse. Protection is needed.

Burra Hospital. A report on the state of the building says it is unsuitable as a hospital and the site is not ideal. The matter is to be brought to the attention of the Premier and chief Secretary who visit Burra today.

Stray dogs are a problem and someone seems intent on solving it by spreading poison bait, but unfortunately it seems valuable dogs are mostly the victims.

By Car to Broken Hill. Mrs W. Edwards drove a 22 h.p. Ford from Adelaide to Broken Hill on Wednesday, stopping only at Gawler, Burra and Petersburg, staying in each place a few hours. She was accompanied by her daughter.

Sturt Vale Sports were held on Monday. There are no results. [But they appear in the paper of 14 May.]

Kooringa Methodist Church. The meeting on 22 April considered the options. The repair of the existing church would cost £1,000 and a new church £3,000. No one supported repairs. £323 was immediately promised from 170 donors ranging from 6d to £50. Before the meeting dispersed two further promises of £150 and £100 were made to bring the total to £573, since when further sums have brought it to £660.

Burra Show Soc. A special meeting was called to discuss the opinions of sheep breeders on trophies offered by W. Hawker (of Anama, Clare) and T.H. Pearse & Sons (of The Gums), to stimulate interest. Details of the entry conditions are printed. After discussion the Hawker Trophy was accepted on the conditions named and the Pearse Trophy accepted subject to clarification concerning the number of days’ growth of fleece. There was also a discussion concerning the feeding of exhibited sheep, but that was eventually adjourned.

Rev. T.M. Flood was welcomed to Hallett Methodist church on Thursday.

XX, 1040, 30 Apr. 1913, page 4

Obituary. Mrs A. Messenger, a former Burra resident, died at Queenstown on Monday. She was a colonist of over 70 years, having been born in Kent in 1833 and coming to SA on the Resource with her parents in 1840. In the early days her husband, Thomas Messenger, carted ore by bullock team to Pt Adelaide. She is survived by five sons, five daughters and 56 grandchildren. [Born Amy Mills in 1834: died 21 April 1913 at Queenstown aged 79.]

Farrell’s Flat-Booborowie Railway. The petition was presented to the Hon. R. Butler, Commissioner of Public Works, on Thursday as an application under the District Railways Act.

2⁄3 column of details are printed.

Burra Town Council, 21 April.

The Postmaster-General advises that lighting at the Kooringa Post Office will be attended to.

SAR will further investigate the safety of the Bon Accord crossing.

Cr Walker gave notice of a motion to plant the three-cornered plot opposite the Royal Exchange Hotel.

Cr Parks reported that 150 trees were needed for West Ward.

Cr Walker said his ward needed the same number as last year (about 100), as all last season’s had died.

Council decided to order 500 trees.

R. Turner applied for a motorcar licence. By-laws don’t cover this and information is to be sought from the Adelaide City Council.

[Judging from his advertisements this meant a licence to operate as a hire car or cab, rather than a licence to drive as such.]

XX, 1041, 7 May 1913, page 1

Note that for the first time news appears on page 1. It is only 2⁄3 column in column 6 and was certainly not a move to put major news in an eye-catching position. This week’s topic was a general article on forest conservation. This did not immediately become usual and when news appeared on page 1 it was often a small and insignificant item, but sometimes a considerable amount appeared.

XX, 1041, 7 May 1913, page 2

Liberal Party meeting in Institute on Thursday when Representative R.W. Foster & Miss Avis Chapman spoke.

Obituary. Mrs Augusta Sophie Duff, relict of the late J.F. Duff, died at her mother’s residence at Glenelg aged 52. She was the daughter of the late G.A. Gebhardt of Mackerode.

[Born Sophia Augusta Gebhardt 24 February 1861 at Kooringa: died 26 February 1913.]

Messrs Vivien Lewis, who have a garage in Commercial St have bought the house occupied recently by B. Bourman and are demolishing it to expand their workshop.

Burra Cinderella Class has its first dance of the season tonight in the Institute.

Broken Hill has an epidemic of typhoid and diphtheria [or diptheria in the paper]. The worst area is served by the sealed pan system on night-soil disposal.

Breeding Sheep. 350 rams will be sent from Canowie to Rockhampton in June and recently 400 Canowie rams from last year’s drop went to the Kimberley Pastoral Co. in WA. Wandillah has also sent 83 rams to Derby.

A slight earth tremor was felt on Friday at about 2 a.m.

Roller Skating has taken off well again at both Leighton Hall and the Burra Skating Rink.

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures next Friday: Zaza.

Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church, 30 April.

Alfred B. Riggs, 2nd son of Mr & Mrs J.A. Riggs of Kooringa and

Myrtle Fuss, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs A. Fuss of Aberdeen.

Joseph Nelson of Tumby Bay has been appointed assistant to the Kooringa Methodist Circuit. He will work in the three churches on the eastern side of the circuit and reside at Baldina.

[Presumably the three churches were Baldina, World’s End and Douglas, though nothing has appeared in the paper about Douglas for some time.]

Obituary. Leonard Grow, son of Mr & Mrs L. Grow of Kooringa, died on 4 May aged 16, following an operation for appendicitis. [Born 28 November 1896 at Kooringa: died 4 May 1913 at Kooringa.]

Tennis. On Saturday: Kooringa 3-28 defeated Kia-ora 2-19.

Cricket. Despite putting down a new pitch the club is still £2-8-0 in credit.

Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday:

Aberdeen 4.6 6.10 8.14 ?

Light Horse 0.0 0.1 0.1 2.3

[The report makes no sense: it says in the last quarter Aberdeen made the same number of points as Light Horse and ended with 13.13]

Golf. A meeting was held on Monday to re-form the Burra Golf Club. Dr Steele took the chair. It was decided to re-arrange and clean up the old links and hold the first competition next Monday.

XX, 1041, 7 May 1913, page 3

Acting Premier, Mr Butler & Chief Secretary Mr Bice visited Burra on Wednesday and the Mayor, Mr McLaren, took them to the school where the lighting problems were discussed. They then went to the Kooringa Police Station where the need for a verandah and another building was pointed out. After that they went to the Hospital where the building’s age and origin was explained. The Kooringa Ward was the main problem, having been built after the main building as a dance hall and it was in a dangerous condition, especially with respect to the ceiling and one of the walls. The Board proposes demolishing and rebuilding the ward to fit in with the W.H. Duncan Wing. They consider the rest of the building would stand for years. Mr Butler admitted that immediate alterations were necessary and thought the plan was reasonable. He will take it to Cabinet.

Burra Town Council.

Burra Burra Copper Co. writes saying they have placed the question concerning the purchase of frontages to the creek in Kooringa before their Board.

John Harvey has tendered his resignation as Overseer and Curator of the Cemetery.

A new footbridge is to be erected at the rear of the Burra Hotel.

Cr Walker moved for a fenced plantation in the triangle opposite the Royal Exchange Hotel.

Cr Lane opposed it as it was a bad corner and the enclosure would block Mr Pascoe’s business.

[Mr Pascoe owned a barbershop situated on the south side of the triangle.]

Cr Parks thought it would create a dangerous corner.

Cr Lowe said it would be no more of a block than the Rotunda in Market Square and make no more dangerous a corner.

Cr Walker said the suggestion came from those now opposed and he thought it would make a beauty spot.

Cr Lane admitted it was his idea at first, but after inspection he thought it undesirable.

The motion was lost.

A new fence will be put around the park in Aberdeen, comprising 4 wires and a top rail – 5’ in for the convenience of pedestrians.

[It is not clear what parkland is meant here, but Reed’s block was usually referred to as the Aberdeen Reserve and given the recent debate over Ridgway’s Parkland it is most likely to refer to that. This was the parkland on the west side of the creek immediately south of the Aberdeen Bridge.]

West Burra Copper Mining Co. The prospectus is issued for a company with 25,000 shares of 2/- each, of which 3,000 to be allotted to Mr A. Forrest, 2,500 to Mr W.P. Blott and 2,500 to Mr W.R. Blott as fully paid. 12,000 to be offered to the public at 1/- on allotment and 5,000 to be held in reserve.

Provisional Directors to be G. Lord (Chairman), S. Burns, S. Lane, A. Forrest jnr, H.E. Rabbich. Secretary pro tem Frank Treloar.

The company will acquire from Messrs A. Forrest jnr, W.P. Blott & W.R. Blott all their rights title and interest in Mineral Claim 9553 over certain lands being a portion of section 116 in the Hundred of Hanson etc. etc.

An Inspector of Mines’ Report follows.

[The whole prospectus occupies a full three columns.]

XX, 1042, 14 May 1913, page 2

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd: Sale of Valuable Residential Property on 6 June for the Kooringa Methodist Trust. Block 345 at the corner of Welsh Place and Quarry St. A commodious Modern Residence of six rooms, pantry, bathroom and stables. Presently in the occupation of C. D. Wilkinson.

Advt. Senate Election Meeting in Burra Institute 15 May. Sir Josiah Symon will address electors.

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures next Friday: Kathleen Mavourneen.

Advt. Band Concert next Monday 19 May in the Rotunda.

Advt. Tenders called for the sale of lot 24 Kooringa with house now occupied by John Allen and lots 108, 109 & 110 with house now occupied by Mrs Peak.

Birth. On 8 May to Mr & Mrs H.M. Ford, George St, a daughter, Silvie May.

The Eudunda-Robertstown Railway is being surveyed.

Obituary. Mr Griffith Harry, formerly of Burra, died at Malvern last Wednesday aged 74. He farmed for several years at Mt Bryan and was a member of the Mt Bryan District Council. He was born in Swansea, Wales and came to Burra in the early mining days. He is survived by his widow, Ann Harry. [Died 7 May 1913 at Malvern.]

Leighton Dramatic Club recently gave their first performance in Leighton Hall. It was a well-attended success.

XX, 1042, 14 May 1913, page 3

Black Oak Picnic at Sturt Vale on 28 April. Over 60 people attended. Results of sports are printed.

Pastoral Assoc. of Australia, Burra Branch.

The AGM is reported in 1⁄2 column. I.J. Warnes was elected President and Ed. Bowman was Vice-President.

Utica Mine. Prospecting has been continuing with shallow pits and open cut workings. Surface indications are good. There are two parallel lodes about 21⁄2 chains apart, the lode 3-6’ wide. A site has been selected for an underlie shaft to be sunk in earth to at least 100’ and sinking is in progress.

Mintaro Gold. Samples of gold continue to be found in a small way, as for a good many years now.

Robertstown-Bright Silver-Lead Mine. The shaft has reached 134’. The directors intend to issue more shares and will try for some Government assistance.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Anniversary was held last Sunday when Rev. W.J. Mortimer preached to large congregations. The school has 6 male and 29 female teachers and 90 male and 109 female scholars. Average attendance is 151.

St Mary’s Vestry Meeting last Friday. Mr Tovey was welcomed as a lay preacher to help especially in the Mission Districts.

The Strawberry Fete last year raised a record £139.

Mt Bryan Methodist Church was reopened last Monday after renovations.

XX, 1042, 14 May 1913, page 4

Petersburg residents are pushing for a hospital, which if built would relieve pressure on accommodation at the Burra and Jamestown Hospitals.

XX, 1043, 21 May 1913, page 2

Advt. Theatregraph Picture next Friday: The Convict’s Daughter.

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd will sell for the Estate of the Late Jeffery Pearce a Compact block of residences on Commercial and Hill Streets:

Stone house of six rooms (2 underground), fronting Commercial St & occupied by M. Pederson.

Stone house of six room and cellar, fronting Commercial St & occupied by Mr Isaacs.

3 stone houses each of four rooms, fronting Hill St & occupied by Mr Wilson & Miss Ward with 1 vacant.

The right of way at the rear of lots 1 & 2 will be reserved. Rental aggregate is £1-13-6 a week.

Burra Coronation Band under F. Wheatley played to a small crowd in cold conditions on Monday evening in the Rotunda. There were 16 members. Two years ago none could play a note except the conductor, moreover in that time 10 members have left for various reasons. Upwards of £2 was collected.

Young Men’s Class in connection with the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School will re-commence under Mr Day.

Burra Ladies Hockey Club took £22 as the door of the pictures on Friday. The cost was £12.

Obituary. Rev. T.B. Angwin died on 13 May. He was minister here from 1902 to 1905.

[Thomas Britton Angwin died 13 May at Jamestown aged 57.]

Several vagrants have been moved on of late after camping in disused mine buildings.

Mrs Pearce of ‘Burswood’ in Ware St, contrary to rumour, has not sold her residence and is still taking paying guests.

Burra Hospital. On a visit from the Chief Secretary and an architect from the Dept. of Public Works on Wednesday last it was decided to demolish the Kooringa & Nesbitt Wards and erect in their place a new building of three wards attached to the existing building. A new detached building will house a kitchen, dining room, laundry, etc. Work should begin next month.

J.M. McBride handed over a donation of £300 towards the new Kooringa Methodist Church on Monday, which brings donations virtually to £1,000. With the sale of property belonging to the church the £2,000 needed before building can begin is almost in sight.

Mr Mundy of the Kooringa Bank of Australasia has been transferred to Wirrabara.

Post Office. The Mayor has approached the Deputy Postmaster General and arranged to have the late mail from the city sent by the Broken Hill express.

Obituary. Maurice Coleman Davies has died in Perth. He was a former contractor for public works in SA and built the Kingston St Bridge.

A.W. Lott has been appointed 2nd Lieutenant in the 76th Infantry.

XX, 1043, 21 May 1913, page 3

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday.

Aberdeen 0.3 3.12 4.14 5.16 (46)

Kooringa 2.4 4.5 5.7 5.9 (39)

At Hallett on Saturday:

Light Horse 60 defeated Hallett 8.

The old Rambler Football Club ended the last season with some surplus funds and it has been decided to hold a smoke social on Saturday 26 July at the Commercial Hotel.

Golf. On Wednesday Wheatley 65 defeated V. Day 74 in a play-off for the trophy they had tied for on Monday.

Burra Rifle Club. 8th match for Pearse’s Trophy. M.A. Radford 90 from R.D. Pascoe 65.

Burra Town Council, ordinary monthly meeting last Monday.

Council is to get an estimate of the cost of electric lighting for the town.

The Municipal Assoc. advises the Council it can make by-laws to regulate motor traffic and can issue licences for motorcars to ply for hire.

The Railway Commissioner will place an electric gong at the Bon Accord crossing.

Thomas Tiver (Aberdeen) draws attention to the deplorable state of Sandford St.

[Since there is no Sandford St, this may be an error for Sancreed St.]

John Harvey has withdrawn his resignation as dayman. Accepted.

The Deputy Postmaster General advises that mail will be sent by the Broken Hill express from 19 May.

Newton McLaren & Co. advise that the scattered nature of the town will make lighting it more expensive than would otherwise be the case.

Cr Wicklein said the lamp at the National Bank corner had been moved and the light taken from Mt Pleasant. He moved it be replaced. Carried.

Local Board of Health.

A dwelling belonging to SAMA has been condemned as unfit for habitation. The Inspector reported it as filthy and with no glass in the windows. It is inhabited.

Hanson. The new residence for the stationmaster is nearing completion. It is a fine concrete structure.

Advt. Vote NO for the six questions being asked at the referendums on 31 May.

XX, 1043, 21 May 1913, page 4

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School. Detailed reports of the various departments read at the anniversary on 12 May are printed.

XX, 1044, 28 May 1913, page 2

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd are selling for Mrs Watson, sections 87 & pt 77, Cowden St Redruth, with a 5-roomed stone house and underground tank.

[The street name is an error for Crowan St.]

Editorial on West Burra Copper mining Co.

Is it possible to resuscitate the glory of the past mining era in Burra with the development of an adjacent lode? The indications of a rich find are there from assay results. Why let outsiders pick up the shares when anything from £1 up will buy a parcel of them? At those prices, even if it comes to nothing, no one would lose much. The money will be spent in the district.

St Mary’s. Former rector Rev. H.L. Ebbs dedicated the new reredos on Friday 23 May. It was a gift of Mrs W.P. Barker of Baldina. There are five panels finely carved in walnut by the ladies of the Cathedral Guild in Adelaide. The elaborate walnut framework reaches to the foot of the eastern window and flanking work extends across the eastern wall of the chancel. The work was executed by Messrs Boettger & Delank of Adelaide from the design of Mr Guy Makin and was put in place by Mr Delank last week.

St Mary’s has also secured the old pulpit from St Andrew’s Walkerville through Bishop Wilson, the churchwardens of St Andrew’s and Mrs W.E. Hodge. Many in Burra will associate it with memories of Archdeacon Dove.

Obituary. James G. Murphy died last week in Broken Hill. He was formerly well known as a footballer of both Burra & Broken Hill.

Mr T.O. Thomas is relieving Mr Ogilvy as postmaster in Burra during the election.

Electric Lighting.

The firm advising on the cost of lighting the town with electricity has promises totalling 450 lights in Kooringa, which it is believed would pay 8% depreciation, 6% interest and sinking fund and still return Council a profit of at least £20. To extend the scheme to North Ward would require some 300 lights and this number has not been forthcoming. A ratepayers’ meeting will be called when the report is presented.

XX, 1044, 28 May 1913, page 3

Bowls. For some time people have had ideas of forming a bowling club in Kooringa. One site was near the Hocky Club, but that is too far from the centre of town. Cr McLaren suggests the area behind the Council Depot, which is almost level.

Burra Musical & Dramatic Club has not been living up to its name and a meeting with Mr P. Milner (President) in the chair, has now decided to change it to simply ‘The Burra Club’ for the amusement of young men of the town. Entrance fee is to be reduced to 5/- and subs to 2/6 per quarter. It was decided to sell the near-new piano, which seems a shame as a concert or two in winter could wipe off much of the £50 owing.

W.H. Crowder, for over six years manager for Elder, Smith & Co. has been appointed valuer for the SA Savings Bank and will leave Burra next month.

Burra Show Soc. Meeting on Friday in the Institute.

The main discussion centred on the requirements for depasturing sheep to be shown to allow them to eat anything growing in paddocks including lucerne etc. [and not just native grasses] as long as they cut their own feed with their teeth and be neither rugged nor housed. The changes were necessitated said Mr Crowder because of changed management practices now. Most breeders were now growing lucerne. The changes to be effective with the 1914 show. [A later amendment brought the new rules in for the 1913 show because, in Mr Hawke’s word: ‘as the song said, “Everybody was doing it”’.

Mr Warnes 2nd Mr Crowder’s motion.

There was discussion about allowing the sheep to feed on cut lucerne or whether this would open it up to stall feeding and the use of cake, bran and oats. T. McWaters wanted an amendment simply that the sheep be not housed or rugged. The amendment was carried.

Mr Warnes moved they ignore a protest from Balaklava about the clash of dates of the Burra & Balaklava Shows and this was carried after discussion.

Leighton Dramatic Club staged The Bobbies Courtship and The Haunted Room at Leighton Hall on 21 May very successfully. A dance and supper terminated the evening.

Football. At Terowie on Saturday:

Terowie 3.1 6.4 8.5 9.14 (68)

Aberdeen 2.4 3.5 3.5 3.6 (24)

At Aberdeen on Saturday:

Kooringa 1.4 1.8 3.9 4.11 (35)

Light Horse 0.1 1.5 2.5 4.7 (31)

XX, 1045, 4 June 1913, page 2

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures on 6 June: When the Mask Falls.

St Mary’s. Mr & Mrs Tovey were welcomed at a social on Friday afternoon. Mt Tovey will assist Rev. S.J. Bloyd with the work in the scattered district of the parish.

On 1 June a memorial window was unveiled by Rev. S.J. Bloyd. The window was given by Dr A.R. Caw in memory of his wife, Kathleen Euston Caw, who died at Kooringa 21 May 1911. The subject is The Light of the World from Holman Hunt’s picture. It was made by H.L. Vosz, Adelaide.

Obituary. William Stewart died at Parkside on 1 June aged 72. His father at one time owned a station and then came to Aberdeen and took the White Hart Hotel before building the Bon Accord Hotel. William Stewart then became the proprietor of the White Hart for a number of years. For some time he was a butcher in Saddleworth. [Died 31 May 1913 at Hyde Park, residence Petersburg.]

C. Fuss of Aberdeen showed us, last week, beautiful specimens of ore from the Radium Extraction Co.’s mine to the northeast of Leigh’s Creek. It scintillated with all the colours of the rainbow. 2 cwt of the ore sold in London for £200 and it averages c. £15 a ton. The mine uses primitive methods to get about 10 tons a fortnight. Mr Fuss has made two trips to the mine under considerable difficulties – some of the distance being through ranges on camel back.

Burra Rifle Club. 7th match for Pearse’s Trophy. Total points so far place G.L. Nutt with 19 ahead of R.D. Pascoe with 18.

XX, 1045, 4 June 1913, page 3

The Federal Election.

A large crowd gathered in Commercial St to see the figures displayed as they came to hand in the Burra Record telegrams. Both Liberal and Labor supporters subscribed to meet the costs. Returns continued to be posted Monday and Tuesday. Mr Ogilvy, Kooringa postmaster, was the returning officer and Mr W.H. Hardy the presiding officer. Results for the Kooringa sub-division are given. In this subdivision all the referendums were lost, generally about 790 to 1300.

Burra Town Council.

Various minor road and associated works were discussed.

Cr Wicklein moved the parklands near Lewis’s Bridge be enclosed with a wire fence and produced a pattern of wire fencing he favoured. Carried.

Specifications are to be prepared to enlarge the cemetery behind a stone wall.

The footbridge near the Court House Hotel is to be repaired.

Pig netting is to be added to the Queen St footbridge to protect children.

Local Board of Health.

Two cases of diphtheria have occurred in the past month.

The hospital septic tank remains a problem.

Football. A meeting of the Aberdeen Football Club was held on 29 May in W. Carpenter’s room. C. Fuss took the chair. The object was to honour the Club’s President, J. Gallagher and A. Lomman, the Captain. Mr Gallagher was presented with an enlarged picture of the Aberdeen Football Club Premiers 1912 and a similar one was given to A. Lomman. Various items of entertainment followed to conclude an enjoyable social evening.

XX, 1045, 4 June 1913, page 4

Football. On Saturday at Victoria Park:

Kooringa 9.2 12.2 14.14 23.18 (156)

Hallett 0.0 0.0 1.0 1.0 (6)

Saturday at Terowie:

Terowie 3.6 11.15 12.18 20.23 (143)

Light Horse 1.2 1.2 4.6 4.6 (30)

XX, 1046, 11 June 1913, page 2

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, Friday: Nick Winter & the Ace of Clubs.

Advt. Wilmott’s Electric Pictures, Monday 16 June: The Temptations of a Great City and Illustrated Songs and Operatic Ballads by Miss Ettie Wilmott, Lady Baritone.

Rain to the east of Burra has averaged about 50 points.

Electric Lighting. Mayor J. McLaren with Councillors Lane & Harris & the Town Clerk went to Petersburg on Monday 9 June to discuss with Council members there the question of electric lighting. They also discussed a proposal to change the route of the Transcontinental Railway and the use of tar-dressed roads.

Obituary. Peter Tilbrook died at North Adelaide last week aged 95. Mr Tilbrook came to Australia in 1854 in the Albemarle and was a North Adelaide resident for 59 years. He is survived by four sisters and two brothers: Mrs Nunn (96) of Isle of Wight, Mrs Blott (93) of Adelaide and mother of Mr William Blott of Burra, Mrs Brown (87) of Cambridge UK, Mrs Stalley (85) of Prospect, Mr John Tilbrook (91) of Yacka and Mr James Tilbrook (83) of Western Coleville UK. There are over 40 great grandchildren. [Died 23 April 1913 at North Adelaide aged 94.]

Frost was very heavy on Tuesday with over 2” of ice on the water troughs.

Redruth Methodist Church Anniversary services were held last Sunday when the Rev. Edgar Arnold officiated.

XX, 1046, 11 June 1913, page 3

Football. The Burra Football Assoc. ran a special train to Petersburg on Monday. About 200 took the trip. Many took the chance to visit the SAR workshops and engine sheds. The Burra Coronation Band accompanied the team.

Petersburg Juniors 3.1 3.2 3.2 3.4 (22)

Burra Juniors 0.1 1.2 1.3 2.5 (17)

Petersburg 2.3 3.4 4.5 5.7 (37)

Burra 1.2 2.4 2.6 3.8 (26)

Golf. On Monday the handicap tournament was won by F.T. Harcus with 100 less a handicap of 20.

‘Assistant’ writes urging that Burra be brought under the Early Closing Acts 1911-12 to make Saturday the compulsory half-holiday.

SA Pastoral Assoc. Burra Branch met on Friday in the Institute. L.A. Lewis was voted in as secretary to replace W.H. Crowder, who is leaving the district.

Burra District Council. H. Fisher of Copperhouse wrote seeking permission to fence across a certain lane. Council could not find who had authority over the lane.

L.W. Gebhardt was given permission to erect a telephone line from Mt Bryan Post Office to Mokota.

XX, 1046, 11 June 1913, page 4

Redruth Local Court, 4 June.

Henry Bulling was fined 2/6 + £1-16-0 costs for discharging a pea rifle in Kangaroo St.

Arthur Richards was fined 2/6 + 15/- costs for owning a stray cow.

A. Wahlert was fined 5/- + 15/- costs for owning two stray cows.

Mary Jane Ashby v. Morty Daley in a dispute over a half-share agreement.

The detailed report extends for over 2 columns. The verdict was for the plaintiff with £3 damages plus £15-3-5 owed and £12-3-6 in costs.

XX, 1047, 18 June 1913, page 2

Notice. Ratepayers’ Meeting called for 24 June to discuss a proposal for a scheme of electric lighting.

Mr G. Bald has taken over the Kooringa Refreshment & Confectionery Rooms in Market Square next to Mt Truscott’s shop.

Burra District Council Elections, 16 June 1913. All elected unopposed.

Kooringa Ward Lancelot Ashley Lewis

Baldina Ward Thomas McWaters

King Ward Charles Back Warnes

Auditor Frank Treloar

Senior Cadets. Class Firing 1912-13. Maximum possible 165

Best shot was E.T.J. Rule with 137 from M.W. Dow with 112.

[Acting Cpl H.E. Fuss shot 75 as did Pte L.J. Gully.]

Burra Town Council

Cr Harris moved that the fence between Kooringa & Aberdeen be extended to Aberdeen. Carried.

Cr Walker moved a few loads of metal and gravel be obtained for Livingstone St, Fuss’s Hill and near Lane’s old shop. Carried. [I know of no Livingstone St or of anything sounding remotely like it.]

Tenders to be called for enlarging the cemetery wall.

Several councillors will go to Gawler on Wednesday to inspect the electric light works.

Local Board of Health.

Mrs Woollacott’s maternity home licence was renewed.

XX, 1047, 18 June 1913, page 3

Football. Saturday:

Aberdeen 0.1 4.7 4.8 7.11 (53)

Light Horse 3.0 3.0 4.1 6.3 (39)

Hockey. At Clare on 9 June: Burra 1 defeated Clare 0.

‘Observer’ writes decrying the playing of golf on Sundays.

Burra Show Soc. Mr Crowder queried whether the motion carried at the last meeting was in order: it being vitally different from the one for which he had given due notice. The Chairman ruled it out of order and therefore struck from the minute book.

WCTU met at Jubilee Hall on 10 June with Rev. W.A. Bainger in the chair.

XX, 1047, 18 June 1913, page 4

Burra Institute Committee Meeting. The Institute was in credit £309. The librarian reported 125 members, which was a record for the history of the Institute.

Redruth Methodist Church held its Anniversary meeting on 10 June. Treasurer, Paul Roach, said that in the year the debt had been reduced by £60 leaving £270 owing.

Pualco Sports were held on 26 May (Mr Gallagher’s Station). The results are printed.

XX, 1048, 25 June 1913, page 2

Advt. Theatregraph Picture, Friday: In a Fix.

Advt. Mr G. Bald has taken over the rooms lately conducted by Mr J. Allen in Market Square.

West Burra Copper Mining Co. has been successfully floated with some 10,000 shares taken up. Some 2,500 are still available. Time to apply has been extended to 27 June due to the recent illness of the secretary, Mr Frank Treloar.

Obituary. The daughter of F. Finlay of Leighton has died from appendicitis aged 8.

[Mary Elizabeth Finlay born 22 September 1904 at Levis Hill near Kooringa: died 17 June 1913 at Burra, residence Leighton.]

W.H. Bruce’s 6d Bazaar is operating in the shop next to the Savings Bank in Commercial St., headed by that great entertainer Lord George Nelson.

Redruth Band of Hope met on 18 June in Jubilee Hall.

Golf. The competition on Monday was won by F.C. Harcus 85 with a handicap of 8 for 77.

Leighton Dramatic Club Concert in the Hall on 19 June was most successful.

XX, 1048, 25 June 1913, page 2-3

W.H. Crowder was farewelled at a smoke social at the Burra Hotel on Friday. Mr Crowder was manager of Messrs Elder, Smith & Co. and has been appointed valuer for the State Savings Bank. The speeches, toasts and items are reported in 11⁄4 columns.

XX, 1048, 25 June 1913, page 3

Football. Victoria Park on Saturday:

Kooringa 0.4 2.7 3.10 5.12 (42)

Terowie 1.2 1.4 2.8 2.9 (21)

Monday:

Burra 5.4 7.7 8.8 8.10 (58)

St Francis Xavier 1.1 3.1 3.2 4.2 (26)

Hockey. At Burra on Monday: Burra 2 defeated Clare 1.

Declaration of the Poll for Wakefield.

Foster 14,193 elected (Liberal)

Harvey 12,213 (Labor)

[These figures are absurdly large and another report on page 4 gives Labor 2267 and Liberal 3112.]

Burra Rifle Club. AGM at the Burra Hotel on Friday. Prizes and winners are printed.

Best 10 scores at 600 yards G.L. Nutt

Best at 200, 500, 600 & 300, 600 & 700 yards with handicap Captain Lord

Best younger marksman E.A. Riggs

Best average at Interclub matches A.B. Riggs

Highest score off the rifle G.L. Nutt

XX, 1049, 2 July 1913, page 2

WCTU met in Jubilee Hall 25 June and decided to meet on the last Wednesday every month.

Entertainment. G.W. & Madam Maud Heller will appear at the Institute on 3 July.

Noted for spiritualistic wonders, clairvoyance, instrumental and vocal selections etc.

Obituary. W.H. Henderson died [at Kooringa] on 25 June aged 71, of senile decay. Mr Henderson had a business in Burra for 44 years and was born in Hawick, Scotland. He landed in SA in 1869 and went briefly to Clare before establishing a machinist and fitting business, now Henderson Bros and run by his sons. He leaves three daughters, two sons and 27 grandchildren: Mrs Alex Harris (Kooringa), Mrs Turley (Broken Hill), Mrs Haggar (Broken Hill), James A. Henderson (Kooringa) & Roy Henderson (Kooringa).

Rev. S.J. Hoban of Ballarat will preach at the Kooringa Methodist Church on 6 July.

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures on Friday: The Quality of the Nobility.

Advt. Burra Skating Rink will close with a fancy dress carnival on 9 July on account of alterations.

Advt. Lutheran Church Services will be held in Jubilee Hall, Redruth, by Rev. C. Hoopmann next Sunday with a German service at 11 a.m. and an English service at 3.30 p.m.

Kooringa Court.

Frank Carter was fined £1 or 7 days for being drunk and using indecent language: the fine was not paid.

Accident. On Friday near St Mary’s Mr Roach’s dray was passing a trolly driven by C. Lord when a horse ridden by J. Goodridge of Leighton ran into it and was impaled on the shaft. Goodridge escaped injury, but the horse had to be shot.

Obituary. Mrs T. Harvey of Aberdeen died on 24 June aged 68.

[Mary Ann Harvey died 24 June 1916 at Burra, residence Aberdeen aged 68.]

G. Lord writes in support of the electric light scheme.

XX, 1049, 2 July 1913, page 3

Electric Light. Ratepayers’ Meeting on 24 June at the Institute.

The Mayor said Burra was in a good position to install electricity with no competing gas supplies and no town debt. Gawler and Kadina, both with debt, had successfully installed it. Jamestown had borrowed £3,000 to install electricity and Angaston was to be lit as well. In Kooringa canvassers had promises for 450 lights without banks, public buildings or offices, where directors had to give consent. Council was for going ahead borrowing at 5%. He would not support paying more. A scheme for Kooringa could be got for £2,300 with another £700 to include Aberdeen, which would need another 300 lights to make it pay – or £12 a month.

The firm, Messrs Turner, Robertson & Co. would undertake to run the plant, guarantee to pay the interest, 8% depreciation and a certain profit – depreciation being on £1,300 and not on the wires and posts. He was in favour, but the Council needed sanction of ratepayers for the scheme to raise a loan. Mr Crewes said he was a novice and was present to learn the pros and cons, but was for electricity: acetylene gas was dirty and expensive.

Mr Turner said each light with lamp would cost 22/- and a 50 candlepower light would burn 2 hours for 1d and 16 candlepower 4 hours for 1d. The present estimate allowed for 60% extension, which was believed adequate. There would be a saving on street lighting of nearly £30 in Kooringa. In the unlikely event of the scheme not paying there would be a charge on the rates. Council would carry the wires 60’ from the main free and the charge would then be 1/- per yard to the consumer.

Mr Crewes thought a margin of 60% for growth was insufficient. Burra was going to grow and might have another copper mine. He also wanted North Ward included. He moved the meeting approve the installation of electric light. Mr H. Thomas 2nd.

He believed the powerhouse should be in the centre instead of at the depot down in Cemetery Flat. Mr Turner said any large plant was out of the question and uneconomic. In canvassing Aberdeen he could get a promise of 21 lights. [Though he says he was there for 11⁄2 hours of which 1 hour was wasted with hotel keepers.] If the powerhouse were not at the depot it would require land rental and another building and so cost another £1,000 and would not pay.

Mr Crewes thought if it wouldn’t stand another £60 p.a. costs then ‘it must be pretty near the rocks’.

Mr Turner said a large engine would mean a loss of at least £10 a month. It was cheaper to duplicate when needed.

Mr Dane thought the canvassing was inadequate: he hadn’t been asked and he lived next door to a Councillor and was dying for electric light.

The Mayor said the limit for the town was to borrow £4,000. More enquiries would be made and another meeting held after a thorough canvass of the town.

The motion was carried almost unanimously.

Mr Winnall was not sure that moving the Council borrow £3,500 was wise, as if passed any 20 ratepayers could demand a poll and the motion would not be binding on Council. Nevertheless, he did so move and Mr Hodge 2nd.

Mr Fuss thought it would have been better to have moved it after the town had been canvassed.

The Mayor said the Council would desire a poll be taken. The motion was passed.

Football. On Saturday:

Light Horse 3.7 3.7 3.9 3.11 (29)

Hallett 0.0 1.2 1.3 2.7 (19)

Burra Western District Horse Breeding Soc. Has been formed. President, J.H. Rogers; Hon. Sec., A.D. McDonald. An extract of the constitution is printed in 3⁄4 column.

XX, 1049, 2 July 1913, page 4

Article on Effective Voting.

XX, 1050, 9 July 1913, page 2

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, 11 July: A Royal Sin.

Notice. The Burra Skating Rink will close from this date until further notice and the carnival advertised for 9 July has been cancelled.

Funeral Notice. The funeral of William J. Woolacott [sic] will leave his residence at Redruth at 2.30 p.m. 9 July for the Kooringa Cemetery.

Editorial on the need for something like a Progress Committee for Burra.

Mr Cumming has found gold between World’s End and Bright. A Pt Pirie syndicate is interested.

Obituary. W.J. Woollacott died on 8 July aged c. 60, leaving a widow, but no family.

[This obituary was corrected in the next issue.]

West Burra Copper Mining Co. has now had all its shares taken up.

Captain J.A. & Mrs Watt, who have been active in the Wallaroo Presbyterian Church, were farewelled last Friday. An inscribed Gladstone kitbag was presented. Capt. Watt also received presentations from the various military branches he has been connected with in Wallaroo and Moonta.

Vandalism. Mr Frank Harris’s chocolate machine was pulled over on Monday night. He offers £2 reward.

XX, 1050, 9 July 1913, page 3

Rev. S.J. Hoban’s visit is reported in 3⁄4 column.

Burra Town Council considered a range of minor works and accepted P. Phillips’ tender of £128-10-0 for the cemetery wall.

Football. Saturday:

Aberdeen 1.2 4.7 5.8 6.9 (45)

Kooringa 2.2 3.2 5.3 5.5 (35)

Hockey. At Balaklava on 2 July: Burra 7 defeated Balaklava 0.

XX, 1051, 16 July 1913, page 2

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, Friday: Shadows of the Night.

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will sell on 31 July at 12.30 at the Burra Institute, under instructions from SAMA the whole of their properties at Kooringa and Graham in 50 lots ranging from small allotments to 150 acres. Including 5 shops and 44 cottages etc.

Advt. Burra Show Soc. Sheep Dog Field Trial 23 July.

Advt. Dance at the Institute 23 July in aid of the Burra branch of the Labor Party.

Advt. Annual St Joseph’s Bazaar on 17 & 18 October at the Institute.

Advt. British & Foreign Bible Society annual meetings next Sunday.

Notice. Mr & Mrs L. Day thank Dr Steele etc. for attention to out little friend Amy Ethel Timm.

Obituary. Leonard John Lord, youngest son of George & Caroline Lord, died 9 July at Adelaide of pneumonia aged 24. [Born 23 November 1888 at Moonta Mines.]

Obituary. William John Woollacott, husband of M.A.L. Woollacott and fond father of Mrs Harry Tame of Pt Pirie, died on 8 July at his residence, the Maternity Home, Redruth aged 61. Survived also by one brother, four sisters and four grandchildren. [Born 9 June 1852 District of the Murray.]

Editorial on the Burra Institute. There are plans for a new members’ room. The committee has decided to get specifications for a new room and has shelved ideas for a billiard room, at least for the near future. The editor wonders whether the opposite choice might not have been better. What, he asks, does the Institute really offer the young men of the town. If the committee wants to attract young men it must supply something that will appeal to them. The Institute needs to be a club combining instruction and amusement. Once there they may be turned to other matters more profitable and elevating than billiards and such games. The Burra Club points to the need of such a place. The Institute should become a more popular resort for the younger people of the town even at the risk of incurring debt.

Mr Norman McBride has struck water on his Kia-ora Station. A water diviner suggested a spot and water, which rose to within 50’ of the surface, was found at 400’.

The British & Foreign Bible Soc. Annual meetings will be held next Sunday & Monday. The deputation is Rev. J.H. Sexton.

Kooringa Methodist Church will hold a sale of works and gifts at the Burra Institute on 1 August in aid of the Building Fund.

Fire. On Saturday last week J. Kelly loaded two bullock wagons for Oakvale and Pine Valley. Mr N. O’Brien took the first and when they reached Frank Ford’s about three miles out, Kelly saw smoke issuing from the front wagon. Woolpacks and chaff were alight. A futile attempt was made to smother the fire and then in trying to unload it a rope was cut and O’Brien fell from the top of the load onto the edge of the dray breaking two ribs. Mr Ford arrived and they got the load into his place where a hose soon extinguished the fire. About £50 damage was done. Mr W. Rule, who stopped at the incident, tied the wheels of his vehicle, but a passing car caused the horse to bolt and the vehicle was much damaged.

XX, 1051, 16 July 1913, page 3

Obituary. Tom Carter of Black Springs died aged 73. His parents came from Cornwall in 1840 and he was born on the vessel coming out. After living with his parents at Golden Grove for 20 years he bought an allotment at Stony Gap and married four years later. In 1868 he moved to Black springs where he was still farming when he died. He was one of the first Councillors for the Black Springs DC and was connected with the local Methodist Church. He leaves a widow and a family: Mrs Travender (Broken Hill), Miss G. Carter & Miss M.A. Carter of Black Springs, Tom (Melbourne), George (Broken Hill), Isaac (America), Saul (Black Springs) & Walter (Black Springs).

[Thomas Carter died 21 June 1913 at Black Springs.]

Rumour has it that the Burra Skating Rink is to become a stadium.

‘A Resident’ writes again raising the prospect of beautifying the town by damming the creek.

Burra Institute Committee.

Professor Henderson has agreed to give lectures on 18, 20 & 29 August. There was discussion about charges for the lectures for the public. Mr Harris pointed out that on the 29 August the hall was booked for films. Mr Nield moved the offer be accepted.

Mr Fuss pointed out that cancelling the pictures would cost them a further £1-12-6. The Professor will be asked to give the third lecture on the 28 August.

Professor McCully’s offer of three evenings with the poets at £2-2-0 per night was rejected in view of the above.

The undenominational meeting of the British & Foreign Bible Soc. On next Sunday will be allowed in the Institute: none of the Sunday schools being large enough.

Mr McLaren said the idea of a billiard room was dropped for the moment. The hall committee wanted to make the present members’ room a library and build a new room for the members to the west of the present one.

Mr Fuss said it could be done for about £150 for a room 20’ x 16’. He will prepare plans and estimates.

Rev. S.J. Hoban’s work is further reported in c. 13⁄4 columns.

Burra Rifle Club. There was a match at Leighton last week in which Leighton 744 defeated Burra 720.

XX, 1052, 23 July 1913, page 2

From this issue the size of the sheets was slightly increased.

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, Friday: The Ticket of Leave Man.

Notice. Ramblers Football Club final smoke social will be held at Clark’s Commercial Hotel on 26 July at 8 p.m.

Obituary. Mrs Josling died 19 July at Adelaide aged 79. She was sister of John, Henry & William Pearce of Burra.

The deceased was a native of Bedfordshire, England and landed in SA in 1849. She came to Burra where she remained till 1854 and then resided for many years in Gawler. She then returned to Burra before spending her last years in Adelaide. She leaves three sons and four daughters.

[Born Ann Elizabeth Pearce.]

The Misses Florrie & Dulcie McWaters were farewelled from World’s End on Wednesday last. They have moved into Kooringa. The church guild organised a social. Miss Florrie was given a sugar basin and Miss Dulcie an oak and electro-plate biscuit barrel.

A Bolt. M-C Skinner’s horse had been tied to an insecure post by some workmen at the police station and becoming frightened it bolted into Market Square with the heavy post tied to its neck. It finally swerved onto the footpath and crashed through one of Mr Wilkinson’s windows.

‘Progressive’ writes urging a billiard room be established at the Institute and a Progress Committee or similar be formed.

Obituary. Michael Murphy, for long a resident of Booborowie, died at the Burra Hospital on Friday last. [Died 18 July 1913 at Kooringa, residence Booborowie.]

Burra Town Council.

P. Clark of the Commercial Hotel writes about his intention to build a billiard room.

Larrikins have broken several panes of glass in the main road lamps.

When the Mayor said that several were left unlocked, Cr Lowe said larrikins wrench the locks off and Cr Walker reported similar problems in North Ward, where even doors are wrenched off.

Flowers are being stolen from the cemetery and ribbons from wreaths.

Cr Lane said the new lamp at the Post Office was burnt out and probably beyond repair.

The Town Clerk expected to complete the canvassing of the town re electric lighting by Saturday.

He said there was a buyer for two blocks of land in Hampton that the Council owned.

Council decided not to sell at present.

Local Board of Health.

Cr Wicklein asked why the Hospital septic tank had not been attended to. Notice had been served.

The delay was that Mr Thomson (Chairman) would not have alterations made without consulting with the authorities.

The Town Clerk said it was affecting his family’s health and he would personally write to the Central Board of Health if action were not taken.

XX, 1052, 23 July 1913, page 3

Burra Hospital sent a deputation to Council to lay before them the need for raising funds for the rebuilding program. Mr Thomson (Chairman of the Board) had raised with the Acting Premier, Mr R. Butler, the need for rebuilding and he had agreed, but the institution is a subsidised hospital, so funds will have to be raised which the Government will then subsidise. The Board believed the task was outside their province and ought to be undertaken by the Council in whom the property was vested. They suggested that they get plans from the Government and lay them before a public meeting at which representatives from adjacent District Councils would be present and a scheme for raising funds devised. The Mayor promised support and was glad the Government had recognised the need for redevelopment. The decision as to when a meeting be called was left to the Mayor.

Football. On Saturday:

Aberdeen 2.2 3.3 4.3 4.3 (27)

Terowie 0.1 2.1 2.4 3.5 (23)

Saturday ay Aberdeen:

Burra High School 1.4

Riverton High School 0.0

Coursing. The owners of good coursing dogs are cited as Cecil Lord, K.C. Sandland, O. Pearce, F. Lewis, C. Parks, Jacob Richards, H. Escott, A. Jeffreys, D. Moore, G. Rogers & T. Martin.

Leighton Rifle Club defeated the Light Horse at a match last Saturday.

Burra Rifle Club. 9th match for Mr Pearse’s Trophy. Aggregate points so far: R.D. Pascoe 23 leads from L. Nutt 21.

Leighton Institute held its Annual Dinner last Wednesday evening. President, I.J. Warnes took the chair. The report runs for almost 2 columns. Mr Cock reported they had paid £80 off the debt last year and would have wiped out the balance this year had the season not been so bad. Mr A. McDonald said Leighton Dramatic Club had managed to raise between £20 & £30 to reduce the debt.

XX, 1053, 30 July 1913, page 2

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, Friday: Panama Canal.

Advt. Leighton Dramatic Club Grand Concert Wed. 20 August 1/6 & 1/-

Supper & Dance to follow: Men 2/-, Ladies free. MOONLIGHT.

Advt. Burra Institute. Monday & Tuesday 4 & 5 August.

The World Famous Corrick Entertainers: 9 Versatile Artists. Music, Mirth and Melody. 3/-, 2/-, 1/-

Editorial. Burra Creek to be Subdivided.

The last of the properties owned by SAMA will be sold on Thursday and the plans show the Burra Creek in allotments. It is too late to bewail the short-sightedness of the Government or the supineness of the Corporation, but it is not too late for some local wealthy citizens to buy the land and hand it over to the Corporation on being repaid the purchase money. Allotments along the frontage have already been sold and in a few years it will be impossible without enormous expense to gain control of the creek. Only the Corporation should own the creek through Burra.

Burra Western District Horsebreeding Soc. Has chosen Messrs Hill Bros draught stallion Wallace to travel through the district this year. [Wallace’s full pedigree appears in the adjacent advertisement.]

Kooringa Methodist Church Trustees met on Monday and resolved to instruct the architect to proceed with the preparation of specifications and calling for tenders for the erection of the new church. Mrs A.J. McBride has donated two Benares brass vases for its floral decorations.

Burra Club AGM was held last Thursday. Assets exceed liabilities by c. £50. Elected were President, P. Milner; Secretary, L. Pearce. Members number about 50.

Electric Light Survey by E.J. Davey, Town Clerk, last week found 700 lights promised in East & West Wards, but only 175 in North Ward, where 300 would be needed to make the scheme pay.

Burra Cycling & Athletic Club held a preliminary meeting on 21 July in Mr Carpenter’s rooms. Mr J. Richards said that as a member of the original sports committee he could tell them the club could start with no liabilities and assets of £27 in the Bank [Presumably this is a resuscitated club and the £27 comes from its earlier incarnation.] A second meeting on 28 July decided to hold a sports meeting on Boxing Day. Despite problems with the harvest at that time, the next suitable holiday was Easter, which was deemed to be too late.

Utica Copper Co. has been successfully floated with a capital of £5,500 in £10 shares. Two shafts are being sunk and this is disclosing ore of 30%. Indications are promising.

West Burra Copper Mining Co. has also been floated with £2,500 in 25,000 shares. An underlie shaft has been sunk on the course of the lode. The lode is of good rich veins of 30-40% ore. With modern machinery and the present price of copper these mines could be successful and could induce the re-opening of the old Burra Mine, which has large deposits of 3-19% ore.

Burra Show Soc. Sheep Dog Field Trials were held last Wednesday and were on the whole very successful.

Puppy Stakes went to A.W. Wade’s dog Prince.

Aged and Open Class went to E. White’s dog Koonoona Jack.

Novice Class went to K. McDonald’s dog Bungaree Jack.

XX, 1053, 30 July 1913, page 3

Mr C. Hentschke was given a surprise dance at his residence in Bright on 19 July.

Mt Bryan Methodist Church. About 12 months ago Mt Bryan people thought the Methodist Church was too far out of town – about two miles, so under Rev. F.W. Brasher a trust was formed to erect a church in the town. Three months ago the tender of F. Pearce of Burra was accepted to erect an iron building lined with fibro-cement. This was opened on Sunday 20 July when Rev. T.M. Flood preached two sermons. On Wednesday 23 July a monster dinner was held in the District Hall with seats for 70. Both events raised just over £19. Dinner was followed by a public meeting and then supper.

British & Foreign Bible Soc. Annual meetings were held on Sunday 20 July when the deputation, Rev. J.H. Sexton, preached at Redruth in the morning and at Kooringa in the evening. A united young people’s service was held in the Institute in the afternoon. Ensign Meade represented the Salvation Army and Mr Tovey the Anglicans. Mr Sexton gave an address. In the year the local branch had sent £27 to the cause. They regretted the death of Mr Philip Lane, treasurer of the local branch for over 30 years. Mr Winnall, President for 10 years, will continue with F. Harris as treasurer and Secretary. Vice-Presidents are W. Davey & H.H. Thomas.

XX, 1053, 30 July 1913, page 4

Football. Saturday:

Kooringa 4.7 6.9 9.14 13.19 (97)

Light Horse 0.2 1.3 2.3 2.5 (17)

The Premiership Table at present: Aberdeen 14

Terowie 10

Kooringa 8

Light Horse 4

Hallett 0

Hockey. At Burra on Wednesday: Burra 2 defeated Pt Augusta 0.

Coursing. There is a report on Mr Harold Escott of Koonoona’s kennel and also on a purchase of C.H. Humphris.

XX, 1054, 6 Aug. 1913, page 1

Unusual in having a couple of columns of news on page 1.

National Song. The rules for the National Song contest are printed. It offered £100 for the words and £100 for the musical setting.

XX, 1054, 6 Aug. 1913, page 2

Advt. Tenders called for pointing and lining the Redruth Methodist Church and repairing the surrounding wall.

Advt. Tenders called for building a new kitchen block at the Burra Hospital.

West Burra Copper Mining Co. held a meeting in the Institute on 30 July to elect officers. Directors Elected were A.J. McBride, C.B. Warnes, S.M. Lane, George Lord & T. McWaters. They will serve without fee for the first 12 months. E.J. Davey was appointed secretary.

The Corricks performed to large audiences.

Kooringa Methodist Church sale of work and gifts on Friday at the Institute. Proceeds were to be used for furnishing the new church. Nett profit was £151.

Theft. Beware: there is a sneak thief about stealing firewood. Poultry is also at risk.

Hon. John Lewis is reported to be about to retire from Bagot, Shakes & Lewis after 37 years. In the early days the average yarding per month was 20,000 or about 240,000 p.a. because there was no other market within 100 miles.

The Burra Town Council is reported to have bought a good share of the creek.

Burra Rifle Club. On Wednesday Wasleys 846 defeated Burra 818.

Obituary. Philip Nankivell of World’s End died on 31 July aged 73. [Died at Baldina.]

XX, 1054, 6 Aug. 1913, page 3

Football. At Burra:

Burra 1.1 4.7 5.9 11.16 (82)

Petersburg 5.1 6.1 7.2 7.3 (45)

Burra Town Council

Letter from M. Sampson asking to lease Carey’s Flat to grow lucerne and erect fowl pens and plant trees and shrubs if supplied. Decision deferred.

The Mayor reported the Council had bought certain allotments intersected by a road and also some of the creek frontage.

Commonwealth Military Authorities were granted the use of Victoria Park for a camp for 130 men and officers from 14-18 August.

Council discussed the possibility of raising a loan for electricity supply, considering sources, rates of interest and whether it could be a scheme applied to only two wards etc. One unknown was consumption. Many of the lights in Kooringa would be in shops and be used much less than the lights in houses in Aberdeen. Cr Lowe argued for the North Ward to be included as in the long run usage would increase and he moved accordingly. Cr Walker 2nd.

Cr Lane moved the scheme be confined to East and West Wards, as they would have to bear most of the cost if North Ward produced a loss, even though he paid rates there himself. Cr Parks 2nd.

Cr Harris regretted Cr Lowe and Cr Walker’s stand. Cr Lane’s amendment was carried 4 to 2.

[The actual report in column 3 is somewhat confused and sometimes says the reverse of what the context demands. A correction was published in XX, 1055, 13 August.]

The Council was concerned about men and boys kicking footballs in the streets, endangering themselves and the drivers of vehicles.

Council refused to replace the damaged lamp at the post office in Kooringa.

Leighton Rainfall figures supplied by Mr Fairchild are published for the period 1881 to July 1913.

SAMA Land Sale, 31 July 1913. (Selected)

Lot 13: a narrow strip used as a road near Mr Bowen’s, £5.

Lot 16: a house block in Commercial St occupied by John O’Leary, £155.

Lot 16B: allotment 72B next to the Bank of Australasia, £160.

Lot 21: part allotment S in Thames St with two cottages, £180.

Lot 22: allotment J in Thames St with three cottages, £205.

Lot 23: part section D of 5 acres 3 roods 17 perches, part of the Burra Creek, £26.

Lots 26 & 27: Blyth & Ayers Sts, £18.

Lot 28: 4 acres 1 rood 11 perches, part of the Burra Creek, £40.

Lots 29 & 30: two allotments adjoining Lot 28, £14.

Lot 42: 1543⁄4 acres of agricultural land on the Adelaide Rd leased by T. Bewley who purchased at £5-10-0. [Presumably per acre.] [Bewley had the ‘Cactus Farm’.]

Lot 43: 6 acres 10 perches at the rear of St Mary’s, occupied by J. McLaren, £50.

Lot 44: 2 acres 2 roods 23 perches occupied by T.W. Wilkinson, £30.

Lot 45: 18 acres 0 roods 30 perches east of the creek, where the Slagheap is, £6-1-0 per acre.

Lot 16A: allotment 251 Commercial St, next to Murray Aunger’s Garage, £35.

The business places in Commercial St were passed in.

The Creek from Kingston St to the rear of Roach’s Mill was withdrawn from sale.

XX, 1054, 6 Aug. 1913, Supplement

Advt. Drew & Crewes Bargain Sale: large advertisement.

Balance Sheets for DC Hanson & DC Burra.

XX, 1055, 13 Aug. 1913, page 2

Advt. Burra Town Council offers for sale by tender block 327 Blyth St and part block 326 Ayers St.

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, 15 August: Panama Canal 2nd Series.

Advt. Burra Institute Extension Lectures.

Professor Henderson: Builders of Empire:

Sir Francis Drake

Oliver Cromwell, Imperialist

William Pitt, Earl of Chatham

August 18, 20 & 29 at 8 p.m. Illustrated and free.

Advt. Salvation Army. Lt-Col. Friederich’s Lecture:

From Klondike’s Icy Mountain to India’s Coral Strand.

Burra Institute, Thursday 14 August. 1/- & 6d.

Marriage. 10 April at Solomontown.

Leslie E. Alderson, 4th son of W.H. Alderson and Alice R. (Dot.) Lihou, 3rd daughter of H.W. Lihou.

Burra School was examined by Inspector McBride last week and he classified it ‘excellent’. Irregular attendance by some children is the major problem.

Burra Rifle Club. 10th match for Pearse’s Trophy. Aggregate points so far: G.L. Nutt 25 and R.D. Pascoe 25 lead George Herbert 21.

As the requirement was for 25 points, there will be a shoot-off between Nutt & Pascoe.

Football. At Terowie on Saturday:

Terowie 5.4 9.8 13.11 18.16 (124)

Light Horse 1.0 2.2 4.2 4.5 (29)

Leighton Ladies Social & Dance on 6 August passed off fairly well, but heavy rain reduced attendance numbers.

Burra Institute Committee, Monday.

Mr Lester of the Theatregraph Co. wrote complaining of being kicked out of the hall on Friday nights after hiring the hall for every Friday. Mr Wilkinson said it was about three times a year and he understood special arrangements were made. Letters from Kapunda and Petersburg asserted that the Theatregraph Co. was never disturbed there. Mr Lane said there had been five such occasions this year. Mr Lane is to see Mr Lester.

E.J. Davey, Secretary of West Burra Copper Co. asked to be allowed to use the Institute as the registered office of the Company. Agreed for £10 p.a.

Mr Fuss submitted plans for the proposed new members’ room to be built on the west side in the angle of the present room: 25’ x 17’9” and 12’ high with two windows on the west side. Estimated cost is £150-£160. It was decided to call tenders.

Mr Lane was concerned that the new room would block another window in the hall with one already blocked by the lodge room. Another fire escape should be provided, more especially for the purpose of ventilation. Mr Fuss said a tremendous amount of excavating would have to be done in that case.

It was referred to the Hall Committee.

XX, 1055, 13 Aug. 1913, page 3

E.J. Craigie writes from Adelaide on the need for proportional representation in the Senate.

Burra Golf Club. The Wednesday and Saturday Competition was won by L. Page, 95 with handicap 18 for a nett 78.

Marriage. 6 August at ‘Hinton Farm’, Leighton.

Philip Honeychurch, eldest son of P. Honeychurch of Baldina and Matilda Jane Goodridge.

XX, 1056, 20 Aug. 1913, page 2

Advt. Loyal Henry Varley Orange Lodge, Aberdeen. Anniversary in Burra Institute 28 August 1913.

Advt. Tenders called for erecting a galvanised iron kitchen etc. at the Kooringa Police Station.

Advt. Tenders called for sinking the shaft to 100’ at West Burra Copper Mine.

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, 22 August: Panama Canal, 3rd Series.

Notice. The Town Clerk will provide trees free on application.

United Friendly Societies’ meeting on Friday last to arrange a sports meeting for 8 October (Eight Hours Day). Mr C.A. Fuss was elected chairman.

The Eastern Stations remain very dry.

Burra School. Mr Mellor from the Public Works Dept. visited the school. It is intended to widen the windows from 21” to 3’6” and to increase their depth from 5’6” to 8’. The floors will be levelled: the most expensive change.

Military Camp. Light Horse Men from Riverton, Hamley Bridge, Kapunda & Burra camped on Victoria Park from Thursday to Monday for musketry and other drill.

Professor Henderson’s 1st lecture on builders of the Empire attracted about 200 to the Institute on Monday evening.

Salvation Army. Lt-Col. Friederick’s lecture on Thursday was only moderately attended.

‘Burra Resident’ writes asking why Aberdeen storekeepers do not emulate those in Kooringa and close at 6 p.m. and have a half-holiday on Wednesdays.

‘Resident’ writes suggesting that while the Institute committee is in a spending mood it should improve the seating in the hall. If you don’t spend 1/6 or 2/- or more you are confined to backless forms, which are dreadfully uncomfortable.

‘Interested’ writes asking why there is such a delay in making a decision on electric light.

‘Argument’ writes asking if landowners can fence their land with barbed wire in the town and if he would be liable for any damage done by such fencing. Also under the Real Property Act, must the former pegs of a survey be taken, or can a surveyor use his own judgement.

The editor says that barbed wire is not allowed within the town and anyone using it would be liable. Secondly the surveyor must stick to the original pegs.

XX, 1056, 20 Aug. 1913, page 3

Burra Town Council, Monday.

The Municipal Assoc. advises that loans can only be raised on the whole of general rates and not on two wards only. To do the latter a separate rate would have to be struck for those wards. Also a poll would have to be taken over all wards, even if the lighting was for two wards only.

Cr Wicklein moved that a poll be taken on 30 August to decide whether the Council could raise the money. Carried.

A meeting will also be called for 28 August.

An offer of £15-10-0 was accepted for a block in Ayers St, recently bought – the Council retaining what was needed for road purposes.

Local Board of Health.

An application for a maternity home licence in Redruth was granted.

The ladies lavatory on Mt Pleasant had been completed.

Cr Harris moved a privy be erected in Jubilee Avenue. Carried.

Ironmine Methodist Church. Redruth Christian Endeavour Soc. Went out last Wednesday on Mr Robertson’s motor lorry to give an entertainment. [The program included items by R. Fuss.]

Mr & Mrs Henry Tralaggan of Redruth celebrated their golden wedding on 19 August. Mr Tralaggan was born in Bowden in 1841. His father took land on the Reed Beds (Fulham) and later in 1852 near Mintaro. Mr Tralaggan took to carting and took a team of bullocks to Burra in 1852, when only 11. Mrs Tralaggan was the eldest daughter of Mr Sampson Montgomery. She was born at Walkerville in 1841 and moved to Upper Wakefield in 1851. The couple married at Mintaro in 1863.

They selected land at Mt Bryan in 1870 and farmed there for 40 years before retiring to Redruth. There are five children and 17 grandchildren. Mrs Tralaggan’s father is still living with them. He came out in 1838 on the Henry Porcha, as an employee of Mr Angas. He is aged 95 and has 54 grandchildren and 79 great grandchildren, the eldest of whom is 20. Mr Tralaggan’s mother lived to be almost 92. He has attended 24 Bible Christian and Methodist Conferences.

Obituary. Mrs Laidlaw, wife of Robert Laidlaw of Mt Bryan, died on Sunday in the Burra Hospital aged 46. She leaves a husband and five children. [Born Julia Anne Kain 10 March 1867 at Native Valley: died 17 August 1913 at Burra, residence Mt Bryan.]

Obituary. Mrs Letheby, mother of Mr L. Letheby of the National Bank, Kooringa, died in Adelaide on 12 August. [Born Celia Frances Coltman: died 12 August 1913 at Royston Park aged 51.]

Football. Saturday: the 1st Semi-Final.

Kooringa 2.0 4.4 6.4 6.6 (42)

Aberdeen 3.3 5.3 5.6 5.8 (38)

Redruth Court, 18 August.

George Frederick Greeves was charged with embezzling money from Drew & Crewes Ltd while driving a van for the firm. The total defalcations amounted to over £20. The evidence runs to c. 1⁄2 column. He was committed for trial in Adelaide.

XX, 1057, 27 Aug. 1913, page 2

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd. will offer 10,720 sheep on 5 September.

Advt. James McDonald’s home is for sale. Allotments 39 & 40 of New Aberdeen. 2 roods 30 perches in Morehead St. 6-roomed renovated stone house with verandah on three sides.

Advt. Aberdeen Oddfellows’ Lodge is selling the 7-roomed residence known as Goss’s on allotments 79 & 80 in Morehead St.

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, Friday: Satan.

Advt. Burra Institute calls tenders for the erection of a reading room.

XX, 1057, 27 Aug. 1913, page 3

Football. 2nd Semi-Final.

Terowie 2.4 5.6 7.8 8.9 (57)

Light Horse 1.1 2.2 2.3 4.3 (27)

Saturday:

Aberdeen Juniors 1.3 1.7 2.11 4.15 (39)

Hallett Juniors 0.2 0.4 0.4 0.6 (6)

Burra Golf Club. The recent competition winner was F.C. Harvey: 80, handicap 4 for nett 76.

Burra Club, Billiard Tournament. S.M. Lane and R. Hunt will play off.

Hockey. At Saddleworth last Wednesday: at half-time Burra 3 led Saddleworth 0.

In the second half two players collided rendering one unconscious and the game was abandoned.

G.A. Ridgway writes re early closing at Aberdeen, saying that ‘bar the lolly shops’ Aberdeen shops do close at 6 p.m. and on Wednesday afternoons. He would like to see all businesses close at 1 p.m. Saturday instead of on Wednesday.

‘Assistant’ writes also favouring Saturday as the half-day, since that is when the sport is played.

‘A Resident’ writes suggesting the Mayor should see the Early Closing Act enforced for either Saturday or Wednesday.

XX, 1057, 27 Aug. 1913, page 4

Burra Show Society. At a meeting on Friday preparations were made for the next show. Reported in 3⁄4 column.

XX, 1058, 3 Sep. 1913, page 2

American Boys. A party of 48 American boys are to visit Burra on 20 7 21 September. They form a 42-strong band and are touring Australia.

Messrs G. Simpson & Son of the Burra Poultry Yards won prizes at the Broken Hill show, but two of the birds valued at £8-8-0 were stolen.

The Labor Dance in the Institute last week was very successful and 30-40 couples enjoyed the night.

Robertstown-Bright Silver-Lead Mine continues to look promising. The shaft is down 190’ and they intend to drive at 198’. Five men are producing 10 tons of ore a week. The lode can be traced for about one mile. It is intended to float a company soon.

West Burra Copper Mining Co. has accepted the tender of Ted Hirschausen to sink the present shaft to 100’.

Boer War. On Sunday week a church parade of cadets, citizens’ forces and Australian Light Horse is to be held in the Institute in memory of the fallen in the South African War. Rev. J.H. Nield, a chaplain during the war, will conduct the service.

Utica Copper Mining Co. Half-yearly meeting was held at Kooringa on 27 august. The chairman of directors, Mr William Allen, reported.

The No. 1 shaft is 5’ x 4’ and has been sunk to 100’ with a 28’ crosscut at the 100’ level.

No. 2 shaft is 6’ x 4’ and has been sunk to 81’. Indications in both are exceedingly encouraging.

[Details extend about 1⁄2 column.]

Directors, W. Allen, A.L. Walker & G. Lord were re-elected, as was W. West as Secretary and P. Milner as Auditor.

Accident. Mr Harry Baynes of Booborowie narrowly escaped death Tuesday last week when a board broke on a roller he was returning to a neighbour and one leg was crushed under it. Only the prompt obedience of the horses in stopping saved his life. Recovery is expected to take 6 to 8 months.

Football. Grand Final, Saturday:

Terowie 2.3 4.6 5.8 5.9 (39)

Kooringa 0.1 3.2 4.4 6.4 (40)

Burra Rifle Club. Shoot-off for the Pearse Trophy on 10 September.

XX, 1058, 3 Sep. 1913, page 3

Burra Cinderella Class Masquerade Ball on Wednesday evening with dancing till 2.30 a.m.

Ratepayers’ Meeting re Electric Light. Burra Institute.

The Mayor said that after the last meeting it had been promised there would be a complete canvass of the town and another meeting before a poll on the subject. The canvass resulted in 477 lights promised for East & West Wards and 174 in North Ward. The East & West Ward figures did not include public buildings or places where directors’ or a committee’s approval was needed. The expert advice was that it would not pay to extend the scheme to North Ward. Though commercially they could make the scheme work for just East & West Wards, they would have to pledge the general rate of the whole town to secure the loan. If the poll supported the scheme they would have to submit a statement of cost and then raise a loan.

Mr Fuss drew attention to the alteration in the proposed wording of the ballot paper allowing the Corporation to install the lighting in any part of the town it saw fit – giving it power to omit Aberdeen.

Mr Tietz asked if it were fair to ask North Ward to come into the guarantee and yet reap no benefit.

The East & West Ward Councillors were in favour of extending the scheme ‘when it is found to be a possible paying proposition’. The expert advice was that it required 300 lights to be economically viable in North Ward.

The Mayor said the present idea was to take the power as far as St Mary’s.

Mr Fuss, ‘It is only a right thing in a town like Burra that party feeling should be done away with and one part of the town assist another if necessary. Before long he had no doubt, the North Ward would be able to hold its own, and even now he felt sure that the scheme as a whole would pay.’

Cr Wicklein said, ‘There was no town in South Australia situated like Burra; it was so scattered, and consequently difficult to manage.’

Mr Thomas thought there should be a lighting rate and if Aberdeen were short of £50 equalise it.

The strong should help the weak.

Cr Wicklein would strongly object to a rate.

Cr Walker was opposed to leaving North Ward out – he said 430 lights in East & West Wards were said to justify spending £2,500, but an extra £750 needed 300 lights to justify it and even West Ward extended to Opie’s Hotel.

The Mayor said various places in East & West Wards would be uneconomic – like Cemetery Flat.

Mr Crewes thought the scheme should be extended to the whole town. Sacrifices would be needed to avoid cliqueism and party feeling. At present 33% of general rate expenditure went on streetlights and he doubted their moral or legal right to so use it. The health rate is in good condition so why not reduce it from 10d to 5d and have a 5d lighting rate?

Mr Winnall then effectively summed up the situation.

The Mayor picked up Mr Crewes’ point and said it was quite legal to pay for lighting using the general rate.

Electric Light Poll. Saturday 30 August.

For 141

Against 100

Informal 18

G.A. Ridgway writes re the electricity scheme. He was disappointed that the Council seemed to approach the whole question from a point of view of lighting Kooringa Streets. What was needed was a scheme to meet a policy of supplying the whole town. W.H. Hardy’s proposal at the meeting to adjourn until a definite scheme was before them had more merit than at first appeared. There is a need to think about Burra instead of Kooringa.

XX, 1059, 10 Sep. 1913, page 2

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, Friday: The Cry of the Children.

Obituary. Thomas Read, husband of Mary Read, died at Kooringa on 29 August aged 78.

South African War Service. Military authorities have asked chief military centres to organise memorial services for those who fell in the South African War. The Light Horse, Infantry and Cadets will parade at the Rotunda on Sunday 14 September at 3 p.m. The service will be led by Rev. J.H. Nield, a late chaplain of H.M. Forces in the South African War. The Burra Coronation Band will play. The offertory will aid the Soldiers’ Graves Fund and the local hospital. Hymns chosen are: O God Our Help, Lead Kindly Light, Onward Christian Soldiers & Kipling’s God of Our Fathers.

Shearing. A number of shearing sheds cut out last week. Mr Robertson is bringing in a number of shearers on his motor lorry. At an average of 14 m.p.h. he is considerably faster than the usual means of transport.

Rain. There were good falls in the last week: 150 points in Burra and good falls too in Baldina and Bright.

Masonic Lodge. The Clare Lodge visited Burra on Wednesday and after the meeting a banquet was held in the Institute Hall. The toast of W.M. was supported by P.M.s Winnall, Fuss, Page, Treloar, Parks, Bartholomaeus & Bennett.

Redruth Court, Wednesday 3 September.

Goodridge v. Roach in a claim for the value of a horse killed in a recent accident in Commercial Road, Kooringa. [This would seem to be the accident reported in XX, 1049, 2 July 1913, page 2, in which case it was near St Mary’s in Market St and not Commercial Rd.]

The verdict was for the plaintiff for £7 value plus £2 removal costs plus court costs.

Redruth Methodist Church Antarctic Fair was very successful, grossing £172 and with a nett profit of £147.

‘A Shareholder and Resident’ writes about the Burra Mine, calling for a public meeting to confront directors of the Burra Burra Copper Co. now that copper is over £70 per ton. If they are not going to work it at that price they should find a buyer.

Loyal Orange Lodge.

1st annual demonstration of the Loyal Henry Varley Orange Lodge, Aberdeen on 28 August 1913. Rev. S.J. Bloyd took the chair. He spoke on the origins of religious tolerance and Orangeism. Bro. J.E. Williams, Grand Secretary spoke on the foundations of Orangeism. Pastor J.E. Thomas of Adelaide addressed the gathering too on Protestantism. United Anglican and Methodist Choirs sang the hymns under the baton of G.E. Dane.

XX, 1059, 10 Sep. 1913, page 3

Burra Institute, Committee Meeting.

The committee accepted the tender of T. & C. Tiver for the masonry work for the new room for £56-10-0 and that of C. & A. Fuss for the carpentry at £66.

President (S. Lane) and Mr Winnall have seen Mr Lester of Theatregraph Pictures and arranged that from 1 September he have the hall regularly on Fridays for 12 months. Anyone wishing to have the hall on a Friday is to negotiate with him to waive his right for a consideration. Mr McLaren did not approve of this. The others however, did, as it was a paying proposition. The agreement, as Mr Nield pointed out, expired before the next run of fetes and need not be renewed if it caused trouble.

The Institute was in credit c. £300.

The issue of replacing the forms without backs was raised, but storage for forms with backs was not available and individual chairs would not last. It was resolved to get illustrations and prices for various alternatives.

Mr Nield gave notice of an application to use the Institute on Sunday evenings for services of the Kooringa Methodist Church with guarantees of no extra work would fall on the Librarian.

[This was a consequence of the Church’s rebuilding program.]

Football. Saturday’s Challenge Match.

Aberdeen 0.1 2.4 2.6 4.8 (32)

Kooringa 1.2 2.4 4.4 4.5 (29)

[With this article there is an untitled photograph – the first in the paper that I can recall – apparently of a footballer with half a dozen medals on his chest, but there seems to be no reference to it in the text.]

Burra Golf Club. The competition on Saturday & Wednesday was won by L. Neagle 85, handicap 10 for 75.

The American Boys. There is a one-column article on how the boys are handling Aussie slang. It is now interesting for the examples of outdated slang terms.

These boys were 47 members of Columbia Park Boys’ Club, San Francisco, who are touring the world for educational purposes. They will arrive Saturday morning at 11.30, be welcomed at the Institute by the Mayor, Council, clergymen and residents. They will then meet those who have offered to billet two each. A football match will be put on in the afternoon. In the evening in the Institute 42 performers will put on a show for their own benefit. On Sunday morning there will be church and on Sunday afternoon a Grand Band Concert in Victoria Park at 4 p.m. where there will be a collection for Minda Home and to buy a convalescent chair for the hospital.

XX, 1059, 10 Sep. 1913, page 4

Burra Town Council, Monday.

The Council discussed the Columbia Boys’ Brigade visit. [See above.]

C.J. Pearce wrote that he was rebuilding and asked permission to erect a verandah and remove certain trees whose roots would injure walls. The verandah was approved and the trees to be inspected.

The Town Clerk reported distributing 2,500 trees.

Cr Lane reported that children had pulled up 20 of the newly planted trees in Thames Street.

Cr Parks moved that water be laid on to the plantation opposite Lane Garden.

Cr Lowe moved that Jessie St be properly fenced. The place was in a disgraceful state. The fence should prevent rubbish blowing out.

There was discussion as to who owned the creek from the Black Bridge to the bridge near the railway station. The Mayor said it was unclear.

Cr Lane moved that the Mayor and the solicitor (Mr Winnall) with the consulting engineer (From Turner & Robertson) form a deputation to lay the electric light scheme before the Minister. Carried.

XX, 1060, 17 Sep. 1913, page 2

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, 19 September: Monarchs of the Prairie.

Obituary. Thomas Henry Young, late of Burra died at Tyabb, Victoria on 9 September aged 78.

Mr Young was the father of Mrs T.H. Woollacott of Redruth and of Mr J. Young, chemist of Hutt St Adelaide, Messrs Joseph and Alfred Young of Melbourne and Miss Young of Tyabb. He came to SA in the Carnetic in 1857 and lived in Burra till about 18 years ago. He was for many years a leading member of the Redruth [Wesleyan] Church Choir.

Accident. Last week Dr Steele’s pony fell into its owner’s motor pit. It fitted nicely and remained calm, but posed a problem of how to get it out. Eventually the pit was filled with chaff until the animal slowly rose to the surface.

Commercial St Changes.

The west end of the street is being improved. Mr C.A. Lott has almost completed building the garage for Vivian Lewis Ltd. It is substantial and handsomely fitted out.

Messrs C.J. Pearce & Son are erecting a new shop and showrooms with a fine frontage to the street, a great improvement on the old. A number of handsome private residences have recently been erected, or are in course of erection.

Football. Aberdeen Football Club has resolved to hold a social in the Jubilee Hall on Thursday 18 September. It has been arranged by Messrs C.A. Fuss, C. Tiver & J.W. Pickering.

Burra Coronation Band played in the Rotunda on Sunday evening under Mr Fred Wheatley.

The American Boys. Billets have been easily arranged for the boys, who have been selected for high achievement and each has been trained in every branch of athletic sport. Their scholastic and moral records have been carefully scrutinised. They are trained to become pioneers of commercial trade along the Pacific Coast. The trip is to be self-funding and is due to last at least nine months and the boys are under the guidance of Major S. Peixotto and a staff of older boys.

Dave Smith writes as visiting field umpire for the season, thanking the Burra Football Assoc. for its hospitality and Mr & Mrs Clark of the Commercial Hotel for their courtesy on his visits.

‘Resident of Burra (not Kooringa)’ writes expressing concern that the practice of bringing into town for sale uninspected milk, meat etc. continues without any attempt at regulation. Surely the Council Inspector could test these items.

‘Ratepayer’ writes re the formation of a Vigilance Committee for Burra. [By which he meant a sort of Progress Assoc. rather than a bunch of Vigilantes.]

XX, 1060, 17 Sep. 1913, page 3

South African War Memorial Service was held at the Rotunda last Sunday.

The troops, led by the Burra Coronation Band were in charge of Lieut. Killicoat & Lieut. Copley, were made up of the Australian Light Horse, Citizens Forces and Cadets and totalled in all about 70 men and officers. Several men [unnamed] who served in the war attended in the crowd. Rev. J.H. Nield, who had served as a chaplain in the war, gave an address, which is printed. Of the collection of £8-13-0 half goes to the local hospital and half to maintaining war graves in South Africa.

In the evening a service was held in Kooringa Methodist Church.

Burra Mine.

‘It is Said’ column

It is said that it has been suggested some relics of the Burra Burra Mine should be preserved by Council. The old fire engine was mentioned at the Council meeting on Monday night. The idea was not favourably received by the majority.

That the ‘statue’ of the ‘discoverer of the mine’ is mentioned is also very interesting.

[Is this perhaps a reference to ‘Johnny Green’?]

‘That some day these relics will be regarded as being of historical interest and will be valued.’

[See below for the report from the Council meeting.]

Cows continue to wander the streets, particularly on Sundays.

Burra Town Council, Monday last.

The minister of Crown Lands asks for the electric supply proposal to be in writing rather than as a deputation.

The Mayor reported that the Hon. John Lewis had bought the Burra Creek from the Black Bridge to Redruth Boundary. [Presumably from Kingston St Bridge to the southern boundary of Redruth at St Just St.]

He has asked the Council to wait on him to tell him what they want to do in the matter. It was resolved to wait on him Wednesday morning.

The Rotunda lamp has failed. It is assumed that the operation of this type of lamp is not understood. It was resolved to repair the two similar lamps.

Cr Wilkinson said it was thought the Government was making a large profit from the Waterworks. If this was true they should not be. Members of the District will be asked for receipts and expenditure figures.

Fear of the creek at the back of Vivian Lewis’s garage being obstructed was raised and the Mayor will take it up with the firm.

It seems that Mr Bewley has fenced 5-6’ of the plantation near the hospital onto the road. If so the Council fence could be carried inside.

Cr Harris said it had been suggested that the old fire engine at the Mine should be preserved as a relic of the mining days. Cr Lane agreed.

Cr Wicklein thought ‘there was no necessity to have anything to remind the people of the generosity of the Burra Mining Co.’ [Black and white print gives no certain indication of whether he was being ironic here, but it seems very likely that he was.]

Cr Parks did not see where it could be put and the matter dropped.

Mr Winnall, who was present by request, said if he was to fill up the application to the minister for permission to raise a loan he needed to know if they intended to extend the electricity scheme beyond Kooringa. Cr Wicklein said no.

Mr Winnall said in that case £2,200 should be sufficient. He also considered the estimated burning time of two hours per lamp was too long. If the estimate was correct he did not see how the scheme could pay as it only allowed £70 for wages.

Cr Wicklein said the driver would only be an improver and the plant would only be working three days a week. [This would suggest some type of battery storage system was contemplated.]

He moved a loan of £2,300 be procured. 2nd Cr Lane and carried.

Cr Parks gave notice of a motion that the resolution confining the lights to East and West Wards be rescinded.

Cricket. AGM of the Rambler Cricket Club. Patron, President and Vice-Presidents were re-elected. Captain is Mr Stevenson and Vice Captain Mr Harcus.

Burra Rifle Club. In the shoot-off for the B.W. Pearse Trophy R.D. Pascoe 97 defeated G.L. Nutt 75. In the 1st match for the J.C. Killicoat Trophy R.D. Pascoe 97 led from H.L. Riggs 90.

Advt. Those American Boys. Crack Military Band of 40 pieces.

Folk Dancing, Sketches, Solo Singing, Comic Tumbling and Gymnastics. 3/-, 2/- & 1/-.

XX, 1861, 24 Sep. 1913, page 2 [Note the number sequence suddenly leaps from 1060 to 1861.]

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, 3 October: Convict 176, or Lead Kindly Light.

New Firm. The increasing prosperity of the Burra District sees the establishment of a new firm of solicitors. Messrs Bright & Bright have opened a branch office in Dalgety’s Building, Kooringa. [Corner of Chapel & Commercial Sts.]

Utica Copper Mine. The No. 2 shaft is now at 90’ and entered the lode at 65’ and continued for 15’. The lode appears to run north-south, dipping slightly to the east. At 100’ a crosscut will be made to determine the true dip and bearing of the lode. No. 1 shaft is at 100’ and the crosscut has entered the lode 29’ south of the shaft. The lode here is 100% wider and 100% more valuable than at the surface. This is very promising. It is intended to continue the shaft, sinking to 200’. The lode is 5’ wide at 100’ and growing.

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd. will offer 2,260 sheep on 3 October and at their annual ram sale:

8 Kadlunga rams for Sir S.J. Way

5 One Tree Hill rams for F.G. Dawson

5 selected rams for E.A. Thomas.

Rain. Good rains, which fell last Wednesday & Thursday, have aided some farmers, though some have said it is too late. Graziers are jubilant. There were 180 points in Burra and 115 at The Gums.

Obituary & Inquest.

Last Thursday Mr Mitchell SM conducted an inquest into the death of John Bull, found in front of the Bon Accord Hotel on Wednesday between 9.30 and 10 p.m. with a gaping wound in his neck.

Dr Steele had examined the deceased, having been called out to the hotel where the deceased was gasping for breath and died shortly after his arrival. The wound appeared to have been inflicted by a short bladed instrument. If he were right handed it could have been self-inflicted.

Ernest Warma, locomotive fireman, said he had seen the deceased talking to himself and pacing up and down outside the hotel about 8.30 p.m. He returned about 9.30 p.m. when the deceased was sitting on a seat. Warma went in for a drink and returned about 9.45 p.m. when the deceased was lying on the ground in a pool of blood.

John O’Brien confirmed Warma’s evidence.

Leonard John Hogan had noticed the deceased sitting and later on passing by heard the sound of liquid dropping. Two men then laid the deceased on the ground and sent for a doctor and the police.

Thomas Gregg of the Bon Accord and J.P. Turley, manager for Drew & Crewes, also gave evidence. Turley had known the deceased 20 years before at White Cliffs and to the best of his knowledge the body was that of John Bull, a native of the Hamilton District, Victoria.

M-C J.A. Skinner had found union tickets on the body in the name of J. Bull and his swag 300 yards from the hotel, but no other instrument.

[The deceased appears to have been experiencing hallucinations prior to his death.]

The verdict was death by a self-inflicted wound.

XX, 1861, 24 Sep. 1913, page 2-3

Those American Boys arrived by the midday train on Saturday and marched to the Institute with the band playing and were formally welcomed.

Saturday afternoon football:

Burra 1.5 3.12 4.15 5.21 (51)

American Boys 0.2 1.3 2.4 4.5 (29)

The evening entertainment at the Institute was crowded to the doors and was very well received, though the stage was too small to make the most of the drills.

On Sunday morning the boys could be seen all over town, with the old mine a popular place to visit and in the afternoon the band played in Victoria Park, but unfortunately it was cold and showery. The charity collection there brought in c. £7. The football match raised £8, of which one third was for the boys and two thirds for charity. The concert grossed £31. The party left for Broken Hill by Sunday evening’s express.

XX, 1861, 24 Sep. 1913, page 3

Aberdeen Football Club Social last Thursday in Jubilee Hall had C. Fuss in the chair. There were the usual speeches and between them some items. [Including a song by L.R. Fuss.]

Rain. Leighton received 310 points in two falls this month, which has set the district up for a good harvest if normal weather now prevails.

Iron Mine Christian Endeavour visited Redruth on Tuesday for a meeting with the local group in Jubilee Hall. An entertainment of two hours was much appreciated.

XX, 1862, 1 Oct. 1913, page 2

WCTU continues to meet monthly in Jubilee Hall.

Film. [Presented by Biblical Biographs Ltd.] The Great Biblical film: From Manger to Cross will be shown in the Institute next Saturday. A full organ and vocal accompaniment will be provided.

Kooringa Masonic Lodge. Ladies of the families of lodge members were invited to a service on Wednesday last by W.M. Bro. G.E. Dane, conducted by the Chaplain, Rev. Bro. S.J. Bloyd. This was followed by a social at the Institute with about 60 present.

Marriage. Unley Methodist Church, 27 September.

Miss (Nurse) Steele, daughter of R.H. Steele of Rose Park and late of Burra &

O.L. Peacock, 2nd son of J.H. Peacock of Keswick.

Kooringa Court, 24 September.

Frank Lunn alias ‘Man-o’-war Frank’ was charge with:

Drunkenness: fined 10/- plus 1/- costs.

Resisting arrest: fined £2 with 15/- costs, or 14 days.

Unlawful possession of a rug, safety razor and hand mirror: one month concurrent with the 14 days above.

Tennis. The Kia-Ora Tennis Club met on Saturday and elected: Captain, Mr A.H. Lackmann; Secretary, Mr Neagle & Assistant Secretary, Miss V. Wilkinson. The court has been newly tar dressed.

‘Burra Resident’ writes querying whether John Bull was supplied with liquor when already drunk and whether the person who did so was not then responsible for his death. The writer also considers that eight places for the sale of liquor in the town are too many.

The editor points out that the man appears to have been suffering from the effects of alcohol when he arrived. The landlord of the Bon Accord supplied him with water and a bowl of soup.

Cricket. Burra Cricket Assoc. will operate again this year with L. Neagle as Hon. Sec.

XX, 1862, 1 Oct. 1913, page 3

Burra Show was held last Friday and was very successful. Despite a pleasant start, cold intermittent showers spoiled the afternoon, but by then the crowd had come in record numbers and the gate took almost £90.

There was a fine display of dairy produce in which E.N. Finch was the most successful.

Poultry as usual was very good.

Draught horses had improved.

Cattle as usual were few.

Dogs were as good as usual and more coursing activity has resulted in over 30 greyhounds being exhibited.

Sheep numbers were down due to the dry weather, but quality was good.

Chin Young scored heavily in amateur vegetables, though it makes one wonder what constitutes ‘professional’.

E.N. Finch won the wheat prize.

R. Fuss won 50 prizes from 72 entries in the flowers.

The complete prize list is printed.

[Personal interest. R. Fuss’s prizes were:

12 cut flowers 1st 6 cut flowers 1st 3 antirrhinums 1st

3 daffodils 2nd (no 1st) 1 daffodil 2nd 6 hyacinths 1st

3 hyacinths 1st nasturtiums (3 cuts) 1st 12 pansies 2nd

6 pansies 1st 3 pansies 2nd 12 phlox 1st

6 phlox 1st 3 phlox 1st 12 pelargoniums 1st

6 pelargoniums 1st 3 pelargoniums 1st 3 roses 1st

1 rose 2nd 6 shrubs 1st 3 shrubs 2nd

12, 10 week stocks 1st 6, 10 week stocks 1st 3, 10 week stocks 1st

6 sweet peas (3 cuts) 1st 3 sweet peas (3 cuts) 1st 6 verbenas (3 cuts) 1st

3 verbenas (3 cuts) 1st 6 double wallflowers 1st 3 double wallflowers 1st

Pot plants in bloom

3 azaleas 1st & 2nd 1 azalea 1st & 2nd 6 cyclamen 1st

3 cyclamen 2nd 1 cyclamen 1st freesias 1st

1 petunia 1st 6 pelargoniums 1st 3 pelargoniums 1st

1 pelargonium 1st 6 primula 1st

Pot plants without reference to bloom

3 begonias 2nd basket plant 2nd 6 ferns 1st

3 ferns 2nd 3 palm 1st 1 palm 2nd

6 pot plants for table 1st]

Burra Rifle Club. 2nd match for the J.C. Killicoat Trophy: aggregate scores so far, R.D. Pascoe 5, R. Sandland 5 & H.L. Riggs 4.

Advt. Biblical Biographs Ltd. Burra Institute 4 October: From Manger to Cross. Accompanied by Mr J. De Koningh at the organ, Miss Florence Hope (soprano) and Mr Spenser Wilder (baritone).

3/-, 2/- & 1/-.

XX, 1863, 8 Oct. 1913, page 1

Unusually there are two columns of articles on page 1. This week one is on art and one on General Booth of the Salvation Army. From here on page one articles become regular, but as in this case, they are not necessarily news items and it in no way marks a trend to introduce headlines to page 1.

XX, 1863, 8 Oct. 1913, page 2

Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd., on instructions from F. & N.P. Jaffrey, will offer 1,881 acres of freehold in 8 lots at the Institute on Wednesday 12 November, situated in the Hundred of Apoinga.

Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd. will offer 17,574 sheep on 17 October.

Advt. Booborowie Sports program for 1 November is printed.

Advt. Annual Catholic Fair 17 & 18 October in the Burra Institute.

Railways. It is rumoured that the railways have decided to discontinue the stoppage of the Broken Hill Express at Burra. The resulting inconvenience is not commensurate with the trifling saving of time.

Burra Town Council, Monday.

The Hydraulic Engineer advises that the capital cost of the Burra Waterworks was £10,750 and revenue for the year ending 30 June was £1,145, producing a nett return of 3.2%.

The visit of the American Boys raised £11-9-0 for charities. An invalid chair will be bought for the hospital and the balance will be sent to Minda Home.

Two boys have been seen pulling up recently planted street trees. The cost of replacement has been estimated at 10/- and the boys’ parents will be asked to pay, or legal proceedings will be taken.

The Railways Department will be asked when it is intended to place the bell at the Bon Accord crossing.

District MPs are to be asked if there is any truth in the statement that from November the Broken Hill express will not stop at Burra.

Cr Parks moved that the motion confining the electric lighting scheme to East & West Wards be rescinded. Cr Wicklein 2nd. Carried.

Local Board of Health.

Jessie St, Aberdeen remains an eyesore.

XX, 1863, 8 Oct. 1913, page 3

Burra Rifle Club. The 3rd match for the Killicoat Trophy. At this stage R.D. Pascoe, R. Sandland, W. Lee & C.W. Pearce each has 5 points.

Kooringa Methodist Church celebrated the last anniversary in the present building last Sunday & Monday. Rev. Henry Howard of Pirie St, Adelaide, preached.

Ernest W. Crewes writes re early closing day. Some people favour Wednesday, as at present, others want the businesses to close at 1 p.m. Saturday and remain open till 9 p.m. on Fridays in lieu. He personally is of this view. Since other towns do this most sport is now played on Saturdays. He calls a meeting of storekeepers for Thursday at 7.30 p.m. and asks all businessmen from Aberdeen and Redruth to attend as well, to make the Saturday half-holiday general.

‘A Burra Resident’ writes stating that the late John Bell had been in town as early as Wednesday morning. The editor discounts this rumour and says police have made special enquiries and established he only arrived on the day he committed suicide, leaving some teams a mile or two outside of the town and passing straight through Kooringa to Aberdeen.

Mabel Dunstan. There is a 1⁄3-column article on this lady, who is one of half a dozen women architects in Sydney. She is the daughter of the former Mayor of Burra, John Dunstan jnr and was born in Burra. She studied with her father and now after 10 years takes charge of his office when he is away. She is left the domestic architecture, while her father concentrates on commercial buildings. She has been an architect for 10 years and arrived in Sydney about 8 years ago.

XX, 1864, 15 Oct. 1913, page 1

Cricket. Match begun at Aberdeen on Saturday. Aberdeen 130 and Kooringa 4 for 222.

Football. Aberdeen Oval on Saturday.

Auburn 1.3 3.2 4.6 4.7 (31)

Aberdeen 0.0 2.1 2.2 4.3 (27)

[Note. If there is no mistake in the days concerned, it is unclear where the cricket would have been played if the oval were being used for football.]

Burra Rifle Club. On the Eight Hour Day Holiday last Monday at Gawler, Gawler 837 defeated Burra 808.

XX, 1864, 15 Oct. 1913, page 2

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, 24 October: For the Term of His Natural Life.

Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd will offer 19,599 sheep on 17 October.

Notice. John McLaren, Mayor, calls a public meeting for all those interested in a universal Saturday afternoon holiday. Burra Institute, 16 October at 8 p.m.

Notice. John McLaren, Mayor, calls a public meeting on all those interested in the non-stopping of the Broken Hill express at Burra. Burra Institute, Friday 17 October at 4 p.m.

Advt. Tenders called for the erection of a residence in Kooringa for W.J.C. Ewins. J.A. Tillett, Architect.

Advt. Re-opening of C.J. Pearce & Son’s Furniture Warehouse after extensive alterations.

Obituary. John Bailey, husband of Elizabeth Bailey, died at Aberdeen on 9 October aged 67. Leaving six sons and three daughters.

Mr Bailey arrived in Adelaide aged 9 and with his father helped to fence the Gawler railway. His father then took land at Mintaro and later at Gum Creek. Mr Bailey then bought land adjacent to his father’s and held it till he sold it upon retiring to Aberdeen about two years ago. The family are: Miss Sarah Bailey (NSW), Messrs George (Brinkworth), Alfred (Leighton), Henry (WA), James (Melbourne) and in Aberdeen the Misses Mabel & Mary and Messrs David and John.

Editorial. The Broken Hill Express.

Burra is the largest town north of Gawler and it is hard to credit ceasing to stop here for a saving of a paltry 5 minutes in a journey of 14 hours.

Many passengers for Broken Hill join in Burra.

Large interests beyond Petersburg are held by Burra residents who therefore often use the express – e.g. Messrs William, Robert, A.J. & Norman McBride, C. Bartholomaeus, L. & A. Gebhardt and the proprietors of Gum Creek, Koonoona and Manunda properties. All these own properties on the line.

Each of the stock salesmen has offices at Petersburg, Jamestown and Broken Hill and use the express frequently. All these will be greatly inconvenienced.

The mail we get by the express will of course be stopped.

Obituary. Sir J.J. Duncan, former MP for the Burra District and Patron of the Show Soc. since its inception. [John James Duncan died 8 October 1913 in Adelaide, residence Mitcham aged 68.]

XX, 1864, 15 Oct. 1913, page 3

Miss Ethel Morgan’s coming of age party was held at Leighton Hall last Tuesday. She is the 2nd daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Morgan.

Tennis. After a period of low interest an association has been formed of teams from Kooringa, Aberdeen, World’s End and Porter’s Lagoon. For the 1913-14 season: Secretary, J.W. Statton.

On Wednesday Aberdeen Gents 11-107 defeated Kooringa 10-104.

[Presumably these are the figures corrected in the next issue.]

Aberdeen Ladies 7-44 defeated Kooringa Ladies 1-26.

Football. On Saturday the Aberdeen players went to Morgan.

[It seems probable that Morgan 8.13 defeated Aberdeen 4.5, though no one seems to have properly kept score.]

On Sunday there was a visit by motor launch to New Era before leaving for home at 2 p.m., arriving at c. 7 p.m. Travel was by motor lorry. [C.A. Fuss was part of the entourage.]

Kooringa Methodist Church Anniversary public tea meeting was held on Monday. Rev. J.H. Nield said that so far the amount promised for the new church was £993-15-9. The sale of the old Bible Christian manse raised £717-10-0 and the fete raised £154-2-8. Of the promises so far £366-18-3 had actually been paid and of the remaining £635, some £600 of it was promised by just six persons. Tenders for the new church have been called.

Rev. Burgess had been invited to conduct farewell services, but was prevented by age. Rev. W.G. Clarke has now been asked. Rev. Howard, President of Conference, would come to lay the foundation stone. He reported losses to the congregation by the removal of residents, particularly from the east of the circuit. Last Sunday at World’s End the congregation was 5 and at Douglas the other day it was 13. Baldina congregations had also declined. Everything was being concentrated upon Kooringa and the outside churches grew worse as the years went by. Mr Bailey had helped in the circuit till he went to the college. Mr Nelson had replaced him for six months, but would soon retire.

Meeting of Businessmen re Saturday Half-Holiday.

This was held at The Institute on Thursday with E.W. Crewes in the chair.

For a long time the half-holiday on Wednesday had worked well, but gradually other towns had changed to Saturday and now the Kooringa store closed on Wednesday and the Aberdeen one on Saturday. Then on Friday when there were [stock] sales the 6 p.m. closing time created an inconvenient rush. Also with most holidays being on Mondays, Saturday closing was a convenience for workers.

Mr Pederson favoured Saturdays. Mr Ridgway sent a letter lending his support to Saturday. Mr Crewes said Mt Bryan and Hallett stores now closed on Wednesday, but would fall into line with Burra. [Presumably he was speaking for Drew & Crewes’ branches.] F. Sara and Mr Hartnett also favoured Saturday. A deputation was established to go to the Mayor to convene a public meeting to discuss the matter.

Hockey. The Hockey Club held a dance to conclude the season last Wednesday.

XX, 1864, 15 Oct. 1913, page 4

Burra United Friendly Societies’ Demonstration & Sports was held last Wednesday.

The day was very warm and this, together with tennis at Aberdeen and the Rifle Club trip to Gawler, reduced attendance. The gate was £11-10-0. The band played in the Rotunda at noon and then marched to the Hospital and back to Victoria Park leading the lodge members in full regalia. Entries were fair.

Results are printed.

[C.A. Fuss was chairman and A. Fuss one of the judges.]

XX, 1865, 22 Oct. 1913, page 1

St Joseph’s Annual Fete was held in the Institute last Friday & Saturday. Nett proceeds £120.

XX, 1865, 22 Oct. 1913, page 2

Notice. Persons discharging fireworks within 60’ of any street are liable to a penalty of £10.

Notice. For Sale in Redruth, a good greengrocery and mixed business currently carried on by William Carpenter jnr, who is leaving Burra. Also for sale or rent a four-roomed house in Redruth.

Broken Hill Express. As a result of a meeting in the Institute on Friday a deputation will wait on the Railway Commissioner to express their great displeasure at the proposal not to have the Broken Hill express stop at Burra.

The Local Board of Health would like to see the banning of fireworks. Concern was expressed about car speeds, which are up to 28 m.p.h. It is thought that many drivers are unlicensed.

Accident. In Saturday evening the gas lamp on Park’s corner exploded at about 6.45 p.m. soon after being lit. The cause was probably due to its being dirty. No one was hurt, but the door of the lamp was driven into a tree about 14’ away to a depth of several inches and all that remained standing was the base. This is the second town lamp to explode.

Broken Hill Express. After the deputation waited on the Railway Commissioner yesterday there is a good chance of a satisfactory compromise.

Burra town Council, Monday.

The Railway Commissioner expects the Bon Accord gong to be installed this week.

Cr Wicklein moved that the footpath from Streicher’s to S. Burns’ corner Chapel St be tar paved. Carried. Cr Lowe moved the footpath from Sara’s to the Black Bridge be tar paved.

Lamplighters are asked to overhaul all lamps in view of Saturday’s explosion.

On 1 December the following officers retire from Council:

Mayor Mr McLaren

North Ward Cr Lowe

East Ward Cr Lane

West Ward Cr Wicklein

Cr Wicklein & Mr McLaren indicated they would stand again. Cr Lowe said he would not.

Nothing has been finalised about ownership of the creek. One idea was for the Council to own a chain road along the creek with openings for road access at certain points. Another idea was for Council to have absolute control to the rear of the fountain [Jubilee Fountain in The Avenue] and perpetual lease on any parts the Council might plant.

Messrs Fuss and Milner waited on Council for a reduction in the charge made for the oval for the United Friendly Societies’ Sports, which had resulted in a loss. After discussion a full refund of the £3-3-0 fee was carried.

XX, 1865, 22 Oct. 1913, page 3

Marriage. St Mary’s on 15 October.

L.S. Penrose, son of Mr Richard Penrose of Kadina and

Miss H. Lott, eldest daughter of Mr C. Lott of Kooringa

Elder, Smith’s sale on 15 October was the largest for several years.

Tennis. Saturday: Aberdeen 8-81 defeated Porter’s Lagoon 7-78.

Correction to last week’s results: Aberdeen 109 defeated Kooringa 99 games.

Burra Branch of the United Labor Party held their annual social at the Institute last Wednesday and c. 200 attended. The report extends to over 1⁄2 column.

Early Closing Meeting in the Institute Lodge Room last Thursday.

The Mayor said there would need to be a petition signed by at least 10% of electors to bring the town under the Early Closing Act. If a larger counter-petition were lodged a poll would be needed. The area of application would have to be defined. Murray Bridge for example had taken in two adjacent Hundreds.

Mr Crewes moved the adoption of the Early Closing Act for Burra and Mr Lowe 2nd.

Mr Wicklein wanted the area to include World’s End, Booborowie & Leighton.

[Selling from vans was one concern expressed.]

Mr Crewes said their vans came in on Friday and van men would enjoy the Saturday half-holiday.

Mr Wicklein then changed his motion to include the Hundreds of Ayers, Hallett, Kingston, Baldina and Kooringa. 2nd A.D. McLaren.

N. Pearce was for closure by mutual consent rather than by invoking the Act and Mr Treloar agreed.

Eventually other motions were withdrawn and a new one proposed to establish a committee to discover the wishes of the population.

XX, 1866, 29 Oct. 1913, page 2

Robertstown-Bright Silver-Lead Mine is sending ore to Germany for treatment at a saving, it is said, of £4 per ton, compared with sending it to Broken Hill. The crosscut at 210’ is thought to be nearing the lode.

Good water has been found on Pine Creek Station for Messrs Thomas & Gare at 159’ with water rising 90’ in the bore.

Hail. A.G. Gebhardt was driving to Burra from the east on Sunday when the car was pelted with hailstones almost the size of small hen’s eggs. He received several nasty cuts on the hands.

The Salvation Army held a social at the Barracks on Thursday to mark the end of their Self-Denial Appeal, which raised a record £220. Mr F. Harris alone raised £102-1-10. Ensign Meade raised £44.

The Broken Hill Express will continue to stop at Burra. The express will run through at 6 a.m. and the ordinary train at 6.30 a.m. Passengers joining at Burra will only be able to buy tickets for Adelaide on the southbound expresses and to places beyond Terowie on northbound expresses.

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, 29 October: Camille, starring Sarah Bernhardt.

Nurse Woollacott of Redruth is giving up nursing for several months due to ill health.

Kooringa Masonic Lodge. The annual installation was held on Wednesday when Bro, E.J. Harris was installed in the Chair of King Solomon. This was followed by a social in the Institute for c. 200, followed by dancing.

XX, 1866, 29 Oct. 1913, page 3

Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, 22 October.

Ella Pearce, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs Walter Pearce and

Alfred Bown, 2nd son of Mr & Mrs J. Bown of Spring Bank.

Burra Racing Club met to organise the next races. The club is in credit £200 and they will apply for 17 January as Race Day. Frank Treloar was appointed Secretary.

Cricket. On 25 October at ‘Lucernedale’: Booborowie 90 defeated Aberdeen 89.

Tennis. Kooringa 11-85 defeated World’s End 4-59.

Burra Rifle Club. On Wednesday Burra 1024 defeated Leighton 1019.

Burra Polo Club. Mr Hodge was appointed Secretary in place of Mr Hawkes. 1st practice on 8 November.

Iron Mine Methodist Sunday School Anniversary was celebrated last Sunday. There are 55 scholars and 6 teachers. Average attendance 40.

XX, 1867, 5 Nov. 1913, page 2

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will offer 16,030 sheep on 7 November.

Advt. Elder, Smith 7 Co. Ltd will offer 11,400 sheep on 21 November.

Advt. Leighton Strawberry Fete on 19 November.

Advt. Mt Bryan Strawberry Fete on 12 November.

Advt. Salvation Army. Visit of Commissioner Hay, Chief Officer of Australia.

Burra Institute 12 November.

Rains to the east last week saw falls varying from 30 points at Quondong to 100 points at Oakbank, with most over 50 points.

Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, Wednesday.

Martha Hill, only daughter of Mr & Mrs Richard Hill of Kooringa and Mr J. Quinn of Broken Hill.

Tennis. Saturday: World’s End 8-82 defeated Aberdeen 7-77.

XX, 1867, 5 Nov. 1913, page 2-3

Redruth Methodist Sunday School Anniversary. Rev. H. Alvey of Hamley Bridge preached to a crowded church. Record numbers attended the tea meeting. The Secretary, F. Sara, reported 69 boys and 79 girls for a total of 148 scholars and 21 teachers.

XX, 1867, 5 Nov. 1913, page 3

Burra Town Council, Monday.

Cr Lane said the Salvation Army was again encroaching on the cabstand on Saturday nights and he moved they be written to and asked to keep to their own spot.

Local Board of Health.

Slaughtering licences granted to H. Rabbich and D.J. O’Leary.

The Central Board had served notice to put O’Leary’s slaughterhouse in a sanitary condition. It was a substantial building, which could be turned into a public slaughterhouse at little expense.

Cricket. Saturday, 1 November, Hallett 223 and Kooringa 1 for 26.

Burra Rifle Club. 4th match for the Killicoat Trophy.

G.L. Nutt shot the limit of 102 from scratch and so gained first place.

H.E. Riggs got 106 with a handicap of 8

R. Sandland got 104 with a handicap of 13

E.A. Riggs got 103 with a handicap of 10

H.L. Riggs got 102 with a handicap of 10.

XX, 1868, 12 Nov. 1913, page 2

Utica Copper Mine. The Inspector of Mines, H. Jones, visited last week and considers it has the best prospects of any mine visited in SA. 14 distinct lodes are traceable. Unpicked samples show c. 171⁄2% copper.

Rain. Steady rain on Sunday extended to the east. Fine feed is reported in the outside country and most dams are full.

I.J. Warnes of Wahroonga has bee doing very well at sales for fat shorn wethers, realising record prices. Recently sales of 6,129 have averaged 20/1 per head.

Fire. On Monday night a shed of A. Miller of Hanson was burnt along with two Massey-Harris Harvesters worth £85 each. It is thought to have been struck by lightning.

‘A Parent’ writes decrying the eight public houses in the town and the bad effect they have on the young men of Burra.

Herbert Morgan writes asking why household rubbish is tipped on the roadside within a few yards of his Redruth residence.

‘Aberdeen Ratepayer’ writes asking for improved post office accommodation at Aberdeen.

The Mayoralty. In agreeing to run for the office again Mr McLaren revealed that the Hon. John Lewis had bought Paxton Square and might be induced to deal liberally with the town in its disposal.

XX, 1868, 12 Nov. 1913, page 3

A Pump Meeting of Sunday 26 December 1886 by Rev. W.F. James is reported upon.

The Burra Band led a combined Methodist Choir in Christmas Carols. A crowd of 700-800 gathered. Rev. S. Gray conducted an evangelical service and Rev. F.S. Prior also spoke. (Details in 2⁄3 column.)

Burra Institute Committee considered new chairs to upgrade the seating from backless forms. Sufficient blackwood chairs to replace the form in the back of the hall will be bought at 5/10 each from C.J. Pearce & Son. The Hall Committee will determine numbers. The committee will report next meeting on the shelving needed to convert the present reading room as a library. The committee agreed to allow the hall to be used for Methodist services while the new Kooringa Methodist Church was being built. (At a charge of 7/6 a time.) Dr Brummitt has returned his photo in oil, renovated.

Burra Rifle Club. 5th shoot for the Killicoat Trophy saw R.D. Pascoe 91 lead from H.L. Riggs 88.

Tennis. Porter’s Lagoon 10-87 defeated Kooringa 5-81.

Cricket. Kooringa 136 defeated Booborowie 128.

Aberdeen 7 for 182 defeated Hallett 129.

XX, 1869, 19 Nov. 1913, page 1

Burra Institute on Wednesday. A good crowd assembled to hear Commissioner Hay. (Details in 11⁄3 columns.) [Chief Officer in Australia for Salvation Army.]

XX, 1869, 19 Nov. 1913, page 2

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will sell on 5 December, on instructions from the estate of the late F.T. Jones & Fred Jones:

Wildildie of 4,721 acres freehold in the Hundred of Mongolata. It comprises sections 38, 2, 185, 20, 23SE, 22, 23S, 21, 23M, 4E, 17S, 18N, 19, 4NW, 23NM and a well-built stone house of 8 rooms situated 15 miles from Burra.

The Swamp, 28 miles from Burra of Crown Lease Perpetual No. 4,647 comprising sections 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108E, 108W in the Hundred of Rees and Block F in Hundred of Rees on Crown Lease Miscellaneous No. 7,512 with a stone hut of three rooms etc. Total 4,553 acres.

The selection adjoining The Swamp on the west side of 1,000 acres on Crown Lease Perpetual No. 6,651 being Hundred of Rees sections 109, 110 & 119S.

The Hogback. 17,307 acres total, comprising 16,840 acres of Block 1 Crown Lease Perpetual No. 4,661 in Co. Burra & Co. Kimberley and Crown Lease Perpetual No. 7,529 in Hd Tomkinson, section 21, of 467 acres.

Advt. Elder, Smith will offer next Friday, on the order of Francis Ford, 161⁄2 acres freehold comprising Hundred of Kooringa sections 60, 61, 62 & 63 with a stone house of two rooms with weatherboard kitchen and stone outhouse.

Advt. Farrell’s Flat Strawberry Fete next Wednesday.

Advt. Burra Institute next Thursday 11 December.

The English Combination of Refined Entertainers: The Dandies.

Sparkling Melodies, Humorous Sketches & Burlesques. 3/-, 2/- & 1/-

Theft. On Sunday night the letter box in front of R. Pascoe’s shop was opened and a large number of letters stolen.

St Elmo’s Mine, Bright. Tunnelling through the hill has proceeded 40’ and contractors are down 100’ with a crosscut at 25’ in what looks like first-class gold bearing stuff.

Mr Lackman of Elder, Smith & Co. has been transferred to Kapunda after three year’s service in Burra. He was presented with a travelling rug and suitcase. His participation in football, cricket, tennis, golf and billiards will make him missed in the town.

XX, 1869, 19 Nov. 1913, page 2-3

Burra Town Council, Monday.

Notice from Rev. Bloyd about Hospital Sunday at St Mary’s on 7 December.

It was decided this time to issue warnings to those who let off fireworks in and near streets on 5 November and to prosecute in future.

Cr Harris said that the charge of 1/10 for a three-minute call to Adelaide was excessive. The Mayor will take the matter up with the Deputy Postmaster General.

The Mayor said the Hon. John Lewis had the right to purchase the Creek, but was prepared to waive it in Council’s favour, if they so desired. Bagot, Shakes and Lewis desired a right of way for which they were prepared to pay £3-£4 a year. The strip offered was from the [Kingston St] Bridge to the back of the Mill. At present the only public crossing was at the rear of the Burra Hotel. The price is £150 and would be more in open competition.

[Bagot, Shakes & Lewis had saleyards to the north of Paxton Square & east of the Brewery Cellars and presumably required the right of way for stock to the railway station.]

Cr Wicklein thought the offer generous and moved acceptance. Carried.

The Mayor reported that Hon. J. Lewis had purchased Paxton Square with the intention of giving it to the town for the use of indigent and deserving people who ‘did not get drunk’.

The Corporation would be the nominal owners. The Ministers of the town would have a say in deciding on tenants. No profits were to be made and the rents were to go in renovation and maintenance.

Crs Lowe and Lane moved a vote of thanks. Carried.

The Mayor had sent a £6 cheque to Minda Home, being half the proceeds of the American Boys visit.

Local Board of Health.

The matter of rubbish on the roadside at Redruth was raised. Cr Lowe said he authorised the infilling of a hole using ashes and unfortunately the load included a few tins, but no offensive matter. The hole will be filled with inoffensive matter and topped with soil.

XX, 1869, 19 Nov. 1913, page 3

Rev. Father O’Halloran was presented with a Morris chair at a social at St Joseph’s Schoolroom on Friday. The evening began with progressive euchre and musical items followed.

Annual Liberal Union Social was held on Thursday at the Institute. The President of the Union, Mr J. McLaren, spoke. [Details of the speech are reported in c. 1 column.]

‘Interested’ writes calling for fresh blood on the Council for 1914.

‘More Light’ writes asking for more information on the moves to get electric light for Burra.

‘Decency’ complains that groups of youths on footpaths are ‘interfering with our daughters as they pass along the public streets’.

‘Interested’ writes wondering what progress has been made in discerning the public’s views on the question of early closing.

The editor says the committee has fixed the first week in December for a meeting to review the findings.

A.C. Woollacott asks for a Municipal Court to handle breaches of the by-laws rather than continuing to use the SM.

‘Another Parent’ writes saying that if many people have lost control of their boys by the age of 14 it argues for military training. Although a teetotaller he does not agree that hoteliers are trying to ensnare our boys. If total lack of control occurs from 14 years on, this points to something badly wrong in [home] training. Perhaps the provision of alternative activities is needed. Billiards away from hotels for instance.

Burra Creek Huts. By Rev. W.F. James. [c. 3⁄4 column of Burra’s earliest years.]

Rev. James remembers the remains of several creek huts from his time in the town 1884-87. The first two huts were dug by Messrs John and Robert Collins. The huts once extended nearly two miles and over 2,000 people lived there. They were cut into clay banks about 10’ high. The roofs were pierced and stones or a barrel placed on top to form chimneys. Rooms varied from 2 or 3 to 5 and 6 and one person wrote to England that he had ‘an eight-roomed house with a river frontage.’ Large gum trees adorned the creek. Lime was freely used and some were papered and carpeted. Furnishings started out crudely, but became comfortable and even luxurious.

An account then follows of a witness to the flood of 12 May 1851.

James Blatchford’s experiences follow and Daniel Llewellyn’s. Blatchford had a hut in the cross creek near the Smelting Works. The flood of 1859 so damaged any remaining huts that very few lived there afterwards.

Cricket. Kooringa 8 for 210 drew with Aberdeen 4 for 82.

Tennis. Kooringa 8-82 defeated Aberdeen 7-68.

World’s End 8-71 defeated Porter’s Lagoon 7-71.

XX, 1870, 26 Nov. 1913, page 1

Burra Town Council. Mayor’s Report 1913.

Financial extracts:

North Ward spent £101-7-5 and is in credit £11-11-0

East Ward spent £97-9-0 and is in credit £22-9-2

West Ward spent £100-1-0 and is in credit £14-12-9

Parklands Account spent £84-5-3 and is in credit £25-12-8

Cemetery started in credit £133-15-1 and had major expenditure in extending the boundaries of about £130-0-0 and is still in credit £53-17-9.

The Main Road Grant of £430-0-0 has been expended and the account is in credit 6/-.

Local Board of Health began in debit £5-5-4 and ended in credit £62-16-1, which is necessary to have on hand in the event of an epidemic etc.

XX, 1870, 26 Nov. 1913, page 2

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, 28 November: The Battle of Waterloo.

Advt. Tenders called for the erection of a stone supper room at the Mt Bryan Hall.

Seaside Trip. A meeting in the Institute on Friday last was chaired by the Mayor, Mr McLaren. February 11 was chosen for the trip and an organising committee was elected.

George Sara will turn 100 on 30 November. He was born near Mylor in Cornwall in 1813. He was a stone mason by trade and married in 1863 [sic – an error for 1836] He brought his wife and family to Australia in 1848 and settled at Willunga. George Sara & Sons erected many churches, chapels, mills, bridges and other large buildings. The firm erected a number of stations on the northern line and also the Gladstone Gaol. He was long a member of the District Council and a JP. He is the grandfather of J.G. Sara of Aberdeen.

John Reed visited his Mongolata farm last Friday and found that his manager there, Tasman Chaplin, had gone mad and was running around naked except for a belt. The house had been largely wrecked with the windows and their frames smashed. He came quietly into Burra and has been taken to the asylum by M-C Skinner.

Burra Rifle Club. 6th shoot for the J.C. Killicoat Trophy: A Gartery 112 led from O.G. Walker 102.

Tennis. Aberdeen 9-82 defeated World’s End 6-69

Porter’s Lagoon 9-80 defeated Kooringa 6-81.

Cricket. Hallett 87 defeated Kooringa 54.

Rev. W.F. James writes thanking all for their hospitality on his recent visit.

‘Engineer’ writes commenting on the Mayor’s claim that ‘It would lower the dignity of the Council to take notice of anything in the Press’. This was in reference to Mr Morgan’s letter on rubbish. But last year the Engineer drew their attention to the sale of Burra Creek land and urged the Council to act to acquire some and they clearly did take notice.

H. Morgan writes citing the same quotation from the Mayor. This not only treats the writer with contempt, but the paper as a whole. The rubbish in question was not just ash, but general household rubbish. It is quite unfit to be placed near homes. Would such be tipped near the home of a Councillor or the Mayor? ‘To do such a thing would be to ‘lower the dignity’ of the municipal heads and the offender would be severely censured.

XX, 1870, 26 Nov. 1913, page 3

Annual Ratepayers’ Meeting, Burra Institute 21 November.

Attendance was the largest for years at about 300 compared with last year’s 6.

Mayor’s Report.

The season promises to be the best for some time and both farmers and pastoralists will have had a good year. This prosperity augurs well for the town. Since the last report we have lost Philip Lane, our first Mayor and we have named one of our garden plots Lane Garden as a fitting, though insufficient, recognition.

We were able to buy the Burra Creek south of the [Kingston St] Bridge and through the influence and good services of Hon. J. Lewis MLC about 35 acres north of it to the rear of the Mill, including the plantation, or Jubilee Avenue.

The visit of the American boys was a pleasant interlude from which an invalid chair was bought for the hospital and a donation sent to Minda Home.

Electric lighting has progressed as far as permission being given for its establishment and power to raise money for it. The next step is the consent of the Commissioner of crown Lands, who has been applied to, but no reply has yet been received. If the answer is yes, then I suggest we hasten slowly, drawing on the experience of others.

The ornamental gardens, at first scoffed at by some, have since met with universal approval.

The seaside trip for children was an unqualified success and though not actually a municipal matter, it was started by the Council.

The increased lighting of the school owes much to the School Board, whose members are mostly members of Council and the Council fought successfully to retain the stopping of the Broken Hill express at Burra. The hospital is vested in the Council and a renovation is now in hand.

The general account is currently c. £47 in credit, though it will be in debit c. £20 by the year’s end.

The gong at the Bon Accord crossing has been established.

The Burra Coronation Band continues successfully.

Though details are not finalised, the Hon. J. Lewis MLC has bought Paxton Square and handed it over to Council as housing for the poor. Letting etc. is to be controlled by the Mayor of the day, a nominee of Mr Lewis and the ministers of the town. [Anglican, Methodist and Catholic.] Income is to be used in renovation without profit.

Cr Lowe retires after many terms service with my thanks for his years of attention to North Ward interests. [He served December 1907 to November 1913.]

The adoption of the report was moved by E. Crewes and 2nd Mr Fuss.

The candidates for office then took the platform.

Mr McLaren thought he had covered most of the issues in his report. The problem of Burra was that it was spread over 3,000 acres or 5 square miles and fell into two distinct parts, which made some think there was antagonism between the two parts. Indications that the central authorities wanted to take over main roads would be unfortunate, as the Council got more value for money. Cars were becoming a problem and their licence fees did not come to Council. If the electric light were a success he would see it extended to North Ward. As soon as possible he would like to see it extended as far as Fuss’s shop and Jubilee Hall, after which further extension would have to be guaranteed. But before establishing it at all more information was needed. He doubted the usefulness of a Municipal Court.

Mr Crewes said he had not intended to stand for Mayor a week ago, but had been approached by several influential men to do so and had consented. His previous service had been in the strenuous times of Federation and the Boer War. The big question now was the electric light. He had doubts about the so-called expert advice they had received. Imagine placing the running of the machinery in the hands of an apprentice at £72 p.a.! At Kadina the engineer got £275 p.a. This alone made him question the expert’s figures. The size of the plant was also questionable. Kadina was already seeking one three times the size of the one it had. If it could not extend to three wards it should be turned down altogether. He rather favoured a Municipal Court.

Cr Wicklein liked the garden plots and thought the Council had done good work in 1913 and was glad they had got the Bon Accord gong. He was for tar paving now that they had 50 barrels of tar. He favoured a new post office at Aberdeen.

Cr Lane had little to say except that he would do his best.

Mr E.J. Moore is not reported as having done more than announce his candidacy.

Jacob Richards was against lighting only part of the town and would not support the present proposal. A better one was needed.

Mr Radford said little, but agreed they needed more information before going on with an electricity scheme.

Mr W.H. Hardy thought administrative expenses were too high. More money needed to be spent in the back streets. An alteration was needed on the plate of the rotunda to give credit where credit was due. He favoured fencing the Avenue and a new rubbish depot was needed.

Leighton Strawberry Fete is reported in 3⁄4 column. Nett proceeds will be c. £60. Much of the interest was in the failure of Robertson’s lorry on the way home to Burra, which stranded about 50 and resulted in a variety of ways of getting home.

XX, 1871, 3 Dec. 1913, page 2

Burra Municipal Elections: Nominations.

Mayor Ernest William Crewes

John McLaren

North Ward Maurice Arnold Radford

Jacob Richards

East Ward Stanley Monteith Lane

Ernest John Moore

West Ward William Harrison Hardy

Ludwig Leopold Wicklein

Auditor Frank Treloar (Elected unopposed)

The elections will take place on 6 December.

Advt. Burra Cycling & Athletic Club Sports. Aberdeen Oval, Boxing Day, 26 December.

Accident. The seven-year-old daughter of Mrs Nevitt [sic] [Knevitt?] of Paxton Square slipped on the footbridge at the rear of the Burra Hotel on Monday while bending to retrieve a handkerchief. She fractured her elbow and broke her arm above it.

Dentists. Throughout the year Mr Mummery (Late with Mr Creswick) visited each month and could be consulted at the Commercial Hotel. Mr M. Maughan could be consulted on his visits at the Burra Hotel and page 3 adds the information that W.E. Thomas consults at Burra, Hallett & Mt Bryan.

Obituary. Mrs Edwards, relict of the late John Edwards and for 66 years a resident of Burra, died in Adelaide on Sunday at the residence of her son, Edgar. She came to Burra in 1849 and lived here till a few months ago. She leaves seven sons: Edgar (Adelaide), R.T. (Forestville), S. (Subiaco WA), H.A., H.S., & W.J. (Broken Hill) & J. (Boulder WA). [Mary Edwards died 30 November 1913 in Adelaide aged 70.]

Obituary. Mrs W. Irlam of Robertstown died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs Nankivell of Chapel St, last Friday aged 70. She came from England when aged 2 and her parents settled in this district. She leaves three sons and four daughters: Mesdames Nankivell, Broad & Parker of Burra and Mrs Schmidt of Robertstown. [Born Elizabeth Shambrook Bosence: died 28 November 1913 at Kooringa, residence Robertstown.]

Obituary. Joyce Marjorie Davey, daughter of Alfred Davey of North Adelaide, died aged 2 as a result of her clothes catching alight at the copper. She was a granddaughter of W. Davey of Burra.

[Born 10 January 1912 North Adelaide: died 1 December 1913 at north Adelaide.]

XX, 1871, 3 Dec. 1913, page 3

Accident. Mrs Alice Dyer of Croydon was badly burned in an accident with a methylated spirit lamp last Saturday and it was first thought it would prove fatal, but she now seems likely to survive. Her brother is Cr Parks.

Burra Rifle Club. 7th match for the Killicoat Trophy. Aggregate points so far place H.E. Riggs on 13 ahead of R.D. Pascoe & G. Herbert both with 10. [25 points needed to win the trophy.]

John McLaren writes wondering why, some three years later, Mr Hardy wishes to change the plate on the Rotunda, when the committee that finalized the plate comprised Crs Lowe, Hardy & Lane.

John McLaren also writes defending what he said about letters to the press and the press generally. What he was really intending was to express his disfavour of airing matters in the press before the Inspector or Councillors of the ward had neglected or refused to do so at the request of the ratepayer. He also explains that, the Council having no other means of securing the creek north of the Bridge, he was behind the editorial, which Mr Morgan says secured the area for the town.

Football. The final meeting of the Association for the year failed to raise a quorum, but the year ended with a satisfactory credit balance of £19-14-4. Jack Field was awarded the medal for the most improved player in the Association. W. Kellaway won the medal for Best Man in the Association.

The wind-up meeting of the Kooringa Football Club showed they had a credit balance of £2-6-1.

Annual Ratepayers’ Meeting: Questions.

W.J. Richards asked if Councillors favoured putting manure from the roads on the racecourse instead of using it for blinding.

Mr Crewes thought townsfolk’s health would benefit from doing so.

‘When metal was recently blinded in Market Square, Mr George Lord had expressed his intention of growing cabbages in the street.’

The Mayor said using earth from the side of the road for blinding had always been done and using another source would cost money.

Mr Lott blames motorcars for the road problems.

There was a question regarding the legality of a Municipal Court.

Mr Milner asked if Councillors were in favour of erecting a town clock.

Cr Wicklein said yes, amid laughter. [He was a clockmaker.]

Messrs Wicklein, Crewes, Moore & Lane would favour a town clock if a generous benefactor would donate one. [The cost according to Cr Wicklein would be about £100.]

Mr Radford could not even support that proposition while ‘Aberdeen had not even a post office.’

[This led to an exchange about whether Aberdeen was asleep or awake and exposed the usual rift in the town.]

Mr Geake wanted to know if candidates were in favour of widening and straightening the bridge in Ayers St.

Mr Crewes favoured a new Bridge.

Cr Wicklein said Mr Grow had offered to exchange a bit of land to straighten out the road.

Mr Treloar favoured a lighting rate, as at present £100 p.a. went from the general rate and this deprived the back streets of attention.

The Mayor favoured this if rates could be kept reasonable overall.

Mr Crewes would favour it if one of the other rates could be reduced.

Radford, Wicklein & Lane were also in favour of it.

Wheat at Stations. [Presumably for the last season.]

Burra received 55,000

Hanson received 75,000

And at 31⁄4 bushels to the bag this is 422,500 bushels total for the district.

With 11⁄4 bushels reserved for seed and 25 acres of every 500 being cut for hay, then the average yield was 15 bushels per acre over a cultivated area of 33,200 acres.

Burra despatched 5,365 bales of wool.

Cricket. Booborowie 155 defeated Aberdeen 124.

XX, 1872, 10 Dec. 1913, page 1

Leighton Hall Concert, 3 December. Proceeds were to aid the buying of a sulky and pony for Mr Pressey, the assistant circuit minister. Leighton Dramatic Club staged two pieces: The Jealous Husband & The Domineering Wife. Hot weather kept some away, but proceeds were satisfactory.

XX, 1872, 10 Dec. 1913, page 2

Advt. Band Concert in the Rotunda, 14 December. 24 performers. FULL MOON.

Advt. Wirth Bros. Circus, Monday 22 December in Roach’s Paddock. Coming by Special Trains.

Burra Institute. On Friday 12 December Theatregraph Pictures will present Quo Vadis, the 8,000’ film (21⁄2hours) as run at West’s in Adelaide for five weeks.

The Committee met on Monday. It recommended shelving all around the new library, the same height as the present shelving and that the old library be used as a cloakroom. The latter decision was deferred. 168 chairs are being obtained for the hall. To make seven rows of 12 chairs each side of the aisle. The chairs will be bracketed into sets of three. C.J. Pearce will do the battening. Chairs will be oiled and varnished.

It was resolved to get some protection for the lantern at the picture show. At present people crowd around it and it would be surprising if an accident did not eventuate.

Messrs Fuss, Harcus and the President (S.M. Lane) will arrange for a stand.

Subscribers number 130.

Some cracks in the Council Chamber ceiling will be examined.

Seven boys and seven girls from Burra State School will be given free subscriptions.

Obituary. Elizabeth Irlam, wife of William Irlam late of World’s End, died 28 November at Kooringa leaving a husband, seven children and 21 grandchildren.

[Born Elizabeth Shambrook Bosence: died 28 November 1913 at Kooringa, residence Robertstown.]

Editorial on Holidays in Burra.

The Burra Cycling and Athletic Club has awoken from dormancy for Boxing Day Sports, which will be good for Burra. Coastal towns are favoured by summer tourists, but Tanunda does well with an ‘almost Continental gaiety’ & sports & local entertainments. Why can’t Burra do something similar?

Vandalism. The Institute librarian complains of damages to magazines.

Kooringa Methodist Church. The last services in the old church will be held on 4 January 1914 and the contract for the new one has gone to J.T. Quinn & Co. of Hamley Bridge for £2,600.

Redruth Court, 5 December.

H. Austin fined £1 + £1-16-0 costs for allowing pigs to feed on uncooked offal.

Charles Price fined 5/- for being drunk.

Edith Thompson fined 5/- for being drunk and 5/- + £1 costs + 2/- cab hire for resisting arrest.

When M-C Skinner tried to arrest her at c. 9.30 p.m. in Kingston St she lay down on the road and a cab was sent for. She said she had been to Bald’s for some supper and had had a bottle of ginger stout with her husband. Then M-C Skinner came across and interfered with them. Skinner said she at first had said she wouldn’t go and then that she would if her husband could get her hat, but the couple could not find the key to the door and Thompson had got in through a window. He then offered his wife a brown hat, but she wanted one he couldn’t find. He opened the door and the defendant rushed in. Skinner followed and then the door was locked, trapping him inside with the pair and their dog with a reputation for fierceness. The defendant was screaming and yelling and the stand-off continued to c. 10.40 when a cab passed and Skinner called to T. Halls. The defendant then got into the cab.

Archibald Thompson corroborated his wife’s version of supper, but said he had put his arm about his wife when Skinner came across and threw her off the footpath onto the road and put his foot on her chest saying, ‘I’ve got you.’ When she asked if he would allow her to get her hat, Skinner had replied ‘I’m damned if I will.’ He drew his baton and held it over his wife, saying ‘If you move I’ll drop you.’ Thompson said his wife did not throw herself down.

Archibald Thompson was also fined 5/- for hindering M-C Skinner in the execution of his duty.

XX, 1872, 10 Dec. 1913, page 3

Advt. E.J. Harris, General Storekeeper & Provision Merchant of Market Square has purchased the business of Alex. Harris in Kingston St, Kooringa.

Burra Rifle Club. 8th match for the Killicoat Trophy: G. Herbert 103 led O.G. Walker 98.

Tennis. Kooringa 11-87 defeated Farrell’s Flat 3-56

Porter’s Lagoon 8-82 defeated Aberdeen 7-74

In the Premiership Table Porter’s Lagoon on 6 points leads Kooringa, Aberdeen and World’s End each with 4.

Cricket. Kooringa 187 defeated Mt Bryan 20.

St Mary’s Strawberry Fete was held last Friday at the Institute. It was very successful and had gross takings of c. £150.

St Mary’s Hospital Sunday service raised £8-15-0.

Burra Town Council Elections.

There was an election in each ward and for the Mayoralty. The Mayoralty was certainly decided on the question of the electric light. Mr McLaren was for a scheme for East & West Wards only, extending to North Ward when it could be proved economical. Mr Crewes was for no scheme unless it included all wards from the start. The voting reflected these differences clearly.

Crewes McLaren

North Ward 99 29

West Ward 29 61

East Ward 61 92

182

East Ward Lane 109

Moore 44

West Ward Wicklein 58

Hardy 33

North Ward Radford 88

Richards 41

[In his address at the declaration of the poll McLaren refers to Crewes having a severe accident a couple of days before and to an anonymous letter writer in the campaign – knowing that Crewes was absolutely above and beyond such a thing.]

McLaren was surprised by the outcome because he felt he had the Council behind him.

Mr Hardy said that although it was not the first time he had supported a vote of thanks to the returning officer, he thought it would be the last. [It was: he died in 1916 without standing again.]

‘Occasional Correspondent’ from Gawler reports the blindness of P.J. Carmody, a stonemason who worked in Kooringa for 37 years. Aged 77, he is now almost totally dependent on his pension.

E. Crewes writes appealing for donations for Christmas cheer for the poor – to supplement the regular donations he has been receiving for some years.

XX, 1873, 17 Dec. 1913, page 1

‘Resident’ writes recommending that the early closing district for Burra be the Corporation area only. The writer fears the outlying areas will vote against the closing of shops on Saturday afternoon as that is when they come in to meet their friends etc.

XX, 1873, 17 Dec. 1913, page 2

St Elmo Mine. Messrs Pritchard and party from the mine recently descended into a cave 2 miles southwest of their property. 18’ down the hole opened into a cave 20’ across by 90’ and 18’ high, encrusted with quartz crystals and lime formation.

‘The Dandies’ performed to a very good house last Thursday. The first half of the program of songs, sketches and humour was praised, but the second half was dominated by a farce, which lowered the tone and spoilt the evening. The company commented on the entire lack of the larrikin element at the back of the hall – something they had found a problem in many other places.

Obituary. Robert Warner of Redruth died at the Burra Hospital on 16 December aged 77.

[Died at Kooringa aged 78.]

Burra Coronation Band played in the Rotunda on Sunday evening after church. They did well and were appreciated. They played: The Combat, Temple Shore, Sovereignty, Sweetheart of Mine, Craigilie, Our Sports, Abide with Me and the National Anthem.

Burra Institute. A report on the showing of Quo Vadis says: ‘The Committee of the Institute arranged a place for the lantern on the roof of the library, and this is a most decided improvement. All the glare from the lantern is now above the heads of the people, the noise of its working is hardly noticeable, and the danger of an accident is entirely done away with. The change makes the pictures much more enjoyable in every way and the Committee should have the thanks of every local patron of the biograph.’

Telephonist. It is said that we are to have a young lady at the P.O. telephone.

Burra Town Council, Monday.

Expected to raise

The rates were set at: General 1/- £440-0-0

Park Lands 6d £220-18-0

Health 6d £220-18-0

The increase in general rate is to provide for £150 for the Creek and £40 is owing on the depot.

There are complaints from some outskirts of the town that the water supply fails in the evening. The present reservoir of 30,000 gallons and there is room to enlarge it to 130,000 gallons. The Hydraulic Engineer is to be written to. Cr Lane believed there was a sum on the estimates for this already.

Cr Radford said pressure was poor in North Ward all day.

Mr Sedgman had told the Mayor there was an intention to increase the height of the reservoir by 12’. A letter might hurry things.

Council discussed the eating arrangements at Burra School and a need for a Post Office at Aberdeen.

Cr Walker moved the authorities be written to. Carried.

Cr Radford and Cr Walker will get a petition signed.

The Mayor said the bridge at the Pig and Whistle needed attention. The Public Works Committee has it in hand. The footway on the Kingston St Bridge should be asphalted.

Cr Lane said he understood that some people had moved into Paxton Square without permission.

XX, 1873, 17 Dec. 1913, page 3

[E.W. Crewes seems to have given tacit approval for a man, unnamed, to occupy one house there, being one room of two previously occupied by the late Mrs McGuiness. The problem was that at present no one had authority to approve this as the solicitor was still drawing up the conditions etc.]

Stray cattle on Sundays remain a problem. [The previous Inspector wouldn’t work on Sundays, but the present one would if so directed.]

Cr Parks moved that the Inspector be paid extra if required to work on Sundays.

Local Board of Health.

A letter from A. Sara asked for a licence for a maternity home. It was referred to the Health Officer.

W. Dearlove of Ketchowla sent £5 for Christmas cheer for the poor.

Obituary. Simon Roberts died on 28 November [in Hundred of Walloway aged 67.]

He arrived in SA 65 to 66 years ago in the Trafalgar and the family went farming at Mt Barker Springs. 58 years ago they moved to Auburn area farming and carting. With his brother, W.H. Roberts, Simon carted copper ore in the early days of the Burra Mine. He married the second daughter of Sampson Montgomery and farmed on the Wakefield for himself till c. 1872 and then went to Mt Bryan East. He was for a time a Councillor for the Hallett DC. He later moved north to Walloway near Peak Vale. His first wife died on 28 February 1884, leaving nine children. He later married the widow of Henry Dreyer, who survives. In 1889 he went to the Teetulpa Goldfield, but had little success. He was a staunch Methodist and a Sunday school teacher. The children are:

G. Roberts (Booborowie), Mrs J. Fisher (NSW), Miss A. Roberts (Broken Hill), Mrs A. Forrest jnr (Burra), Mrs M. Gregurkie (Broken Hill), Miss c. Roberts (Broken Hill), Mrs A.G. Miller (Yongala), Miss L. Roberts (Walloway) & Mrs A. Haynes (Orroroo). There are 27 grandchildren.

Early Closing Act meeting, Burra Institute Tuesday last.

Mr Crewes said they had a petition with 802 signatures favouring bringing the town and surrounding areas under the Act. Legal advice now was that only the Corporation and the surrounding DC residents were eligible to sign. They were thus back to square one and he had heard that a counter-petition had about 500 signatures.

Mr McLaren moved that a fresh petition be started to bring the Corporation and the DC of Burra under the Act. Carried.

Communications will be made with Mt Bryan, Hallett & Farrell’s Flat to keep them informed.

Kooringa Methodist Church. Miss Henry gave two addresses on the China Inland Mission last Sunday.

Cricket. Saturday: Kooringa 4 for 194 defeated Booborowie 33.

XX, 1873, 17 Dec. 1913, page 4

China Inland Mission address reported.

XX, 1874, 24 Dec. 1913, page 1

Obituary. George Henry Hobbs of Booborowie dropped dead in a Burra street on 18 December while doing Christmas shopping and other business. He collapsed in front of Bagot, Shakes & Lewis’s and died before he could be got to hospital. He was the son of Mr & Mrs George Hobbs of Broken Hill. The cause of death given by Dr Steele at an inquest held by S.M. Lane was a brain haemorrhage. The deceased was 37. [Born 16 December 1876 at Glanville.]

XX, 1874, 24 Dec. 1913, page 2

Advt. Burra Races will be held on Saturday 17 January 1914.

Advt. Kooringa Methodist Church Closing Services for the present building will be held on 4 January 1914. Rev. W.G. Clarke will preach. Dr Brummitt will speak at the Public Meeting and Social to be held on 6 January 1914.

Obituary. John Milligan died at his sister’s residence in Kooringa on 20 December aged 57.

John Milligan died on Saturday at the residence of Mrs John O’Leary, his sister. He was born in County Down, Ireland and came to Australia in the Lismoyne with his parents, arriving 22 June 1855. [Note that this does not fit in with the age of 57 given in column 4 and cited above.] He worked at farming with his father and later in Victoria and NSW. He never recovered from an accident with a circular saw in June 1913. He leaves two sisters: Mrs John O’Leary (Burra) and Mrs Donnelly (Tumby Bay).

Editorial on Christmas Thoughts.

This is the usual goodwill and Christian wishes, but rather ironically for the last Christmas before the outbreak of WWI the editor writes:

‘Ideas rule the world and stronger and stronger, year by year, the conviction is growing in the minds of the people that war can be abolished, and therefore abolished it will be.’

Redruth Court, Thursday.

James Knevitt was charged by Richard Kennedy with unprovoked assault in the bar of the Kooringa Hotel and fined 2/6 + 10/- costs or 7 days.

Obituary. Robert Warner came to SA in 1852, having been born in Cheapside, London and on arrival immediately settled in the Burra District. He leaves a family of seven: David Robert Warner (Burra), Herbert John Warner (Lyndust) [sic] [Lyndhurst?], Edgar Warner (Laura), Mrs Fradd (Beetaloo), Mrs Carter (Beetaloo), Mrs Whyte (Farrell’s Flat) & Mrs Crack (Erskine). There are 22 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

V.F. Day, in charge of the Burra branch of the Savings Bank of SA, is to move to Moonta after 15 months here. He will be missed by the tennis club and was secretary of the Burra Golf Club and was instrumental in establishing the Young Men’s Class at Kooringa Methodist Sunday School.

Mr L. Fergusson from Eudunda succeeds him.

Miss Edith Cave again organised the Christmas tree and entertainment at the Burra Hospital this year.

Obituary. Thomas Reynolds of Booborowie died 20 December aged 68. [At Booborowie.]

George Thorpe, who was testing a car after repairs, applied the brakes in Kingston St when he saw something on the road and the wheels locked. He struck the iron girder of the Kingston St Bridge, bent the front axle and smashed the dashboard. He escaped unhurt.

Burra Coronation Band. Mr F. Wheatley tendered his resignation as bandmaster, but has been asked to reconsider. The committee has authorised a salary of £25 p.a. for the position.

St Mary’s. On Sunday last a very beautiful memorial window to John C. Sandland was unveiled by Thomas Sandland. It shows the Apostle St John and is the work of H.L. Vosz of Adelaide.

Wirth’s Bros. Circus played on Monday to a good house.

Christmas Cheer Fund reaches £10-15-0.

XX, 1874, 24 Dec. 1913, page 3

Burra School Visiting Day

Visiting Day and prize giving was held last Thursday. The visitors were delighted with the new windows in the two principal rooms that had originally been only dimly lit be very small and high windows. The change followed persistent agitation by the School Board of Advice.

There was a fine display of fancy work.

The High School had some very good pictures on the wall.

Attendance was not as high as expected and Mr McLaren appealed to parents to send their children to High School.

The shelter sheds were found to be clean and cool – contrary to some reports.

Mr J.T.F. Johnson head teacher of the Primary School said there were 248 on the roll, 215 had been examined and 187 promoted (92 boys and 95 girls). For the first time this year the head teacher had promoted the students. Previously they had been examined and promoted by the inspector.

Mr Johnson made special reference to the work of his assistant of 3 or 4 years, Miss Bullen, who had done great work with 70-100 children under her charge.

He made an appeal for more regular attendance, saying that children who came only 3 or 4 days a week were a drag on the progress of the whole school.

For the High School Mr Statton said they had begun with 30 students and dropped to 28 with an average attendance of 25. As this was the first year of the school there were no public examination results to report, though 4 pupils had just sat for the Public Exhibition Exams and 1 for the Junior Public. These results were not yet to hand.

The school had a library of c. 140 volumes, some lent by the students.

Sports were not neglected and two football matches had been played against Riverton, resulting in one win to each school. A cricket club had been formed and the boys were very keen. The girls had engaged in basketball in winter, but as novices had not played inter-school matches yet.

The Dux for 1913 was Harry Collins.

Mr McLaren for the School Board gave and address as did the Mayor Mr E.W. Crewes.

Mr Winnall explained the Institute’s donation of 14 free subscriptions to pupils and then Mrs McLaren presented the prizes. The list of prize-winners is printed.

Booborowie School Visiting Day was held on 17 December. A presentation of a beautiful leather travelling satchel and a well-fitted leather dressing-case was made to the teacher Miss Davidson in appreciation of her three years service.

J. Bailey Walker, Secretary of the Royal Alfred Aged Merchant Seamen’s Institute writes a very patriotic letter full of the greatness of the British Empire, seeking support for his institution.

‘Old Pat Carmody’ writes through Mayor Cox of Gawler acknowledging his grateful receipt of £3-7-0 from old Burra friends who had not forgotten him in his affliction through total blindness.

John McLaren writes protesting a report about Paxton Square in the paper. It had said the Mayor had asked Mr McLaren what the position of Council was in the matter and that Mr McLaren had said he didn’t know. This was wrong in fact. The Mayor had not consulted me and therefore I did not give the reply he stated I did. A man came to see me with a letter from Mr Hawkes asking about a room in the Square. I read the letter and re-addressed the envelope to E.J. Davey as Town clerk and directed the bearer to the Council Chamber. He said he had a letter for Mr Crewes, the contents of which I of course had no knowledge.

Tennis. 13 December: Kooringa 8-79 defeated Aberdeen 7-70.

Farrell’s Flat 8-67 defeated Mintaro 5-52.

The Bright-Robertstown Silver-Lead Mine has been closed down under exemption for some months. The mine requires the use of a diamond drill to continue exploration and they have been promised the first use of the Government drill that becomes available.

Characteristics of the 1913 paper.

The paper began 1913, looking just as it had done by the end of 1912: looking a bit tired. The typeface had got larger, so there was less news and little editorial comment.

E.F. Marston took over with XV, 1034, 19 March 1913. Immediately there was more news, though general topics reverted to the annoying habit of being a continuous flow without significant breaks or headings to mark changes of topic. The masthead changed with XX, 1039, 23 April 1913 to a much plainer style, perhaps perceived as a more business-like format. This corresponded with the inexplicable volume change from XV to XX.

On 7 May there was some news on page 1 and by the end of the year this had become usual, but material was not located there because of its importance. From XV, 1036, 2 April 1913 news etc. also appears on page 4 in fluctuating amounts.

With the arrival of Marston editorials return – not every issue, but not infrequently and the whole paper is rejuvenated. Photographs appear throughout in the regular advertisements, but not in the news, apart from the sole exception of the bemedalled, but unnamed footballer of XX, 1059, 10 September 1913, page 3.

The oddities of the paper’s numbering continued with the typesetting mistake of 1060 being followed by 1861, which was then carried on from. By the year’s end page 1 had larger regular advertisements, which were mostly local, and some news or other items.

Page 2 had a few large advertisements, public notices and small advertisements and sales advertisements. There was also generally room for at least two columns of news.

Page 3 was a mixture of a few large advertisements and news items, together with advertisements in printed form to look like articles of news of general interest.

Page 4 is dominated by large advertisements that are mostly local and also carries a small amount of news and/or news-like advertising.

Numbering of issues in 1913

Volume XV which had previously run from 7 December 1892 to 5 July 1905 and which was resumed with Volume XV Number 921 on 4 January 1911 began 1913 as well, but from 23 April the volume number changed for no apparent reason to XX.

The sequence of numbers lurched from 1060 on 17 September to 1861 on 24 September.

The year began with Volume XV Number 1024 on 8 January 1913. Not number 1023 was not used.

And continued to Volume XV Number 1038 on 16 April 1913.

Then Volume XX Number 1039 23 April 1913.

To Volume XX 1060 17 September 1913.

And then leapt to Volume XX 1861 24 September 1913,

Which then continued to Volume XX Number 1874 24 December 1913.

XXI, 1875, 7 Jan. 1914, page 1

Advertisements

Glover Aberdeen Studio Photographic Studio, Opposite Sara’s Store

M. Wilks Maternity Home, Paxton Tce

S. Burns Blacksmith & Wheelwright

A.D. McLaren Grocer & Greengrocer

E.J. Davey Agent for: Hume Bros steel gates & fencing

A.H. Hasell’s JAP Super

Norwich Union Fire Insurance Co.

J. Shearer & Sons’ ploughs etc

D. Shearer & Co.’s Agricultural Implements

Yorkshire Livestock Insurance

C.H. Ewins & Son Drapers, Kooringa. Agent for Standard Insurance Co. Ltd.

M. Morton & C. Sampson General & Shoeing Smiths, Wheelwrights, Thames St.

Walker & Sons Boots & Shoes Kooringa & Aberdeen

Mrs A. Young Maternity Home, George St.

N.J. Tiddy Draper & Clothier, Aberdeen

John Pearce Carpenter, Builder, Contractor, Timber, Ironmongery,

Bricks, Lime, Cement. Chapel St

XXI, 1875, 7 Jan. 1914, page 2

Advertisements

Elder Smith & Co. Ltd Auctioneers

Drew & Crewes Pty Ltd Wheat Buyers

H. Roach & Son The Mill, Flour, Bran, Pollard, Wheat buying, Aberdeen

C.H. Ewins & Son Drapers, Milliners & Clothiers, Kooringa

S.M. Lane Saddler, Ironmonger & Chaff Merchant

Kooringa & Aberdeen – Kooringa Bicycle Depot

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd Auctioneers

C.J. Pearce & Son Furniture Showrooms

XXI, 1875, 7 Jan. 1914, page 3

Advertisements

Harold Pank Laubman & Pank, Opticians. Visits regularly at Burra Hotel

Drew & Crewes Universal Providers,

Kooringa, Aberdeen, Mt Bryan, Hallett

Edwin J. Harris General Storekeeper & Provision Merchant, incorporating

The well-known business of Alex Harris in Kingston St.

Sara & Co. General Grocers, Ironmongers, Drapers etc. Wood & Chaff

Merchants

XXI, 1875, 7 Jan. 1914, page 4

Advertisements

T. Harris Carriage Factory, near the old White Hart Hotel

Luke Day Grocer, Fruiterer and General Dealer, Kooringa

Emelie Clark Commercial Hotel

George Lord Burra Hotel

R.D. Pascoe Hairdresser & Fancy Goods Dealer ‘The Emporium’

Kooringa.

John Allen Agent for Colonial Mutual Fire & Accident Office

Fred M. Pearce (Late G. Bartholomæus) Carpenter, Builder, Ironmonger

Aberdeen

A.R. Creswick Dentist, Twice Monthly at the Commercial Hotel

M. Maughan Dentist, Monthly at the Burra Hotel

? Hire Car No. 3590, Kooringa

E.A. Mummery Dentist at the Commercial Hotel

S. Burns Agent for Harrison, McGregor & Co. Ltd

Makers of Albion Binders

G. Bald Kooringa Refreshment & Confectionary Rooms

(Late J. Allen) Market Square

John Harry Windmills & Pumps, Thames St

W.T. Truscott Butcher & Smallgoods Dealer & Cooling Chamber

Market Square

Murray Aunger Ltd Branch Garage, Kooringa

Agent for Sheffield Simplex, S.C.A.T., Swift, Vauxhall,

Darracq & White Steam Cars.

XXI, 1875, 7 Jan. 1914, page 1

W.G. Hawkes of Koonoona left with Mrs & Miss M. Hawkes for England last Thursday.

XXI, 1875, 7 Jan. 1914, page 2

Obituary. Thomas Reynolds died on 20 Dec. 1913 at Booborowie, aged 67, leaving 3 sons, 4 daughters & 11 grandchildren.

Hanson Methodist Church tea meeting on 25 Dec. 1913 was well attended when quite 200 travelled by train from Burra for the modest fare of 11d. Games followed tea until 9 p.m. when the express brought the throng back to Burra.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School presented Alex. Harris with a travelling rug, on the occasion of his and his family’s departure for Broken Hill. His father had long served the school as superintendent and he himself had a long connection with it.

Burra Town Council

Cr Radford called attention to the bad state of the [foot] bridge near the old White Hart Hotel. Stays and handrails were loose and the other day a boy fell through the bridge.

Resolved that it be attended to with wire netting placed on the sides.

Cr Harris moved & Cr Lane 2nd that two new foot crossings be placed in Chapel St near Mr John Pearce’s.

The Register to be written to re their statement that the Burra general rate had been increased to 1/-. It was unchanged at 1/-.

Cr Radford presented a requisition with 277 signatures for a P.O. at Aberdeen. To be presented to the Deputy Post Master General via the Hon R.W. Foster MP.

Local Board of Health

Dr T.B. Ashton tenders his resignation as Health Officer.

Dr Sangster Jun. appointed Health Officer.

Fanny Gray applies for a maternity licence in Redruth.

Marriage. At Redruth Methodist Church 31 Dec. 1913

George Walter Gallagher, 2nd son of Mr & Mrs James Gallagher of Aberdeen, and

Ethel Jane Schuyler, 2nd daughter of Mr & Mrs Harry Schuyler of Braemar.

(1⁄2 column of detail.)

Letter from J.E.H. Winnall saying that John McLean’s contradiction of certain statements made by Mr E.W. Crewes in Council and reported in the Record 23 Dec. 1913 was in fact due to a lapse of memory and Mr Crewes was correct. The two men have met and settled their differences amicably.

XXI, 1875, 7 Jan. 1914, page 3

Burra Cycling and Athletic Club Sports on Boxing Day were an unqualified success. These had not been held for four years. It was a clear cool day and this produced a record gate of c. £25 without 100 members’ tickets. The results are printed. The meeting was followed by a concert and ball at the Skating Rink.

Polo. Burra visited Broken Hill over Christmas with a team comprising W.S. Murray, J.C. Killicoat, L.A. Lewis & G. Melrose.

First match: Broken Hill 7 defeated Burra 2

Second match: Burra 14 defeated Broken Hill 2nd team 2.

Third match: Broken Hill 3 defeated Burra 2.

Kooringa Methodist Church Closing Services.

Some months ago a report was ordered on the safety of the building which had served for 55 years. On the basis of this it was decided a new church was the better option. Subscriptions soon warranted proceeding with the new work.

P. Phillips of Burra won the contract to proceed with the removal of the old church and Mr Quinn of Hamley Bridge won the contract for the new building. Rev. W.G. Clarke of Unley and late of Burra conducted the closing services on 4 January 1914.

[The closing sermons are summarised in c. 1 column of detail.]

Cricket. On 28 December Gawler 149 defeated Burra Association 83.

Burra Rifle Club, 29 Dec. Competition match: G. Herbert 100 from G.L. Nutt 99.

9th shooting for the Killicoat Trophy.

XXI, 1876, 14 Jan. 1914, page 1

Liberal Union: notes by W.B. Page, District Sec.

XXI, 1876, 14 Jan. 1914, page 2

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School farewelled V.F. Day who goes to a new position at Moonta. He was presented with a copy of Browning’s Poems and two books by Stopford Brooke comparing the work of Tennyson & Browning.

Obituary. Harry Pearce, brother of John and William Pearce of Burra died in Adelaide on Saturday as a result of falling on his head when thrown from the trolly he was driving which was hit by bolting horses from another trolly in Waymouth St, Adelaide, on Friday. [Henry Pearce born 2 January 1855 District of the Murray: died 10 January 1914 Adelaide, residence Parkside.]

United Labour Party, Burra Branch, met for the first time for the year on 14 Jan. Membership stands at 145.

Burra Rifle Club. 9th shoot for the Killicoat Trophy on 3 Jan. was postponed because the targets were out of order and again postponed on 7 Jan. due to dust making them invisible. There is a rumour that the present range will be condemned as unsafe despite no problems in 8 years of use. A new range is being made in J.C. Killicoat’s property, but it is too far to walk to and leaving the present range may be the death knell of the club.

Redruth Court

N.H. McBride no tail lights on a car 10/- + 15/-

Benjamin Bourman unvaccinated child 5/- + 15/-

Alice Eliza Moore unvaccinated child 5/- + 15/-

Stephen Joseph Hollis failure to attend compulsory military

Drill 2/6 + 20/-

• 10/- witness fee

(Fine remitted in lieu of making up the four hour drill.)

XXI, 1876, 14 Jan. 1914, page 3

Kooringa Methodist Church: Closing Addresses on 6 January.

T.W. Wilkinson was in the chair.

T.W. Wilkinson’s address.

He had come to Burra with his parents and sister when most people there were Cornish. The church was then much as it was now, despite several alterations and additions, but he believed it could then hold c. 100 more people because the seats were then all straight-backed and could be put closer together. It was Rev. Stevenson’s time and the pulpit was very high. It was at this time that collections were instituted. There was no organ, but music of flutes, clarinets and other wind instruments, including a serpent.

Dr Brummitt’s address.

I entered this church 36 years ago next Monday, having arrived the previous day at Pt Adelaide and travelled to Burra on the afternoon train. I travelled up with a tall slender young man and we talked all the way without exchanging names. On Sunday he was the preacher, Mr Holder. That was in January 1877. Rev. G.W. Patchell was minister, but was soon succeeded by Rev. R.W. Campbell who was strong and perhaps rather stern and came to Burra from the great Moonta Revival. He had many admirers, but two of his children died here from diphtheria. Then came Rev. James Bickford, but the most striking ministry was that of the Rev. Samuel Knight who came in 1882. He was a zealous evangelist and a great and interesting preacher. His ministry led to many conversions and to the spiritual growth and uplifting of many more. Though 79 the Rev. Knight is still active in Melbourne and has recently celebrated his Golden Wedding. The Rev. George E. Rowe was Mr Knight’s colleague one year and he remained two years with Rev. S.F. Prior. He was genial, Kindly and a popular preacher, often giving special addresses to children. He has gone on to important positions in WA and Queensland. Rev. Prior’s great strength was his preaching. He took small texts and placed them under a microscope, where Rev. Rowe had taken whole epistles as texts.

In 1887 Rev. H.T. Burgess came when a reaction to Rev. Knight’s time required a renewal of the church again. His sermons were always scholarly and instructive.

Rev. R.M. Hunter came in 1890. His services were always attractive and successful and he had a strong musical voice. He always ‘put the best construction on the actions of others. He was charitable, thinking no evil and speaking none!’

Rev. R.S. Casely came in 1893; a kindly, courteous Christian who preached well.

Rev. J.Y. Simpson followed ably on until he dropped dead in my arms in Sept. 1898. (In fact four ministers died suddenly: Revs Patchell, Campbell, Casely and Simpson.)

Finally came Rev. W.G. Clarke whom you know well. I have not even named Messrs Bainger, J.C. Hill, Hodge and Hadley.

Memorable too were the visits of Rev. Dr T.B. Stephenson, founder of the Children’s Homes in London and Mark Guy Pearse. Of the lay workers I mention Father Sleep who travelled often to Canowie, Yarcowie, Muryibbar etc. and Dr J.R. Stephens.

F.W. Holder was a welcome preacher, an emergency organist, a good listener and invaluable in the Sunday school. Other tireless workers were Richard Snell, John Harris and Aleck Harris. Mr Charles Drew was ever interested and liberal and a great Sunday school teacher and class leader. T. Drew was a great conductor. There were too many Pearces to name, there must have been about fifty – William, John, & Miss Pearce. Mr Harry. Of the ladies Mrs Knight, the Casely family, Lady Holder, several Drews and Mrs W.S.H. Bruse.

XXI, 1877, 21 Jan. 1914, page 1

WCTU continues to meet monthly at Jubilee Hall. President Mrs D. Radford.

XXI, 1877, 21 Jan. 1914, page 2

Advt. Pictures at the Institute next Friday, 23 Jan. Les Miserables Pt 1. and Adelaide Ladies’ Beauty Competition.

Advt. At the Institute Sunday 25 Jan. Rev. J.H. Nield’s sermon The Gospel in ‘Les Miserables’.

Advt. Farm to let at Gum Creek for seven years. 236 acres of good land. Apply for particulars to C.A. Fuss, Aberdeen.

Bright Asbestos Mine. This discovery has been abandoned for some time, but now a group of Robertstown residents have taken it up, led by Mr Lamb.

Robertstown-Bright Silver-Lead Mine will be restarted sometime this month when the Government drill arrives.

Bible Christian Church in Burra. The Rev. W.F. James writes on efforts of this body in Burra. It began in 1848 with James Blatchford preaching in the open air. A church was formed with 40 members. Local preachers, James Blatchford, John Halse and John Pellew conducted services. A church to seat 200 was built. In 1850 Rev. James Rowe came from England and the church had to be enlarged to double its size. In 1859 Rev. James Way, the father of Sir Samuel Way, became pastor and witnessed one of the most dramatic revivals in SA Methodist history when 70 juveniles and 320 persons were added to the membership. A noble church to seat 600 was built and the work prospered for many years. The congregation suffered decline when the mines closed and great numbers removed to Yorke Peninsula mining towns. My own stay from 1884-87 saw the erection of a new manse.

Burra Institute, Annual Meeting

The Institute started the year in credit £251-9-5 and by December this was £186-2-7. The money had been well spent on a splendid reading room for members. Professor Henderson’s lectures had been fairly well attended, but they had hoped for better considering the expense.

Books now totalled 4,027

14 free scholarships for school children have again been given this year.

Membership Dec. 1912 Double 25 Single 89 (114)

Dec. 1913 Double 24 Single 106 (130)

Messrs Fuss and Tiver were the successful tenderers for the new room at a cost of

£123-3-9.

A contract to replace forms with seats in the hall has been let and they should be installed within the next few weeks. Provision has been made for operators of picture shows over the main entrance to the hall and has been satisfactory.

Mr Dane has begun an orchestral and choral class and we hope for a musical treat in the near future.

Elected for 1914: President C. Fuss

Vice-President Rev. J.H. Nield

Treasurer T.W. Wilkinson

Secretary J. Drew

Mr Fuss said the committee would consider the suggestion to build a billiard room.

The Burra Masonic Lodge farewelled Bro. Alex. Harris, who is leaving for Broken Hill. He was presented with an inscribed case of sovereigns.

XXI, 1877, 21 Jan. 1914, page 3

Burra Races, 17 January. This was a successful meeting in ideal weather.

The improvements at the course this year included a windmill and tank – a good well having been recently sunk and pipes laid to convey water to the course. Covered stalls have been supplied at the saddling paddock and an exercise ring laid out. We understand the grandstand is to be enlarged. The main race, The Burra Handicap, carried a purse of 100 sovereigns and was won by H.E. Press’s Flagfall ridden by Andrews.

Burra Town Council, Monday.

The Mayor reported the requisition from North Ward for better postal facilities has been forwarded to Parliament House.

Cr Lane moved that it was the wish of Council that the Mayor should be chairman of the [Burra Coronation] Band Committee. Carried.

The Australian Metal Co. will be pleased to submit specifications for an electric light plant for Burra – the cost of same being £25.

Cr Lane read from the Burra correspondent in the Kapunda Herald that Council had turned down the first electric light scheme in favour of a larger one ‘which was not to be a toy’. Such was not the case and he thought it unfair.

The mayor said ‘Certainly the scheme has not been turned down.’

Cr Walker thought that by now the Minister of Crown Lands should have said yes or no. It was resolved to ask the Minister. At present they will tell the Australian Metal Co. they are taking no steps in the matter.

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis advise the transfer of Burra Ck has been signed.

The Institute Committee is to be approached re telephone communication with the Council Chamber.

Plans and specifications were called for a bridge over the creek near the police station in Aberdeen. [Actually in Redruth]

Local Board of Health

Dr Sangster thanks Council for his appointment as Health Officer.

He recommends the granting of maternity licences to the homes of A. Sara and F.E. Gray.

XXI, 1878, 28 Jan. 1914, page 2

Advt. Mrs A. Sara. Maternity Home in newly erected and well-appointed premises opposite the old White Hart Hotel.

The Salvation Army has been brightened up of late by the appointment of Captain Steer who has recently been appointed to Burra.

Mr & Mrs Flowers were recently farewelled from Stony Gap on moving to Burra after 50 years. He was for a number of years a member of the District Council of Hanson.

Lance Lewis has been made a JP.

Kooringa Methodist Church. The demolition is well under way. Some parts have been found to be tied together only with pug, so the decision to demolish was wise.

The Seaside Trip has been set for 25 February.

After some debates on the attractions of Henley Beach, Semaphore was decided on as the destination. The train will start at 5.30 a.m. from Hallett and from Semaphore at 5.30 p.m. Trains will stop at Hanson, Farrell’s Flat, Mintaro & Manoora. 600 adult and 600 children’s tickets will be printed. There was some discussion when it seemed that Drew & Crewes might not close for the day. Eventually Mr Crewes said he would ‘do his best to try and close’.

Obituary. Mr George Sara died 24 January 1914. He was born in 1813 at Strongate, Parish of Mylor, Cornwall. When he was 9 his parents moved to Perranwell and he was sent to mining work. Later he was taught to be a mason. He married in 1836 and came to SA 12 years later with 4 sons on the Westminster, arriving 9 July 1848. Not getting work in Adelaide he went to Willunga. Soon after he tried the Victorian gold fields, but with little success, though together with two sons he managed to get £600 worth of gold in six months. He returned to Willunga and took up contract work. He built many early structures there including the tower of the Roman Catholic Church, the old Anglican Church and the parsonage on Aldinga Rd and two Wesleyan Churches. He owned the Bangor Slate Quarries at Willunga, but abandoned them as unprofitable with a loss of £6,000. In business with his two sons they built all the railway stations from Riverton to Burra, the Burra School, the Gladstone Gaol, a hotel at Orroroo, the Aldinga Mill, the gorge Bridge at Yankalilla and the viaduct at Currency Creek. He was the grandfather of J.G. Sara of Aberdeen and leaves two sons, 24 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Tennis. Monday at Burra. Clare defeated Burra by one set.

XXI, 1878, 28 Jan. 1914, page 3

Cricket on Monday.

Kooringa* 157 & 94 for 8 defeated Terowie 131. (A win on the 1st innings)

• Called Burra in the text and Kooringa in the scores.

Burra Rifle Club. 10th shoot for the Killicoat Trophy.

A.D. McLaren 98 from G. Herbert 97.

Polo. Saturday: Adelaide 7 defeated Mid-North 6.

Monday: Burra 4 defeated Adelaide 3.

Burra Rifle Club, Monday.

Burra 640 (av. 64) defeated “C” Coy. 78th Infantry 508 (av. 50.8)

Obituary. James McDonald died at Kooringa on 24 January, aged 80. He had been long employed at Gum Creek. He arrived in SA aged 19 from the Highlands of Scotland and was a colonist of 61 years. He leaves a widow and four sons: M. McDonald, manager of Moralana Station; John McDonald (WA); W. McDonald, Burra: James McDonald, Booborowie; and five daughters; Mrs Kerin (Broken Hill); Mrs Jowens (Broken Hill); Mrs W. Eddy (Broken Hill); Mrs H. Richens (Burra); Miss McDonald (Pt Adelaide); and 24 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. [Registered as 81.]

XXI, 1879, 4 Feb. 1914, page 2

Advt. St Mary’s Harvest Thanksgiving, 8 Feb. preacher, Ven. Archdeacon Bussell.

Advt. Miss N. Milligan A.T.C.L. Teacher of music & Theory

c/o Mrs J. O’Leary, Kooringa.

Rt Rev. J.H. Norton DD, Bishop of Pt Augusta visited St Joseph’s on Sunday. He is raising funds for an episcopal residence recently built at Petersburg.

Offences.

Francis Camp drunkenness 10/-

Charles William Preiss drunkenness 10/-

(Both had five previous convictions for the same.)

Accident. Mr E. Finch, son of E.N. Finch of Pencarrow endeavoured to replace the elevator belt while chaff cutting recently without stopping the machine. His shirt got caught in the cogs and hit right arm was badly mutilated.

Aberdeen Post Office

Inspector Skinner has visited and noted that the revenue at Aberdeen for 1912 was £312 and from January to September 1913 was £230. An official P.O. cannot be granted with revenue of less than £400. At that level a building would be rented and at £500 an office would be built. He thought he could remedy the closing of the office at certain hours and could arrange delivery if letters received were 100 a day. This is of course merely stating the regulations.

The Burra Automobile Club took their usual annual trip to Morgan on Friday last. 22 cars started. The usual stop was made at Mr & Mrs Pearse’s at ‘The Gums’. In the evening about 20 members of the Kooringa Masonic Lodge attended the consecration of the Nor’ West Bend Lodge and its first installation. (W.B. Poore)

Others held an entertainment at the Terminus Hotel. On Saturday morning there was a river cruise on the S.S. Ruby past New Era. On Saturday afternoon cricket and rifle matches were staged. On Saturday night the visitors gave a concert in the new Institute and raised £6-10-0 which was divided between the Institute and the local brass band. They made the run home on Sunday.

Royal Visit. Burra had a visit yesterday from the Marquis R. de Bonanate, Prince D’acaica. He was received by the Mayor and other prominent citizens.

XXI, 1879, 4 Feb. 1914, page 3

Tennis. Kooringa 13 sets, 97 games defeated Porter’s Lagoon 2 sets, 55 games

On 31 Jan. Aberdeen 9 sets, 79 games defeated World’s End 6 sets, 62 games.

Cricket. Burra Automobile Club 4 for 240 (with Gillespie ret. 110) defeated Morgan 90.

Saturday. Hallett 3 for 146 defeated Aberdeen 100.

Rifle Match. Burra, 344 defeated Morgan, 342.

West Burra Copper Mining Co. First Half-Yearly Meeting

The shaft is down to 95’ of the contracted 100’. Little ore is showing and the lode is 4’ wide. When the shaft is at 100’ we will stop sinking and drive at the 50’ level to the centre of the lode. It is believed that at 50’ level the drive will well pay for itself. After testing the drive, the inspector of mines recommends continuing the shaft. There is c. £900 in credit at present. The flotation raised £1,200. Expenditure so far has been £343. [Details of which are given.] With completion of the shaft we expect the balance in hand to be £809-1-9. G. Lord was in the chair in the absence of the chairman. Last Saturday ore was struck at the 95’ level 6-9” wide and it appears to be widening.

Utica Mine. Mr W. Allen continues hopeful of a valuable float of values found at the 100’ continue to 200’. Mr Jones, inspector of mines, thinks further exploratory work is well merited and the main shaft should go to 300’.

St Elmo Gold. Work continues.

Burra Town Council

The Council again discussed the appointment of the Mayor as a member of the Hospital Board. The Mayor said the old board had again been gazetted without his inclusion.

[The Council felt very strongly they should be represented as the hospital is vested in the Council.]

The Mayor said the Board was believed to be about to ask the townspeople for assistance, but expected this without allowing the town representation. The mayor had also asked why the press was excluded from Board meetings.

Cr Lane moved that the Members for the District ask the Chief Secretary to make provision for the representation of the town.

XXI, 1880, 11 Feb. 1914, page 1

Burra Town Council, 2 Feb.

Turner, Robertson & Co. write asking what the Council proposes to do re electric lighting. To be told that nothing definite has been decided upon.

J.B. Rowe writes asking permission to enclose blocks 41, 42 and 16 of Hampton and the road therein. Permission granted to enclose the blocks, but not the road. He was willing to pay a rental which was fixed at 5/- p.a.

Cr Parks said several roads in the Corporation were fenced in and if an accident occurred who would be responsible? The solicitor’s opinion to be obtained.

R.D. Pascoe received permission to erect a verandah in front of his premises.

The Australian Metal Co. writes offering to canvass the town after which they would give an estimate of the cost of an electric light scheme. The cost of this: £25.

Australian Wattle Day League asks for co-operation in forming a branch in Burra. A meeting will be called at a suitable date.

A letter will be sent to the Commissioner of Crown Lands re his reply to the electric light scheme.

Church St footbridge to be repaired.

A lamp to be placed on Mr Lott’s corner near Paxton Square.

Tenders to be called for a footbridge in Ludgvan St similar to the one in Chapel St.

XXI, 1880, 11 Feb. 1914, page 2

Notice. West Burra Coppermining Co. calls tenders for sinking the present shaft a further 100’ or to water level, if that should come first.

Notice. Miss M. Escott has taken over the business lately run by Mr George Bald.

[Refreshment Rooms]

Obituary. Mary Morgan, wife of Herbert Morgan, aged 35, died on 3 Feb. at Burra Hospital from peritonitis, leaving a husband and five young children. [Born Mary Thomas 9 December 1879 Ironmine.]

Seaside Trip. An effort to raise funds to send the children free or at greatly reduced cost has not met with much response here. Mr John Melrose of Ulooloo has offered to pay the fares of all teachers and children of Hallett and to contribute to all local working expenses in proportion to the number of children. Mr R.J.M. McBride has contributed £5. Friday pictures in Burra will aid the cause. The feature is The Crescent and the Cross.

M-C Skinner who has been in charge at Kooringa for 18 months left on Saturday to become tipstaff at the Supreme Court Adelaide. He has carried out his duties here faithfully, firmly and impartially. His Brothers at the Masonic Lodge presented him with a case of pipes.

Obituary. At Burra Hospital on Wednesday last Mrs C.C. Penglase of Hallett died. Aged 29, she was the eldest daughter of T.W. Tapp at one time Burra Stationmaster. She left a husband and five children.

[Born Louisa Isabel Daisy Tapp 14 Sep 1885 Ambleside: died 5 February 1914 Kooringa, residence Hallett.]

The Rt Rev. J.H. Norton, Bishop of Pt Augusta officiated at St Joseph’s last Sunday.

St Mary’s Harvest Thanksgiving Service was held last Sunday. The Venerable Archdeacon Bussell gave the address.

Ironmine Methodist Church Harvest Thanksgiving Service was held last Sunday. Rev. W.A. Bainger and Mr Pressey preached.

Letter from ‘Ratepayer’ supports the Council’s move to be represented on the Hospital Board by the Mayor – especially as the Council are trustees.

Polo. Saturday: Burra II, 8 defeated Mid-North II, 2

Burra I, 10 defeated Mid-North I, 4

Annual Black Springs Sports last Wednesday. Results printed.

XXI, 1880, 11 Feb. 1914, page 3

Redruth Court.

Albert Edward Smith charged with not having a light on a motor charabanc. 10/- + 20/-

Cricket. At Lucernedale, Sat. North Booborowie 140 and Kooringa 6 for 84.

Leighton Rifle Club, Saturday. R. McWaters 66, Captain J. McDonald 60.

Burra Rifle Club. 10th shoot for J.C. Killicoat Trophy was postponed.

Burra Institute. P. Milner wrote that in the last session of the Literary Soc. The Rev. J.H. Nield gave a lecture on British Politicians and promised one on Imperialism, but the society has lapsed. Perhaps the Rev. Nield could give the lecture in winter at the Institute. Deferred as the committee hopes for the Literary Soc. To be revived in winter.

Enquiries are to be made re the possibility of having School of mines classes at Burra.

The tender of C. & A. Fuss for a certain set of steps at £2-9-6 was accepted.

Car Accident. On Friday Charlie Ewins, son of W.J.C. Ewins and Harry Truscott, son of W.T. Truscott were taking an unauthorised ride on the step of Hall’s cab. On being discovered they jumped off into the path of a car driven by Mr G. Thorpe. Both were struck, but fortunately the car was not doing more than 10 m.p.h. and the brakes were applied as soon as the boys jumped. Charlie was actually run over and much bruised and internal injuries were feared, but he is doing well. Henry sustained shock and a splintered fracture of the thigh. He is doing as well as can be expected.

Car Accident. On 10 Feb. Dr Sangster’s car rolled over near Cobb & Co.’s corner. No one was much hurt and his little boy escaped injury. [Rumour put Miss Turnbull in the car and had both Dr Sangster and her badly hurt – the clarification doesn’t actually mention her by name.]

XXI, 1881, 18 Feb. 1914, page 1

Redruth Court, 11 Feb. 1914

Madge Harper, a former waitress at the Bon Accord Hotel was charged with a breach of the Masters’ and Servants’ Act. [This seemingly trivial case ran for 11⁄2 columns.] Harper had a counter claim for wages. The evidence reveals that the waitress’s wages at the time were 17/6 a week. Witnesses were Thomas A. Gregg landlord and his wife Catherine, Ethel May Gully, in service at the hotel, and Mary Lillian Jones, assisting at the hotel.

XXI, 1881, 18 Feb. 1914, page 2

Advt. Dr Sangster (of Jetty Rd, Glenelg) has to let from 1 April, 171⁄2 acres at Princess Town. [i.e. section 2267]

Advt. Band Concert in the Rotunda, Sunday 22 Feb. F. Wheatley, Conductor.

Advt. Seaside Trip, 25 Feb. 1914.

1st train leaves Burra Station at 5 a.m. and will carry only Burra passengers.

2nd train departs Hallett 5.15 a.m. and Burra at 5.52 a.m. and will also carry passengers from Booborowie, Leighton, World’s End and stations south of Burra. The Hallett train will leave Semaphore at 6 p.m. The Burra train departs Semaphore at 7.10 p.m.

Obituary. Mrs Mills died on 12 Feb. She was born in Cornwall and came to Australia in 1854. She soon came to Burra with her late husband who died some years ago. Mrs Mills moved to Redruth a few months ago. She had 9 children, 6 of who are alive. There are 20 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

[In the next issue a notice from J.E.H. Winnall re her estate says she was E.A. Mill.]

[Elizabeth Ann Mill died at Redruth aged 83.]

The American Boys. McDonald, one of the boys who visited Burra last year has died from tonsillitis at Thursday Island.

The Burra Automobile Club will hold a banquet at the Burra Hotel on Saturday 25 April.

The dog poisoner is about again – Dr Steele has lost his fox terrier.

Entertainment. Tom Thumb, the world’s smallest comedian and his company will appear in Burra on 23 Feb. On page 3 it is said that he was Hyati Hassid, the Turkish Tom Thumb who was 30” high and aged 58. [The original Tom Thumb was really Charles Sherwood Stratton who was an American who lived from 1838 to 1883 and at death he was 40” tall.]

Burra Town Council

The Burra Institute wrote asking Council to share the cost of the telephone. Agreed.

The Commissioner of Crown Lands has authorised the installation of electric light in Burra.

The Chief Secretary is in communication with the Hospital Board regarding making the Mayor an ex officio member of the board.

C.J. Pearce & Sons’ tender for the footbridge in Redruth was accepted at £27-12-6.

Cr Parks moved for the removal of trees from the reserve in Chapel St and for it to be levelled so it could be planted.

Cr Parks moved for the removal of pickets from around Lane Garden and substitution of wire netting to improve the view. Carried.

Cr Harris said he would like some action re tar-dressing of roads which was very satisfactory in Petersburg.

Local Board of Health.

Dr Sangster appointed Health Officer.

Utica Mining Co. Second half-yearly report.

No. 1 shaft is at 100’. No. 2 shaft is at 100’. No.1 shaft is crosscut 33’ to lode 5’ wide. Driving on the lode is assaying at 14.2% copper. Indications are the lode will continue a good distance and also to depth. Attempts to sink the shaft further struck water after 4’.

XXI, 1881, 18 Feb. 1914, page 3

The Seaside Trip. The idea has caught on well and so far tickets sold are:

Burra 686 Hallett 146 Mt Bryan 55

Hanson 62 Farrell’s Flat 49 Mintaro 55

Manoora 83 Leighton 39

Booborowie 20 World’s End 15

Marriage. At All Soul’s, St Peters, last Thursday

Miss May McBride, elder daughter of W.J. McBride and grand-daughter of R.J.M. McBride to Dr Friedrick John Jude of Mildura, only son of Mr M. Jude of Glenelg.

Salvation Army Harvest Thanksgiving was celebrated last Sunday. Major Mackey came from Adelaide to conduct meetings and the services were crowded.

18 February 1884 was the date of the founding of the Burra Corps with Major Thurman and Captain Webber. [The present officer seems to be Captain Steer.]

Cricket. Kooringa 57 defeated Drew & Crewes 51.

Burra Rifle Club. 11th match for the Killicoat Trophy.

O.G. Walker 91 from G. Herbert 86

Leighton Rifle Club. Practice shoot on Saturday. O. Bertlesmeir 94 from S. Cordon 91.

XXI, 1882, 25 Feb. 1914, page 2

Obituary. Ronald Pascoe aged 12, son of R.D. Pascoe, died at Burra Hospital on 18 Feb. of pneumonia.

[Richard Ronald Pascoe born 18 January 1901 Kooringa.]

Robertstown-Bright Silver-Lead Mine

[I recall no previous report of its closure.] Capt. Fowler, who has been away on holidays since the silver-lead mine closed down under exemption, has returned to the district. He is now interested in the asbestos deposit which extends fully 1⁄4 mile and is said to be worth £15 per ton. The silver-lead mine is to be reopened in March when the bore arrives from Tarcoola.

The Union Tailoring Co. of Pt Adelaide has opened in Burra with A. Landis as manager. They are advertising for female apprentices.

H.H. Haddrick, piano tuner, announces he has decided to reside in Burra.

Polo was played at Plympton last week. Adelaide ‘B’ 4 defeated Burra 2.

Burra team: J.C. Killicoat, L.A. Lewis, K.C. Sandland, P. McBride.

Burra Rifle Club. 12th shoot for the Killicoat Trophy.

H.L. Riggs 105 from A.B. Riggs 100

On aggregate points G. Herbert & O.G. Walker require only 2 points & 5 points respectively to win the trophy, but neither scored any points this week.

Leighton Rifle Club, Saturday: W. Jeffery 93 & S. Cordon 93 from G. Jeffery 88.

Farmers’ Co-operative Union of SA. A meeting in the Institute on Wed. is reported in just over 1 column.

XXI, 1882, 25 Feb. 1914, page 3

Tennis. 14 Feb. Kooringa 13 sets 96 games defeated World’s End 2 sets 37 games.

Court Unity AOF District Officers’ visit and social in the Institute 18 Feb. The report extends 11⁄3 columns.

[In the course of speeches W. March reveals that the Oddfellows then had 190 members 7 9 juvenile members. W. Geake said the Rechabites had 152 members and 44 juveniles and E.J. Davey (Sec.) said Court Unity had 200 members.]

Kirkham Evans writes a letter on behalf of SA Boys’ All Round the World Tour, urging the Mayor to secure a boy from Burra district a place in the group. Boys 11-16 are eligible and the cost is £100. Candidates have been selected from Adelaide, Jamestown, Petersburg, Cowell & Yankalilla.

Letter from Bentley S. Connor soliciting money for the reconstruction of the Missions to Seamen in Pt Adelaide after its destruction by fire on 13 Feb.

Letter from ‘Anti-Spit’ against spitting on town footpaths.

Cricket. 21 Feb. Terowie 300 defeated Kooringa 62.

Obituary. William Pitt Barker of Baldina died on 17 February. Mr Barker lived all his life in the district. As a youth he spent some time in the Bank of Australasia in Kooringa before going to manage Baldina Station with his father. He subsequently inherited the property. He also was partner in Barker & McLean, owners of Nor’-West Bend Station at Morgan and had large interests in stations in Queensland (Cormornigan) and in NSW. He was a member of the Burra District Council for over 25 years and was for a similar time on the Board of the Burra Hospital. He was interested in sport and was one of the syndicate which gave us the Aberdeen sports grounds. He was also a generous supporter of St Mary’s church and a generous, but quiet philanthropist. He was a brother of R.J. Barker of Barker Bros and of A.J. Barker (Mt Bryan) and Mrs H. Von Rieben (Payneham). He leaves a widow, four daughters (including Mrs Hooper) and one son. [Born 30 January 1845 Yankalilla.]

XXI, 1883, 4 Mar. 1914, page 2

Weather. Last week Burra had hail the size of marbles. Princess Royal got 58 points in 15 minutes and ‘The Gums’ 1.1” in half an hour.

Letter from ‘A Resident’ hoping the Council will get a move on with respect to the early implementation of the Early Closing Act.

Seaside Excursion last Wednesday.

Some were up by 2 a.m. to get ready. Public Bells rang at 2.30. Most people walked to the station in the keen morning air. The double-headed train comprised 10 carriages of six compartments and departed at 5 a.m. The first stop was at Manoora for water. There was a stop at Riverton for breakfast. The third stop for the Burra train was at Gawler, again for refreshments. After Dry Creek one engine was discarded, but the remaining engine had trouble in St Vincent St. The two trains carried just on 1,300 people. At Semaphore the crowd dispersed. Many took the local train to Adelaide where the Art Gallery, Museum, Botanic Gardens and particularly the picture shows were attractions. The return train left at 7 p.m. and most were asleep by Riverton. Burra was reached at 11.20 p.m. The Burra Coronation Band livened the day’s proceedings and in all it was a great success.

XXI, 1883, 4 Mar. 1914, page 3

Burra Town Council.

Letter from the Bishop of Petersburg re a slip of land 66’ by 385’ adjacent to the Kooringa Cemetery. It belonged to the Roman Catholic Church. The writer suggested it be properly fenced and then used for Catholic burials under the control of the Council.

The Mayor had pointed out to the Bishop that it would involve a heavy expense. An estimate of cost to shift the wall is to be obtained.

Letter from Gerald B. Lincoln & J. Kenneth McDougal, consulting electrical engineers of Melbourne, offering to give detailed costs re electric lighting for a fee of 30 guineas — half refundable if the scheme went ahead.

Turner Robertson & Co. were paid £10 for preparing an electric light scheme. [There was no commitment to them beyond their use as consulting engineers.]

The Commissioner of Crown Lands has postponed gazetting the original lighting scheme at Council request. The mayor thought that it was time for a decision on it.

Cr Wicklein said the scheme at Jamestown had failed due to an insufficiently powerful engine.

The Mayor didn’t know if that was Turner & Robertson’s fault or not, but only a portion of the town was being lighted. Kadina had similar problems.

Cr Radford thought the proposal for Burra was inadequate and moved it be rejected. Cr Walker 2nd.

Cr Lane moved deferral for six months and Cr Parks 2nd. Amendment carried with Radford and Walker opposed.

5 chains of road from St Joseph’s to the National Bank to be tar-paved as an experiment.

Crs Walker & Radford then wanted 2 chains to be done from Sara & Co.’s towards Tiddy’s. [Since they thought 5 chains too much for a trial this might seem illogical, but then clearly the north end of town deserved a trial as well! The result of this motion is not reported.]

Cricket. Sat. Kooringa 7 for 107 defeated Hallett 95

14 Feb. Booborowie 6 for 103 defeated Aberdeen 79

21 Feb. Aberdeen 106 defeated Mt Bryan 53

Tennis. Aberdeen 11 sets 85 games defeated Porter’s Lagoon 4 sets 68 games

Kooringa 7 sets 53 games defeated Clare 6 sets 60 games

World’s End has withdrawn from competition.

Burra Rifle Club. In a three way competition

Leighton 730, Burra 715, Yarcowie 674

Marriage. On 18 Feb. at South Booborowie

Hilda Lillian Goodridge, 3rd daughter of I.J. Goodridge married

Walter Lomman, 3rd son of J. Lomman of Mt Bryan East.

Marriage. On 25 Feb. at Trinity Church

Ida Elizabeth Pearse, only daughter of T.H. Pearse of ‘The Gums’ married

Archibald Scott Martin

Marriage. On 24 Feb. at Kooringa Methodist Church

W.H. Wahlert, eldest son of H. Wahlert of Hallett married

Mary (Elsie) Woodman, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs Albert Woodman of Baldina

XXI, 1884, 11 Mar. 1914, page 1

Marriage. On 26 Feb. at Manthorpe Memorial Church, Unley Road.

Florence Louise Donnell, eldest daughter of James Donnell of Unley and

C.B. Green, late of World’s End.

XXI, 1884, 11 Mar. 1914, page 2

Advt. Mr T. Harris of Aberdeen is selling his Blacksmith’s and Wheelwright’s plant and stock in trade on 26 March, also the premises.

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, 13 March, Chelsea.

Burra Choral and Orchestral Soc. Is rehearsing Messiah for a performance in May or early June.

Rev. J.C. Jennison will come from Victoria to Redruth. Rev. W. Bainger will retire to Henley Beach.

Obituary. E.H. Lamb, proprietor of the Robertstown Hotel died on 4 March aged 57.

[Henry William Lamb died 4 March 1914 aged 57 at Robertstown.]

Tennis. Aberdeen 8 sets 76 games defeated Kooringa 7 sets 76 games.

Burra Rifle Club. The final shoot for the Killicoat Trophy saw G. Herbert get the two points he required, but on the day the best shot was Capt. Lord 97 from A.D. McLaren 95.

XXI, 1884, 11 Mar. 1914, page 3

Cricket. Kooringa 158 defeated Aberdeen 65.

Burra Institute.

Since the Council has agreed to share costs it was resolved to connect the Institute to the telephone.

Railway Offences. Two men were apprehended for riding on a goods train. One, James Reed, broke two toes attempting to get away. The other was fined 10/- + 15/- and ordered to pay the fare or serve 7 days. Not having the money he had to take it out. Reed’s case was adjourned as he was in the hospital.

Letter from P. Milner re early closing. The petition will be presented to the Minister for Industry shortly.

Kooringa Methodist Church Harvest Thanksgiving was last Sunday. Rev. W.J. Walker of Semaphore preached. Report occupies c. 1 column.

Booborowie Races were held on 4 March and were a success. Result printed.

Obituary. The body of Edward Passman Sanderson was found on Faraway Hill Station on 3 March and S.M. Lane drove out to investigate. He was heading for Buckalow Station in NSW in a sulky. His sulky was noted about 3 miles from Faraway Hill on 28 Feb. but no one thought it odd enough to investigate till 3 March. Death seems to have been suddenly from heart failure.

[Born 20 April 1868 Gawler: died Far Away Hill Station 28 February 1914.]

Dr Jude, who recently married Miss M. McBride gets 2⁄3 column quoted from the Mildura Cultivator.

XXI, 1885, 18 Mar. 1914, page 1

Leighton-Ironmine Sports were held on 11 March. They were an unqualified success and the results are printed.

XXI, 1885, 18 Mar. 1914, page 2

Notice. Kooringa Methodist Church Memorial Stones to be laid 25 March

Luncheon in the Schoolroom at 2 p.m. — 1/6

Stones will be laid at 4 p.m. by J.M. McBride, T.W. Wilkinson, Mrs J.H. Nield & Miss Alice Pearce.

Tea served at 6 p.m. — 1/-

8 p.m. lecture in the Burra Institute by Rev. H. Howard on The Higher Patriotism — 1/-

Season Ticket —1/-

Leading Article on vandalism in Burra. Locks have been damaged, trees destroyed and public conveniences fouled.

Obituary. Mrs Margaret Loutit, wife of Andrew Loutit has died at Gilberton aged 82. Over 30 years ago Mr Loutit was manager of the National Bank in Kooringa for 3 years.

[Born Margaret Flett in Scotland: died 10 March 1914 Gilberton aged 82.]

Railways. Tenders have been called for the Robertstown Railway.

Mr Tovey, who has been assisting the Rev. S.J. Bloyd for the past 12 months has accepted a position with the Bishop’s Home Mission Society and will leave soon.

XXI, 1885, 18 Mar. 1914, page 3

Tar Dressing of Roads

1⁄2 column of detail on how the tar dressing trial was being done and of problems with the process. The debate was whether the tar should be applied to the present road or the road given more metal and blinded first. Eventually it was resolved to complete the rest of the 5 chains without disturbing the present road. The Aberdeen trial will be shifted slightly to incorporate road newly made last year.

WCTU, Burra Branch continues to meet monthly in Jubilee Hall, Redruth.

Blockage of the Creek.

Cr Wicklein is still concerned about the new garage putting filling in the creek near his place which he thinks will result in undermining of his wall when floods come. The Mayor to see Mr Winnall in the matter.

Burra Town Council, 16 March.

Mrs T. Halls writes for a cab licence for Albert Harry who is not quite 17, but very competent. The application is due to the ill health of Mr Halls. Councillors were sympathetic, but the Clerk pointed out that a licence could not be granted till he was 17.

C.B. Griffiths complains about the sheep camping about his house and in front of his door. The Ranger will investigate.

Several pieces of timber have been stolen from work being done at the bridge. [Which bridge is not specified.] The police have been notified that 8 pieces 4” X 2” x 20’ are missing.

The tennis court wire-netting fence near Allan’s [Allen’s?] was lying on the footpath. It is ordered removed. [In XXI, 1886, 25 March 1914 this is amended to the fence near the Skating Rink.]

Tennis. Kooringa 9 sets 80 games defeated Porter’s Lagoon 6 sets 77 games.

Cricket. Aberdeen 4 for 166 defeated Booborowie 127.

XXI, 1886, 25 Mar. 1914, page 2

Advt. Elder Smith will sell on 1 April on instruction from T. McBride, his property known as Harris’s Farm, comprising 889 acres. Hundred of Kooringa sections 68, 69, 70, 71, 214, 215, 218, with a six roomed iron and matchboard house.

Pearce’s Building. John Pearce has a scheme for the building of up-to-date offices next to the Bank of Australasia which will supply a long-felt want. Designed by Mr Tillett of Adelaide, it will comprise two storeys. He has also erected an up-to-date workshop on the corner of Thames and Bridge streets. This two storey building has a ground floor 66’ x 60’ x 10’ and a first floor landing 60’ x 63’ x 19’. The front door opens into the shop and office with the timber room adjoining. The workroom is upstairs and is excellently lit and ventilated with 6,000 ft of superficial flooring.

E.W. Crewes Jun. is in hospital suffering from influenza, pleurisy and asthma.

Burra Co. Light Horse have been in camp at Kapunda for a week for training in military manoeuvres.

XXI, 1886, 25 Mar. 1914, page 3

Burglary. On Friday night burglars entered the premises of Drew and Crewes and also Luke Day, but met with little success. It was a clumsy and unskilled attempt. At Drew & Crewes they appear to have concentrated on desks in the office, looking for money. They then turned to the van loaded ready for a country round. Here they took about 500 cigarettes and £2 worth of tobacco. This is the third attempt in three months.

At the Aberdeen store chaff and wood is being stolen wholesale.

At Day’s the lock had been prised open. No significant money was taken. It is thought that one of the thieves fell down the open cellar door leaving his hat behind. The safety till was opened and 5/- to 6/- in coppers removed, but nothing else.

Football. The Burra Football Assoc. AGM. Only the representatives from the Kooringa Club attended. The Assoc. is in credit £19-15-4. Elections: Secretary, J. Allen; Patron, E.W. Crewes; President, L.W. Gebhardt; Treasurer, A.D. McLaren. [The Treasurer was corrected in the next issue to J. McLaren.]

Mr Truscott said the Kooringa and Light Horse teams should be combined and then with Aberdeen, Hallett, Farrell’s Flat and Terowie there would be a good association. The Corporation charged 1⁄3 of the gate, but the Aberdeen oval cost £2-2-0 for the season, so all matches would be played there which was unfair. Council will be asked for a season price. Last year Victoria Park had cost them £14-18-2. Mr Crewes promised to do what he could in Council to foster cheap clean healthy sport.

Kooringa Football Club AGM. Election: Secretary & Treasurer, Mr Furgusson; Patron, George Lord; President, J. McLaren.

Cricket. Saturday, Kooringa 164 defeated North Booborowie 7 for 109.

[It is not clear to me why this is a win for Kooringa.]

Obituary. John Snell died 20 March aged 80. He was born at Chacewater, Cornwall in 1833 and began work at the Great Consols Mine, Cornwall. He married in 1857 and soon after left with his wife in the Neptune for Australia where he came straight to Burra and worked in the Burra Mine. He spent a short time on the Victorian Goldfields. He worked for some years on the main engine at Morphett’s Shaft and was one of the contractors that put down Grave’s Shaft, considered the best piece of work on the property. When the mine closed he set up business as a jeweller and was for some years a member of the Town Council. [1876-7 and 1903-06] He was connected with the Oddfellows Lodge and an earnest worker for the Bible Christian Church and later the Methodist Church. He was a local preacher and Sunday school teacher. His wife died in 1902. He is survived by three sons: Joseph (Broken Hill), John M. (Adelaide), Fred. (Pt Pirie) and four daughters, Annie (Burra), Mrs Ralph (Adelaide), Mrs White (Adelaide) and Florrie (WA)

Tennis. Kooringa 9 sets 83 games defeated Aberdeen 6 sets 62 games.

Farrell’s Flat Sports, St Patrick’s Day, 17 March. Good attendance. Results printed.

Leighton Rifle Club. 14 Mar. G. Jeffery & O. Bertlesmeir 96 from E. Jettner 83

21 Mar. J. Hogan 102 from O. Bertlesmeir & R. Fairchild 101

XXI, 1887, 1 Apr. 1914, page 2

Regular Supplement begins. The paper to be enlarged by a two page supplement carrying a serial, special stories and articles on home & garden etc.

Miss Carter, who is leaving Burra, was presented with a daily service book by teachers and students of St Mary’s Sunday school.

Notice. Lutheran services will be conducted in Jubilee Hall by Rev. Hoopman on Good Friday. In German at 10 a.m. and in English at 3 p.m.

Burra Golf Club meeting tonight at the Institute 8 p.m.

Burra Institute. The first lot of the Institute’s chairs was destroyed in Pengelly’s fire some months ago, but the chairs are now installed and are much appreciated.

Frank Riggs, youngest son of J. Riggs, has won the Roseworthy Scholarship this year worth £30 p.a.

Letter from ‘Ratepayer’ disapproving of the Council’s laying aside a decision on electric light for six months.

Letter for ‘A Music Lover’ requesting more regular band concerts in the rotunda.

Kooringa Football Club, General Meeting. The main business was S. Kellaway’s motion to rescind the decision to let players elect the Captain and Vice-Captain. His motion was lost.

Aberdeen Football Club. AGM, C. Fuss in the chair. Election: Secretary, J.W. Pickering; Treasurer, A. Fuss; President, J. Gallagher; Patron, C. Bartholomæus.

Aberdeen oval to be secured for the games.

St Mary’s Church held a very successful social on 25 March to thank and farewell Mr Tovey and to welcome Rev. F.H. Durnford, but the latter was detained in quarantine in Adelaide.

XXI, 1887, 1 Apr. 1914, page 3

Kooringa Methodist Church, foundation stone-laying, 25 March.

c. 200 attended for the luncheon and by the time of the stone-laying some 400 were assembled. On the day some £204 was collected. Stones were laid by:

R.J.M. McBride representing the congregation.

T.W. Wilkinson, representing the trustees.

Mrs J.H. Nield for the incumbent Rev. J.H. Nield

Miss Alice Pearce representing the Sunday school.

In the last case every member of the school filed past and tapped the stone and made an offering if so inclined.

[Details of the event extend for almost 2 columns.]

Tennis. Booborowie 6 sets 60 games defeated Ironmine 5 sets 43 games.

Ironmine Methodist Church on 24 March, annual Christian Endeavour Social.

Burra Rifle Club, Sat. three way shoot.

Leighton 726, Burra 723, Petersburg 685.

Cricket. Sat. Kooringa 139 defeated Aberdeen 60

Polo, Monday. Broken Hill 6 defeated Burra 1.

XXI, 1888, 8 Apr. 1914, page 1

Sturt Vale Picnic Sports, 30 March. Results printed.

XXI, 1888, 8 Apr. 1914, page 2

Advt. General Meeting of the Burra Cinderellas in Burra Club Rooms 9 April.

Advt. Utica Copper Mining Co. calls tenders for sinking a winze from No. 1 level No. 1 shaft to a depth of 100 feet. 6’ x 4’.

Obituary. Mr James McWaters of Leighton aged 72. He was born at Mintaro, but lived for the past 40 years at Leighton. He has been in the Burra Hospital for five months with Bright’s disease. [A kidney disease.] He was a trustee of the old Leighton Church, now demolished. He leaves 4 sons: Henry (Renmark), George & Arthur (WA), Bert. (Leighton) and three daughters, Mrs Crawford (Broken Hill), Mrs A. McDonald & Mrs R. Fairchild (Leighton). His wife died some years ago. [Born 21 April 1842 Adelaide: died 2 April 1914 Kooringa, residence Leighton.]

Lane Garden is a picture just now: bright with flowers and the lawn a mass of green.

Burra Golf Club. Election Wednesday: President, Dr Steele; Captain, A.H. Lackmann; Vice-Captain & Secretary, F.C. Harvey

Marriage. Mt Bryan Methodist Church, 25 March.

Mr Francis Bernhardt of Aberdeen and Ivy Pearce, daughter of Mr & Mrs A.J. Pearce of Mt Bryan.

Burra Ladies Hockey Club, AGM 6 April in the Burra Club Room.

Elected: Secretary, Miss A. Bullen; Treasurer, Miss A. Harris; Captain, Miss A. Isaacs; Vice-Captain, Miss H. Hunt.

Advt. W.E. Hodge, late of Dalgety & Co. has begun business as a Land, Estate & General Agent. Commercial St.

Burra Coronation Band Concert last Sunday drew a large crowd.

Pearce’s Building work has commenced.

XXI, 1888, 8 Apr. 1914, page 3

Burra Football Association. Meeting last Thursday.

Much of the debate was concerned with Mr Truscott’s move to have the Light Horse team playing members confined to members of the Light Horse. Eventually the motion was withdrawn. In addition a range of procedural matters and amendments to rules were discussed and the report runs to 11⁄2 columns.

Burra Rifle Club. Wed. & Sat. last. R.D. Pascoe 89 from G. Herbert 86.

Cricket. Saturday, Kooringa 366, Hallett 3 for 18. Game to continue next Saturday to determine the premiership.

Kooringa Methodist Church. The address by Rev. H. Howard, The Higher Patriotism, is printed in 1 column.

Tennis. Kooringa 9 sets 79 games defeated Porter’s Lagoon 6 sets 78 games.

XXI, 1889, 14 Apr. 1914, page 2

Obituary. The late Jacob McWaters’ funeral will depart the Burra Hospital on 16 April at 3 p.m. for the Kooringa Cemetery. [Born 10 April 1865 at Mintaro: died 14 April 1914.]

Court Pride had their picnic at Sod Hut on Easter Monday.

Redruth Methodist Church gave a farewell social on 6 April in Jubilee Hall to Mr R.W. Pressey who has been assisting Rev. W.A. Bainger in the Redruth Circuit for the last year. He was presented with a purse of sovereigns. He is retiring due to a throat affection.

XXI, 1889, 15 Apr. 1914, page 3

Burra Town Council, 6 April

Council is considering the request from the Burra Football Assoc. for a fixed fee for the season for the use of Victoria Park.

The dayman reported on how tar-paving was done in Adelaide.

Cr Radford enquired about what had come of the deeds to Burra Creek following the agreement with the Hon. J. Lewis.

The Mayor had received a letter that there was insufficient business for a separate post and telegraph office at Aberdeen, neither were there sufficient letters for a delivery service. The issue will be pursued by Representative Foster.

Lighting at the Kooringa Post Office was still poor.

Letter to be written to the authorities re the very poor water pressure in parts of the town.

Cr Harris was concerned about traffic around Henderson’s Corner. He believed traffic should go around the rotunda before entering Kingston St.

Rev. Father O’Halloran to be written to and asked to meet the Council at the cemetery to confer re a [Catholic] portion of ground there.

Cricket. The premiership match concluded on Saturday with Hallett making 160.

[Since Kooringa had made 366 they were the premiers for 1913-14.]

Kooringa 258 defeated Drew & Crewes 78

Burra Association 178 defeated Gawler Association 151.

Burra Rifle Club, Friday last. Leighton A 638 defeated Burra A 637

Burra B 660 defeated Leighton B 634

Hallett Sports were held on Easter Monday in ideal weather which drew a record crowd. Results are printed.

XXI, 1890, 22 Apr. 1914, page 2

Obituary. Jacob Steward McWaters died at the Burra hospital on 14 April aged 48. He was the son of the late Steward McWaters of Leighton. [Born 10 April 1865 at Mintaro: died 14 April 1914.]

Leader on Vandalism. A stone was thrown through the window of the Council Chamber which bore the hours of the Town Clerk etc, and which had cost c. £5.

Burra Automobile Club have organised a Motor Gymkhana for the Show Ground at Aberdeen for the 25 April. Admission 6d. Any profits will go to the Burra Hospital.

The Burra Citizen Trainees of the Commonwealth Military Forces returned from encampment at Gawler last Friday.

Obituary. Mary Elizabeth Holden died at the Alexander Nursing Home, Norwood on 17 April, aged 76. She was the widow of the late Alexander Holden and a former matron of the Redruth Girls’ Reformatory. She had been born in London and migrated to Australia in 1850. She and her husband were founder members of the Flinders St Baptist Church. Mr Holden died c. 20 years ago. She left three sons and three daughters: Messrs H.J. (Norwood), H.W. (Sydney), Colin (WA), and Mesdames H.J. Preston (of Selangor, Malay Free States), G. Gibbs (WA).

[Born Mary Elizabeth Phillips: died 17 April 1914 aged 75 at Kensington Park, residence Pt Elliott.]

Masonic Lodge. At the last meeting the W.M. Bro. E.J. Harris was commended on the renovation of the inside of the Temple under his supervision. Gas lighting has been installed, including an outside lamp in the front street. C.A. Lott and D. Jones carried out the work and Mr J.E. Greenwood installed the gas. (A machine of Mr Mozart of Gawler for 20 lights.)

Obituary. Jacob Steward McWaters, 48, of Leighton had a stroke at Terowie and then came to the Burra Hospital where he died on 14 April. He spent most of his life in the Terowie district, farming at Parnaroo for c. 25 years. He retired about 18 months ago and lived briefly at the Leighton homestead before returning to Terowie. [Born 10 April 1865 at Mintaro: died 14 April 1914.]

Redruth Methodist Church held a welcome social for Rev. & Mrs J.C. Jennison at Jubilee Hall on Monday.

Burra Rifle Club. There was a three way shoot at the new Farrell’s Flat Range. Burra 700, Leighton 665 and Farrell’s Flat 600.

XXI, 1890, 22 Apr. 1914, page 3

Burra Show Society AGM

Balance sheet shows a credit of £44-1-10.

Sheep dog trials to be held on 22 July and the show on the last Friday in September.

Elections: Patron, Hon. J. Lewis; President, I.J. Warnes. (Replacing Thomas Sandland who retired.) (Other details reported in just > 1 column.)

Cricket. Season’s summary.

Team Played Won Lost Drawn Points

Kooringa 16 11 1 4 22

Hallett 16 10 4 2 20

Booborowie 16 7 6 4 14

Aberdeen 16 5 10 1 10

Mt Bryan 16 2 14 0 4

Best batsman in the Association was F.T. Harcus (Av. 53) from W.H. Stevenson (Av. 38)

Best bowlers: W.H. Stevenson 57 wickets at an av. 83⁄4

Dr D. Steele took 9 at an av. 91⁄2 and H.C. Collins took 29 at an av. 103⁄4

Burra Institute, 15 April Committee Meeting.

New Chairs and carpet for stage £82-18-5

Fuss Bros. to attend to requirements in the old members’ room for £9-10-0.

4 tons of roots authorised for winter fires.

Letter from ‘Coralinga’ railing against Government financial ineptitude, extravagance and waste in Australia in general and especially on the poor return investors are getting in the 14 Parliaments [i.e. Houses of Parliament] in the nation.

Burra Town Council, 20 April

Bagot, Shakes and Lewis write re verandah posts on the footpath at Batchelor’s estate and questioning the liability of the owner for a building of such long standing.

SAMA says that the transfer [of the deeds to the Burra Creek] has been lodged with the L.T.O. and any delay is not theirs.

Father O’Halloran will meet the Council on Wed. at the cemetery.

The Mayor was authorised to see the solicitor and then act accordingly to see that dangerous or obstructive verandah posts are removed from footpaths.

A large lettered sign is to be erected re the route for vehicles at Henderson’s Corner.

Victoria Park use to be offered to the Football Association for £10 p.a.

Lamp to be placed in Chapel St on a projecting arm near Parks’.

XXI, 1891, 29 Apr. 1914, page 1

There was on page 1 another in a series of articles called ‘Australia Limited’ which is probably a reference to a popular large book of the time which extolled Australia’s great achievements and unlimited potential, called Australia Unlimited. The writer was ‘Coralinga’ and the line was generally strongly pro-private enterprise, pro-Protestant work ethic, pro-small Government, anti-socialist, and Old Testament attitudes of ‘A tooth for a tooth, an eye for an eye, a life for a life.’ This quote being cited in the article in this issue. Oddly I haven’t located episode 1, but the others appear as follows:

Article 2 on XXI, 1889, 15 April 1914, p.2

Article 3 on XXI, 1890, 22 April 1914, p.1 plus a letter to the editor by ‘Coralinga’

Article 4 on XXI, 1891, 29 April 1914, p. 1

Article 5 on XXI, 1892, 6 May 1914, p.1

XXI, 1891, 29 Apr. 1914, page 2

Advt. Burra Skating Rink reopens Sat. 2 May at 3 p.m. The rink has been renovated and the floor placed in perfect order. R. Bourman, Manager.

Marriage. 7 April at Sandlegrove, Baldina

Joseph Nelson of New Zealand and Florence Louisa Bagg, eldest daughter of Mrs F. Bagg.

Obituary. Mrs John Walker died on 25 April aged 62 of pleurisy following bronchitis. She was born at Para near Salisbury in 1852 and married Mr Walker at Burra on 14 June 1875. She leaves a husband and 4 daughters: Mesdames A.J. Smith (Adelaide), E. Franklin (Broken Hill), C. Bevan (Aberdeen), W. Montgomery (Aberdeen), and five grandchildren.

[Born Sophia Elizabeth Clarke: died at Aberdeen aged 61.]

6 p.m. closing of bars will be subject to a referendum at the next election.

Early Closing in Burra. The petition has been lodged with the Minister of Industry, Hon. H. Homburg, and after being checked for validity a certificate will be issued to fix a date for counter-petitions. If there are none the Governor will fix a date on month after which the Act will come into force.

Kooringa Police Court, 22 April.

James Henry Knevitt was charged with hindering police on 18 April.

P-C Horace Clyde Queale was on duty with F-C Correll outside the Burra Hotel at c. 11.15. There was a congregation of c. 50 including Knevitt, Rosewall and Halls. Rosewall was singing and ‘sidestepping’. Queale told Rosewall to go home. Knevitt stopped Rosewall’s departure and told police to leave him alone. Queale told Knevitt to stop interfering and repeated the instruction to Rosewall who went off arm-in-arm with Halls to Henderson’s corner. The three then crossed the bridge with the police following. A further altercation took place in which Knevitt remarked to Correll ‘that he couldn’t beat him (Knevitt) in a — “dinkum” go’.

James Knevitt (labourer) gave evidence that he saw Rosewall, who was pretty drunk, and was helping him home, but at Henderson’s Corner police told him to leave Rosewall alone. Halls and Rosewall then went on alone followed by the police. Shortly the police returned and told me to go home. The police followed [me] and in the lane in Paxton Square Correll said to me ‘I’ll give you fight you —.’ He came up behind and hit me on the ear and on the temple.

The bench queried the absence of Halls and Rosewall as witnesses.

M-C Queale described Knevitt as a nuisance who was always in hotels and doubted if he worked three weeks in eight. Knevitt was part of a troublesome clique.

He was fine £2 + £1 costs, or 1 month’s jail. Unable to pay by Saturday, he was escorted to jail.

XXI, 1891, 29 Apr. 1914, page 3

Letter from ‘In the Dark’ — never mind the new lamp at Parks’, what about lighting the lamps we have: two or three are out every night and others burn an hour and then go out.

Letter from ‘Labor’ complaining that stones were thrown at J.A. Southwood MP while he was delivering an address in Market Square on Saturday evening.

Football. Burra Football Assoc. meeting is reported at length. The Assoc. has accepted the Council offer of Victoria Park at £10 p.a. It will be sub-let to any participating club for £2-2-0. Light horse have applied to use the Aberdeen Oval.

Terowie want one semi-final played there (If they are involved in the finals). This involved extensive debate, but the Assoc. finally agreed with the request. (Details in 11⁄3 columns.)

Burra Automobile Club held a gymkhana last Sat. at Aberdeen followed by a banquet. It was very successful for a first attempt with gate takings of £7-18-5. Program:

Zig-zag Race forward and reverse

Glass-of-Water Race all passengers carry a glass of water with a stop in the course and the car with most water at the end wins

Glass-of Water Race II same for two-seater cars

Speed Judging driver to proceed at 15 m.p.h. for one mile with speedometer and watches covered.

Potato Race task to drop potatoes into receptacles while passing them

Musical Chairs

Egg-and-Spoon Race passengers and drivers carrying eggs on spoons in their mouths

Reverse Race between parallel lines

Tortoise Race car to be driven without stopping and without use of the clutch or brakes

‘cars to be driven at top speed’ [?] [in top gear?]

A banquet followed the events and I.J. Warnes, President, said in his speech that the club now had 150 members.

In addition to the gate takings entrance to events raised £3-0-6 and the surplus of the total of £10-18-11 over costs would go to the hospital.

XXI, 1892, 6 May 1914, page 2

Advt. WCTU Campaign – speaker Mrs Lee-Cowie

Sat. 9 May Market Square Rotunda: A Fight with Australia’s Deadliest Foe.

Sun. 10 May Redruth: Lives that have Lifted the World.

Sun. 10 May (Afternoon) Hanson.

Sun. 10 May (After Church) Lessons from the Land of the Lord.

Mon. 11 May (Eve.) Ironmine: Around the World in an Aeroplane.

Tues. 12 May (7.45 p.m.) Burra Institute: Around the World in an Aeroplane.

Burra Skating Rink is enjoying good patronage.

Fire. On Monday evening a mattress was discovered to be on fire in an unoccupied room of the upper storey of the Commercial Hotel, by one of the boarders. It was thrown out the window and the fire extinguished.

XXI, 1892, 6 May 1914, page 3

Burra Town Council, 4 May.

Bagot, Shakes and Lewis to be written to and told to remove verandah posts from the footpath.

Sympathy expressed for Cr Walker on his wife’s death.

Another appeal will be made to the Deputy Post Master General to get reduced telephone charges to Adelaide.

The Chief Secretary wrote re the Hospital Board. The Board had 11 members and he had no power to admit more. The only way to admit the Mayor would be to drop an existing member. The Board had been asked to change its rules, but at present nothing had been done.

[The problem was that the previous Mayor, Mr McLaren, was still sitting on the Board, though correspondence in 1912 seemed to indicate that the Governor had appointed him for one year c. March 1912. Mr McLaren took the view that he was appointed personally, not as Mayor, whereas the Council was of the opinion that he had been appointed as the Council’s representative and should therefore have resigned on leaving Council. The fact that he had lost the election to Mr Crewes at the end of 1913 might have influenced his decision to stay on.]

Further correspondence with the Chief Secretary was initiated.

Cr Radford referred to an old shaft at the back of Fuss’s which had only a low fence to protect children. The owners’ to be told to fence it or otherwise attend to the danger. The owners were Sincock & Burchell of Moonta and the shaft was about 80’ deep. The Council had fenced it on their behalf about 4 years ago, but last year Mr Woollacott had driven over the place and knocked the fence down.

Father O’Halloran is communicating with the Bishop re handing over a certain piece of ground in exchange for setting aside a certain portion of the cemetery for Catholic adherents.

Council will inspect the Market Square pump with a view to upgrading or modernising it.

There was debate about unsatisfactory acetylene gas lamps in streets.

The lamplighter’s pay is to be withheld until lamps are satisfactory.

A portion of Lane Garden belongs to the Hon. J. Lewis and he wants it settled with the Council legally.

Obituary. A.J. Hunt of Kooringa died on 2 May, in his sleep, aged 58. He had come to Burra aged 7 with his parents and had learnt his trade as a saddler from Mr Dawson who was then in business in Burra. He was an office-holder in the Oddfellows Lodge.

He leaves a wife, four sons and three daughters: [sic, — though 5 sons are listed]

Alfred (Pt Lincoln), Fred. and Clifford (Broken Hill), Reuben and Reece (Burra), May, Hilda and Jessie (Burra). [Alfred John Hunt born 2 May 1856 Stepney.]

Football. Saturday

Light Horse 2.6 2.6 2.10 2.13 (25)

Terowie 0.0 2.4 2.4 3.4 (22)

XXI, 1893, 13 May 1914, page 2

Redruth Court, 6 May.

Stanley Knight, Stanley Woollacott and John Harrison were each fined 5/- + 15/- costs for not chaining the wheels of their carts.

Robertstown Railway. The contract has gone to G. Baxter of Melbourne for £14,714 for the 131⁄4 mile line

Mrs Lee-Cowie of New Zealand has been attracting good crowds to he temperance campaign addresses.

Mr Homburg MP was being driven to Emu downs by E.W. Crewes to address the Liberal Union social. 14 miles down the road Mr Crewes took a wrong turn in heavy fog and on a bad road he ended in a waterhole and broke a wheel. They had to walk four miles through mud to pick up a buggy to complete the journey and only got back to Burra at 3 a.m. in a borrowed spring dray.

Burra Branch of The United Labor Party held a successful social and dance last Thursday in the Institute.

Football last Saturday. Terowie defeated Kooringa on a forfeit when the latter could not get a team together.

Aberdeen 2.2 3.5 7.5 7.7 (49)

Hallett 0.0 0.1 0.3 0.5 (5)

Burra Rifle Club. Summary of the year’s contests. Year began April-May 1913 with class firing.

B.W. Pearse Trophy valued at £5-5-0

R.D. Pascoe from G.L. Nutt

J.C. Killicoat Trophy valued at £5-5-0

G. Herbert from Mr Walker

Mr Pullman’s Trophy: a pair of silver mounted hairbrushes.

G. Herbert from G.L. Nutt

R. McBride’s Trophy: a fat sheep

G. Herbert from H.L. Riggs

Captain’s Trophy valued at £1-1-0

A. Gartery from R.D. Pascoe

F. Benson Trophy for best 10 scores at 600 yds: a gent’s dressing case

R.D. Pascoe from J.E. Pearce

Club Prize for best average for the year from 2 of 3 over 200, 500 and 600 yards and from 1 of 2 over 800, 900 and 1,000 yards

G. Herbert from H.L. Riggs

G.L. Nutt Trophy for best interclub score: a kitbag and from A.B. Riggs £1-1-0 for 2nd

G.L. Nutt from A.D. McLaren

XXI, 1893, 13 May 1914, page 3

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Anniversary last Sunday. Rev. A.R. Edgerley of Malvern officiated. The public meeting and sermons are reported in c. 21⁄2 columns.

XXI, 1894, 20 May 1914, page 2

Earthquake felt at Bright on Monday 11 May at 8 p.m. Crockery was broken and a lesser shock followed at c. 8.30 p.m.

Baldina Plains had a severe dust storm with drift two feet high against a picket fence in one place.

Rain fell in Kooringa with 62 points recorded to Tuesday.

Burglars have again raided Drew & Crewes: this time at Mt Bryan, but only broke the window, though the Kingston Hotel there lost £10 in cash.

C.H. Ewins has suffered a brain haemorrhage.

Football, Saturday

Light Horse 2.2 2.5 6.9 10.14 (74)

Kooringa 1.1 1.1 2.2 2.2 (14)

And at Terowie:

Terowie 0.6 3.13 4.13 5.23 (53)

Aberdeen 3.0 3.0 5.5 5.5 (35)

XXI, 1894, 20 May 1914, page 3

Mrs Lee-Cowie’s WCTU address is reported in 11⁄4 columns.

Burra Ladies’ Hockey Concert last Wednesday was quite successful and raised c. £20 for their funds and would have raised more had the rain held off.

Challenged to a Duel

Some time ago P.G. Klose of Rowlands Flat had a lawsuit with Norman McBride of Kia Ora Station over a boring contract and the plaintiff was non-suited. Now Klose has challenged McBride to a duel. He appeared before Adelaide Police Court last Saturday charged with issuing threatening words and was given a good behaviour bond of £25 for six months, failing which jail for six months.

XXI, 1894, 20 May 1914, page 4

Herrgott Springs race results printed.

XXI, 1895, 27 May 1914, page 2

Notice. Burra Burra Copper Co. General Meeting called for 2 June in Adelaide to receive the Directors’ Report.

Immediately after the above an Extraordinary General Meeting will be held to consider the following special resolution: ‘That this company be wound up voluntarily.’

West Burra Copper Mining co. reports that the shaft is now at 125’ showing a lode 2’ wide. At 100’ the western drive for 12’ shows a little ore and the eastern drive 15’ with lode c. 2’ wide. Very little ore was encountered beyond the 100’ level. There are signs the shaft is approaching water level.

Burra Cinderellas season began last Tuesday.

Burra Town Council, 18 May.

Town lamps have all been cleaned except for one in Chapel St for which the lighter needed instructions.

The Hydraulic Engineer reported that the water from the old well is very little different from the well in present use and charges could not be reduced as pimping expenses were heavy.

The mayor thought the charges were very high. The Town Clerk is to get information from other places.

Sincock and Burchell say the land with the dangerous shaft was in the auctioneer’s hands for sale. Council will fence it and charge the owners.

Council is prepared to set aside the SE portion of the cemetery for Catholic use – an area large enough for 300 burials, but could not see its way clear to fence it in. The Bishop will be so advised.

As there has been no move on the verandah posts the Council will give a fortnight’s notice before doing the work itself and charging the owners.

The town pump is to be put in repair.

Sincock and Burchell are to be given 7 days’ notice that the old shaft is to be covered and fenced.

Local board of Health

The Mayor has seen the Chief Secretary re a seat on the Hospital Board. The chief Secretary is prepared to make the appointment immediately, but the Board as yet have not changed their rules. He has the power to remove the Board if it becomes necessary. The matter continues in the hands of the members for the district and a letter will be drafted by the Mayor and Town clerk to them.

XXI, 1895, 27 May 1914, page 3

Rev. Father O’Halloran who has been in Burra 21⁄2 years has been moved to Streaky Bay and he was accorded a social and dance in the Institute last Thursday with the Mayor, E.W. Crewes in the chair. J.Q. Hogan presented an illuminated address. J. McLaren spoke as a next door neighbour who remembered Father Dowling and Father Redden. Father O’Halloran came from Ireland and became a priest at 35, beginning work at Pt Augusta for four years before coming to Burra. (Other details of the social run for 11⁄2 columns.)

Football. At Manoora on Saturday

Burra 4.2 4.4 7.6 8.6 (54)

Manoora 0.0 3.2 3.3 3.3 (21)

Letter from ‘Resident’ suggesting that the fence be moved so that one could walk in the Avenue of trees between Aberdeen and Kooringa in the heat of summer, from Roach’s Mill to the Institute. And how about some trees on the hills.

Burra Rifle Club AGM (1⁄2 column of detail)

The club is financially sound with a credit of £18-14-5.

Elections: Captain, G. Lord; Secretary, H.L. Riggs; Treasurer, R.D. Pascoe.

Donors of trophies for the coming year are listed.

Of 28 active members 22 had completed class firing.

XXI, 1895, 27 May 1914, page 4

Koomooloo Sports results are printed.

XXI, 1896, 3 June 1914, page 2

Golf is being taken up with enthusiasm this year.

Burra Institute Choral and Orchestral Classes will present Messiah on Wednesday 10 June with 70 voices and 25 selected instrumentalists. Soloists from Adelaide:

Soprano Miss Gladys Edwards

Contralto Miss Gladys Cilento

Tenor Robert Jones

Bass William a. Robyns

Mr G.E. Dane will conduct.

A Bolt. A pair of horses in a light buggy bolted from Market Square between 4.30 and 5 p.m. on Monday and the buggy was destroyed on overturning at Sara’s corner in Aberdeen. They belong to a boring contractor from Booborowie.

Mr S.M. Lane has bought the stock-in-trade of C.C. Williams and will sell the same by auction on the premises with no reserve on Wednesday at 1.30 p.m.

XXI, 1896, 3 June 1914, page 3

Burra Town Council

Bagot, Shakes and Lewis have undertaken to attend to the dangerous verandah posts.

The Deputy Post Master General says an extra light has been installed at the Kooringa post office. Electric or coal gas light would be installed if available, but they would not entertain the idea of acetylene gas lighting.

The Hospital Board is to consider the matter of the Mayor’s membership of the Board at its next meeting.

The deputation of the Town Council to the Chief Secretary re the Mayor’s seat on the hospital board is reported in over 1⁄2 column of detail:

Councillors are trustees of the institution, but are not represented on the board.

This being pointed out in 1912, the Chief Secretary appointed the then Mayor, Mr McLaren to the Board.

When terms expired the same Board members were reappointed, but now Mr McLaren was no longer on Council.

Mr Crewes thought the Council should be represented and the Board should include businessmen (those who had a stake in the town) and at present there was only one such.

The Chief Secretary said the ex-Mayor had not been appointed as a member of council and was reappointed on the same basis – as a representative, but not ex-officio. He had suggested rule changes to the Board to make the Mayor an ex-officio member, but it could only be a suggestion. The Board was wrong to say it had no power to suggest new rules – they were being invited to do so. If nothing was done he would in the coming session introduce an amendment to the Hospital Act providing for the Mayor of every municipality, in which a public hospital was situated, to be an ex-officio member of the Board. He would not now force the matter.

Burra Football Association Meeting. 3⁄4 column of detail.

The Light Horse Club has decided to play on Victoria Park

Football. Saturday at Victoria Park (Now often referred to as the Kooringa Oval)

Aberdeen 2.4 4.7 7.10 10.12 (72)

Kooringa 2.0 3.2 4.4 5.4 (34)

XXI, 1897, 10 June 1914, page 2

Burra Institute. The library has now been transferred to the old members’ room which has better lighting. Chairs and tables are provided in the [new] members’ room, including two Morris armchairs. There is a desk for writing letters.

Burra Burra Copper Co. presented its 25th half-yearly report to 31 March 1914 on Tuesday. The motion to wind up the company voluntarily was passed unanimously.

Murray Aunger has brought up the chassis of the latest imported Newton-Bennett motor car weighing 121⁄2 cwt. It has been driven around town by various people and put through its paces by Mr Aunger. The very flexible 12 h.p. engine gives 30 miles to the gallon.

Bagot, Shakes and Lewis have just sold 22,000 one-year-old merino weaners on account of Mr Albert J. McBride, from his Faraway Hill, Oulina, Braemar and Teetulpa properties, to a NSW buyer.

Redruth Methodist Church Anniversary services were held last Sunday and Monday when the Rev. J.S. Jennison officiated.

XXI, 1897, 10 June 1914, page 3

Football at Hallett on Saturday.

Light Horse 3.3 7.4 7.5 10.6 (66)

Hallett 0.0 1.2 1.3 3.6 (24)

Monday at Burra

Clare II 8.6 (54) defeated Burra II 5.7 (37)

and

Burra 4.2 7.4 11.10 15.15 (105)

St Francis Xavier (Adelaide) 0.2 1.6 1.9 2.10 (22)

XXI, 1898, 17 June 1914, page 2

Advt. Bagot, Shakes and Lewis will sell on 3 July, 528 acres of arable land in the estate of the late James McWaters. Hundred of Ayers sections 416, 417, 419 (269 acres) with five-roomed homestead etc. and in Hundred of Hanson sections 763 & 766 (259 acres)

Advt. Bagot, Shakes and Lewis will sell on 3 July a comfortable cottage in Redruth opposite Jubilee Hall, section 51, Redruth, C.O.T. Vol. 260 folio 27. Cottage of 4 stone rooms and 2 iron rooms and a detached wood house.

Booborowie Hall. A meeting of about 150 ratepayers at the Booborowie Woolshed voted 41 to 38 not to approve a special rate to pay for a district hall.

Letter from ‘Church-goer’ urging prayers for rain.

Letter from ‘Resident’ complaining of the noisy behaviour of larrikins outside the Salvation Army Barracks during services.

Letter from ‘Interested’ expressing admiration and appreciation of the performance of Messiah, but concerned that there is only one fire door on the south side of the Institute and saying that surely a north-side door is also required.

The editor says he understands that the Institute Committee has chosen a site for such a door and is attending to it.

Messiah. The Institute was packed for the performance of Handel’s Messiah on Wednesday 10 June. It was a great success and is very favourably reviewed in 1⁄3 column. (Performers as previously advertised.)

XXI, 1898, 17 June 1914, page 3

Burra Rifle Club. First shoot for the C.W. Pearce painting: R.D. Pascoe and A. Gartery 103 from George Lord 102.

At the three-way shoot Monday 8 June at Port Adelaide:

East Torrens A, 952; Kapunda, 922; Burra, 899.

Football. Saturday

Aberdeen 0.2 5.6 5.7 6.8 (44)

Light Horse 3.3 3.6 4.4 4.4 (28)

District Council of Burra Elections

Kooringa Ward Edward Nicholas Finch (elected)

Edmund Bowman (elected)

Baldina Ward Johann Gottlieb Rooke (elected)

King Ward Norman Hiles Pearce

Elisha Ford

Auditor Edward James Davey (elected)

Election for King Ward will be held 4 July.

Burra Hospital Board

The Board believes it has no power to make a rule to increase Board numbers and that the Government has that power. They suggest that if the Government thinks it advisable then they increase the number to admit the Mayor of Burra as an ex officio member.

Burra Town Council, 15 June.

The Mayor raised the matter of the need for another fire escape door at the Institute.

Cr Lane mentioned that the committee had the matter in hand.

Local Board of Health

Letter received from the Hospital Board re the Mayor’s position as above.

Nurse Woollacott’s Maternity Home licence renewed.

[Cr Wicklein and Cr Walker had an exchange about pepper trees at the Burra Hotel which would appear likely to carry information between the lines.

‘Cr Wicklein: Have you ever been over there.

Cr Walker: Not inside.

Cr Wicklein said he often had occassion [sic] to go over with a traveller and that was how he knew.’]

XXI, 1899, 24 June 1914, page 1

Maternity Homes. Note that at least four such are operating:

Mrs A. Sara opposite the Old White Hart Hotel

Mrs Wilks in Paxton Tce

Mrs A. Young in George St

Mrs Woollacott in Redruth.

[The first three are advertised on page 1 and Mrs Woolacott’s licence was renewed in the previous issue.]

XXI, 1899, 24 June 1914, page 2

Accident. Mr C. Lord had a narrow escape from death on Friday. He was driving a horse attached to a light trolly in Morehead St when a pair of horses which had bolted from the saleyards collided with the trolly. Mr Lord was thrown onto the horse he was driving, but slipped as it panicked and, becoming entangled in the reins, he was dragged some distance. The wheel ran over Mr Lord’s foot and he was badly bruised.

Leighton Hall will re-open on 8 July after considerable additions and improvements. The Hon. J.G. Bice, Chief Secretary will perform the ceremony.

The Season continues very dry and frosty. Wheat has only had the light early rains with no follow-up falls. There is very little feed for grazing either.

Mr Murray Aunger abandoned an attempt at a speed record Adelaide to Broken Hill when he had spark plug failure at Braemar on 23 June.

XXI, 1899, 24 June 1914, page 3

Early Closing of bars. An address by Rev. F. Lade at Kooringa Methodist Sunday School on 17 June is reported in 3⁄4 column.

The checking of signatures on petitions etc. drags on and it seems 2-3 months, at least, must elapse before it comes into effect in Burra.

Football. Saturday at Terowie

Terowie 3.5 5.6 6.9 9.12 (66

Light Horse 0.0 1.1 1.1 3.1 (19)

and at Kooringa

Hallett 2.0 3.4 4.4 5.6 (36)

Kooringa 0.3 1.4 2.5 3.13 (31)

On the 18 June the Kooringa II Football Club was formed. President, P. Clark; Secretary, Reg. Friend; Captain, W. Smith; Vice Captain, V. Riggs.

Burra Rifle Club. Wednesday and Saturday.

2nd shoot for the C.W. Pearce oil painting. A.L. Kellock 99 from A.B. Riggs and J.E. Pearce 98.

Leighton Rifle Club

6 June practice: S. Cordon 94 from J. McDonald and J. Hogan 92.

13 June M. Hogan 96 from S. Williams 91.

XXI, 1900, 1 July 1914, page 2

West Burra Copper Mining Co. The shaft is at 141’ and the lode 4’6” wide. The western drive is 17’ and the lode there c. 4’ wide.

Accident. Frank Ewins ran into the line of fire of his brother’s pea rifle on Saturday and was shot in the face and cap. He is getting on alright.

Football, Saturday at Kooringa

Terowie 3.2 3.2 4.5 4.5 (29)

Kooringa 0.1 1.4 1.4 1.9 (15)

XXI, 1900, 1 July 1914, page 3

Burra Military Sports were held on Monday and were a great success. The gate takings were £29 and £9 was taken at the Ball. These had last been held in the time of the mounted infantry under Jock Watt. Three sections were involved: C Squadron, 23rd Light Horse; D Company, 81st Infantry and K Company 81st Senior Cadets.

[Results and descriptions are printed in 11⁄2 columns.]

Burra Rifle Club. Report on protests and punishments etc. as a result of the Military Sports.

XXI, 1901, 8 July 1914, page 2

Obituary. Thomas Henry Broad died on 2 July aged 58 [at Kooringa]. For some time, though not recently, he had been an active member of the Rifle Club. [Born 25 May 1856 District of the Murray.]

Sydney Hampton Warren has been elected President of the SA Public School Teachers Union. His maternal grandfather was Edward Hampton, assayer for the Burra Copper Co.

[Caution: this may be meant to be the English and Australian Copper Co. or it may be the Burra Burra Copper Co. The former dating from the time of the old mine and the latter just being wound up. The information that follows makes the former more likely.]

His father, John R. Warren, was in business in Burra and Sydney and Warren was born here. He was educated partly in Mr Stanton’s school at Kooringa and partly in Mr Harry’s school at Saddleworth. He was in business in Adelaide for two years and a pioneer farmer at Willowie before entering college aged 22 and was first appointed to Kulpara in Jan. 1882, since when he has served at many schools – and is presently at Hindmarsh.

Early Closing Act. The last day for receiving counter-petitions has been set for 20 August 1914.

J.T.F. Johnson was severely shaken and bruised last Saturday when the pony in his sulky shied when passing a load of hay and he was thrown out in a collision with a trap. The pony continued through Kooringa and destroyed the sulky on the way.

A dust storm occurred last Monday.

Obituary. Mrs Julia Humphris died at Wallaroo Mines on 30 June aged 95. She arrived in SA in 1847 and lived at Burra and Bendigo, moving to Wallaroo Mines over 50 years ago. She leaves two sons and daughters, 28 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

[Identification not certain. May have been born Julia Oates/Oats. Died 9 June 1914 Wallaroo Mines.]

Redruth Court, 1 July.

The following were each fined 5/- + 15/- costs for stray cattle:

F.J. Carey Annie Sara

William Carpenter Sen. H.T. Burford

James Bentley E.A. West

The following were each fined 5/- + 15/- costs for stray horses

William Carpenter Jun. B.T. Preiss

Stanley Woollacott

H.E. Rabbich was fined 5/- + 15/- costs for stray sheep

Albert Edward Elliott was fined 5/- + £1 costs + £1-1-0 attorney fee for stray horses.

Burra District Council

Election results for King Ward: Norman Hiles Pearce 7

Elisha Ford 2

XXI, 1901, 8 July 1914, page 3

Burra Town Council

The Council is to be represented at the re-opening of the Leighton Hall.

The curator’s tools have gone missing from the cemetery. A small galvanised iron house to be erected.

Victoria Park is to be used for a military camp at the end of the month.

A garden is to be made near the new bridge in Redruth.

Re the new garden in Chapel St: rose trees have been donated and they were thinking of getting a palm. The Mayor donated a palm and some more roses.

The Inspector reported on the state of the old German Chapel.

Notices to motorists are to be placed: east of the overway bridge in Aberdeen and one to the west of it, near the hospital, near Paradise and near Mr Bartholomæus’ in Aberdeen.

Burra Rifle Club. 3rd shoot for the Pearce and Sandland Trophies.

A. Langford and E.A. Riggs 104 from Captain G. Lord 102

Football. Saturday.

Light Horse 0.2 0.3 4.5 5.6 (36)

Kooringa 2.1 3.1 3.6 3.6 (24)

Marriage. At Redruth Methodist Church, 24 June.

Hazel Bartholomæus, second daughter of Mr C. Bartholomæus and Frank T. Sara, son of J.G. Sara.

Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Sunday School, 29 June.

Jane Isaac, fifth daughter of Mr J. Isaac of Burra and Robson Urwin, son of R. Urwin of Adelaide.

XXI, 1902, 15 July 1914, page 2

Redruth Court, 8 July.

Murray Aunger was charged with driving a car through Kooringa on 26 June at a speed in excess of 15 m.p.h. (42 m.p.h.) Fined 20/- + 15/- costs.

Letter from S. Kellaway complaining that contrary to its rules the Burra Football Association dismissed a complaint he made about a player who had abused him. They also dispensed with his services as an umpire when he refused to go to Terowie – but he had already had three appointments to Terowie and one at Hallett. He should not be sent away every match.

XXI, 1902, 15 July 1914, page 3

Leighton Hall was re-opened on 8 July after its remodelling. There was a good attendance despite the cold wind and showers. The side wall was shifted out 10’ to give a width equal to the Burra Institute. The building is ceiled with Wunderlich material. At the rear is a well-lighted stage and behind that is a supper room. The lighting is by petrol-air gas. The opening was by the Chief Secretary, the Hon. J.G. Bice, who was accompanied by the Hon. L. O’Loughlin MP. They were welcomed by the hall’s Vice-President, A.D. McDonald as the President, I.J. Warnes, was ill. The hall was opened in November 1909 and cost £400. That debt had been paid off. Closer settlement had called for a larger hall. The hall had been a great boon as a social centre. There was a dramatic club and a ladies guild.

The additions had cost £380, but Mr McDonald was sure it would soon be paid off. After Mr Bice had opened the hall afternoon tea was served. The contractor was Mr Marsh. A concert followed, including the farce The Wrong Box.

Utica Mine Fatal Accident & Obituary.

Thomas Gallaford, a miner of World’s End fell down the shaft, a drop of 100’, on Monday. He fractured his skull and one leg and died yesterday morning, 14 July. [Died 14 July 1914 aged 50 at Kooringa, residence World’s End.]

Mr H. Ford, who works at Henderson’s, cut off a finger with a circular saw the other day.

Obituary. Mr Malachy died in the Burra Hospital on 14 July. He had not regained consciousness after being kicked in the head by a mule at Muturoo. [Born Frederick Malycha 1 March 1895 Cavenagh.]

Football.

Clare II 0.3 2.9 3.10 5.13 (43)

Burra II 0.2 2.1 3.3 4.3 (27)

Saturday at Aberdeen

Aberdeen 2.7 3.8 5.11 5.11 (41)

Terowie 0.0 2.2 2.2 4.4 (28)

A Motor Trip to Clare is described. At an average of 20 m.p.h. it took 11⁄4 hours. The crops are looking quite good on the way to Farrell’s Flat and better between there and Clare. There are comments about well-trained vines and orange trees.

XXI, 1903, 22 July 1914, page 2

Advt. Tenders called for a workshop and show window adjoining the premises of Messrs Murray Aunger Ltd. Commercial St.

Advt. Hon. Joseph Cook PC, Prime Minister of Australia, will address an election meeting in the Institute on 4 August at 8 p.m.

Notice. The foundation stone of the new [Anglican] church at Mt Bryan will be laid 29 July at 3 p.m. A motor lorry leaves Market Square at 2 p.m. Tea in the Mt Bryan Institute at 4.30 p.m. (6d) and a concert at 8 p.m.

Advt. Messrs Arthur and Albert Brandt intend carrying on the hurdle making conducted by their late father.

Burra Rifle Club. The competition for the oil painting and a fat gobbler advanced a further stage. M.A. Radford 101 from R. Sandland 97.

Burra Ladies Hockey. At Burra on Saturday. Adelaide 5 defeated Burra 2.

XXI, 1903, 22 July 1914, page 3

Football. Saturday.

Aberdeen 0.1 5.10 7.11 10.20 (80)

Kooringa 0.0 0.0 1.3 1.3 (9)

At Terowie on Saturday Hallett forfeited to Terowie, refusing to continue after half time due to some unpleasantness with the umpire. Terowie was then in the lead.

Kooringa Court, 20 July.

Arthur T. Alexander (a visitor) was fined 10/- + 15/- + attorney fee of £1-1-0 for travelling at 20 m.p.h. in Commercial Rd.

Harold James Copley on a similar charge got off on a technicality when he challenged the accuracy of the timing of the offence.

Harold Frederick Sanders was charged with a similar offence and was fined £1 + £1 costs + £4-4-0 attorney fees.

Burra Institute, 13 July.

G.E. Dane reported on the production of Messiah on 10 July in the Institute. 71 voices in the choral class and 26 instrumentalists with 7 principals from Adelaide. It was an artistic and financial success. Every seat was reserved and hundreds turned away at the door.

Thanks were extended to Norman Pearce and R. Fuss for attending to platform additions etc. and to A.J. McBride for a loan of a motor car and E.J. Harris for horses, trolly and men. J. Drew lent furniture and P. Milner acted as secretary and attended to details and A.A. Davey was caretaker.

The performance was favourable reported by the critic in The Mail 13 June 1914.

XXI, 1904, 29 July 1914, page 2

Advt. New Kooringa Methodist Church, Friday 7 August, Japanese Fair: to be opened by Lady Holder.

Obituary. Fred Hunt died 24 July at North Broken Hill aged 54. He was the brother of E.R. and the late A.J. Hunt of Kooringa. [Born Frederick Hunt 31 December 1860 West Mitcham SA.]

Entertainment. On 24 July in the Kooringa Methodist Lecture Hall a 6d concert was held in aid of the new church. The hall was crowded and the takings were £6-10-0.

British and Foreign Bible Society. The annual services and meetings were held on 19 and 20 July. The deputation was Mr Willsmore. Attendance was good. The donation this year was £30, an increase of £3 on 1913. Collectors are now working. In addition Mr McBride contributed £250 and John Collins £5 and Mr H. Woodcock of Adelaide subsidised these special donations £ for £. Elections for the coming year: President, J.E.H. Winnall; Vice Presidents, W. Davey and H.H. Thomas; Treasurer and Secretary, F. Harris.

Leighton Rifle Club. Saturday practice. R. Fairchild 96 from S. Cordon 95, but the rest of the field fell away sharply.

XXI, 1904, 29 July 1914, page 3

Burra Ladies Hockey. Wednesday at Burra. Burra 4 defeated Hallett 0.

Letter from ‘Square Dinkum’ of Hallett re the Burra Football Association and umpires. [A lengthy, but clear and interestingly written letter.]

The Association calls for applications for umpires at so much per match, home and away.

All umpires declare their services are available.

When one shows his discontent he is fired instead of being told to fulfil his contract.

Having dismissed one umpire for favouring a home team, they then have but one left for two matches at the same time.

They then appoint a Terowie man to umpire a Terowie game.

The Hallett team leaves at half time on account of disgraceful favouritism.

Because the protest from the Hallett Captain does not comply with the exact letter of the rules it is dismissed as informal: witnesses were bundled out and the match awarded to Terowie.

One umpire was dismissed for favouritism and the other given their eternal blessing for the very same offence.

Hallett delegates must get the lid off and let in a little pure air.

Football.

Aberdeen Football Club held a dinner at the Bon Accord Hotel on 18 July with C.A. Fuss in the chair.

Saturday:

Light Horse 2.6 2.11 4.16 4.16 (40)

Hallett 1.0 2.3 2.4 2.4 (16)

Burra Town Council

The English & Australian Copper Co. replied re dangerous walls: that they were only dangerous to trespassers.

The Institute Committee said the extra fire escape doors were being attended to.

The Town Clerk reported rates collected £394-17-7 with c. £30 owing. Government subsidy was £107 and dog licences £10.

After the meeting there would be a bank overdraft of £65.

He said allocating 75% of the general rate to the wards was too much.

Burra Show Society. The annual Sheep Dog Trial was held on 22 & 23 July at the Aberdeen Oval and entries far exceeded last year’s. J.C. Killicoat of Abberton Park supplied the sheep.

Puppy Stakes won by Willie Wade’s ‘Bantry Jim’.

Aged and Open won by R. Laidlaw’s ‘Bantry Jack’.

Novice won by E. White’s ‘Koonoona Jack’.

XXI, 1905, 5 Aug. 1914, page 1

Miss Davidson who had been in charge of Booborowie School for four years was farewelled at the woolshed Wednesday night. She was presented with a silver tea and coffee service, a dressing case and a travelling rug. A dance followed.

XXI, 1905, 5 Aug. 1914, page 2

Editorial on the OUTBREAK OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR

The cause is said to be Austria’s desire for a deep-sea port on the Black Sea as her Adriatic coast was too shallow. Russia could not allow that as it would lead to Austria disputing with her possession of the Black Sea. The Balkan States are allied to Russia. Germany has formed the Triple Alliance with Austria and Italy while Russia France and England form the Triple Entente. Everything points to a huge war and that is now inevitable. Australia will be affected in various ways. If the Motherland needs the assistance of Australia that will be gladly given. The Australian Government has offered its fleet and 20,000 men in the event of war.

Military Camp. The 23rd Light Horse were in camp at Victoria Park last week.

The SA Well Drilling Co. struck a splendid supply of water at 154’ (12,000 gallons per day) on W. McBride’s property near Aberdeen and is now to drill for Mr B. Sandland at Sod Hut.

XXI, 1905, 5 Aug. 1914, page 3

DECLARATION OF WAR RUMOURED

On 4 August rumour said England had declared war on Germany. A crowd gathered in Market Square. The Mayor, Mr Crewes, gave a stirring speech calling for loyalty to flag and king and ending in three cheers for H.M. the King. The Hon. David J. Gordon MLC and Mr B. Benny also spoke feelingly. Flags are flying and numbers of people are wearing red white and blue ribbons. As of 1 a.m. on 5 August war has not been confirmed.

[Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia 28 July, Germany declared war on Russia on 1 August and against France on 3 August, Britain declared war on Germany on 4 August, Austria-Hungary declared was against Russia on 6 August and Britain and France declared was against Austria-Hungary on 12 August.]

Burra Rifle Club. Mr L.W. Gebhardt has donated a telephone service to the firing range. (Between the firing point and the marking pit.) Mr A.J. McBride has donated a telescope and M.A. Radford a leather case for it and the wire required to install the telephone.

On Wednesday at Burra, Burra 724 defeated Farrell’s Flat 678.

The secretary has received orders that 10 of the club’s members are to hold themselves ready for mobilisation orders and in the event of being called out to attach themselves to the 81st infantry at Wallaroo.

Football. Kooringa Football Club held a dinner at the Skating Rink on Thursday night. There was a good attendance with J. McLaren in the chair.

At Burra on Saturday:

Burra Association 4.5 7.7 10.11 11.15 (81)

Manoora 0.0 1.1 1.1 1.4 (10)

And

Burra II 7.10 (52) defeated Broken Hill II 3.7 (25)

EXTRAS

Between XXI, 1905 and XXI, 1906 a series of ‘specials’ were printed. They were apparently issued at about 5 p.m. each day with up-to-date war news. More were promised between XXI, 1906 and XXI, 1907. None are preserved with the hard copies or on microfilm and it is not clear how many of these ‘extras’ were printed, but the issue for the first Saturday of the war is specifically referred to.

XXI, 1906, 12 Aug. 1914, page 1

West Burra Copper Mining Co. half-yearly report.

In the last six months the shaft has been deepened 52’ and at the 100’ level 50’ of driving has been done. At present there is no payable ore in the shaft, but there is a 4” vein of quartz with copper at 152’. We have £684 in credit and intend to stop deepening the shaft and explore the 50’ or 100’ levels further with driving.

Directors: T. McWaters, George Lord, A.J. McBride, Charles B. Warnes and S.M. Lane.

New Anglican Church, Mt Bryan. The foundation stone was laid by the Ven. Archdeacon Bussell on 29 July assisted by Revs S.J. Bloyd and F.H. Durnford of Burra. £75 was laid on the stone towards the building fund. Afternoon tea in the Institute was followed by a concert.

XXI, 1906, 12 Aug. 1914, page 2

Advt. Catholic Social and Dance in Mt Bryan Hall 14 August.

Advt. Gigantic Auction Sale by Gregory Bros of Melbourne. 9,000 lots at the Royal Exchange Hall, Aberdeen.

Notice. SAMA. All creditors must send particulars of their debts, names and addresses and those of their solicitors (if any) to Howard Watson Lloyd, the liquidator of the company, by 10 September.

Editorial. The German Colonist.

This was a very sensible and calming column urging understanding for Australians of German origin and/or German descent, now that war had broken out.

‘Let us . . . treat our German fellow citizens with chivalrous consideration. Let us not by taunt, word or insinuation wound susceptibilities which at this time are very sensitive. We shall then deepen and enrich their devotion to our country, and our kindly feeling will react upon our own national character as well.’

The Hon. J. Cook PC, Prime Minister of Australia, was unable to come to Burra on Tuesday evening as planned. The Hon. D.J. Gordon and Mr B. Benny gave addresses in his place. [A Federal election was scheduled for 5 September.]

Utica Copper Mine. C.W.H. Saunders of Horwood & Co. is installing a pump underground at the mine.

Burra Benevolent Society AGM yesterday. Dr J.I. Sangster Jun. elected President.

XXI, 1906, 12 Aug. 1914, page 3

War News

The French have taken Alsace Lorraine. The German losses have been 30,000 and the French 15,000 in two days.

The Germans have laid siege to Liege in Belgium.

Austrian troops have entered Russia.

Japan is expected to attack the German territory of Kiao-chau in China.

Volunteers for the war are called for – they must be over 19.

Railways in SA have put married men on 2⁄3 time and single men on 1⁄3 due to there being so little traffic. [Presumably due to the effects of the drought.]

Letter from ‘Always Ready to Help’ who is wary of charitable efforts overlapping. The writer refers to the Glover case in Aberdeen where the Muff footballers are desirous of raising money to pay debts, but the writer understands that the Aberdeen and Redruth traders have already given clear receipts for their accounts.

Letter from I.J. Goodridge of South Booborowie, decrying the playing of football on Sunday there.

Burra Town Council, 3 August.

The Town Clerk reported that the Smelts walls had been put in order.

SA Railways will attend to the crossing near the ballast quarry.

The mayor says the SAR has encroached 15 yards on the road near the station and had done so for years, but it was dangerous. The Commissioner will be asked to shift the fence.

Cr Wicklein said that if they struck a lighting rate they could retain the 75% system of dividing the general rate between the Wards.

The Bishop’s offer of £10 for a piece of land outside the cemetery was refused.

Local Board of Health.

The hospital septic tank is smelly again.

Burra Ladies Hockey. Wednesday at Clare, Burra 4 defeated auburn 0.

Football. Saturday at Aberdeen.

Aberdeen 0.1 0.4 1.4 1.6 (12)

Light Horse 0.0 0.3 0.4 1.4 (10)

Kooringa Court, 3 August.

Thomas Rosewall was fined 10/- for being drunk, 20/- for indecent language, and 40/- for assaulting M-C Queale, plus costs of 45/- and a medical fee of 15/-.

It was two years since his last charge and he couldn’t remember any of the incidents. He pleaded guilty and promised if he was given the chance he would not drink again. M-C Queale said the defendant had been drunk for a week and had 14 previous convictions. [All for alcohol related offences similar to the above.] The total payable was £6-10-0 or two months jail. The fines were paid.

Kooringa Methodist Church Japanese Fair on 7 August was a great success. Lady Holder opened the fair at 11 a.m. but gave her speech at 3 p.m. when the attendance was larger. She had just returned home from a trip to America. She had come to Burra with her parents when nine months old and people lived in huts along the creek. She remembered the opening of the Methodist Church and became a school teacher at 13 with a class of 60. At 16 she was converted in the vestry at the back of the old church. She remembered a very large bazaar held in Rev. Lloyd’s time. She met her husband when she was 20. She hoped the war would be brief with few lives sacrificed.

The takings were £167-0-11.

XXI, 1907, 19 Aug. 1914, page 1

WCTU Meeting at Jubilee Hall on 8 August.

Lady Holder attended and her speech is reported.

XXI, 1907, 19 Aug. 1914, page 2

Advt. Burra Institute. St John First Aid Classes. Ladies on Tuesday evening and Gentlemen on Thursdays at 8 p.m. Conducted by Dr J.I. Sangster Jun. and Dr D. McDonald Steele.

The Light Horse. All those serving with the Light Horse have been ordered to Adelaide this morning. There were 25 men and Lieutenants Copley, Killicoat and Lewis and SSM T. Kenyon.

The Season. So far no good winter rain.

Burra Hospital: new rules have been approved and gazetted.

XXI, 1907, 19 Aug. 1914, page 3

Football. Saturday, 1st semi-final.

Light Horse 1.3 1.4 3.6 3.6 (24)

Aberdeen 0.0 0.3 2.3 3.5 (23)

United Labor Party: a disappointing crowd heard an address by the Hon. E.L. Klauer at the rotunda on Sunday afternoon.

Burra Rifle Club. 5th match for the Pearce and Sandland Trophies: C.W. Pearce 97 from J.E. Pearce & N.W.R. Pearce 96.

All further rifle shooting has been suspended due to the war, to conserve ammunition.

The last shoot resulted in P. McBride 103 from C.W. Pearce 101.

Burra Town Council, 17 August.

New rules for the Burra hospital have been approved by the Governor:

‘The management of the Institution shall be vested in a Board of not more than twelve members, appointed by the Government, one of whom shall be the Mayor of Burra (ex officio). The Board to elect its own officers,’ and E.W. Crewes JP was appointed a member of the Board.

The mayor suggested a meeting be called to start a patriotic fund. Cr Lane then moved to hold such a meeting to establish the ‘Burra Town and District Patriotic Fund’. The meeting will be held 24 August in the Institute.

A new flagpole and flags are to be acquired.

To start the Patriotic Fund the Councillors, Town Clerk and Inspector donated between them £12-1-6.

Leighton Hall Annual Dinner on 5 August was largely attended. The report of this dinner reveals [as nothing else in the paper does] that confirmation of the war was received on 5 August and that it resulted in a hurriedly arranged meeting in Market Square where the National Anthem was sung and three cheers raised for the king and the British Army and Navy. The crowd then gave three cheers for the Mayor. At the dinner ‘Rule Britannia’ was sung after three cheers for the British Empire.

The Hall debt stood at £350 after the extensions.

Burra Institute, meeting of 10 August.

The question of another fire escape door was held over to the next meeting. First aid classes are to be revived.

Letter from A.D. McLaren re a disputed goal at the Aberdeen-Light Horse match where he was a goal umpire – defending both his decision and his integrity.

XXI, 1908, 26 Aug. 1914, page 2

Utica Copper Mine. The pump has been installed and is capable of throwing 3,000 gallons per hour. The workings are now encountering good ore-bearing country.

Emus have been seen along the Adelaide Road near Burra, evidently on account of the drought.

Early Closing. A counter-petition has been lodged and has now to be assessed to see if it will prevail.

Military Matters.

Members of the 23rd Light Horse who have volunteered for service in Europe are presently in Morphettville Camp. The first group comprises:

Lieut. L.A. Lewis H.W. Swift

SSM T. Kenyon (appointed QMS) L.E. Taplin

Sgt. D. Killicoat R. Sandland

David Killicoat C.C. Lord

Robert Cock F. Treloar

J. Nourse W. Lee

P. Herbert C. Collins

McFarlane Dow J. Hatherly

Graham Dow

The above have all been accepted.

The second batch left for camp on Saturday morning:

J.W. Statton H.N. King

J. Turner E. Roach

Martin Coatze

It is not known yet if they have been accepted.

Patriotic Fund Meeting

This attracted a good attendance on Monday evening at the Institute. On the platform were the Mayor, E.W. Crewes plus Crs Harris, Lane, Wicklein and Revs Bloyd, Nield, Jennison and Father Kett and Messrs W.G. Hawkes and C.A. Fuss with the Burra Coronation Band.

After the National anthem the Mayor delivered a stirring patriotic speech.

Money had already begun to be collected for the Patriotic Fund.

On Tuesday Mrs Crewes was calling a meeting to establish a branch of the Red Cross Society.

There would be finance, musical and sports committees. The finance committee would distribute the funds raised.

1⁄3 would go to the Prince of Wales’ Fund.

2⁄3 would be distributed locally as needed.

The Institute Committee was organising a monster performance of the choral and orchestral classes soon with over 100 performers.

Slips were distributed and provision made to enable either a lump sum payment of contributions over time.

N.J. Tiddy sang The British Lion.

Mr Winnall moved an expression of loyalty to King and Empire which Rev. J.C. Jennison 2nd.

W.G. Hawkes spoke in support as did Rev. Father Kett and it was carried by acclaim.

The Song of Australia and Rule Britannia followed.

Rev. J.H. Bloyd gave a patriotic speech and Mr Crewes announced the collection and promises amounted to £111-10-6 and so with about £30 in hand the fund would start of with about £140.

Mr McLaren moved the setting up of the committees: 2nd C.A. Fuss.

[The committee members are named and the report continues on page 3.]

La Marseillaise was sung before Rev. J.H. Nield gave a final brief address which was followed by the National Anthem. Donations are then listed.

XXI, 1908, 26 Aug. 1914, page 3

Burra Red Cross Branch. 40-50 ladies assembled on Tuesday to form the Burra Sub-Branch of the Red Cross Society. The Mayor presided. They will make garments for men in the field: Flannel shirts, flannel pyjamas, flannel nightingales*, woollen socks, woollen balaclava helmets, coloured handkerchiefs and surgical bandages.

[*A form of scarf with sleeves for use of those confined to bed.]

Elections: President, Mrs E.W. Crewes; Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs Sangster; Assistant Secretary, Miss Sandland.

Fancy dress Carnival & Football Match last Wednesday.

This was to raise money for the Glover family whose breadwinner was rendered incapable by tuberculosis. A concert and fancy dress carnival and football match raised £32-5-3. Sports followed the fancy dress parade for which the Mayor and C.A. Fuss acted as judges.

The Liberal Union was addressed by the Hon. R.W. Foster and Messrs G. Fowler, Stewart and G.F. Jenkins at the Institute on Tuesday 18 August on Federal Politics.

[Reported in some details in 23⁄4 columns.]

Football. Three writers take up the issue of the disputed goal written about by A.D. McLaren last issue. He receives little support.

XXI, 1909, 2 Sep. 1914, page 1

Railways. The Robertstown railway is nearing completion. Nearly 40 men are working in the station yard.

Obituary. Myrtle Hildagrade [sic] Toll, aged 22, daughter of W. & F. Toll of Booborowie, died in the Burra Hospital on 16 August. [Born 22 December 1891 at Quorn.]

Obituary. Miss Flory Lane, aged 50 and 2nd daughter of Mrs Philip Lane died at the Grand Coffee Palace in Adelaide on 31 August, of heart failure. She was born in Burra [18 March 1864].

Early Closing. The early closing act will come into force in the Corporation of Burra and the District Council of Hanson on 5 October. From that date the half-holiday in those districts will be on Saturday.

Burra Contingent & the Patriotic Fund

The boys will return on Thursday on their final leave and depart again on Saturday.

A meeting of the Patriotic Fund decided on an hour’s farewell at the Institute from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, without refreshments as the boys will want to spend the time with friends and family and in any case the hall had to be set up for the following day’s election. The band offered its services.

[C.A. Fuss, among others, added to the sports committee.]

Mr Winnall moved that the meeting recommend to finance committee that 2⁄3 of the fund be sent away and 1⁄3 be retained (instead of the other way round). There was some dissention. The report does not make the outcome clear, but probably it was left for decision at a more general public meeting

XXI, 1909, 2 Sep. 1914, page 2

There will be a memorial service for South African Fallen Soldiers on 13 September.

The Seaside Trip Committee is to meet and a donation of c. £20 to the Patriotic Fund will be recommended.

As parting gifts to the soldiers they will be given a Testament from the Bible Society and Rev. J.H. Nield suggested a good pocket-knife.

Mr Clark would support that ‘if there were no corkscrew attached.’

A penny fund will be established to involve the children.

The fund, including promises, stands at >£160.

Kooringa Methodist collection on Sunday for the Patriotic Fund raised £18-16-0. [Which is in addition to the £160 above.]

[Note that the acknowledgements include 10/6 from Ah Chin Young which suggests that Ah Chin and Chin Young are the same person which is supported by the was prizes for vegetables had been reported from recent Burra Shows.]

Red Cross sub-branches are being formed at Mt Bryan and Hallett and the latter also has a Patriotic Fund.

West Burra Copper Mine has struck water at 157’. Ore at that level is 6%. Cross cutting will continue at the 100’ level to meet the lode encountered at 65’.

SA Well Drilling Co. struck water at 106’ on B. Sandland’s property at Sod Hut, with a flow of 50,000 gallons per day. The company now goes to drill two bores at Koonoona where the dams have not been dry in 40 years until this drought.

XXI, 1909, 2 Sep. 1914, page 3

Cricket. Kooringa Cricket Club AGM Thursday. It was decided to reform the Kooringa Cricket Club. The past season began with a debit of £2, but now they had a credit of

£3-13-0. Elected were Patron, W.G. Hawkes; President, R.J. McBride; Secretary & Treasurer, L. Neagle; Captain, W.H. Stevenson; Vice-Captain, F.T. Harcus.

Labor Candidates speak at Burra. Last Thursday at the Institute Ex-Senator Senior and Mr Jackson MP addressed electors with Mr Crewes presiding. [12⁄3 columns of detail.]

Burra Show Society committee meeting last Friday to decide whether to hold the show in view of both the drought and the war. John Melrose (by letter), T. McWaters, F. Duldig, J.E.H. Winnall and A.G. Gebhardt were for postponing on both economic and patriotic grounds. A.D. McDonald thought it might still be re-organised as a Patriotic Fund event. Winnall thought it would be a financial loss. I.J. Warnes then came in and took over the chair from Thomas Sandland, apologising for being late. He thought the catalogue should have been printed and he supported the show being run on patriotic lines. This got support from Mr Bailey and F.G, Scholz. J.Q. Hogan opposed it – he had never seen the country worse than at present. A.G. Gebhardt agreed with that: at least for the country around Burra. Thomas McWaters moved the show be postponed. F. Duldig 2nd. A.D. McDonald amended that certificates be awarded instead of prizes, no Government subsidy be applied for, and proceeds go to the Patriotic Fund. A.E. McWaters 2nd. The amendment was lost and the motion carried. £10 to be donated to the Patriotic Fund.

XXI, 1910, 9 Sep. 1914, page 2

Notice. A Public Meeting is called for the Council Chamber at the Institute for 9 September for the purpose of forming a Volunteer Rifle Co. in Burra.

Burra Contingent. A large crowd gathered to see the last of the contingent leaves for camp on Saturday afternoon.

Red Cross Fund reaches £31-6-9.

Burra Contingent Farewell.

Those most closely connected with the Light Horse decided on a dinner for the men and their friends before the public meeting. This was provided in the Skating Rink and c. 100 were present. E.W. Crewes presided at about an hour’s notice and made a suitable speech. Hon. J. Lewis MLC was present (though he did not now live in Burra, he had done so for many years) and he made a speech which included an appeal for understanding and support for Australians of German background. Other speeches were made by Rev. J.H. Nield, Lieut. Lewis, Lieut. Copley and Mr E. Cock.

The public meeting saw the hall and platform very crowded. Mr Crewes spoke again and Rev. J.H. Nield gave the valedictory address as a Boer War veteran. The Hon. J. Lewis presented the men with a New Testament and a jack-knife and SM Kenyon with a revolver. Lieut. Lewis responded.

XXI, 1910, 9 Sep. 1914, page 3

Burra Town Council

Sympathy extended to Cr Lane on his bereavement.

Cr Parks drew attention to land owned by J. Griffiths on the way to the underway of the railway line, Redruth. [Aberdeen?] If fenced it would interfere with the road. He was prepared to sell it for a small sum to Council and it would be better to buy it than make a new road. The Overseer said he would have to measure it. It ran in a line with Mr Reed’s property and West Tce. Overseer to measure and Council to inspect.

Letter from E.W. Crewes re Glover Family Relief Fund. After paying all Aberdeen liabilities the Aberdeen people had in reserve £12-15-1. After paying all Kooringa liabilities the Kooringa people had in reserve £18-13-5. Consequently £31-8-6 was handed over to Mr & Mrs Glover on Friday last.

Letter from E.W. Crewes urging all able-bodied men to turn up for the meeting to form a Volunteer Rifle Co.

XXI, 1910, 9 Sep. 1914, page 2-3

Kooringa Masonic Lodge gave a Masonic goodbye to Bro. L.A. Lewis on Thursday evening. The speeches are reported in 3⁄4 column.

XXI, 1910, 9 Sep. 1914, page 3

Further Volunteers:

Fred Wheatley was examined Monday and accepted.

Lieut. Lott, son of C. Lott volunteered, but his value as a drill instructor saw him rejected.

George Thomson, son of W.S. Thomson of the National Bank will be in the 1st contingent.

E. Roach is in charge of a machinegun.

Mr King has been appointed a drummer.

Mr Dow has been appointed a trumpeter.

Entertainment. The 3rd of the concerts arranged by Miss Alice Bullen towards furnishing the new Kooringa Methodist Church was held on Tuesday last week. She aimed to raise £20 and with adults at 6d and children at 3d, has just reached the target.

Football. The premiership match was played on Saturday.

Aberdeen 0.1 4.6 5.9 8.12 (60)

Terowie 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.4 (22)

Letter from Charles R. O’Connor football umpire for the match with the disputed goal that worried A.D. McLaren, writes in support of McLaren. He says the ball clearly hit the ground beyond the goal line before being blown back and touching the post. It was therefore a clear goal.

Federal Election in Burra Foster (Liberal) 606

Harvey (Labor) 504

For the division overall the counting is incomplete, but so far:

Foster 13,631

Harvey 12,404

XXI, 1910, 9 Sep. 1914, page 4

Redruth Court.

Richards v. Richards

Jacob Richards was charged by Mrs Richards with cruelty and not supplying proper maintenance. A judicial separation was asked for.

The defendant asked for an adjournment. Mr Winnall did not object to this if he was ordered to keep away from the informant’s hotel. He had been away some time and returned Monday, abusive and a nuisance. Adjourned till 7 October on condition he keep away from the hotel. [The Court House Hotel, Redruth.]

XXI, 1911, 16 Sep. 1914, page 1

Railways. The Sunday Broken Hill-Adelaide Express cancelled each way.

XXI, 1911, 16 Sep. 1914, page 2

Burra Patriotic Sports Committee met on 3 Sep. and decided to hold a sports meeting on Wednesday 14 October. A procession will assemble at the Rotunda at 12.30 p.m. and march to the Burra Hospital and thence to Victoria Park. The Burra Band will play and fancy dress will be the order of the day.

A Patriotic Fund was established last Monday at Leighton.

J.M. McBride has donated £200 towards the YMCA which is sending secretaries with the Australian forces to Europe.

Burra Citizens’ Militia Force

E.W. Crewes addressed the meeting last Wednesday night with patriotic fervour.

Cr Lane moved a company be formed and G. Lawn 2nd. Lieut. Copley moved the name be the Burra Citizens’ Militia Force. A.D. McLaren 2nd.

Lieut. Copley said that as matters proceeded it would be necessary to approach the State Commandant for various things e.g. the Drill Hall, which was nearing completion. This would be very useful for night parades and lectures.

Captain Lord asked if members of the Rifle Club would be able to join – they already being a body of reserves. Lieut. Copley thought both they and members of the Light Horse could do so.

Lieut. Killicoat said there were very few of the Light Horse left in Burra now, but those had decided to help this movement in any way they could.

The committee would need to clarify the company’s status.

SM Morell said instructors would be a major problem.

A committee was elected and names taken.

Burra Cycling and Athletic Club

A meeting was held in Mr Carpenter’s room, Aberdeen. Mr Turley took the chair. He thought it would be well not to hold a sports meeting on Boxing Day this year as the Patriotic Fund would absorb all the available money. They had in hand about £34. The sports were then postponed due to the drought and the war. Mr Mazzoral moved they donate £5 to the Patriotic sports (with more if called upon). Carried. Mr Mazzoral was voted £5 for his work as secretary.

XXI, 1911, 16 Sep. 1914, page 3

Mr F. Wheatley was farewelled for the front on Wednesday evening at very short notice. A farewell dinner was given in the Institute where the Mayor presided over about 50 guests. Mr Crewes made a speech about Fred Wheatley who he had known all his life. He produced a very patriotic outpouring. Captain Lord wished him well from the Rifle Club. A.D. McLaren spoke on behalf of the Burra Band. Mr Wheatley had worked very hard to establish the band, being its unpaid conductor for some considerable time during which, in three years, 40 persons passes through it and only 12 or 13 remained constant. He presented Mr Wheatley with a pipe and tobacco pouch.

Bro. E.J. Harris the Worshipful Master of the Kooringa Lodge, farewelled him on behalf of the Masons and presented him with a safety razor. He was supported by Bro. Dane, Past Master. Rev. J.H. Nield spoke and so did S.M. Lane with whom Mr Wheatley had been in business for 20 years. Mr Crewes presented him with a jack-knife.

Mr Wheatley responded.

Redruth Court 12 September.

Thomas Halls was charged with using indecent language.

The charge arose out of a fight between Thomas Rosewall and Copeland. Copeland accused Rosewall of coming around to his house while he was away. George Lines was also present. The fight and the offence took place at Bagot, Shakes & Lewis’s sale yards. The evidence report employs a great many —’s. Halls promised to sign the pledge if treated leniently, saying it was his first offence since a 1912 assault. He was fined £5 or two months in jail.

Thomas Rosewall faced the same charge, but was ejected from court as he was apparently drunk.

George Lines was also charged and seems to have changed his plea from not guilty to guilty in mid-stream.

Samuel Copeland was called but failed to appear.

The report then rather oddly says Halls and Copeland were each fined £2 or 14 days with £3-2-0 costs and Rosewall £5 or 1 month with £1-15-0 costs.

[Perhaps there was a second charge for Halls in this somewhere.]

A Memorial Service for Boer War Soldiers was held last Sunday when the Rev. J.H. Nield officiated. [Reported in 2⁄3 column.]

Letter from ‘A Helper to the fund’ queries the balance of money from the Carnival and Concert for the Glover Family Relief Fund.

Letter from ‘Briton’ urging the closing of hotel bars for the duration of the war, so freeing £41,000 every day to be devoted to the war effort.

Burra Institute Committee meeting on Monday: C.A. Fuss presiding.

The ceilings of both the free reading-room and the Council Chamber are in need of attention or replacement.

60-70 are attending first-aid classes.

The Librarian reported 141 members.

Red Cross Fund now £37-11-9.

The Contingent Presentation Fund is £2-0-6. (£9-12-0 is needed for the jack-knives.]

The Patriotic Fund stands at £202-7-6.

XXI, 1912, 23 Sep. 1914, page 1

Glover Family Relief Fund

Questions having been asked and slurs on character having been made about the town and in letters to the editor, the committee met again on 17 September. The resulting explanation covers two columns and appears to present a completely satisfactory explanation of the dispersal of the fund.

XXI, 1912, 23 Sep. 1914, page 2

Birth. On 7 September to Mr & Mrs W. Lomman, twin daughters. [See next entry.]

Obituary. On 7 September, the death occurred of Lillian Francis Lomman and Winnifred Hazel Lomman, the prematurely born twin daughters of Mr & Mrs W. Lomman. [Lillian Francis lived 4 hours and Winnifred Hazel 1 hour.]

J. Hogan of Booborowie was fined £1 and 15/- costs for interfering with a flag in Commercial St. His claim was that it had all been a joke that went wrong.

SA Well Drilling Co. has fond water at Koonoona with a flow of 3,000 gallons a day at 162’. After putting down a second bore they will move to ‘The Gap’.

Burra Town Council

The Railway Department refuses to move the fencing at the goods yard. It has been there 40 years and they see no reason to remove it now. If the Council wishes to go to the expense themselves there will be no objection.

Patriotic Note: Crs Lane and Harris send a telegram from Adelaide re the parade of SA volunteers ‘Burra Boys Lead Procession, Lieut. Lewis, Lord, Sandland, Cock, Dow: Hurrah!’

The Citizen’s Militia Force is still awaiting authorities’ clarification.

The 23rd Light Horse is to be recruited up to full strength immediately. Send applications to Lieut. Copley, Kooringa. Men are also needed to fill the ranks of the Citizens’ Forces.

SM Kenyon has been presented with a case of pipes by the Masonic Lodge.

Volunteers:

Allen Carey, son of F.J. Carey of Burra.

W. Klauffus, also formerly of Burra, ahs joined the Broken Hill Contingent.

The Patriotic Concert on the 16 September was crowded and highly enjoyable. Mr C.A. Fuss introduced Mr Dane and the Choral and Orchestral Classes.

The Patriotic Fund is now £194-12-9. Also Mr J.M. McBride has given £200 to the YMCA. John Tennant has given £150 to the Adelaide Patriotic Fund.

So far all told £610-5-10 has gone from here, plus 23 young men.

Cricket Association AGM Tuesday last week. (15 September)

Mr Neagle was re-elected treasurer and secretary and the Kooringa Methodist Church was admitted to the Association as a new club.

Kooringa Methodist Cricket Club was formed at a meeting in the Lecture Hall on Monday evening. President, Rev. J.H. Nield; Captain J. Drew; Vice Captain, C.H. Copley.

XXI, 1912, 23 Sep. 1914, page 3

West Burra Copper Mine: The report of H. Jones, Inspector of Mines. 9 October 1914.

The main underlie shaft is at 100’ from 62’ it is in dislocated ground which becomes more settled after 90’ which justifies further testing by crosscutting. Sinking to water level is continuing. The lode formation at 50’ in the main shaft is promising.

Volunteer

J. Murison, machinist for Vivian Lewis Ltd has been accepted as a volunteer for the 1st Contingent. He will be in charge of the motors. He was farewelled by brother Masons and presented with a safety razor and from Annie Pearce with a ‘housewife’. [2⁄3 column of details.] [A housewife = a small case for needles, threads etc.]

Mr A. Gartery, representative of the Australasian Implement Co. was farewelled by Masonic Brethren on Monday afternoon. He is moving to Head Office.

Federal Election. At the declaration of the poll for the Division of Wakefield Foster (Liberal) 14,505

Harvey (Labor) 13,197

Burra Rifle Club

Clubs have been advised they may begin practising again. The telephone line has arrived and will soon be installed. Early closing has meant the range will have to have some more accommodation. [Shooting had previously been spread over Wednesday and Saturday.]

Tennis. Kooringa Club AGM 15 September. Elections: Secretary and Treasurer, J.W. Statton; Captain, A.H. Lackman; Vice-Captain, F.C. Harvey.

Accident. Mr C.H. Humphries of Burra was seriously injured in an accident on the Keswick overway bridge. His car collided with a cart whose horse reared and fell forward onto the car, smashing the windscreen and breaking the shafts of the cart. Mr Humphries was much hurt by the steering wheel but is now making progress. Mrs Humphries, his daughter and three other lady passengers were scarcely hurt.

Hockey Club: the year in review.

Burra v. Hallett 1 – 1 Burra v. Hallett 4 – 0

Burra v. Saddleworth 6 – 0 Burra v. Saddleworth 4 – 0

Burra v. Auburn 4 – 0 Burra v. Jamestown 4 – 0

Burra v. Adelaide 2 – 5 Burra v. Parafield 0 – 3

XXI, 1913, 30 Sep. 1914, page 2

Notice. From 5 October 1914 the Early Closing Act of 1911-12 will come into force in the Municipality of Burra and the District council of Burra. Shops will close Monday to Thursday at 6 p.m., Friday at 9 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m.

Notice. Burra Rifle Club 93. The Committee has been authorised to issue ammunition for the Musketry Course. H.L. Riggs. Hon. Sec.

Advt. Professor Caldwell, Champion Skater will give an exhibition on Sat. Night 3 October. Matinee Saturday for Children.

Advt. Lecture at Leighton Hall, Wed. October 7 by Rev. J.H. Nield:

‘With Tommy Atkins at the Front’.

Thanks. D. Pizzo thanks all who saved furniture and put out the fire at his house on 23 October.

Editorial on Fire. It is scarcely credible that in the 20th century a town of this size has no fire brigade.

Trumpeter McFarlane W. Dow had a fall from his horse at Glenelg on Friday requiring four stitches in his head.

Obituary. Patrick Cousins, for 40 years a resident of Booborowie, died on Wednesday aged 73. He was born in Kilkenny, Ireland and arrived in Burra in 1869, being resident 4-5 years before taking land at Booborowie. He leaves a family of 14: 8 sons and 6 daughters. [Died 23 September 1914 at Booborowie.]

J.M. McBride has given the YMCA a further £100.

Letter from R.J. Woollacott, dated 17 August 1914.

[R.J. Woollacott was a son of T.H. Woollacott of Aberdeen and he had been in England as an electrical engineer when war broke out. In this letter he says he is planning to return, but he soon decided to join up.]

He had spent the week war was declared in Scotland. Already preparations were evident with guards on the Forth Bridge etc. and on every pier. The harbours were mined. Great Britain was an armed camp with the railways under military control. There was an air of suppressed excitement with everyone still going about their usual business. Some big firms were paying the full wages of men who had gone to the front if they were married and half pay for those who were single. At Siemens [where Woollacott was working] the works manager had joined the German Navy and some of the leading technical men had gone to fight for Germany, and many of the men had gone to do the same for England. The firm was paying the wages of all alike. He says he intends to return home about the end of October or the beginning of November.

Mt Bryan Patriotic Concert on 23 September, which was followed by a dance, raised £7-£8.

XXI, 1913, 30 Sep. 1914, page 3

Fire. On Wednesday, just before dinner at the residence of Dominic Pizzo in Kangaroo St, a fire in the chimney ignited shingles under the iron roof. Furniture was removed and a portion of the roof and then the fire was extinguished without too much damage.

Fire. Saturday, between 11.30 p.m. and midnight, M-C Queale noticed a fire in Messrs Walker & Sons Market Square shop. Straw and boxes were on fire in a shed at the rear. The burning mass was dragged away from the stone shop by Mr Harrap and Mr J. Allen who was in his office in the same building. The fire was extinguished and people went home when the alarm was again sounded. (The Methodist Church bell.) Just before going home Luke Day decided to take some things inside and he found fire in a room in which linoleum and matting had been stored. Embers from the original fire seem to have blown under the door and ignited packing straw. Some £20-£30 damage was done.

Burra Patriotic Fund. The Finance Committee met on 24 September to decide on how to use the fund. After much discussion Mr Durnford moved £75 be sent to the Prince of Wales Fund and the balance be kept for a later decision.

World’s End Methodist Church Anniversary was led last Sunday and the tea meeting is today. Rev. Jennison officiated.

Patriotic Fund stands at £182-3-3

Contingent Presentation Fund stands at £2-17-6

Burra Red Cross Fund stands at £48-12-9

XXI, 1914, 7 Oct. 1914, page 1

War Poem. Satirical verse on the Kaiser, written for a Union League dinner in New York to some naval officers 21 April 1899. Hoch, Der Kaiser.

XXI, 1914, 7 Oct. 1914, page 2

Market Square. It is proposed to pull down the old flagpole today and erect the new one recently procured.

Light Horse. A number of new recruits were admitted to A Troop, C Squadron, 23rd Light Horse, Burra, on Friday.

SA Well-Drilling Co.’s 2nd Koonoona bore struck water at 56’, producing 6,500 gallons a day.

Weather. Thunderstorms have delivered some heavy falls and filled dams in the east – on the lower side of Quondong and at Sturt Vale.

The Skating Rink has been active with Professor Caldwell on Saturday and a grand gymkhana in aid of the Red Cross tonight.

Kooringa Methodist Church. The new building is nearing completion and it is hoped to open it on 12 and 13 December.

Fire. There seems to have been an attempt to set fire to the premises of F. Harris in Market Square. Some dusters were set alight, but the fire failed to take hold. In view of the two other fires recently we must wonder if there is an arsonist about.

Burra Citizens’ Militia Force. J.M. McFarlane, Captain. General Staff Officer, writes explaining that such a force is not allowed for by regulations. People interested in training should join the Burra Rifle Club.

World’s End Methodist Anniversary was successful with £10 raised. The Sunday school has 32 scholars on the roll.

XXI, 1914, 7 Oct. 1914, page 3

Patriotic Funds:

Red Cross Fund £52-6-0

Patriotic Fund £183-3-3

Contingent Presentation Fund £3-2-6

Fire Brigade. At Monday’s Town Council meeting Cr Wicklein suggested a hose be obtained.

Cr Lane said it was a disgrace they had no fire brigade. They had a hydrant, but not even a hose for it. He moved they write to the Metropolitan Fire Brigade for advice.

Cr Radford supported the move, but said it was rather a bad time to do anything with the Council overdraft already at £150. He thought a volunteer fire brigade was needed.

Burra Town Council. 5 October.

P.J. Rule asked for the North Ward lamp-lighting contract to be cancelled. Granted.

An enlargement of the Burra Volunteers for the front is to be got and framed for £3-3-0.

Cr Parks thought the garden in Chapel St should be named. He suggested it should be the Holder Garden, after Sir Frederick Holder. A decision was postponed.

It is estimated the surveying and fencing of the new part of the cemetery will cost

£35-14-2.

Utica Coppermining Co. 2nd half-yearly meeting was held in the Dramatic Clubrooms, Kooringa, on Wednesday last. (For the period ending 14 August 1914.)

No. 2 shaft is now at 100’. No. 1 shaft at 100’ with a crosscut south 33’ and driving on the lode N-W 23’ and S-E 90’. Indications are that the lode will continue. Sinking of a winze a further 100’ has been retarded by water and has gone only 16’. The installation of an 8 h.p. engine and deep well pump is almost completed and will cope with 6,000 gallons per hour. Prospects have attracted a £300 Government grant.

On the motion of Mr Fuss the directors were thanked and a motion of confidence in them was carried.

West Burra Mine. Driving continues N & S at the 100’ level. Prospects are said to be good.

Redruth Methodist Church annual fete in the Burra Institute on Friday last was known as the Empire Fair. Under the prevailing economic circumstances the gross takings of £105 can be considered excellent.

XXI, 1915, 14 Oct. 1914, page 1

The Pascoe Collection. There is an important 11⁄2 column article describing R.D. Pascoe’s collection of sheep photographs. It outlines the reasons for the collection, the displaying of them and most importantly it describes the photographs:

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN STUD MERINOS: Mr R.D. PASCOE’S GALLERY

Too much praise cannot be given to the robust type of Merino sheep based on the high open land contiguous to the railway line from Manoora and extending northwards to near Terowie. Sheep from the Burra District are especially noteworthy. Bred as they are, under perfectly natural conditions, neither housed, rugged, nor fed on prepared fodders and sustained only by the indigenous grasses. Thus they are essentially adapted to arid pastoral country. The districts comprised in the area mentioned supply the bulk of the Merino stud rams for Queensland and Western Australia as well as many parts of New South Wales. The African stockowners are large buyers of both stud ewes and rams, and have expressed surprise that South Australia is so generous as to allow them to select from the State’s best Merinos for export to Africa, whilst Africa in return will not reciprocate in the ostrich trade by even an egg. At the present time the question is being debated whether the supremacy of the South Australian Merino can be maintained in the smaller areas (now devoted to pastoral pursuits) since the cutting up of Booborowie, North Booborowie, Gum Creek, Hill River and Bungaree, districts previously noted for ram breeding and now cut into smaller areas and devoted to wheat growing. These districts surrounding the historic town of Burra have for many years been known as ‘the home of the typical Merino’ and with the object of displaying to the many visitors, stockbreeders, and the general public the class of sheep bred on the various stations, Mr R.D. Pascoe, an enterprising and highly respected resident of Kooringa has during the past four years secured the framed photographs of no fewer than 129 different stud sheep. These he has tastefully arranged and hung in his spacious and splendidly lighted hairdressing saloon situated in Commercial St, therein securing a decoration of which he has every reason to feel proud. The collection of pictures has been inspected by many well-known dealers and breeders in the Commonwealth, and has been adjudged by all to be the finest and most valuable in the state. It has also been a source of great convenience to local, Interstate, New Zealand, and South African Buyers. The comprehensive nature of the collection can be judged from the following particulars which are recorded on the respective photographs:

Mokota Stud Merinos 1908 – Aged Stud ram, cur fleece 231⁄2lb as a two tooth. 23lb as a four tooth. 23lb as a six tooth.

Group of four stud ewes and an aged stud ewe, Champion Burra 1906 & Winner of Thomas Sandland’s Shield, 1907. Bred & owned by L.W. Gebhardt Mokota, Mount Bryan South Australia.

Koonoona Stud Merinos – Stud ram No. 27 31⁄2 yrs;

Koonoona Stud Merinos 1913; stud ram No. 1 four years. Bred by and the property of Koonoona proprietors, Burra, South Australia.

Canowie Stud Merinos – Donald Dinnie (cost 1.200 guineas) – 1907, sired 115 lambs, live weight 258lb, cut fleece 33lb 8oz; 1908, 192, 248lb, 33lb 8oz; 1909, 193, 260lb, 32lb 8oz; 1910, 199, 257lb, 33lb.

Collinsville Stud Merinos – Dandie Dimmont, 3yrs (cost 1,520 guineas) – First year’s drop 265 lambs. The property of John Collins & Sons Collinsville, SA. This sheep was recently sold to Henry Collins & Co. Lucernedale, Mount Bryan, SA.

The Gums Stud Merinos (saltbush bred) – Two-tooth stud ram, six-tooth stud ewe and stud ram. Juno, stud ewe, 11⁄2 years, cur 20lb wool; Mercury, stud ram, 21⁄2 years, bred on saltbush country by T.H. Pearse & Sons, The Gums, South Australia.

Koo-owie Stud Merinos, 1912. – Pen of five 11⁄2-year-old rams, winners of L.W. Gebhardt’s Challenge Shield, Burra Show 1912. Bred by and the property of Thomas Sandland, Koo-owie, Burra SA.

Old Koomooloo Stud Merinos – Wahroonga, at 11⁄2 years cut 21lb wool, at 21⁄2 years cur 24lb wool, sired 98 lambs; at 31⁄2 years cut 221⁄2lb wool, sired 152 lambs; at 41⁄2 years cut 23lb wool, sired 75 lambs. Bred and owned by I.J. Warnes, Old Koomooloo.

Old Koomooloo – Group of five rams, 11⁄2 years. 1910 ewe and lamb.

North Bungaree Merinos, 1910 – Four-year-old stud ram, flock of wethers, and a seven-year-old stud ram. The property of M.S. Hawker, North Bungaree, Yacka, SA.

Cappeedee Stud Merinos, 1913 – ‘Captain Scott’, three-year-old stud ram bred by and the property of Murray Bros. ‘Cappeedee’, Hallett, SA.

Martindale Stud Merinos, 1909 – ‘Model’, 21⁄2 years, champion ewe, RA & HS Adelaide, September 1909; first prize as two-tooth Clare, Saddleworth and Auburn, 1908, first and champion Burra, Saddleworth, Clare and Auburn, 1909; bred by and the property of W.T. Mortlock, Martindale Hall, Mintaro, SA.

East Bungaree Stud Merinos 1912 – ‘Diabolo’, two-year-old stud ram, bred by E.W. Hawker, East Bungaree, Clare, SA.

Wirrilla Stud Merinos, Group of five 3 and 4-year-old stud rams, bred by and the property of D.H. Power, Wirrilla, Manoora, SA.

The Gap Stud Merinos, 1912 – 21⁄2-year-old ewe, three 11⁄2-year-old rams, ‘Saltbush’ (10-year-old ram), 11⁄2-year-old ewe, three 11⁄2-year-old ewes, 21⁄2-year-old ram. The Stud Merino 1912. – ‘Saltbush’ (10 years, stud ram), cut fleece 261⁄2lb at 10 yrs, the property of R.M. McBride, The Gap, Burra, SA.

Lucernedale Stud Merinos, 1913:- ‘Typical stud hogget’, Bryant stud ram, cut 29lb as a two, took 291⁄4lb as a four, took ewes at stud both seasons. ‘Group of four ewes’, taken from a pen of five first prize winning ewe hoggets at Burra Show 1913, Dandie Dinmont, cost 1550 guineas, one of the leading sires in use. First prize two-tooth ram Burra Show 1913; cut 251⁄2lb as a two-tooth and 261⁄2lb as a four-tooth. Stud ewe unshorn, 1912. Three Lucernedale-bred hoggets, 1913. Three four-tooth stud ewes, fleeces from these ewes won the Messrs Pearse’s silver cup for the best three fleeces grown within 50 miles of Burra at the Burra Show 1913; cut 211⁄2lb, 181⁄2lb and 261⁄2lb. Ewe hogget, from first prize pen five hoggets, Burra show, 1913. Four-tooth ewes, first prize Burra Show 1912, as two-tooth. Four-tooth ram, first prize, Burra Show 1912 as two-tooth. Fourth prize Adelaide as four-tooth 1913 and first prize and reserve champion Burra Show as four-tooth 1913. ‘Young Gentleman’, shorn, showing freeness from body wrinkles. ‘Young Gentleman’, pure Wanganella blood, purchased for use in Lucernedale stud, for 1,000 guineas, 1913. Cut 29lb wool. Five ewes, purchased 100 guineas per head, pure Wanganella blood. A challenge was made at the 1913 Sydney ram sales to scour any five ewes in existence for £1,000; weights 191⁄2, 16, 16, 151⁄2, 22lb. These ewes had all been crutched exceptionally heavy. Stud ram used 1910, 11, 12, and 13. Second prize two-tooth ram Burra Show 1913. Sold for 200 guineas, cut 26lb wool. Donald Dinnie 130, bred and sold by the Canowie Pastoral Company to Henry Collins & Co. Lucernedale, mount Bryan for 550 guineas. This ram was recently sold to John Collins & Sons, Collinsville, SA.

Sheoak Hills Stud Merinos – Special stud ram ‘Woolscour’, property of K.P.D. Sawers, Sheoak Hills, Yarcowie, South Australia.

Kadlunga Stud Merinos 1912 – two of the leading sires, four-tooth ram ‘John Bull’ No. 930, Kadlunga, Mintaro, South Australia.

Anama (Central Bungaree) Stud Merinos – Group of four stud ewes, bred by Walter Hawker, Anama, Clare, South Australia.

Boconnoc Stud Merinos – Model, champion ewe, Adelaide royal Show 1913, cut fleece23lb after rearing lamb. Bred by and the property of Brookes Bros., Boconnoc, Clare, Mannanarie, Jamestown, South Australia.

Mount Crawford Stud Merinos – ‘Lion II’, 121⁄2 years, first prize for 21⁄2 year ram, winner of Government gold medal, Angas Cup, Griffiths Bros. Challenge Cup, and champion prize, RA & HS Adelaide, 1907. (Refused £852-10-0 for him, leased him for two months for 200 guineas.) Bred by and the property of Alick L. Murray, Mount Crawford, South Australia.

In addition to the above pictures of renowned Merino prize takers there is a fine photo of ‘Bantry’ that splendid performer in field day trials, and owned by Mr R.F. Laidlaw, mount Bryan South Australia. Bantry’s successes are given as: 1910, Tied for first novice class, Burra. 1911 – second open class, Burra. 1912 – won Strathalbyn Cup, second Sydney, first and gold medal, Crystal Brook; second Burra; first Balaclava; and first in pair, worked with ‘Bereft’. There is also one of Mr W.P. Wade’s three champion dogs of Koonoona, South Australia. ‘Sweep’, winner Burra novice class, 1911, and silver cup for Burra open class 1912; ‘Gwynie’ winner Burra novice class, 1912; ‘Trib’, winner Burra Puppy Stakes, 1912.

Mr Pascoe has received advice from Mr Walter Hawker of Anama (Central Bungaree) that he is forwarding a picture of that celebrated ram ‘Hercules’ which cost 1,700 guineas and also from Mr R. Reed of Kooringa, one of a flock of stud sheep, and when these are to hand this collection will be complete. The photos which are uniformly framed and mounted range from 7’ x 4’2” to 2’ x 21⁄2’, and were taken by Messrs C.P. Scott, W.B. Page, Edwards & Roach.

XXI, 1915, 14 Oct. 1914, page 2

Obituary. Patrick Michael Lally, died [at Kooringa] on 7 October, aged 75 years, husband of Ann Lally. Mr Lally leaves a widow and three sons and three daughters: Messrs Michael, Alexander and James Lally all of WA and Mrs A.T. Turner of Kooringa, Mrs Joseph Miller of Clare and Mrs T. Doolan of Fremantle.

West Burra Mine. Operations at 100’ level are suspended. Driving at the 50’ level continues.

Burra Institute Committee decided on Monday night to call for tenders for a new fibrous plaster ceiling for the Council Chamber.

Kooringa Methodist Church. Mr & Mrs J.M. McBride have enabled the trustees to place a handsome cast iron fence and gates on the front and east side of the new church.

Rev. J.H. Nield delivered a patriotic lecture in Leighton Hall on 7 October and raised £10-4-0.

Red Cross. The effort at the Skating Rink on 7 October was very successful and raised £10 for Red Cross.

Burra Band. Having lost its bandmaster the band discussed the matter and the Mayor, Town Clerk and Mr J. Pascoe were asked to approach Mr Bentley and he has accepted the position.

Masonic Lodges

Kooringa Royal Arch Chapter No. 9 installed as MEC, CR. J. Glover.

At Kooringa Lodge No. 6 SAC Rev. Bro. Bloyd was installed as Master on 7 October, after which they adjourned to the Institute for a social.

War Poem: The End of Kaiser Bill, by ‘Coralinga’.

XXI, 1915, 14 Oct. 1914, page 3

Redruth Court, 7 October.

Elizabeth Richards was granted a separation from her husband on grounds of cruelty and refusal of maintenance. The defendant, Jacob Richards admitted guilt.

W.J.C. Ewins sued Edward Dollard of Booborowie £16-5-0 for damage to his car when Dollard’s horse and buggy ran into it on Morehead St near Taylor St. The car was completely on its correct side of the street at the time and at the moment of impact was stationary. The detailed evidence extends for c. 11⁄4 columns. [And includes some from Maurice Fuss] August Fuss had measured the tyre tracks of the car the next morning about 133ft from the collision. The tracks were over the crown of the road, but 33’ from the collision the tracks were on the proper side. The verdict was for £8 damages plus costs.

Cricket. Kooringa 6 for 140 defeated Aberdeen Quarrymen 119.

Contingent Presentation Fund £3-2-6.

Ironmine Methodist Sunday School Anniversary was held on Sunday 4 Oct. & Monday 5 Oct. Rev. Jennison officiated. Nett proceeds £10.

Early Closing Act. There is an explanation of its provisions, by Mr Bannigan, the Chief Inspector under the Act, at the Institute Lodge Room on 8 October. (There are c. 12⁄3 columns of details) The explanation is quite detailed with interesting examples and exceptions.

XXI, 1916, 21 Oct. 1914, page 2

Burra Town Council.

Members retiring on 5 December are:

Mayor Ernest William Crewes

North Ward John Walker

East Ward Edwin John Harris

West Ward Charles Parks

Auditor William Pearce

Obituary. On the 14 October at her Residence, Redruth, Margaret Hastie died aged 90, the relict of the late Thomas Hastie. She was born in Falkirk, Scotland in 1824 and arrived in SA in 1853 by the Shackmaxon. She lived at Ironmine for some years and visited England in 1883. After returning she lived at Redruth. She Leaves 5 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

[Born Margaret Barclay in Falkirk Scotland in 1824.]

Nurse O.M. Treloar, late of Burra, has been appointed Matron of the Streaky Bay Hospital.

Burra Hospital. The contractor, Mr Fricker of Adelaide, will begin the rebuilding at once by first pulling down the front of the main building, now the men’s ward.

Weather. Rain has fallen in the east in the last week. It has been patchy with as little as 0.12” at Woolgangi and 0.26” at Caroona, but with 0.40” to 0.50” at Braemar, Oakbank, Sturt Vale and Quondong.

West Burra Copper Mine is continuing driving at 50’ level. A rich ore seam 6” wide is being followed – reckoned at 45%.

Kooringa Methodist Church Anniversary was held on Sunday and Monday, in the Schoolroom in the morning and the Institute in the afternoon and evening, as the church has been demolished. Rev. John H. Elliott DD, of Adelaide, officiated. Mr Nield reported 158 members. The new church fund raising has allowed £2,410-11-7 to be banked. The total cost, including removing the old church, was c. £3,300. So far expenditure on the new church has been £2,232-17-10. It is estimated the new church will start with a debt of c. £850.

Obituary. C.H. Ewins, aged 70, died [at Kooringa] on 16 October. Mr Ewins had seemed to have recovered from a stroke he had in May and was at the Patriotic Sports on Wednesday. He was born in Kent in 1844. He married in England and came to Australia with his family on the Liguria in 1881. He went into business, first with T. Edwards and then for nine years with Bath & Pearce, before trading on his own and then with his son as C.H. Ewins & Son. (W.J.C. Ewins) He was prominent in the Anglican Church and a Freemason of Concord Lodge, Terowie. His wife died four years ago. He is survived by Messrs W.J.C. Ewins, J.P. Ewins (Burra), Kinso C.H. Ewins of the Advertiser, Adelaide, Mrs A.G. Shortridge and Miss Ewins (Burra). [Charles Henry Ewins.]

XXI, 1916, 21 Oct. 1914, page 3

Burra and District Patriotic Committee.

Procession and Sports, 14 October. [C.A. Fuss was on the Programme Committee.]

There was an elaborate fancy dress parade with an ingeniously designed armoured motor car, Kaiser Bill, ‘Fillydelfean Troop of Akrobats’ and a host of others in fancy dress. Some of the fun was war-related, but much was more traditional fancy dress. [W. Vivian and R. Fuss were sailors accompanied by a bulldog – though which R. Fuss is not clear.] The Burra Coronation Band played. L. Kellaway was Satan, who had charge of an effigy of the Kaiser. After the parade to Victoria Park via the Hospital, a sports day was held, the results of which are printed. Unusually ‘catching the greasy pig re-appeared as a contest and was won by J. Ewins. No entries were received for climbing the greasy pole. Nett proceeds were £61-14-7.

The Patriotic Concert which followed in the Institute in the evening was packed and the admission raised £11 with 6d admission and 3d for children.

Burra Football Association met in J. Allen’s rooms on 15 October for its final meeting for the year. The Association is in credit £16-19-7. The end of the season had been disturbed by the outbreak of war. One semi-final had been played before the Light Horse had been called up. Hallett did not play its semi-final with Terowie and was refusing to pay the umpire’s fees. [C.A. Fuss was present as a delegate.]

Burra Town Council, 19 October.

The fire Brigade in Adelaide says they have nothing in the way of second-hand fire-fighting appliances.

The Hydraulic Engineer is preparing an estimate for the erection of another tank alongside the present one.

The Mayor and Councillors Harris and Walker indicated they would seek re-election.

Cricket. Saturday. Kooringa 114 defeated Quarrymen 47.

Patriotic Funds.

Patriotic Fund £192-11-3

Red Cross Fund £65-5-9

Contingent Presentation Fund £3-2-6

XXI, 1916, 21 Oct. 1914, page 4

WCTU continues to meet monthly in Jubilee Hall.

XXI, 1917, 28 Oct. 1914, page 1

War Poem: The Day by ‘Coralinga’. [i.e. Judgement Day for the Kaiser.]

XXI, 1917, 28 Oct. 1914, page 2

Editorial on German trade collapse.

Burra Hospital. During demolition work the skeletons of a goat and a cat were found in the ceiling space. Evidently they had been trapped there when it was a hotel. The signboard of the licensee J. Lamb was also found there.

Films. At the Institute films on Saturday night pictures of the march through Adelaide were shown and the Burra Boys could plainly be seen – to deafening applause.

The Burra Squadron of Infantry returned from the Port Pirie encampment on Saturday after a fortnight’s training.

Elder, Smith & Co. have just shipped the annual draft of rams to Queensland: 370 from Messrs Murray Bros. ‘Cappeedee’, Hallett and 618 from Alick J. Murray of Mt Crawford – mostly from the 1913 drop.

Burra Skating Rink closes for the season next Saturday with a fancy dress carnival.

St Mary’s. Dr Thomas, Bishop of Adelaide, held a confirmation service on Monday when 37 candidates were presented.

Cricket. Kooringa 177 defeated North Booborowie 42 at Victoria Park on Saturday.

XXI, 1917, 28 Oct. 1914, page 3

Fire. Another arson attempt has been made in Burra. A.D. McLaren’s grocery shop was the target on Monday soon after 11.30 p.m. Packing cases at the rear had been lit.

Letter from Quatermaster Sergeant T. Kenyon on the eve of his departure from Burra, thanking Lieut. Copley and all in Burra for their support.

Utica Copper Mine. Some time ago an engine and pump were fixed 30 feet in the drive from the 100’ level saving unnecessary rods, gearing etc. had it been placed at the top of the shaft. The exhaust was carried well up the shaft and helped create a draught of cool air which improved working conditions. On Saturday when six men were working in the drive the exhaust somehow became disconnected and filled the shaft with fumes. The men were trapped and help had to be got from above. The engine was, of course, stopped and candles put out to save oxygen. T. Geach managed to climb the shaft, barely reaching the top. Messrs Duldig & C. McWaters happened along and the men were hauled up one by one in the bucket. There should have been some ventilation from a 10” winsell, but it was a calm day and the winsell, being canvas, sagged and stopped the airflow. With hindsight the winsell should have been of iron. Involved were Mr C.W.H. Saunders of Horwood & Co. who installed the plant, Thomas Geach, H. Broad, William Pryor Sen., T. Pryor Jun., and W. Irlam.

The Panama Canal opened for traffic on 15 August.

XXI, 1918, 4 Nov. 1914, page 2

Obituary. Ethlinda Harris, widow of the late John Harris, aged 72, died at Market Square, Kooringa, on 1 November. She arrived in SA in 1848 with her parents in the Aberton and came almost immediately to Burra. She leaves one daughter, Mrs Frank Pearce of Mt Bryan, and four sons: Henry, Francis, & Edwin J. of Kooringa and W.H. of Hallett, with 13 grandchildren. Mr Harris died 19 years ago. Her father was Francis Pascoe of Raleigh Crowan Parish, Cornwall, who arrived at Pt Adelaide in the Aberton in August 1848 with his wife and 9 children. He was then aged 48 and the eldest child was 221⁄2. He died aged 711⁄2 and his wife aged 78. All the children were alive in 1907, except one who was killed in an accident.

[Born 27 January 1843 at Crowan, Cornwall.]

Accident. John Tennant received concussion and bruising when driving his trap home past the cemetery when the trap struck a corner post causing the horses to bolt and overturn the vehicle. He is progressing.

Burra Town Council, 2 November.

Council was concerned at the cancellation of the Saturday night train. A deputation will try for its restoration.

A letter of condolence will be sent to Cr Harris on the death of his mother and another to Rev. J.C. Jennison on the death of his wife.

Obituary. Mrs Jennison, wife of the Rev. J.C. Jennison of Redruth, died on Monday 2 November of pneumonia. The Jennisons came to the circuit last Easter. Mrs Jennison had come from Geelong and after her marriage had gone with her husband to the South Seas, Tasmania and Victoria before coming to SA. She leaves a husband and eight young children. [Georgina, born 17 March 1870.]

Obituary. William Carpenter of Aberdeen, aged 54, died on 30 October [at Redruth]. He was born in Camburn, Cornwall on 20 September 1860 and migrated to Australia in 1877. He followed mining at Burra and Broken Hill and was at the Wandanunga Mine in 1897 when he first took ill. He leaves a widow, 5 sons and 6 daughters. Brothers are Jack (Broken Hill), Tom (Hallett), Henry (Adelaide) & John Sen. (Burra). Sister is Mrs T. McKullock of Broken Hill.

XXI, 1918, 4 Nov. 1914, page 3

Burra Branch, Agricultural Bureau, meets monthly at the Institute.

Skating Rink. Here was a fairly good attendance for the end of season plain and fancy dress carnival on Saturday last.

St Joseph’s annual fair in aid of the church and school was held in the Institute on Friday and Saturday. Total proceeds were £82.

A Burra Retail Traders’ Association has been formed with rules drafted last Thursday. They were concerned that with the cancellation of the Broken Hill express on Sunday and of the Saturday night train there was no service from Saturday midday to Monday midday.

Cricket. Kooringa 75 defeated Farrell’s Flat 71.

Germans. The first attack in print (in Burra) on locals of German background or origin.

‘Britisher’ of Kooringa writes on 27 October warning of the danger of having Germans in positions of authority and urging all at the coming municipal elections to ‘refuse to vote for any Germans, however much they protest their loyalty . . . let us vote for Britishers who are above suspicion, and in whom we can place the utmost reliance in time of stress and war’.

F. Ward of Thebarton seized the opportunity of war to write urging a great religious revival with churches open day and night to 9 p.m. in two shifts. He wanted to take the opportunity to: abolish horse racing, have real temperance (not abstinence), eliminate theatre and also pugilism. Nor would he waste tanks of water in baptism, though he was a believer in immersion, he would insist on the use of natural pools etc.

Burra School. The school’s visiting day is reported. The enrolment was 119 boys and 125 girls (=244) with an average attendance of 200. The High School had started the year with 28 and had fallen to 22 with an average of 24. [Details occupy c. 11⁄2 columns.]

XXI, 1919, 11 Nov. 1914, page 2

Obituary. William Develaing, aged 87 and a colonist of 57 years, died on 30 October at Mitchell’s Flat. He was the husband of Mary Develaing and father of Mrs Hugh Bell (Jane) and Mrs John Honan (Sarah).

St Andrew’s, Mt Bryan is nearing completion and will be dedicated by Archdeacon Bussell on 2 December.

Letter from ‘Another Britisher’ urging the purging of Councils and Parliaments of all Germans.

Letter from ‘Loyalty’ along similar lines, but at much greater length.

Letter from ‘Young Man’ asking why the Institute Committee cannot cater for the needs of young men who do not wish to read a book. Why not erect a good billiard room and perhaps provide for other games as well. Why do the churches seem so inactive in this matter too?

Letter from ‘Resident’ urging the Council to close the Institute Hall until a second escape door is provided. We were told months ago that it was receiving attention. It is about time it was!

XXI, 1919, 11 Nov. 1914, page 3

Obituary. Mrs Richard Reed [Ann], aged 78, died on 4 November [at Redruth, residence Aberdeen]. She was the daughter of Mr John Henwood and was born at Lostwith[i]el Cornwall in 1836. She arrived at Geelong in 1856 and lived at Colac for 12 months before coming to Burra and was married two years later in old St Mary’s on Limestone Hill, by Rev. Ibbitson, to Richard Reed who survives her. (1859) They lived at Copperhouse for some time before taking up Wandillah. For the first three years they fought drought. They stayed there for 30 years, leaving about 20 years ago to retire to Aberdeen. There were 9 children, of whom 6 survive: Mrs George Sara, Mrs C. Bartholomæus, Miss Clara Reed, and Messrs Richard, John and James who are all stockowners and breeders. There are 26 grandchildren. Mr Reed Sen. came to Burra 66 years ago in a bullock wagon. Mr Montgomery, who drove the bullocks is still alive at 94 and lives nearby.

Tennis. Saturday 7 November.

Aberdeen 9 sets 69 games defeated Farrell’s Flat 5 sets 56 games.

Burra Institute Committee, Monday.

The committee has accepted a tender for an extra large moulding and dome to be used for the Council Chamber ceiling.

Kooringa Methodist Church trustees have donated a lamp for the side entrance.

Belgian Relief Fund

A meeting is called for Wednesday 18 November to raise money for the Belgian Relief fund at the request of Lady Galway. [Marie C. Galway, the Governor’s wife.]

Redruth Methodist Sunday School held anniversary services last Sunday. Rev. J.H. Nield & Mr J.T.F. Johnson preached. The recent bereavement of Rev. Jennison caused the public tea to be abandoned and the public meeting was not as well attended as usual.

Leighton Hall on 4 November saw a patriotic concert in aid of the Belgian Relief Fund which raised £9-1-6.

XXI, 1920, 18 Nov. 1914, page 2

Miss Wolsey, telephonist at Kooringa for a year, has been moved.

Obituary. Mrs E. Stockman, aged 74, and a colonist of 62 years, died in Kapunda on Monday, leaving a family of 2 sons and 6 daughters: Messrs F.W. (Burra), J.A. (Goodwood), & Mesdames J. Carlson (Kapunda), H.G. Bradtke (Mannanarie), F.J. Bailey (Sydney), J. Haskard (Jamestown), R. Cotton (Perth) & Miss C. Stockman. There are 16 grandchildren.

[Born Johanna Ernestine Kupke: died 9 November Kapunda.]

Railways. A deputation from Burra, Petersburg, Terowie, Saddleworth, Hanson & Farrell’s Flat has managed to get Saturday night trains reinstated. Starting probably next Saturday a train will depart Adelaide at 7 p.m. to reach Burra about 11 p.m.

Burra Town Council, Monday.

Council will attend the opening of the new Methodist Church in Kooringa.

A petition seeking work for the 50 unemployed men in the district was received. A meeting is called for Tuesday night.

Cr Radford suggested they ask the Government for a £200 advance on the annual grant in order to raise road metal – preferable to a loan which would have to be repaid and would increase the assessment.

The Mayor thought they needed a special grant. (To be repaid via the annual grant.)

This was what was eventually carried.

Cr Harris moved the garden in Chapel St be called the Holder Garden. 2nd Cr Wicklein & carried.

Cr Radford moved the electric lighting scheme submitted by Messrs Turner, Robertson & Co. last year be not accepted. Carried.

Weather. Last weekend was hot, clammy, thundery and dusty. Rain fell further north at Petersburg which got 3” from Friday to Monday. Terowie had good rain and even Booborowie got 1.87” on Friday alone. Rain began in Burra on Monday and to 3 o’clock Tuesday 0.61” had fallen. Rain to the east is variable, but most stations report at least 0.50” and Sturt Vale 1.00”, Braemar 0.75” & Faraway 0.75”. It is still raining to the east.

Notice. There will be an extraordinary election for the West Ward due to the resignation of Ludwig Leopold Wicklein as Councillor.

XXI, 1920, 18 Nov. 1914, page 3

Cricket. At Terowie on Saturday Kooringa 8 for 162 defeated Terowie 157.

Salvation Army held a People’s Fair 5-7 November. Captain Steer addressed the meeting and the Mayor, E.W. Crewes, declared the fair open. It was in aid of the Self-Denial Fund of the Salvation Army.

Belgian Relief Fund: £3-3-0.

Burra Town Council

Cr Wicklein asked leave to make a statement. Granted.

Of late many hard things had been said about him. They had been repeated to him and he had done his best to ignore them. He had been accused of disloyalty and cruel and false accusations had been made. It was falsely alleged he had been born in Germany. His father was of Hungarian origin but had been naturalised 50 years ago. His mother and all his family were born in SA. He was as loyal to his king and country as anyone, but under the circumstances he felt it would be better if he stood down from Council and he asked leave to resign.

Cr Radford said if it were him he would stick to his guns. He acknowledged the suspicion and no doubt there were disloyal persons, but he was sure this was not the case with Cr Wicklein.

Cr Lane thought it a hard matter to speak to and Cr Wicklein was in a painful position and if he thought it would help to stifle the rumours if he resigned then perhaps it was the better course.

Cr Harris was shocked by the statement and felt much as Cr Lane.

The Mayor acknowledged the rumours, thanked Cr Wicklein for his services and considered his decision a manly one, preventing further unpleasantness for himself and his colleagues.

Cr Wicklein thanked the Mayor for his kind remarks and hoped to prove his loyalty in the coming days and to offer his services again after the war. Even his children had not escaped slurs being cast at them.

Cr Lane moved Cr Wicklein’s resignation be accepted with the deepest regret and a minute be placed recording the best thanks of the town for Cr Wicklein’s service during his three years in office. Cr Harris 2nd and endorsed the motion.

Cr Harris announced he would not be seeking re-election due to changed family circumstances.

Mr A.J. McBride has been asked to stand for West Ward.

Mr T. McWaters will stand for East Ward and there is a move to get C.D. Wilkinson to stand for Mr Wicklein’s seat on West Ward.

Kooringa Court, Monday.

Thomas Casey was fined 10/- for being drunk, but whilst drunk he had said:

‘The King is a — rotten — cow’,

had made similar remarks about Queen Mary and Lord Kitchener and gave three cheers for the Kaiser. For this he was sentenced to 14 days for disloyal language and the matter was reported to Military Authorities for further enquiry.

Letter from ‘Caution’ re German loyalty:

‘it is quite time that all Germans holding public positions in this and other States were compelled to vacate those positions and allow men of British Nationality to occupy same.’

Letter from ‘Courtesy’ regarding recent actions of the District Clerk as unpatriotic.

[The paper of the 11 November had reported that the District Clerk had objected to doing what he regarded as the work of the Military Authorities in distributing forms from them to men who wished to volunteer – or at least that seems to be the meaning of the exchange of views as reported.]

Obituary. Mr W.T. Gillett, aged 44, died [at Kooringa] on 16 November from pleurisy and pneumonia. He had recently sold his farm at Leighton and was in the process of having a house built in Burra when he died. He leaves a wife and child. His brothers are Walter Gillett (Burra) and 2 in Cockburn. His sisters are Mrs W. Turner (Hampton), Mrs E.J. Harris (Kooringa), Mrs James Pearce (Bordertown) & Mrs Jeffrey (Sydney). [William Thomas Gillett born 3 August 1869 Gum Creek.]

Obituary. Mrs Flower, aged 25, wife of Mr John Flower of Stony Gap, died at the Burra Hospital on 14 November of double pneumonia. She was the daughter of Mr Spackman and leaves a husband and one child. [Born Eva Spackman 1 February 1890 Stony Gap.]

Burra Rifle Club. Permission to resume practice has been given.

War Poem. German Culture by ‘Coralinga’.

Patriotic Funds.

Red Cross Fund £67-5-5

Patriotic Fund £259-13-10

XXI, 1921, 25 Nov. 1914, page 2

West Burra Copper Mine

Progress is very satisfactory. At the 50’ level the eastern drive is 22’ with 1st class ore all the way 6” to 18” wide. The western drive is 8’ and for the last 4’ a touch of ore is showing.

The Belgian Relief Fund received £3 from a social at St Mary’s on Thursday evening.

Unemployment Meeting in the Council Chamber on Tuesday last week.

The mayor explained The Council was doing what it could and had decided at its meeting the previous night to apply for a special grant of £200 for main roadwork.

There were 48 names on the petition.

The mayor said the quarries were fully working with c. 30 men employed.

Mr Turley said he believed locals had been neglected with men from Port Pirie etc. working on relaying the local railway line.

The Mayor said the town had no debt and if it borrowed there would have to be an increase in tax [i.e. rates]

Mr Geach thought a loan a good idea.

Mr Lawn thought they should exhaust the Government grant first.

The mayor thought they should not be afraid to borrow if it was still needed after their income and the Government grant had been expended.

Mr Thamm moved they urge the Government to get on with enlarging the town reservoir at once.

Mr Phillips thought that married men should be employed locally and single men be expected to go further afield.

Mr Lawn said some single men support families.

Since the meeting work has been found but the report is not very clear about how many and with whom.

[It seems to say 10 married men offered jobs relaying the railway line and 30 men, including single men with dependants could be put on. (Apparently at the same job.)

In the next paper the Mayor’s report makes it clear that it meant that 30 men, married and single, were taken on the railway relay gang.]

XXI, 1921, 25 Nov. 1914, page 3

Belgian Relief Fund

At a public meeting on Wednesday 18 November the Mayor, Mr Crewes, presided and saw the formation of a committee to raise money for Belgian relief. F.C. Harvey was appointed secretary and treasurer. As well as money there was an urgent need for clothing. Mr Crewes was elected President. Mr Dane offered the money from the next patriotic concert to the fund. Several sporting events have been suggested to raise money.

Patriotic Fund Committee

Mr Radford suggested that a portion of the fund be given to the Belgian Fund, but Mr Crewes said he did not believe it possible as they were committed for specific purposes. Also the Red Cross ladies have said they have enough to do without getting involved with the Belgian Fund.

The Methodist Sunday school children have given up their annual picnic and donated £10-10-0 to the Belgian Fund.

Mr C. Fuss moved that the request of the Belgian Committee be acceded to that for a time all patriotic fund raising from the various subcommittees go to the Belgian Fund.

Leighton Patriotic Fund: £55-9-10.

The Season: Leighton area farmers are expected to reap little more than seed wheat this year.

Burra’s Fire Bug. A little time ago Mr D. Pizzo’s house in Kangaroo St was damaged when the paling roof under the iron caught fire from soot. It was being repaired by Mr John Pearce and the family was living in an adjacent house. On Sunday morning an attempt was made to burn down the house under repair. Kerosene was used to ignite a door and fire was set in two other places. Footprints were found, but M-C Queale’s covering of them ‘fortunately [sic] did not make them rain-proof with the result that a shower washed them out.’ [Presumably should read ‘unfortunately!]

Burra Racing Club AGM was held at the Liberal Union Rooms on Friday last and reported a very successful meeting on 17 January 1914. £276 had been spent on improvements and money in the bank was now just £0-7-4. Robert McBride had sunk a well for them for ample water. C.B. Warnes timbered the same. A.J. McBride supplied a windmill and tank. John Berryman helped with pipes and laying them. The next meeting will be on 16 January 1915 with half the profits to go to the Belgian Relief Fund.

Cricket. Saturday at Victoria Park. Kooringa 170 defeated Squatters 155.

A collection raised £2-14-0 for the Belgian Relief Fund, which was increased to £3-0-0 by C. Fuss.

Letter from ‘Rechab.’ Urging something be done to reduce the number of young men spending their time in bars and only leaving at 11 p.m. in various stages of intoxication.

XXI, 1922, 2 Dec. 1914, page 1

Photograph. For the 1st time page 1 leads with a photograph: The Burra Contingent with the First Expeditionary Force.

Back Row: Privates R. Sandland, C.C. Lord, G. Dow, R. Cock.

2nd Row: Privates F. Wheatley, C. Collins, L.E. Taplin, H. Skinner, P.C. Herbert, W. Lee, E. Roach, R,J, Nourse.

3rd Row: Private D. Killicoat, Cpl E.T. Rule, Sgt F. Treloar, QMS T. Kenyon, Lieut. L.A. Lewis, Sgt P.D. Killicoat, Pte J. Hatherly, Drummer H.N. King

4th Row: Pte H.W. Swift, Trumpeter W. Dow, Pte, H.L. Hatherly.

[There are minor changes here from the list of 9 September: Sgt D. Killicoat becomes Sgt P.D. and Pte H.D. Killicoat becomes D. Killicoat. Pte M.W. Dow becomes W. Dow, but more significantly C. Nourse changes to R.J. Nourse.]

Mayor’s Report 1914

This year has been very dry and the harvest one of the worst known. Some farmers will not even reap seed wheat for next year. Hay and grass is very scarce and agistment has been sought where possible. This has impacted on town business as well.

War, of course, has been the other great event of the year. This immediately led to a grand patriotic meeting and the formation of the Patriotic Fund with its working committees. So Far £259-13-10 has been raised. Money raised locally for the war effort from all sources and for all causes is c. £800. The Red Cross Branch has raised £67-1-8. A committee to raise money and other aid for the Belgian Relief Fund has also bee established.

23 Burra Boys have already sailed with the 1st Contingent for service in Europe.

Unemployment.

War and drought combined have led to local unemployment. To counter this the Council has applied for a special grant of £200 to be repaid over several years. This plus the usual subsidy of £430 will be applied to main roadwork. We anticipate a favourable reply. We have also asked for more work for local men on relaying the railway and at the quarries and to immediately proceed with the new town reservoir. (Since writing the above 30 married and single men have been put on the railway re-lay gang.)

Electric Lighting

This has been much discussed and information from other centres gathered. In several places the schemes are too recent to allow useful evaluation. Under prevailing conditions of drought, tight money market and war, it was decided not to proceed and the scheme proposed by the previous Council was turned down.

Fire Brigade

In the light of recent fires the Council is looking into provision of a fire brigade.

Burra Coronation Band

This is still very active and has rendered valuable service in the year under the leadership now of Mr James Bentley following Fred Wheatley who left with the 1st Contingent.

The Seaside Trip was a great success and we hope a similar excursion will be held in 1915.

Trains

The Council has managed to get the restoration of the cancelled services on Saturday night and Monday morning.

Burra Hospital

The Mayor has achieved an ex officio place on the Board which Council deemed justified since the Hospital is vested in the Council.

[The accounts are then printed.]

The General account was in credit £1-10-1.

North Ward had a debt of £24-15-2.

East Ward had a debt of £0-8-7.

West Ward was in credit £4-0-10.

Rate income for the wards is fairly even with the north a little lower:

North £139-1-9

East £147-19-0

West £143-0-6

[Continues on page 4.]

The Parklands

The rate for the year had to be increased from 2d to 6d to pay for the purchase of the Burra Creek and another block of land bought by the previous Council. The sum was £184-6-0. The Parkland account, after very careful management is in debt £42-18-3 which is a good result. 600 trees have been bought, but held in reserve due to the drought.

Council wishes to form and plant gardens in previously unsightly spots. This year one has been made in Chapel St and named ‘Holder Garden’. Others are in course of construction in West and North Wards. It is also planned to plant the Burra Creek and the west side of the road from St Mary’s to the Mine Bridge.

Cemetery

This account is in credit £78-5-1 despite having a new portion surveyed and pegged out for use. A portion of the new ground is allotted for Catholic use.

Main Roads

In 1914 portions of roads in the south and north of the town have been experimentally tar paved. This has been successful and will be extended. The drought has made road making difficult.

Local Board of Health

The credit balance fell from £60-1-1 to £26-13-1, but the rate was dropped from 10d to 6d to transfer money to the Parklands account as above. A reversal of this adjustment is probable in future as we need to provide against epidemic outbreak.

The Health Officer reported only four cases of infectious disease: two of tuberculosis and one each of diphtheria and enteric fever. The tuberculosis and enteric fever came from outside the district. Influenza and pneumonia have recently been a major problem caused largely by abnormal weather.

Post Office

A new post and telegraph office for Aberdeen has been denied by the Department.

The town has, despite the drought, seen new business places erected and new and substantial dwellings erected and the telephone system greatly extended. [Note that as yet no advertisements in the paper cite telephone numbers.]

XXI, 1922, 2 Dec. 1914, page 2

Burra Retail Traders’ Association met on Tuesday last week and changed its name to:

Burra Commercial Association to encourage the joining of anyone in commercial or professional duties to join. The Association will apply for an exemption to allow trading till 11.30 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Obituary. William Nelson died at the Burra Hospital on 29 November. He was a brother of Mrs T. Halls Sen. and a long-term resident of Burra. The cause of death was pneumonia. [The death notice in the paper of 9 December gave his age as 64, but he was born 16 April 1854 at Le Fevre Peninsula SA.]

Obituary. Clement A. Pearce, aged 10, son of Mr & Mrs Walter Pearce died of pneumonia on 29 November. [Clement Alfred Pearce born 26 November 1904 at Kooringa.]

War Matters

The Burra boys of the 1st Contingent are said to be among troops currently employed in guarding the Suez Canal, though this is only rumour.

The 2nd Contingent: Burra boys are W. Klaufhause of Aberdeen [Klaffus], W.R. Hawkes of Koonoona, and Alan Carey of Kooringa.

The 3rd Contingent: volunteers are W. Pederson, R. Ockenden, W. Ford, Hartley Harris, Percy Fuss, A. Hopcraft, S. Jones and — Edwards.

Nurse Mosey and Nurse Woods, formerly Matrons of Burra Hospital, have gone to the front.

Letter from F.A. Heinrich of Yunta calling on loyal German-Australians to take some practical and overt action to demonstrate their loyalty and setting up a German-Australian Belgian Relief Fund, to which he encloses £5.

War Poem: The Emden’s Waterloo by ‘Coralinga’.

XXI, 1922, 2 Dec. 1914, page 3

Ratepayers’ Meeting, Thursday 26 November.

There was a large attendance with Mr Winnall in the chair.

Mr [C.] Fuss moved a vote of thanks for the retiring Councillors.

Mr Crewes said he would gladly retire in favour of another candidate, but as none had come forward he was willing to continue. He referred to his report for the year. He was glad to have upset the unsatisfactory electric light scheme proposed for £2,500, but would work towards an efficient scheme which would probably cost £5,000, but would light the whole town. He thought the rates should be: General 1/-, Health 6d, Park Lands 3d and Lighting 3d. The cemetery now had 960 vacant blocks. He was glad to say the Council in 1914 had worked very amicably. The tar-paving had been an unqualified success and would certainly be extended.

Mr Thomas McWaters promised do what the electors wanted. (He had 25 years experience with the District Council before moving into town to live.)

A.J. McBride felt he could soon learn about municipal matters and would do his best.

C.D. Wilkinson said something similar.

J.C. Killicoat as candidate for North Ward thought the Aberdeen post office issue should be revisited. He had experience of electric light and believed most schemes had failures due to lack of horsepower in their engines. A fire brigade was very necessary.

Cr Walker would not like to leave the Council while the North Ward was in debt.

Mr J. Richards asked if candidates would get the dangerous ruins of the German Church torn down as they were ‘hanging over four feet’.

Mr Bevan said other premises were hanging over the footpath three feet.

The Mayor advised that all nuisances should be drawn to the attention of the Inspector. He said the structure known as ‘Dead Man’s Bridge’ on Cemetery Rd was a disgrace. The intention was to continue the road in front of Mr McWaters and put a new bridge in line with the present road. The problem was funding.

Mr McWaters said the £200 special grant should be used and if not the Government should be asked for assistance.

Cricket. Saturday at Clare: Kooringa 273 defeated Clare 151. (A. Gebhardt for Kooringa scored 105)

Burra Rifle Club reopened last Saturday when the best scores (with handicap) were A.P. Harris 104, from A.D. McLaren, A. Langford, & H.L. Riggs all on 97.

Belgian Relief Fund: £58-12-0.

Fire Bug. The 5th attack occurred on Monday. About 12.30 a.m. Monday morning Mrs Lord heard a noise and told her husband she thought someone was stealing chaff from their sheds. While investigating Mr Lord saw flames and smoke coming from the rear of Walker & Sons and found a crate of crockery packed in straw burning quite fiercely. He contacted M-C Queale and also wakened Mr A. Walker who put out the fire with a patent fire extinguisher.

A blacktracker arrived on the Monday train. A man with a limp in his right leg was tracked to the National Bank and thence to Paxton Square and then to a house towards the cemetery. Investigation continues. The damage was c. £16 and a reward of £25 is offered.

XXI, 1923, 9 Dec. 1914, page 1

Drought Relief Act. The operations of the Act are described in 11⁄2 columns.

XXI, 1923, 9 Dec. 1914, page 2

Obituary. Edward (Ted.) Wall died on 3 December at Kooringa [residence Booborowie], aged 64. He was the husband of M.E. Wall of Booborowie. For many years he had the Burra-Booborowie mail contract.

Sir Samuel Way will arrive on Friday night. On Saturday he will be received by the Brethren of the Masonic Lodge and at 3 o’clock will preside at the opening of the new Kooringa Methodist Church. He will chair the public meeting in the evening.

Mrs Mary Blott, widow of William Blott, turned 94 on 3 December. She was born in Cambridgeshire in 1820. She has lived the last 20 years with her daughter Mrs Frank Smith, of Norwood. Five of her siblings are still alive: Mr John Tilbrook of Koolunga (91), a sister in Adelaide (88), and James Tilbrook (90) in the UK. The two eldest died aged 97 & 95. Mr & Mrs Blott arrived in SA in 1849 on the Octavia and took up land in the Onkaparinga District, but failed. Mr Blott then tried the Victorian Goldfields and on returning they came to Burra where they lived for many years.

War Matters

Mr Hartley Harris writes of good time in camp. There is a movement to get the boys from Burra, presently in camp, back for a day or so for a send-off. Mr F.C. Harvey of the Bank of Australasia is volunteering and Lieut. Copley is to go with the 3rd Contingent.

St Mary’s Church parade in aid of the Burra Hospital was held last Sunday. The Light Horse, Cadets, & Friendly Societies marched to church from the rotunda via the hospital. The collection totalled £7-8-6.

Municipal Election, 5 December. For North Ward.

John Walker 19

J.C. Killicoat 66

XXI, 1923, 9 Dec. 1914, page 3

Pte R. Hawkes of Koonoona, who had gone to Melbourne to join the 2nd Contingent, was back last Friday briefly for farewells. Lieut. J.C. Killicoat motored out to make a small presentation of pipes and pouch and to express the town’s best wishes.

St Mary’s Annual Strawberry Fete was held last Friday and was very successful with gross takings of £80.

[Miss V. Fuss on the Flower Stall, Mrs [C.] Fuss and Miss D. Fuss on Refreshments.]

Cricket. Saturday at Victoria Park, Kooringa 2 for 178, defeated Farrell’s Flat 92.

Burra Rifle Club. 7th shoot for the oil painting: G. Herbert 96 from E.A. Riggs and Capt. G. Lord both on 94.

A Letter from RQM Sergeant Kenyon of 3rd Light Horse Regiment AIF to A.D. McLaren says all the Burra lads are well, sends best wishes to all, but brings no real news.

Patriotic Concert No. 3 was held in the Institute last Wednesday and grossed £19.

Belgian Relief Fund: £71-4-0.

Burra Town Council

Work raising road metal is available.

The Lands Department is prepared to lend money to aid the unemployed.

SA Agricultural Bureau, Burra Branch continues to meet monthly in the Institute, most recently on 28 November.

XXI, 1924, 16 Dec. 1914, page 2

Marriage. On 25 November in Kent Town Methodist Church.

Percy Weatherall Lindsay, 2nd son of G.W. Lindsay of Mallala and Ethel Maud Halls, youngest daughter of T.P. Halls of Kooringa.

Obituary. On 30 November, at Kooringa, Clement Alfred Pearce, son of Walter and Ann Pearce died aged 10.

Burra Coronation Band gave an open-air concert in the rotunda on Wednesday and collected £3-£4.

Railways. Mr Wordsworth James has been investigating a site on Firewood Creek for a railway dam to hold 5 million gallons of water.

Weather. Heavy rain fell on Monday – about 0.5” in Burra and similar falls extended east with up to 0.79” at Koomooloo and 0.85” at Mongolata. Reeds and Chalk Cliff got 2”.

Belgian Relief Fund: £109-5-4.

XXI, 1924, 16 Dec. 1914, page 3

Kooringa Methodist Church. The new building was opened Saturday 12 December. The new church has been erected on the site of the old which served for upwards of 60 years. It is a handsome building. Designed in English Gothic, it is built in local bluestone, finished with cemented buttresses, dressings and mouldings with spinets. Inside it is 64’ x 40’ and almost 53’ hight to the top of the external gable. In front two flights of steps lead to two entrance doors and a fine vestibule. There is a window either side of the vestibule and a triple window above. All are glazed with lead-lights in a chaste and beautiful design. There are six windows on either side. Two are glazed with lead-lighted memorial windows. The hammerbeam principals are of red pine and the ceiling of fibrous plaster. It is well ventilated and acoustically good. The pulpit & choir platform are in blackwood and at the rear are two vestries. All is surrounded by a substantial retaining wall and handsome cast-iron railing and cast-iron folding gates to match. The builders were Messrs J.T. Quinn & Co. of Hamley Bridge and the architects were Messrs Cowell & Cowell of Adelaide.

The weather on Saturday was hot, windy, and dusty. The Chief Justice, Sir Samuel Way, arrived and the scene was photographed by Messrs Page, Penrose and Muller.

In 1859 Sir Samuel’s father, Rev. James Way, was in charge of the Bible Christian circuit in Burra. Present also were Rev. Samuel Knight, now of Melbourne, Rev. W.F. James and Rev. G. Hall, the President of the Methodist Conference. Also the present town ministers, Rev. J.H. Nield and Rev. J.C. Jennison. The doors were opened by two of the churches oldest workers: Mrs Sleep and Mr William Davey.

Mrs Sleep was a member of the first Wesleyan Church in Burra. Mr Davey was remembered for being in charge of the services of song in the old Bible Christian Church. He had been the first organist of the Bible Christian Church and his sons Will & Arthur had succeeded him until the union of the churches.

The two memorial windows were unveiled. One is to the late Philip Lane – representing the Good Samaritan. The other is to the memory of Alex. Harris and bears the figure of St Barnabas.

Tea was followed by a public meeting. In the building of the church £3,315 had been spent and of this £2,451 had been raised by donations and the sale of property which had brought in £700.

Mr Quinn was presented with a bonus of £100 in gratitude for the way he had fulfilled his contract. Mr Quinn said he was speechless with surprise. Sir Samuel Way remembered the opening of the Bible Christian Church in 1860. He related some of the history of the town and hoped Dr Brummitt would do justice to it by writing it up. The town, he said, was the birthplace or abode of many able men, among them:

Dr Williams – now important in Victoria

The late Dr Stevens – President of the Victorian Conference and General Conference

Dr Burgess – three times President of the SA Conference

Rev. W.F. James – who built the Bible Christian parsonage which contributed £700 to the new church fund and who built the Hanson Bicentenary Church.

Rev. Jenkins – a Burra boy

Rev. Pope – a Burra boy

Sir Frederick Holder – the first Town Clerk

Philip Lane – the first mayor

Dr Brummitt

Mr J.M. McBride

Dr Torr

Rev. Richards

Captain Roach

Wherever his father worked there was a revival and in Burra there were 250 adult converts in a fortnight and 70 children.

Rev. Hall congratulated them all on behalf of the Conference.

Rev. S. Knight gave a short address.

Rev. J.H. Nield preached on Sunday and on Sunday afternoon the choral service The Rolling Seasons was presented.

In the evening Rev. George Hall gave a short address and Rev. S. Knight preached the sermon.

On Monday evening Rev. Henry Howard of Adelaide preached to a full church.

Much praise must go to Mr G. Dane for bringing the choir to perfection and to the organist, Miss Beatrix Pearce.

Burra Freemasons welcomed sir Samuel Way on Saturday afternoon. He has at intervals since 1884 been Grand Master of the Masonic Fraternity in SA. Some of the oldest members to meet Sir Samuel were P.M. Bro. W. West (Master 1875-6 & 1899) and P.M. Bro. H. Pinch (Master 1886).

XXI, 1924, 16 Dec. 1914, page 4

Letter from ‘Living Yet’ wondering why the bridge on Ayers St is called Deadman’s Bridge. It was placed there by public subscription in the days before either a Town or District Council and speaks well of the old virtue of self-help. The fund available would not permit a direct route and the position was chosen on account of the foundations. I hope the old bridge will be preserved ‘to the memory of men that once lived for the Old Burra’.

XXI, 1925, 23 Dec. 1914, page 2

Burra Town Council: declaration of the rates for 1915.

General 1/- in the £

Health 7d in the £

Lighting 3d in the £

Park Lands 2d in the £

The 2nd meeting of the new Council was disrupted by a disgraceful fight. Cr Lane separated the combatants by judicious use of a cane. The culprits were a pair of dogs under the table.

Notice. Shops will close 10 p.m. Christmas Eve and 6 p.m. New Year’s Eve.

Leighton Christmas Tree & Sports: 26 December.

There will be swimming contests in the dam opposite the hall.

A trolly will leave Burra c. 2 p.m. & the return fare is 2/-.

Burra Hospital Board, 10 December.

Matron Wood was granted leave of absence as she has departed with the last Expeditionary Force. The annual Christmas tree will be held 22 December.

Burra Institute committee, 15 December.

It was resolved that specifications be prepared for another escape door for the hall and the necessary excavations on the north side of the hall.

The librarian was voted a bonus of £10-10-0.

Kooringa Methodist Church trustees expressed their appreciation for the use of the hall while the new church was being erected.

Weather. There were further falls of rain last week – so far 0.98” for the month. Out east there were further falls and in many places there is now 12 months supply of water and feed is beginning to grow.

War Matters

Hartley Harris is in camp as one of the 165 out of 1,200 picked to act as reserves for the 1st Expeditionary Force.

R.H. Woollacott [actually R.J.] writes from England that instead of coming home he is volunteering. He is presently at Windsor and will soon go to the front. In his letter he writes: ‘we must all . . . be prepared to make sacrifices to assist them [the younger men] in carrying this out’.

Burra State School speech Day and Prize Distribution was held on Thursday 17 December at the Institute. Mr Johnson, head teacher, reported there were 119 boys and 126 girls on the roll. Only 4 got through the examination to enter High School, though he had expected about 20 to do so.

The Institute was awarding 12 annual memberships to students.

Mrs Crewes was ill and unable to present the prizes. In awarding the Mayor’s medal for dux they had considered three candidates. Dorothy Pederson and Mary West each secured 85 points, but had been two years in the school. Fred Scholz had gained 83% in one year and contended with travelling about 10 miles to school, so the medal went to him.

Rev. Durnford’s prize for the best essay on Burra and District attracted 26 competitors and seven were tied for 1st place: Jean Litchfield, Josephine West, Vernon Fuss, Dorothy Bartholomæus and Hedley Pearce.

The prizes were distributed by Mrs J. McLaren.

The prize list is printed and extends to page 3.

XXI, 1925, 23 Dec. 1914, page 3

St Joseph’s School break-up demonstration was held on 17 December in the evening. The children presented a splendid musical program and the Rev. Father Kett distributed prizes. The prize list is printed.

Burra Rifle Club: 8th match for Pearce’s painting.

George Lord 94 from H.E. Riggs 91 and G.L Nutt 89.

Belgian Relief Fund: £122-18-8.

Letter from Pte Fred Wheatley to S.M. Lane, dated 8 November 1914 from near Cocos Islands in SS Ascanius.

Just came from church, though no one takes much notice of it.

Most are more concerned to get their supply of beer – one pint a day at 3d.

Boxing is all the go on board. Other sports are also arranged.

About two weeks from Fremantle – had a day’s leave in Perth.

There are about a dozen cruisers, but only four in sight.

We were inoculated for [typhoid] fever a few days ago and vaccinations are coming up soon.

A second letter from Ceylon [Sri Lanka] dated 16 November.

I expect there was great excitement in Burra when news of the capturing of the Emden arrived – there was here.

On the Sydney three men were killed and three wounded we were told.

There will be no leave in Colombo when we arrive.

There is not enough room on board for much exercise.

The weather turns meals bad and there is little to eat at times, but then in this weather no one wants much.

Marriage. The first in the new Kooringa Methodist Church: 16 December 1914.

Rita Irene Crewes, 4th daughter of E.W. Crewes and Philip A.M. McBride, eldest son of A.J. McBride JP.

Letter from ‘Observer’ praising the paper for its report on the opening of the new church.

Letter from E.W. Crewes acknowledging receipt of £3-3-0 from Mr & Mrs McBride towards Christmas cheer for the destitute poor of Burra.

Tennis: Saturday 19 December at Farrell’s Flat.

Aberdeen 7 sets 55 games defeated Farrell’s Flat 5 sets 48 games.

Cricket: Saturday at Victoria Park.

Married Men 106 defeated Bachelors 78.

Burra Town Council, Monday.

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis advise a contract has been let for the verandah in front of their premises.

New tie-up posts are to be placed at the cemetery.

The Mayor advocated the introduction of the Building Act to prevent the erection of unsightly structures.

‘At present anyone could disfigure the streets as they saw fit.’

To be further considered.

The Mayor said steps should be taken to get a hydrant and reel. A 3d rate could be struck.

Cr McBride said at present it wouldn’t be much good as two or three nights a week there was no water.

Cr Lane moved they write again to the Department.

Cr Radford thought the Railways Department’s reservoir at Firewood Creek should be big enough to supply the town.

A wire is to be sent to the Department and a deputation to follow after the holidays if there is no action.

Cr McWaters said three or four people had complained that they had been told by the overseer that if they raised more metal than their allocation it would be taken over by the corporation. About 100 yards had been so raised and the overseer said it could not be taken over.

The overseer said he had not given anyone authority to raise over their allocated quantity, but it was common practice by tenderers on the off-chance that it would be taken over by Council.

Cr Killicoat asked if the metal from the big Aberdeen Quarry was worth the extra money paid for it.

The overseer said it was worth an extra 1/- [a yard?] for its wearing qualities.

Cr McBride said the street lights were unsatisfactory and it was decided that the overseer would overhaul each lamp and then supervise their lighting for one month.

Local Board of Health

J.E.H. Winnall wrote concerning the depositing of rubbish on the approach to the depot in Bewley’s property.

Cr McBride said Mr Bewley had given permission for manure only to be put down, but tins had been thrown out too.

Cr McBride thought Council should get a lease of the road and then they would know their position.

The inspector is to inspect the railway quarry [ballast quarry] privies: said to be in a poor state.

There have been complaints about the behaviour of men working on the [railway] line at the navvy’s camp where there were no latrines. Railway department will be written to about this.

Cr McBride complained about the depositing of rubbish in the creek in Chapel St.

Mt Bryan East Methodist Sunday School Anniversary was held 29 November when Rev. Jew of Terowie preached.

Mt Bryan East School broke up on Friday 18 December and a concert was given in the evening. Mr Gare as chairman congratulated the teacher Miss Carter for organising it, but she was unfortunately absent due to a badly sprained ankle. A Christmas tree followed and all the children received gifts.

Characteristics of the 1914 Paper.

Page 1. This was a mixture of large advertisements and news, though the ‘news’ was often articles of general interest rather than current affairs type news. There was certainly no attempt to place the main stories of the week here.

Page 2. Larger advertisements and notices with a few classified advertisements. These occupy from half a page to about six columns and are followed by the news of the day.

Page 3. A few larger advertisements and news. There is thus quite a lot of space for news which is frequently given in great detail. Patriotic meetings, sport and Council meetings all get a lot of space. This was one of a number of years when the paper gave the buyer a lot to read each week.

Page 4. Small advertisements: mostly local. Some news was included here, but the amount varied greatly. Sometimes what looks to be a news article is an advertisement in disguise. News varies from about half a column to perhaps two columns.

In general the paper gave a detailed account of events in the town, particularly the patriotic events once the war started.

From the issue of 1 April an extra sheet was added as an insertion. This took the form of a literary and general interest supplement. It never carried advertisements or spill-over news and may well have been printed elsewhere as it is often on different paper from the rest of the publication.

It comprised a serialised novel, a short story, some poetry, often a children’s story and three columns devoted to women with fashion items, household hints and recipes.

Other articles of varying length were devoted to ‘Farm & Field’, ‘Science’, ‘Miscellaneous’ and ‘Odds and Ends’ [Jokes]. A column called ‘Items of Interest’ appeared sometimes

Numbering of issues in 1914

What would seem to be a practice of beginning a new volume each year is introduced, but this is an illusion: it holds for the start of 1914 and again in 1915, but breaks down in November 1915 and reverts to the usual irrational state of affairs in 1916.

The year began with Volume XXI Number 1875 on 7 January 1914.

And continued to Volume XXI Number 1925 on 23 December 1914.

Supplements 1914

Notes on the table.

a From 25 November the Miscellaneous column comprised mainly War Notes.

b The paper wasn’t published on 30 December, though the supplement is so dated: the microfilm for 6 January 1915 carries this with a hand corrected date.

XXII, 1926, 6 Jan. 1915

Page 1 Advertisements

Walker & Sons Clothiers, Milliners & Footwear, Market Square

R. Urwin & Sons Eclipse drapery Establishment, Kooringa

N.J. Tiddy Clothier & Draper etc. Aberdeen

R.D. Pascoe Hairdresser & Fancy Good Dealer, ‘The Emporium’, Kooringa

John Harry Windmills & Pumps, Thames St

W.T. Truscott Cooling Chamber & Big Meat Store, Market Square

Max Morton The Kooringa Forge, Thames St, Blacksmith, Wheelwright & Horseshoer

Page 2 Advertisements

Drew & Crewes [Universal Providers] Kooringa, Mt Bryan & Hallett

Vivian Lewis Ltd Motor Garage & Repairs, Kooringa, Adelaide, Broken Hill, Clare, Mt Gambier, Pt Pirie & Balaklava

S.M. Lane Saddler, Ironmonger & Chaff Merchant, Kooringa & Aberdeen

C. & F. Streicher General Storekeepers, Kooringa

J.T. Hartnett Tailor, Market Square

Henry Roach & Son. Burra Mill, Aberdeen

F.E. Thomas Agent for South Australian Farmers’ Union, Aberdeen

Edwin J. Harris Grocer, Chaff, Hay, Bran, Pollard, Flour, Wheat, Oats & Barley

H.W.A. Barratt Dentist at Clark’s Commercial Hotel

E.E. Thamm & Son Machinists, Wheels, Tyres, Galvanised Tanks

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Auctioneers

[Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd Auctioneers – regular advertisers, but not this issue.]

Mrs A. Young Maternity Home, George St

Page 3 Advertisements

Sara & Co. General Traders, Aberdeen

W.E. Hodge Land, Estate & General Agent, Commercial St

Crump & Leahy Boring Contractors & Engineers

Edwin J. Harris General Store, Market Square

Page 4 Advertisements

C.E. Birks District Travelling Agent Australian Mutual Provident Society

Luke Day General Dealer, Grocer, Fruiterer, Kooringa

Emelie Clark Commercial Hotel

John Allen Agent for Colonial Mutual Fire & Accident Office

Fred M. Pearce Carpenter, Builder & Ironmonger, Aberdeen

George Lord Burra Hotel

Carpenter Bros Greengrocers, Fruiterers, Confectioners, caterers, Aberdeen

A.D. McLaren Grocer, Greengrocer & Fruiterer

S. Burns Blacksmith & Wheelwright, Commercial St

M. Maughan Dentist, monthly at Lord’s [Burra] Hotel

C.J. Pearce & Son Furniture

Murray Aunger Agent for Arrol Johnson, Darracq, Germain, Hudson, Overland, Sheffield Simplex, Vauxhall, Calthorp Minor & N.B. Motor Cars.

E.J. Davey Agent for:

Hume Bros. – Steel gates & fencing

A.H. Hasells – JAP Super

Norwich Union – Fire Insurance

J. Shearer & Sons – Ploughs etc.

D. Shearer & Co. – Agricultural implements

Yorkshire – Livestock Insurance

XXII, 1926, 6 Jan. 1915, page 2

Notice. St Andrew’s Church Mt Bryan will be opened on Wednesday 13 January by Ven. Archdeacon Bussell.

Hanson Methodist Church drew the usual crowd of Burra visitors by train and other vehicles to the tea meeting on Christmas Day.

Burra Hospital Christmas Tree was organised by the Misses Cave on 22 December. Mr W.S. Thomason presided and there was a large attendance. After the musical items each patient received a suitable present.

Obituary. Vera Edwards, daughter of Mr & Mrs H. Edwards of Springbank, died 24 December 1914 after a short attack of pneumonia. [Vera Susan Edwards born 12 July 1899 Springbank.]

The Belgian Fund benefited from a Continental held at Victoria Park last Saturday. Theatregraph Pictures arranged a good program of films and the total taken for the evening was £50-15-7 and after deducting expenses there is a nett £33-0-7.

W.S. Thomson has received a letter from his son covering much the same ground as we published from F. Wheatley.

Cliff Hunt & August Brandt of Burra have volunteered for the 3rd Expeditionary Force.

XXII, 1926, 6 Jan. 1915, page 3

Boxing Day at Leighton. A very successful sports day and concert were held in aid of the Belgian Relief Fund. The sports raised £40.

In the cricket match Leighton 89, defeated Burra 49.

Swimming events were held in Mr Finlay’s dam.

Walking the greasy pole was a novelty event won by H. G. Oates. Boxing events were also held. [In one of them R.J. Fairchild went down to H.G. Oates.]

War Poem. N. Hiles Pearse contributes an anti-German poem The Bushman’s Farewell.

Burra Rifle Club. Ladies’ Day. Miss A. Harris, Mrs A.L. Kellock & Mrs A.L. Walker, all on 22, led from Mrs O’Brien and Mrs O.G. Walker, on 21.

In the Ladies’ Nomination Match, J. Kellock & A.P. Harris on 104 led S. Cordon and L. Kellaway on 97.

In the teams’ match Burra 720 defeated Leighton 699.

At the Burra range I.J. Warnes has given permission for further target accommodation at the long range.

Letter from J.J. Carmody of Gawler, thanking whoever sent him 10/- from Burra as a Christmas Box.

Belgian Relief Fund: £183-2-11.

Burra Town Council, 4 January.

All lamps in town are working satisfactorily.

The Bridge in George St is to be put in order.

Further tar-dressing is delayed until after the inspection of the town.

Prices are to be obtained for a fire-hose, reel, etc.

On Christmas Eve a terrific thunderstorm broke over Burra, followed by heavy rain. The creek came down a banker. It was all extremely localised with hardly any rain 1⁄4 mile south, but in Aberdeen there was local flooding.

XXII, 1926, 6 Jan. 1915, page 4

Anti-German Feelings. ‘Coralinga’ writes an attack on those of German descent who hold office in Australia.

XXII, 1927, 13 Jan. 1915, page 1

Letter, from ‘Still Clearing Rubbish’ complaining about inheriting other people’s rubbish in the recent floods. It shouldn’t be in the creek in the first place. Sticks and dirt are to be expected, but there is no excuse for tins, buckets, boots and stockings.

Red Cross Fund: £78-2-2.

Burra Rifle Club. The 10th match for Mrs C.W. Pearce’s painting. V.A. Riggs 101 from E.A. Riggs 95.

‘Coralinga’ calls on the rich to get more involved with the war effort.

Letter from George W. Thomson to his parents, dated 10 Nov. on SS. Ascanius. It was sweltering hot on guard duty with men lying on decks and hatches like sheep. You have probably heard by now of the crippling of the Emden so that it had to be beached on one of the Cocos Islands after an engagement with the Sydney. We got a pint of free beer in the afternoon. The 10th Battalion are holding sports today, but the weather has destroyed most interest. Rank and file were excluded from the deck and on hearing that several companies withdrew until the order was cancelled.

XXII, 1927, 13 Jan. 1915, page 2

Advt. Brady Creek Patriotic Sports, Saturday 30 January with proceeds to the Belgian Relief Fund.

Advt. Sports at the Booborowie Woolshed on Wednesday 27 January in aid of Belgian Distress.

Thanks. Brothers and sisters of the late W.G. Fairchild thank Dr Steele and sisters and nurses for attention in his long illness.

A.T. Turner of WA is visiting his family in Burra.

Cpl E. Rule has sent a Christmas card to E.J. Davey from TSS Ascanius.

Railways. 80 men have been laid off from the track relaying, but after a meeting and telegram from Mr Crewes the Commissioner wired back that employment would be found elsewhere.

Pearce’s Buildings are now practically finished. There are two suites of offices on the ground floor, occupied by Mr Winnall and Mr Jeanes, the Federal Division Returning Officer. At the rear is a small hall 33’ x 26’ to be let for meetings, parties etc. Two suites of offices upstairs are yet to be let. The building is most imposing.

War Matters.

Lieut. Copley and Pte F.C. Harvey had brief leave to visit Burra from camp this week.

Last night Pte Harvey was entertained at the Masonic Lodge.

Among the latest to volunteer from Burra are:

W.C. Henderson Roy Fennell A.E. Elliott

John Seeley E.G. Johnson

Belgian Relief Fund: £204-9-5.

R.J. Woollacott writes from Victoria Barracks, Windsor on 12 November.

Today took part in arrangements for Lord Robert’s funeral – standing guard in Trafalgar Square. Not feeling the cold. Tuesday last to a smoke concert given by the Congregational Church with cigarettes, cakes, buns, coffee and apples. These are fortnightly shows. Concerts also given by the Anglicans and political bodies etc., but the Congregational ones are the best. There are concerts almost every night. It is very cold in France and Belgium now and wet in the trenches. We expect to be sent away before Christmas. [He was in the Coldstream Guards.]

XXII, 1927, 13 Jan. 1915, page 3

Letter from John Dun & Mrs Dun who tell of their experiences in wartime Paris – they were in Paris on 1 August.

Belgian Relief Fund. Committee meeting last Thursday. Mr Sommerville has been elected Secretary to replace Mr Fred Harvey, who has volunteered. So far promises are for £183-2-11 and £158-8-6 has been collected and banked. It was decided to make a special appeal for January and keep the Belgian Fund open till the end of the month. They decided again to purchase the pictures and run them on the oval as before.

Burra Institute, AGM. The President, C.A. Fuss, was out of town on business and Rev. J.H. Nield, Vice-President, took the chair. The Treasurer, T.W. Wilkinson was absent on account of ill health. In the last year the library has been rearranged. There are now 4252 volumes. Subscribers are up 8 at 138. The financial position is strong at £133-11-0 in credit. First Aid classes had been run by Drs Sangster and Steele. Orchestral and Choral classes had been run by Mr Dane. In the year improvements had cost £182-9-0, of which £72-2-4 had been for improved seating.

A platform had been erected for the convenience of picture shows to keep the operator away from the crowd.

The Council Chamber had been renovated with a beautiful new fibrous plaster ceiling and a new floor and the walls had been repapered.

The caretaker’s cottage now has a bathroom.

It is intended to place another escape door on the north side of the hall early in 1915.

Election: President Rev. J.H. Nield

Vice-President W.S. Thomson

Treasurer T.W. Wilkinson

Secretary J. Drew

Mr Crewes thought they should consider a billiard room, especially if 6 o’clock closing of hotels came in. E.J. Davey said the early closing would not affect billiard rooms. He could not support billiards which was surrounded by evil. Mr Sommerville said the Terowie Institute billiard room was a great success and the idea seemed to gain general acceptance.

Railways Standing Committee is considering the various proposals for a Booborowie railway.

Spalding to Booborowie via Yatina Gap

Farrell’s Flat to Booborowie

Hanson to Booborowie

This last seems the most favoured, but there is a complication in that any railway might interfere with the profitability of the Spalding Railway which was built under the guarantee system.

Lindsay Kemble, who is well-known in Burra, (aged 19) was arrested in Adelaide masquerading in women’s clothing as Miss De Vere. The report gives a detailed description of his attire.

XXII, 1928, 20 Jan. 1915, page 1

Letter from Pte Wheatley to S.M. Lane from TSS Ascanius in the Red Sea, 26 Nov. 1914.

There was no leave in Aden. He describes traders there and coaling operations. The letter continues after the Suez Canal and arriving in Pt Said.

Charles Thomson of the National Bank has been transferred to Moonta. Mr Wheaton comes here from Moonta.

Burra Unemployed. A meeting was held on Wednesday with E.W. Crewes in the chair. Following the reply from the commissioner Mr Crewes thought they needed to ascertain the numbers involved and their dependents. One complaint was that some single men were kept on and married men with families dismissed. The Mayor said that only the town reservoir was available locally and the Town Clerk had again wired Adelaide to try to get that moving.

[From Mr Turley’s remarks it would seem that 30 of the 80 dismissed were Burra men.]

The Mayor and Councillors will form a deputation to the Commissioner urging the reinstatement or the finding of work elsewhere. M-C Queale said that the number of unemployed registered was 72 with 130 dependents.

Letter from Elizabeth Ann Ward of Hill St defending the reputation of Lindsay Kemble. He is not disreputable, nor idle nor disorderly. In Burra, and until the war started, he was in a vaudeville company which he had to leave due to severe pneumonia. He left Burra with the Tom Thumb Co. The masquerade that landed him in trouble was an exceedingly clever joke and by no means as disgraceful as it appeared to be. [Lindsay’s later career with some reference to this incident appears in the papers for 3 Sep. 1919, 31 Mar. 1920 and 14 July 1920.]

War Matters.

Pte F.C. Carey was farewelled at the Masonic Lodge on Tuesday last week.

He said Mr McIndoe [Macindoe], an old Burra resident, and his predecessor at the Bank of Australasia, would probably sail in the same boat. He was picked for the secondary reinforcements.

XXII, 1928, 20 Jan. 1915, page 2

Advt. Archie Williams has started as a greengrocer in Redruth.

Mr Archie Williams Sen. kept the Bushman’s Arms at Redruth in the old days. He has taken W. Carpenter’s shop and will run the pie stall at the markets. Fish will arrive Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Advt. Picture Carnival at Victoria Park Saturday 30 January. Theatregraph Pictures. (Or in the Institute if the weather should prove unfavourable.)

[This follows a similar operation on 2 January.]

Unemployment. A deputation comprising the local members, T. McWaters (Chairman of the District Council) and Cr S.M. Lane, has seen the Commissioner of Public Works, but has so far not produced any jobs. He is still making enquiries. On Thursday a telegram was received that tenders would be called immediately for enlarging the Burra town reservoir to carry an extra 50,000 gallons

Belgian Relief Fund: £205-4-5.

Weather. Rain has fallen widely: 0.20” in Kooringa and to the east falls from 0.20” to 0.35”.

Accident. J.M.C. Bennett who was driving one of I.J. Warnes’ cars on Monday had a miraculous escape when the car skidded in sand on the Baldina Ford and broke part of its steering gear. The car plunged 14’ off the ford and landed on its nose before turning upside down. Mr Bennett was deposited in a water-filled cleft between rocks and as the door was open he could crawl out unhurt. The wire rope protection at the ford broke away some time ago and has not been replaced.

Seaside Excursion. The committee had £20-15-8 in hand and there was great division whether to hold a trip or not this year. A motion was put by Mr Harvey and 2nd Mr Lott to do so was eventually carried 36 to 17 and the date for the excursion to Semaphore is 27 February. Cost 5/6 & 2/9. The train departs Burra at 5.30 a.m.

XXII, 1928, 20 Jan. 1915, page 3

St Andrew’s Church Mt Bryan.

[There is a long and interesting if at times confused article on Anglican History in the Burra District occupying 11⁄4 columns.]

This is the first church built in the St Mary’s Mission District. The Church of the Ascension at Black Springs was bought from the District Council 17 [sic] years ago in the time of Rev. A.G. King, for £50. [In view of the dedication date this figure might be an error for 7 years ago.] It had previously been a Methodist Church, a dwelling, a District Council Chamber and various other things. It was thoroughly renovated and dedicated by Bishop Harmer 22 September 1908.

[The text here becomes garbled and the dates impossible to reconcile. It says the missions at the time were two in number – in the same year increased to three when T.H. Bailey allowed his Gum Creek schoolroom to be used for services. The text then says that in 1907 there were four missions and Mt Bryan is the youngest.]

It continues by saying there are now six missions with Farrell’s Flat being added the year before last, covering an area from Booborowie to Mt Bryan East and Farrell’s Flat to Ulooloo. To the north it adjoins the Hundred of Hallett and the southern boundary of the new Diocese of Willochra, whose first bishop is to be appointed on 26 January 1915.

[Though not specified, it would seem from the above that the six missions were then: Gum Ck, Farrell’s Flat, Black Springs, Hallett, Mt Bryan and Booborowie, unless Mt Bryan East was a separate entity.]

In 1890, the last year that St Mary’s stood alone without mission churches, the income was put at £1,369 – more than for any other church in SA, partly because in that year the debt of £825 was abolished. The Bishop’s Home Mission Society assisted the Hallett Mission by £4 in 1891 and now helps by £70.

At Mt Bryan, five years ago services were held in the Institute, even carrying the organ across the railway line for services.

The new church opens with a debt of £150, having spent £460 on building and furniture. The Ven. Archdeacon Bussell officiated. W.B. Page, organist of St Mary’s, played for the service of dedication.

The stone comes from the Burra quarries of Henry Thomas. The nave is 30’ x 19’ and rises 25’6” to the ridge. The chancel is in the form of an apse.

Donors of various furnishings are then listed.

Obituary & Inquest. John Hammer, aged 70, died as the result of a motor accident on 16 January. E.W. Crewes was coroner on 17 January.

J.W. Aldridge, farmer of Booborowie:

Was riding in the car with Dr Sangster going to Aberdeen from the races. About 100 yards from the bend we met a vehicle whose horse shied across into our path. Dr Sangster steered hard left. At the same time a man walking on the left started across from the left hand side to the right hand side which forced the doctor to pull strongly to the right to avoid him. In doing so a tyre came off which caused the car to swing around and strike the man. Dr Sangster examined the man, who was bleeding from the ears and mouth, and sent him to the hospital. Do not know who was driving the trap, but they lost control and got onto the wrong side of the road.

William Bass, labourer of Kooringa, gave evidence confirming Aldridge’s account. He believed the car to be doing c. 12 m.p.h.

Dr Steele gave evidence that the man had suffered a large skull fracture and haemorrhage of the brain.

Dr Sangster Jun.’s evidence was essentially that of Aldridge.

He said the man died just before the ambulance arrived. He believed he was doing under 15 m.p.h. He did not know of any carelessness on the part of the trap driver.

William J. Richards, manager of Murray Aunger Motor Garage had looked at the tyre marks and said they were consistent with the evidence given. They car had stopped within 15-20 yards.

M-C Queale gave evidence on receiving the body.

The verdict was of accidental death with no blame attachable to anybody.

Local Board of Health. There are presently two cases of typhoid in town.

Offence. Harry Mendelsohn was charged with stealing 2/6 from A.F. Heinrich at the Burra Races on Saturday by giving short change. After evidence was tendered he decided to plead guilty and was fined £5 plus 14/- costs or one month jail.

He was caught because he had tried the same trick on Thomas P. Halls Sen. who then watched him do it to Heinrich and gave evidence of how it was worked.

Burra Town Council, Monday night.

A letter from the Commissioner of Public Works saying that on application from the Mayor a special grant of £100 had been given.

Cr Lane complained that the Mayor had not been part of the deputation.

Cr McWaters explained that when Cr Lane met the train in Adelaide Mr Crewes had not been there because he had received a wire saying that work had been found for the unemployed at Oodnadatta and there was no need for the deputation.

Cr Lane said he had kept the appointment and had met Mr Butler. Cr McWaters had been introduced as Chairman of the District Council and the deputation had resulted in a special grant of £200 to the D.C. and £100 to the Town Council.

The Mayor said he had not shirked his duties as a wire had arrived from the Commissioner beginning ‘Deputation Unnecessary arrangements made with the Railway Commissioner . . .’

Cr Lane clearly thought the other Councillors should have attended as the work of the deputation extended beyond the finding of railway jobs.

Cr Radford thought that a public meeting could not appoint Councillors to act: only the Council could do that.

The mayor agreed that strictly speaking the actions of Crs Lane and McWaters were illegal, but he agreed the deputation was not confined to the reinstatement of the men. The action may have been illegal, but it was a good thing and their action must now be endorsed.

And so it was.

Burra Races on Saturday 16 January.

There was a fair attendance. The meeting was conducted almost where the 1876 meeting had been held. The results are printed. The main race was the Burra Handicap over 11⁄4 miles for 80 sovereigns and was won by W. Standley’s ALRAF ridden by J. Liddle.

XXII, 1928, 20 Jan. 1915, page 4

War Poem. There is an anti-German poem by ‘Coralinga’ An Appeal to the British Race.

And The Soldier’s Letter by ‘GAR’ of Leighton.

XXII, 1929, 27 Jan. 1915, page 1

Letter from Pte R.J. Woollacott writing from Windsor 26 November 1914. He describes the training regime and drills. He has also been on guard at Windsor Castle, which included sleeping in it. He wrote again on 2 December 1914 when he was still on mundane duties.

Burra Hospital

Nurse Solly has accepted the position of Matron from 25 January.

Burra Town Council, Monday

The Commissioner of Public works has approved an additional tank of 50,000 gallons for Burra.

300 yards of road metal are to be raised to ease unemployment.

The Overseer has been asked to resign.

Council will ask that an all-night telephone service be provided.

The War in South Africa is reported with an article about fighting in German South-West Africa. [Later Namibia.]

XXII, 1929, 27 Jan. 1915, page 2

Advt. Burra seaside trip to Henley Beach on 27 February. The train leaves Burra at 5.40 a.m. and departs Henley Beach at 6.28 p.m. Adults 5/6, children 2/9.

Advt. Rev. C.E. Schafer will speak on 6 o’clock closing of liquor bars at the Institute 27 January.

Notice of a meeting called for 28 January in J. Allen’s office to consider the formation of a swimming club. E. Cox, Convener.

Notice. A meeting of those interested in rebuilding the Leighton & Gum Creek schools will be held on 30 January in Leighton Hall. F.G. Scholz, Convener.

Advt. Picture Carnival at Victoria Park on 30 January. Theatregraph Pictures.

There will be a Picture Continental in aid of the Belgian Fund.

War Matters

Rev. J.H. Nield has sent in his name to become a chaplain with the army.

The following boys have volunteered and have gone down recently:

G. Partridge H.L. Riggs O.J. Ridgway

C.C. Stewart Ben Hill G.P.T. Turner

H.E. Fuss L. Kellaway George W. Masters

R.J. Sutton V.A. Riggs S.A. Jones

L.H. Carey Guy Barrett J.R. Sommerville

S. Ball T.C. Parks

XXII, 1929, 27 Jan. 1915, page 3

Obituary. Mr Edwin Dawson died at Booborowie last Sunday of peritonitis, leaving a wife and large family of young children. [Edward Dawson born 23 April 1865 District of Kapunda: died 24 January 1915 North Booborowie.]

Broken Hill. The attack on the Broken Hill excursion train by a pair of Turks was reported in German papers and their amazing version is reprinted here.

Cricket, Saturday at Terowie. North-Eastern Association 175 drew with Kooringa 8 for 121.

Burra Rifle Club. The 11th match for Mrs C.W. Pearce’s oil painting: Les Sandland 107 from J.E. Pearce 98.

H.L. Riggs and V. Riggs have enrolled in the 3rd Contingent. Mr L. Kellaway has also enrolled for the war. J.E. Pearce has taken over from H.L. Riggs as secretary.

Letter from Lieut. Lance Lewis dated 8 December 1914, from Alexandria.

Letter from Pte F. Wheatley dated 13 December 1914 from Mena.

He talks about the sights of Egypt – and complains about food shortages – on 20 December he wrote again from Cairo.

Letter from Major Kenyon to A.D. McLaren describing their passage through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal and of Alexandria and Cairo. ‘Darby [Killicoat] and Treloar have turned out the best sergeants in the Regiment.’

Burra Unemployment. On Monday afternoon at the Burra Hotel 35 unemployed men met. The Mayor was surprised at the number as work for 50 was offered at Oodnadatta and only 12 were going. One problem was that it cost £2-18-0 for a return fare with no guarantee of the length of employment. F. Thomas was going – he said the work would last at least two months and probably six.

M-C Queale said he believed it was for 9/- a day for 5 days a week and tucker would cost 15/- a week.

A voice said that meant working for £5 for 9 weeks after paying for fares.

After a vote 15 said they would go for 2 months guaranteed work, but 16 declined.

Relaying work on the northern line was stopped due to lack of funds. There will be some work on the Morgan line soon and a railway reservoir will be built near Burra if a suitable site can be found.

It is said there are about 70 unemployed in the town.

XXII, 1929, 27 Jan. 1915, page 4

Letter from ‘A Believer in Free Trade’. 1⁄2 column complaining of the way farm inputs are subject to customs duties etc., so increasing the cost of production by about 25%. The protection granted to the city manufacturers is directly at the expense of primary producers.

Letter from ‘Freedom’ on the hard times caused by drought and war – an argument that a more just and equal distribution of wealth and lower taxes and greater profit for farmers are the best guarantees for peace in the world. Capital and Labour need to work in harmony.

XXII, 1930, 3 Feb. 1915, page 1

Early Closing of Liquor Bars. A meeting at the Institute on 27 January was addresses by Rev. C.E. Schafer with E.W. Crewes in the chair. His address is reported in 21⁄4 columns.

XXII, 1930, 3 Feb. 1915, page 2

Advt. Annual Concert & Social in aid of the Church of England Missions will be held at the Hallett Institute on 5 Feb. It will include Trial by Jury by the Hallett Choral Class.

Advt. M.A. Dwyer of Seacliff attacks the Methodists as being grossly under-represented in the 1st Expeditionary Force: only 2%.

‘are you keeping them home to do odd jobs, or perhaps drive you around in your motor cars, while the common drinking herd fight to save it for you? We, who love our liberty, and our glass of beer, when we feel inclined that way, think it time that you put some khaki breeches on your feather-legged-sons and send them to help our soldier boys, instead of maligning them.’

[But see the reply in XXII, 1931, 10 Feb. 1915.]

War Matters

A number of the Burra Boys left for Melbourne on Monday to embark for the front: Cpl Day, Harry Davey, V. Ford, Cecil Stewart, J. Camp, F. Harvey, and Bevan.

Hartley Harris, Lieut. Copley and Acting Cpl Ockenden left last Thursday.

Pte George Thomson in Egypt has been promoted to Lance Corporal.

Unemployment. E.W. Crewes has been to Adelaide and seen the Commissioner of Public Works. He has received a guarantee of two months work as a minimum for a five day week at 9/- a day. The men would be taken up free, but would pay their return fare.

Tenders for the Burra reservoir enlargement will be called in mid-February. He reported to the unemployed on the steps of the Institute on Saturday afternoon.

XXII, 1930, 3 Feb. 1915, page 3

Cricket. Kooringa defeated Terowie on the first innings.

Kooringa 179 & Terowie 93 and 122

On Saturday Kooringa drew with Riverton.

Kooringa 187 and Riverton 2 for 101.

Letter from L-Cpl George Thomson to Mr & Mrs W.S. Thomson of the National Bank, Kooringa, written from Egypt. He talks of digging trenches in the sand, of administrative changes in the battalion and of visits to Cairo.

Letter from ‘Ratepayer’ complaining that tenders for District Council work should go to unemployed ratepayers. We cannot get work in the Corporation and therefore they should not get work from the District Council.

Leighton and Gum Creek Schools.

F.G. Scholz chaired a meeting at Leighton Hall on 30 January to consider the very dilapidated state of the school. The place needed rebuilding. There are c. 30 pupils. 75% come from the east and a new school could be built further east, but recent closer settlement meant that in future more might come from the west. Some thought two schools were needed. The Gum Ck School has an average of 14 with 18 on the roll. It is only a half time school and in future the inhabitants intend to erect a school and request a full teacher.

A motion called for the issue to be postponed for 12 months due to the bad season.

Burra Racing Club. The annual race meeting had made a loss of £125. I.J. Warnes presided and was surprised and disappointed at the absence of the President, Mr A.G. Gebhardt, at this time of crisis. Thomas McWaters wondered who owned the improvements: if it was the sporting syndicate they could guarantee the overdraft. G. Lord said £300 of improvements had been erected. The club had failed to go through with getting a lease and therefore had no claim on the improvements. Mr Truscott said the difficulty is entirely our own fault. A lease had been offered at £10 p.a. for 20 years and the Racing Club had failed to follow through. It was decided to try and get sheep men to give donations to write off the debt; in the meantime the committee would guarantee the debt.

XXII, 1931, 10 Feb. 1915, page 1

Redruth Local Court.

George Thorpe sued Murray Aunger Ltd, Motor Importers, for £490 damages for libel. Thorpe had been manager for Murray Aunger in Burra for some years. W.J. Davey Jun. had purchased from Thorpe an electric torch for 5/6. He had paid Thorpe two weeks later and Thorpe had promised to send a receipt, but didn’t do so and Davey continued to get accounts for it. Davey wrote explaining the matter after receiving the 2nd monthly account. The company replied that having checked the matter with Mr Thorpe they believed the account was in order, but they would get back to Mr Thorpe and would let Davey know the result in due course. When the company wrote to Thorpe he contacted his solicitors who wrote to the company expressing his offence at the implication of their letter to Davey. Thorpe says he handed the money to J. Richards Jun., the bookkeeper, who then apparently failed to issue a receipt, though questioned twice on the matter. Thorpe denied:

He was ever questioned by the company about the matter

That he ever said the account was quite in order

That he had no right to accept the money

The letter to Davey was a false and malicious libel that injured Thorpe’s reputation for honest dealing. The company replied that before leaving their employ he had gone through the accounts and certified the list of outstanding debts to be correct. The list included the 5/6 for the torch.

The defence said the words complained of did not bear the meaning put on them.

[Thorpe had since transferred to manage Eyes and Crowles which had started under Thorpe.]

The very detailed evidence traces the company’s change of management to J.W. Richards and Thorpe’s subsequent departure, and runs for over four columns on page 1 with a concluding paragraph on page 4.

The court summed up in favour of the complainant and the jury assessed damages at £100 plus costs.

XXII, 1931, 10 Feb. 1915, page 2

Advt. Labor Party Election Meeting in the Institute on 10 February. Messrs George, Pearce and Penglase will speak. Also in the Rotunda on Friday night 12 February.

Methodism and the War. A letter from a Methodist Chaplain in Egypt says there are 6,500 Methodists in the Australian Expeditionary Forces around Cairo and another source says they are 12% of the 1st Contingent. [A refutation of the previous week’s claim that they were but 2%.]

Volunteers. Chester Sandland and Trevor Hawkes leave today on the SS Moldavia, for

England where they intend to volunteer.

Redruth Court House is a disgrace. It is very poorly ventilated and the furniture seems not to have been replaced or repaired for 50 years. The witness box is wrongly placed behind the solicitors’ table. The bench is altogether too low.

Burra Town Council.

There is written confirmation that tenders for the new town reservoir will be called in February.

John A. Rosewall has been appointed Overseer. (From 12 applicants.)

H.J. Wilson has been appointed curator of the cemetery. (From 13 applicants.)

There was an inconclusive debate about further tarring of roads and this will be continued next meeting with questions about cost on notice.

Cr Redford moved that Mr Gully be required to remove fences across Jessie and Elder Streets within 10 days. Carried.

XXII, 1931, 10 Feb. 1915, page 3

Burra Agricultural Bureau heard a talk by Mr Laurie on ‘Fowls and Farmers’ on 26 January, following a demonstration in the afternoon at Mr Sampson’s poultry farm.

Belgian Relief Fund: £222-4-8.

Ironmine Harvest Thanksgiving was celebrated last Sunday.

Burra Rifle Club. 12th match for Mrs C.W. Pearce’s oil painting: A. Lackmann 96 from B. Sugars 91.

The telephone has now been installed and the targets brought up-to-date.

L.W. Gebhardt donated the phone, M.A. Radford the wire, A.G. Shortridge the insulation and J.E. Pearce and M.A. Radford fixed the insulators and wires.

Cricket at Booborowie on Saturday: Kooringa 187 defeated North Booborowie 99.

Letter from ‘Fairplay’ complaining that too many of the unemployed working men are still spending time and money on beer, billiards, picture shows and gambling and are not prepared to leave the town to find work.

Burra Swimming Club.

Mr Nation, who founded the Hamley Bridge club, is the instructor.

Changing sheds are being erected at the Mine Pool.

The official opening was performed last Saturday by Mr E.W. Crewes.

Membership costs 1/- and so far there are 72 members. Carnivals will be organised.

Part of the pool has been set aside for learners.

The diving board has been donated by C. & A. Fuss.

Office bearers are: President E.W. Crewes

Instructor B. Nation

Assistant Instructors F. West, W. Bowen, S. Sara, E.M. Cox

Hon. Secretary E.M. Cox

XXII, 1932, 17 Feb. 1915, page 1

WCTU continues to meet monthly in Jubilee Hall.

XXII, 1932, 17 Feb. 1915, page 2

Editorial on the Seaside Trip. In such a time of financial hardship and war it was after considerable debate that the trip was decided upon. Some took exception to the idea that those in debt would go on an excursion practically at the expense of their creditors. Rumours abounded. Walker & Sons have been accused of threatening to summons any of their debtors who took the trip. Of course this is nonsense, but it is liable to do them harm. They have taken out an advertisement labelling it as ‘absolutely untrue’. Similarly wild rumours are reported from Mintaro because this year no second train will run. If the train from Burra is not filled the committee will consider the possibility of taking passengers from Farrell’s Flat and Mintaro.

Theft. Mr H. Austin has had a dressed sheep carcase stolen from his slaughterhouse and has also lost hay, lucerne and other fodder. He offers a £5 reward.

The Mine Pool. Last Saturday was a special ladies’ day at the pool and 20-30 took advantage of the instruction available. A large number of envious youths had to content themselves with a seat on the bank. A number of young ladies have returned for a sunrise dip since, or for an evening swim.

Burra Rifle Club. The progressive points for Mrs C.W. Pearce’s oil painting are: A.P. Harris 14, J.E. Pearce 12 and E.A. Riggs 12, Captain Lord 11.

G. Lawn replaces H.L. Riggs on the committee following the latter’s volunteering for service.

Tennis, Saturday 13 Feb. Aberdeen 10 sets 67 games defeated Ironmine 2 sets 34 games.

Cricket Saturday at Aberdeen: the match ended in a draw.

Kooringa 6 for 204 declared and Hallett 3 for 75.

XXII, 1932, 17 Feb. 1915, page 3

House of Assembly Elections. Labor candidates were at the Institute last Wednesday. In opening the meeting Mr E.W. Crewes said he had received news of work at Pinnaroo for 10 men. The speeches of Messrs Penglase, George and Pearce of the United Labor Party are reported in 11⁄2 columns.

Letter from Cecil Lord from Egypt dated 10 January 1915. It deals with day to day events of army life and the sights of Egypt, Cairo and the pyramids.

Letter L.A.M. telling ‘Fairplay’ to mind his own business and pointing out it is no more a crime for the workingman to indulge in pleasures than for the so-called higher classes.

Letter from ‘Democrat’ extolling the virtues of proportional representation. (Or effective voting as it was called)

Burra Town Council, Monday.

The cost of tar-paving Commercial St was £6-17-1 per chain, which rose to £7-4-6 where some shouldering was required. Three chains in Aberdeen, where no shouldering was needed were done for £6-16-2 per chain.

There was debate over the need for a pound within the town as the present one at Ford’s was 11⁄4 miles out and it was difficult to get old milch cows so far.

West Burra Coppermining Co. Half-yearly Report

In the last six months 28’ of sinking and 148’ of driving have been done. There was 57’ of driving N-E at 100’ and then operations moved to the 50’ level where a good ore vein was followed for 30’ east and driving continued another 23’. The drive west is 38’ and has met a rich vein of ore. Prospects remain good with the company in credit £379. 800 shares remain in reserve and there are 5 tons of high-grade ore on the surface.

XXII, 1933, 24 Feb. 1915, page 1

Letter from ‘A Freetrader’ carries an argument in c. 1⁄2 column in support of free trade.

Letter from ‘Liberal’ attacking the points raised by Labor candidates recently.

Letter from F. Ward on the ‘Liquor Question’.

Cricket at Aberdeen on Saturday ended in a draw.

Kooringa 8 for 174 and W.S. Murray’s Team 6 for 119.

Burra Rifle Club, Saturday, J.A. Riggs 89 from A.B. Riggs 86.

XXII, 1933, 24 Feb. 1915, page 2

Advt. 3⁄4 column of argument for the Liquor Trades Employees’ Union against the proposal to close hotel bars at 6 p.m.

Editorial on the Belgian Relief Fund: a call to all to make sacrifices that the 7,000,000 Belgians facing starvation may receive some aid.

XXII, 1933, 24 Feb. 1915, page 3

Mt Bryan Sports on 20 Feb. were a success. The athletic club had donated £15 to Belgian Relief which was increased to £52 as a result of the meeting. Results are printed.

The Seaside Trip is proving very popular with about 433 young people and children and 330 adults having paid £177 for tickets. The guarantee for the train is £76-16-0. It departs Burra at 5.40 a.m., stops at Riverton for refreshments and returns at 6.28 p.m.

Letter from Pte R. Woollacott of the Coldstream Guards in France.

Monday 28 Dec. 1914: on a train to the front

Tuesday 29 Dec. 1914: still on the train

Wednesday 30 Dec. 1914: in barracks

He reports that Reg. Woollacott is missing presumed killed. The camp is described.

Tuesday 3 January 1915: in the front line, having gone in on the 2 January. German trenches are 250 yards in front.

Redruth Police Court, 26 February.

Percy Clark was charged with unlawfully assaulting M-C Horace Queale and in turn charged M-C Queale with assaulting him. Queale said he had entered the Commercial Hotel at 11 p.m. on 30 January and asked 7 or 8 men to leave. They did so and then Clark abused him and told him to get out of his hotel and then struck him a blow on his lip, cutting it. Clark seemed the worse for drink and threatened to fight him in the yard as well.

Queale said he was on duty at the picture carnival till 10.45 p.m. He had then had two glasses of beer at Clark’s and then stood on Dalgety’s Corner till 11 p.m. before returning to Clark’s. W.H. Stevenson, who was one of those in the parlour who was asked to leave, gave evidence supporting Queale’s account.

Percy w. Clark, hotel manager, claimed he had warned the men in the parlour to leave and had told them not to ride bicycles without lights as the John Hops were about. [The others had denied this.] He claimed to be sober. He said that Queale, on coming out of the parlour had shaken his cane at him and he had grabbed it and a wrestle had followed. He denied hitting him with a fist. All witnesses were mistaken about his condition and he did not offer to fight Queale.

Various hotel employees gave evidence which largely corroborated the Queale version of events. They tried to put Clark in the best possible light and said he was sober and tried to suggest at least some degree of provocation on Queale’s part.

The charge against Queale was dismissed and the costs of it awarded against Clark for £5-4-0. On his charge Clark was fined £5 including costs.

Letter from ‘Fairplay’ responding to ‘L.A.M.’ variously countering his points and maintaining with some force that ‘if a man owes the money he gambles away it is [a crime]. There is no comparison between the man who can afford to and the man who cannot be he upper or lower class as L.A.M. calls them’.

Letter from ‘Sympathetic’ urging that the Belgian Fund remain open beyond the projected £250 in view of the level of distress there.

Obituary. Nicholas Dunstan Bennett died suddenly at Nailsworth on Saturday. The deceased was born at Constantine, Norfolk in 1834 and arrived in Adelaide in January 1856 on the Marion after a voyage of 113 days. He went to the Victorian diggings for five months before coming to work in the Burra Mine. Later he opened a school at Black Springs and in 1859 took charge of the Government school at Redruth and in 1860 bought the goodwill of Mr Forder’s school. Five years later he became clerk of Moonta Local Court and filled various Government positions for the next 27 years, retiring in 1892 to Nailsworth. Four sons and one daughter survive: A.D. Bennett, Dr T.C. Bennett, Dr A.H. Bennett (Hampstead), C.E. Bennett (Adelaide) and Mrs Bennett Willinson [sic: for Wilkinson] (Perth). [Died 20 February 1915 at Prospect aged 80.]

Oodla Wirra Gold Field. There is a 1⁄3 column report on this field 9 miles north of Oodla Wirra

XXII, 1934, 3 Mar. 1915, page 1

Burra Branch of the Liberal Union.

Annual social and dinner was on 25 February in the Institute. The President, J.M. McDonald occupied the chair. The proceedings are reported in 23⁄4 columns of detail.

Thomas Fairchild found a portion of a human skull some 70 miles east of Burra some time ago. Yesterday it was given to M-C Queale who thinks it is that of a white man. He will give it to Dr Steele for examination.

XXII, 1934, 3 Mar. 1915, page 2

Kooringa Methodist Church Harvest Thanksgiving was last Sunday.

Obituary. Mr Edward Lee, son of Mr & Mrs Joseph Lee of World’s End died 24 February at Clare of double pneumonia, aged 30. His brother Wally is with the AIF. [Edwin Charles Lee born 1 January 1885 Marrabel: died 25 February 1915 at Clare, residence Kooringa.]

Letter from Arrol T. Penglase who replies to ‘Liberal’ defending the Labor position and correcting falsities he find in the other’s arguments.

Letter from ‘L.A.M.’ again, attacking ‘Fairplay’ and asking whether the latter would care to go to Oodnadatta, work under the conditions for the amount on offer and try to support his family on what is left.

‘He would come creeping back like a whipped puppy with his tail down, not even heart enough to carry his swag.’

‘Fairplay says it’s the workers’ fault they are so badly off now because they waste what they earn.’

This terrible drought is enough to cripple nearly all the industries . . .

W.T. Truscott writes to dent emphatically that he is ‘Fairplay’.

Letter from E.A. Wohling attacking the cowardly ‘Fairplay’ for insulting the working men of Burra from behind a nom-de-plume. Consider the Oodnadatta men: five men worked for five weeks in blistering heat and dense flies and mosquitoes, contending with sand and sore eyes. After paying for provisions for the five weeks they could send £1 to their families. He [‘Fairplay’] also contended that those at Pinnaroo must be well off to afford living in a hotel as some are. At 17/6 a week they are doing well: otherwise they would have to buy a tent and utensils etc., buy food, which in the heat, ants and sand would involve considerable wastage. ‘Fairplay’ would need much more evidence otherwise intelligent workers ‘must accept the assurance that you narrowly escape being a natural born lunatic’.

Cricket, Saturday at Riverton.

Kooringa 200 defeated Riverton 117.

Seaside Trip to Henley last Saturday. Some 800 took advantage of the cheap fares to spend a day at the beach or in the city. The weather was excellent. One boy was left behind, but E.W. Crewes made arrangements to pay his fare on Monday morning if necessary and a gentleman gave him accommodation. The numbers leaving from Burra prevented passengers from south of Farrell’s Flat joining.

XXII, 1934, 3 Mar. 1915, page 3

Belgian Relief Fund. There is considerable enthusiasm to take up the challenge for further money raising. Mr McLaren as secretary of the fund has sent off another £70 from the sum raised. The Mayor has arranged a band concert for Friday night. Mr Lane will lend his shop next to the Savings Bank as a depot for goods to be auctioned. Mr McLaren offered to do the auctioning. Mr Walker thought stores with old stock might make a donation. A weekly donation scheme was also suggested. The above were all endorsed by a public meeting at which nearly £18 was immediately promised. The Musical Committee meeting saw the Hockey Club agree to give a concert and Miss Pearce will arrange a ‘Birthday Party’ and Miss Bullen a Children’s Concert. The Brass Band concert last Friday raised £3-15-10. The town will be canvassed with weekly subscription cards. The fund now totals £259-6-10.

Burra Town Council, Monday.

E.J. Harris is to build in Chapel St and he writes to have a fence removed from the road around the plantation.

The Overseer estimates the cost of a footbridge at the Mine Bridge would be c. £21.

An East Ward deputation wants a street lamp in Kingston St near Mr Davey’s.

Cr McWaters said the light near the Recreation Reserve seemed useless, but Cr Lane said it served a dozen residents.

The deed of gift of Paxton Square to the Corporation from the Hon. J. Lewis for the housing of deserving poor was read. The property is to be vested in the Hon. J. Lewis and the Mayor of the Corporation. A committee comprising the Town’s ministers, Hon. J. Lewis and the Mayor will control the property and select inmates with the power to set such a rent as is needed for maintenance and power to expel on a week’s notice without reason.

Cr McBride thought it might become a liability.

The Town Clerk said the rents were c. £70 p.a. He thought a Health Officer’s inspection would see half the cottages condemned. On taking over the property the Council would lose £13 p.a. in rates.

The council resolved to inspect the property.

The Burra Burra Coppermining Co. in liquidation advised that in future the Council would have to occupy the rubbish depot on one month’s notice as the property was for sale.

The Council resolved to buy a horse and dray and do its own scavenging. The position of scavenger is to be advertised at 9/- per day for 6 days a week.

A Red Cross Continental was held in the grounds of the Bank of Australasia on Tuesday last week and raised some £12.

Letter. Pte David Killicoat writes from Camp Ma’adi to Mrs P.L. Killicoat. The camp was c. 12 miles from Cairo. There was no news of any military action or movements.

Tennis. On 20 Feb. Porter’s Lagoon 9 sets 78 games defeated Farrell’s Flat 6 sets 59 games.

Booborowie Railway. 100 met at Willalo Hall on Tuesday 23 March [sic] [Presumably really 23 Feb.] to confer with railway officials about the proposed line either from Hanson (23 miles) or from Yakilo Junction on the Spalding line (17 miles). The Comptroller of Accounts, John Pickering, gave figures suggesting the Hanson line would lose a small amount each year of c. £600. The Hanson route gave the better outlet to Adelaide and also to get livestock to the Burra Markets or to send hay and chaff to the north. (For this last purpose it was 100 miles better.) It is also the easier route for construction. The meeting unanimously endorsed a Hanson-Booborowie railway.

XXII, 1935, 10 Mar. 1915, page 1

Market Square Fire, Tuesday 2 March.

About 11.30 p.m. fire destroyed the row of old buildings on the south side of Market Square owned by Walker & Sons. When the alarm was sounded by Mr Harrap all aid was given, but without a proper appliance the position was hopeless. The fire seems to have started in J. Allen’s office. G. Lord, who was one of the first on the scene, almost put out the fire in the front room with a fire extinguisher before the machine was exhausted, but the fire in the back room continued. Mr A, Walker tried another extinguisher with similar success. The fight continued with buckets, but this was inadequate and the attention had to be focused on saving Pederson & Sons’ boot shop at one end and Harrap’s pie shop at the other. The fire ran quickly along the old paling roof under the iron and was impossible to control without appliances. Pederson’s was saved by its high parapet wall and a 60’ hose was able to keep the fire from more than scorching the verandah and slightly damaging the wall.

Next to Mr Allen’s office on the other side was Walker and Sons with a stock of crockery, tinware and linoleums etc. This was practically all destroyed. Then came Mr Harrap’s private residence. This could not be saved so all the furniture was removed. Fortunately this was done with little damage, as it was uninsured. Across the 12’ right of way was the pie shop and had this caught fire it would have been impossible to save Mr W. Truscott’s butcher shop or Mr E.J. Harris’s shop. Wet bags on the roof and a hose kept the flames at bay. The crowd of workers did an excellent job despite clouds of smoke attacking those on the pie shop roof. M-C Queale supervised operations effectively. Mr Allen’s office contents were insured for £30. Also lost in it were records, guernseys etc. of the Burra Football Association and the Kooringa Football Club.

The buildings were insured for £500 and Walker & Sons’ stock for £300.

On Wednesday evening the fire started again at the rear of Mr Harrap’s residence, but was soon controlled.

There have of late been several attempts to start fires in the town:

27 Sep. 1914: at the rear of the same row

2 Oct. 1914: an attempt to burn F. Harrap’s place

26 Oct. 1914: an attempt to burn A.D. McLaren’s shop

29 Nov. 1914: another attempt to burn the buildings destroyed last week

an attempt to set fire to Clark’s Commercial Hotel which did no damage

an attempt to set fire to Mr Pizzo’s house which had been partially destroyed by a fire of known cause.

This makes clear the necessity of forming a fire brigade in the town. Had the fire occurred on the other side of the square with a favourable wind the damage could have been enormous.

Market Square Fire Inquest, 4 March with E.W. Crewes as coroner and a jury.

Thomas A. Harrap: refreshment-room proprietor, Kooringa.

11.30 p.m., Tuesday 2 March, was undressing for bed when smelt paper burning. Saw a large volume of smoke in the front street. Went out the back and saw rear of J. Allen’s in flames. No hope of putting it out and raised the alarm. The fire seemed to be right at J. Allen’s back door. The wooden place at the back of my house was not burned, though the ceiling was charred. Cannot understand its escaping. Heard no one about Tuesday night.

[There is then evidence that he and Mr Walker had talked on Wednesday about burning down this wooden room, but the matter is more clearly put in Walker’s evidence.]

John Allen:

Was in the front room of the office that night with A.D. McLaren c. 9.05 p.m. and used a kerosene lamp. We left after 10 minutes and extinguished the lamp. Passed the office c. 11.05 p.m. and saw no sign of fire. Office contents were insured for £30. It would have been possible for someone to get through the shed and through the window into my office. No idea of how the fire started. There was a drum of paint oil in the storeroom, half a tin of kerosene and 1⁄3 bottle of benzine. The floors in the front room were brick and in the two back rooms were dirt. There was no matting.

A.D. McLaren corroborated the first part of Mr Allen’s evidence.

Walter T. Truscott:

He gave evidence of the small fire that broke out the following night at the rear of Harrap’s previous dwelling among some straw envelopes in a shed there. He also gave evidence of the night of the main fire, but added little to the above.

A.L. Walker, storekeeper:

Hear the alarm c. 11.30 p.m. When I got to Dalgety’s Corner the fire was coming out of Allen’s office. Took a fire extinguisher from our drapery store to the fire. I put out the flames in the front rooms, but did not notice the flames in the back room. Before more water could be got the fire burst out again. Went to the adjoining shop. There was then no sign of fire there. Opened the back door to unlock the gate and filled a bucket with water in case fire should break out at the back. Went into the street and closed the doors. 10 minutes later re-entered our shop and found flames coming along the ceiling in the back room. Premises were insured for £500 and the stock for £300. Our financial position is good. On Wednesday night when the second fire occurred I was with M-C Queale from 6.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. and from 9.00 to 11.00 p.m. at my home with Mr Day. Could not replace my stock for under £500. There is no trace of fire at Allen’s back door. Thought the fire must have originated in the front of Allen’s. Was in the room at the back of Harrap’s between 7 and 8 Wednesday. Mr Crewes and Harrap and some boys were there. Harrap showed where the ceiling had been burnt a little. He put a match to the ceiling and suggested he should burn it down. I told him to stop. He said it would be better burnt because it might catch fire in the night and ignite the buildings across the lane. I said it would cost us the insurance to do so. He said it would clean the whole place up. I said he was a fool to do so. When M-C Queale sent for me at 10 o’clock there had been a fire in Harrap’s yard in the outhouse and against the washhouse.

M-C Queale:

Heard the alarm at 11.30 p.m. on 2 March and saw Allen’s place alight. The ridgepole was then burning. Tried to save Pederson’s boot shop and Truscott’s. Stayed all night watching the fire and then put on another man. Was watching again the next night as there was still some stuff smouldering at the front. Spent 10 minutes in Truscott’s and went home, returning c. 10.15 and saw people running in the lane next to Harrap’s. Found Truscott throwing water on boxes of straw and straw envelopes and noticed smoke coming from the outhouse. Paper was burning on the seat. There was no doubt an attempt had been made to cause another fire. There was no sign of fire between 6 and 9.45 p.m. On Wednesday afternoon visited the room behind Harrap’s and some paper had been burnt on top of a modern dresser and the calico ceiling had been burnt. Don’t see any connection between the burnt paper and the big fire. It seems a deliberate attempt to burn the room down. Allen’s back door looked as though it had been pulled out. The shed was not scorched. On Wednesday morning there was no sign of fire in Harrap’s back room. Don’t recall any burnt hessian in the ceiling Wednesday afternoon, but there was some in the evening. On two other occasions there have been attempts to burn these premises. Got a black-tracker up, but there was insufficient evidence for an arrest.

Harrap was recalled:

Saw fire at the back of Allen’s first. Could not understand how the shed was not burned. On the second attempt I did not say that it was a pity the whole place was not burnt down as I might have got a new shop and bakehouse.

The Mayor summed up. He thought the evidence was clear that the fire started in the front part of Mr Allen’s office; that it spread from there to the next building occupied by Walker and Sons. There had been a deliberate attempt to complete the destruction the next day, but there was no evidence to say by whom.

The jury came to the same conclusion.

XXII, 1935, 10 Mar. 1915, page 2

Kooringa Post Office will at last be decently lit. The Department has accepted a tender to light the building with a petrol gas plant.

Riverton-Spalding Railway. The tender for the first and second divisions has been accepted. The second division will see the line to about Seven Hills.

Burra Institute Committee

The Finance Committee will look into a scheme for financing a billiard room. A room for two tables would have to be 45’ x 20’ and would cost from £600 to £1,000. The Institute is currently in credit £116-4-0. Tenders will be called to place the lantern for picture shows in a fireproof condition. There are 128 subscribers. It was decided to call tenders for the new escape door.

Burra Volunteers

A correct list is desired and consequently the Rev. S.J. Bloyd would like corrections to the following list:

C.H. Beaven S. Ball G. Barrett A. Brandt

H.J. Copley J. Camp R.A. Cock L.H. Carey

C.R. Collins A. Carey H.E. Davey M.W. Dow

G.H. Dow H.E. Fuss W. Ford Hartley Harris

F.G. Harvey A. Harvey W.C. Henderson B. Hill

C.M. Hunt W.R. Hawkes J.E. Hatherly G.H. Hatherly

P.C. Herbert E.G. Johnson C.H. James W.E. James

T.S. Kenyon H.N. King L. Kellaway P.D. Killicoat

D.H. Killicoat L.A. Lewis J. Lloyd W.R. Lee

C.C. Lord G. McMaster R.J. Nourse R.A. Ockenden

T.C. Parks G. Partridge W. Pederson O.J. Ridgway

H.L. Riggs V.A. Riggs E.M. Roach T.E.J. Rule

A.A. Stewart C.C. Stewart J. Seeley R.J. Sommerville

H.W. Skinner K.C. Sandland H.W. Swift B.J. Sutton

R. Tennell L.E. Taplin S.J.T. Turner G.P.T. Turner

F.J. Treloar G.W.W. Thomson F. Wheatley

And which of these have gone to the front?

XXII, 1935, 10 Mar. 1915, page 3

Leighton & Ironmine Sports were held last Saturday and up to 2.30 there were huge clouds of dust and a gale which made attendance only fair. £10 of the £20 profit will go to the Belgian Relief Fund.

Utica Coppermining Co. Second annual Report.

A pumping plant has been successfully installed at £264. In the very hot weather we have had to cease work due to bad air. Winze sinking has only got 16’ – at which there is splendid ore. Tenders will be called to sink the winze to 100’. We have, with the Government subsidy, £340. The future of the company looks satisfactory. G. Lord is retiring as a director to be replaced by A.J. McBride.

Letter from Pte R. Woollacott, 18 January, from the front in France. He writes of life alternating between the front line and resting further back – perhaps 2-3 days up and then 24 hours respite. Trenches 5’ deep and 2-4’ wide and at times up to 15” deep in sloppy mud. He describes day-to-day duty is some detail for c. 11⁄3 columns.

Letter from ‘Liberal’ on some aspects of the election.

Letter from ‘Member’ responding to F. Ward’s writing that there are other sins and vices than drunkenness, pointing out that the WCTU does not concern itself solely with temperance.

Licensed Victuallers’ Association has passed six motions essentially expressing their disagreement with the campaign of the Early Closing League and its supporters.

Belgian Relief Fund: £282-15-4.

XXII, 1936, 17 Mar. 1915, page 2

Advt. Burra Institute, 24 March. Grand Patriotic & Costume Concert by the Belgian Bees and the Hockey Girls: in aid of the Belgian Relief Fund.

Advt. Hallett Sports on 5 April: in aid of the Belgian Relief Fund.

Advt. Guessing Competition in aid of the Belgian Relief Fund. Guess the number of shot in a sealed bottle at Archie Williams: Fruiterer & Greengrocer, Redruth.

Frank Riggs won 1st prize for 1st year students at Roseworthy College last week and a prize for agriculture and farm dairies and a prize for outdoor work.

Letter from L.A. Lewis: Heliopolis, Egypt, 6 Feb. 1915.

Thanking all for Christmas greetings.

Letter from Thomas Wilks of Mt Bryan East to the Register concerning the report that Thomas Fairchild had discovered a human skull 70 miles east of Burra. Captain Arrara, a Spaniard, who came from South America in charge of mules for the Burra Smelting Copper Co. was lost out there in 1858 or 1859. His horse returned to Baldina Station with only its bridle. Sgt. Hooper from Burra organised a search party without success.

The ‘Belgian Bees’ and the Burra Hockey Girls are rehearsing for a concert to be held in the Burra Institute on Wednesday next with proceeds to go to the Belgian Relief Fund.

[As this seems to be the first reference to the ‘Belgian Bees’ it is not very illuminating.]

Burra Town Council

Cr McBride moved that a footbridge be constructed at the Mine Bridge. Cr McWaters 2nd. Carried

The Pig and Whistle [footbridge] is to be repaired.

Some repairs will be made to the Rotunda roof.

Cr Radford moved that Bagot, Shakes and Lewis be approached to allow their yards to be used as a town pound yard.

The Mayor pointed out that such a move would involve appointing a pound-keeper and pound fees would not cover feed. The motion lapsed.

Paxton Square.

Cr McBride acknowledged the Hon. J. Lewis’s generosity, but pointed out that the present condition of the property would involve the Council in very great expense. Perhaps it would be better if it were transferred to a private trust.

The Mayor said in the first place the Council stood to lose £13-£15 p.a. in rates.

Cr Radford said the Council should have a full report from the Inspector and Health Officer to put before Mr Lewis. Carried.

A letter will be sent to Mr Lewis outlining the Council’s position.

XXII, 1936, 17 Mar. 1915, page 3

The Mayor said it was essential that they take steps to establish a fire brigade.

Cr Lane said Kapunda had a volunteer brigade and the water pressure in Kooringa was excellent.

The Mayor said a couple of lengths of hose and a hand reel would suffice and he heard the tender for the enlarged reservoir had been let.

The Town Clerk said the Adelaide Fire Brigade estimated the cost of a reel etc. at £63.

Cr Radford suggested postponing till the annual meeting of ratepayers, when the matter could be put before them. He didn’t know where all the money would come from.

It was decided to visit Kapunda and Gawler and gather all the relevant information and report next meeting.

Local Board of Health

The scavenger is behind in his work.

George Lawn was appointed scavenger from 18 applicants.

The mayor and Cr McBride had settled on a horse and dray for scavenging at £50 provided the dray was renovated. Cr McWaters inspected it later and approved.

Cr Radford made a comment approving the purchase which Cr McBride thought was sarcastic, but this interpretation was denied by Radford.

Vandalism of lamp-glasses and various locks continues to be a problem.

£5 reward was offered for information leading to a conviction.

Cricket. The team from Clare did not arrive on Saturday till 3 p.m. so a draw was inevitable. Kooringa 8 for 162 and Clare 4 for 114.

Liberal Union AGM was held Friday afternoon in the Liberal Union Rooms in Kooringa. Mr J.M. McBride wished to retire as President, but was eventually induced to continue. Messrs J.E. Winnall, & Rogers were re-elected Vice-Presidents.

War Poem. An anti-German poem by C. Hedger: Me and the Teufel.

[‘Me’ = the Kaiser and the ‘Teufel’ = the Devil.]

Football. The Aberdeen Football Club met in the offices of C. & A. Fuss on 11 March to farewell the club secretary, J.W. Pickering, who is transferring to the city. Arthur Brown was appointed secretary pro tem. Mr Pickering was presented with a safety razor.

Kooringa Court, 12 March.

Alfred J. Bass was charged with stealing a bicycle valued at £4-10-0, the property of S.M. Lane: having hired it for an hour on 8 Feb. and not returned it. Remanded without bail till 24 March.

Letter from W.E. Wilson, secretary of the Australasian White Cross League seeking funds for booklets warning men about the dangers of sexual immorality, to be distributed to Australian soldiers.

Obituary. John Hatherly of Mt Bryan died 9 March at his residence ‘Kolinda’ of heart failure following pleurisy and pneumonia. He was aged 66 and a colonist of 49 years. He came to SA in the Prince of Wales and spent many years on a series of stations in the north before taking up land near Mt Bryan for the last eight years. He was a strong supporter of the Anglican Church. He leaves a wife, Annie, five daughters, four sons and three grandchildren. He was born at Knockersknowle, Plymouth, England.

[There is a death notice on page 2.]

Obituary. Charles Lovell Faggotter died at Hallett on 6 March aged 82. Over 40 years ago he was on the Mt Bryan Sheep Station owned by Messrs Gilbert. He leaves a family of nine, including: Mrs T. Pearce, Mrs Price, 2 sons in Broken Hill, Mrs Talbot, and 3 sons on Yorke’s Peninsula – one son in Moonta and over thirty grandchildren.

XXII, 1936, 17 Mar. 1915, page 4

Early Closing [of Liquor Bars]. An address by Pastor J.M. Franklyn of Melbourne to a large audience in the Institute on Tuesday 9 March is reported in 13⁄4 columns.

Robert Homburg MP retires from politics. He says he had decided upon this long before the outbreak of war in order to devote himself to his legal business. He spoke to refute any rumours regarding his loyalty. [2⁄3 column.]

XXII, 1937, 24 Mar. 1915, page 2

Advt. Foresters’ Picnic at Sod Hut on Easter Monday.

Advt. Edwin J. Harris Prime samples of SA & Victorian Chaff. Phone 16. [This seems to be the first mention of a telephone number in Burra – they are not yet cited in other advertisements. This advt. is repeated on 31 March and then phone numbers again cease to appear until the Record number is stated in XXII, 1967 29 Sep. 1915, page 2]

William E. Escott Murdered at Koonoona.

On Tuesday night last week (16 March) W.E. Escott was shot in the face through the window as he sat in his office at about 8 p.m. He staggered onto the verandah where he fell and died. At the time those at home beside the victim were his son Clement Escott and his wife, a younger son Harold Escott, and C.T. Fisher, brother of the late Mrs Escott Sen.

After the evening meal deceased went to his office and both Messrs Clement and Harold left to visit neighbours. The others remained chatting in the kitchen. When the shot rang out Mr Fisher ran into the garden, but unable to ascertain its origin he went around the front verandah. The victim was alive and tried to speak, but could not be understood before he died.

Clement Escott returned soon afterwards and then drove into Burra to report the matter. Harold Escott returned c. 11.30 p.m. M-C Queale, Dr Steele and S.M. Lane as coroner, went out to Koonoona. Detective Allchurch with M-Cs Johns and Merrett and the Black-tracker Alf Ryan came on the first rain on Wednesday.

The coroner and a jury of six inspected the body at the Burra Hospital and then went out to Koonoona with the police, arriving at 3 p.m. They surveyed the scene of the crime and the damage done by the shot gun at very close range. The tracker was soon busy. The inquest was opened at the house with the jury of F. Treloar (foreman), W. Hodge, a. O’Brien, T. McWaters, George Lord and A.J. McBride.

Clement Escott:

Son of the deceased, who would have been 70 next month, gave formal evidence of identity and the inquest then adjourned till 10 a.m. 25 March at the Burra Institute.

Christopher Fisher:

Was in the kitchen after tea with Clem Escott. Mr Escott Sen. had gone to his office. About 7.20 heard someone in the passage – not heavy steps like Mr Escott, thought it was Harold. After the shot I rushed out from the kitchen around the house to the front and found Mr Escott lying on the ground. It was very dark with no light in the office. Mrs Escott thought it was best to let him lay where he had fallen. She lit a lamp in the office and between 8 and 9 o’clock Mr Clem came home.

Clement Escott:

Left at 7.30 to go to G. Webb’s, a neighbour, about 2 miles away. Came back between 8.15 and 8.30. Turned out the horse and went to the stables to feed the draught horses before stopping the windmill and going to the house. I found the door locked and my wife asked who was there. They let me in and told me my father had been shot. I went to Mr Kelly, a mile away and brought him back, covered father with a rug and went to Burra for the police. Know of no one with a grudge against my father.

Harold Escott:

About 7.30 went to Black Springs to post letters and then to Mr McCarthy’s – 10 or 11 miles in all. Returned c. 11.30 and went to the stables to feed the buggy horses and the one I had ridden. Found the door locked and went to the kitchen, saw a light and went to the dining room and found Mr Kelly there. They told me what had happened and we waited for the police. I had been living at Echunga, but came home on 12 December and have been with the McCarthy’s for two months. Don’t think father had a cross word with anybody in the district. Have not seen any strangers about. None of us went to bed that night. About 1.30 a.m. my other sisters came from Burra. About 6 a.m. I was going to Farrell’s flat to get my other sister and asked my sister to come to my room as I wanted to get my watch and was scared. On entering the room I noticed a candle on the bed and one of my waistcoats on the floor. My watch was missing.

[Some money was also missing, but the evidence as reported is not easy to follow – perhaps £42 in notes and some coins.]

On Thursday a double-barrelled breech-loading gun was found in a 65’ shaft by the tracker Alfred Ryan, who descended by rope and recovered it.

The funeral was on Thursday 18 March in unpleasant dusty conditions.

On Monday 22 March Harold Escott was arrested for the murder of his father, William Escott Escott. The case was adjourned till 26 March and the Inquest reopens 25 March.

State Elections. A meeting with Liberal Candidates, Hon. L. O’Loughlin and Mr Pick at South Booborowie on 22 March is reported in 1 3⁄4 columns.

XXII, 1937, 24 Mar. 1915, page 3

West Burra Copper Mine: report of the Inspector of Mines after a visit on 18 Feb. 1915.

The mine is on section 116 H. of Hanson and 31⁄2 miles SW of the Burra Mine. The main underlie shaft was sunk on the dip of the lode for 100’ and then for a further 55’ on a soft break in the country. At 53’ the lode was cut off in a fault and the displacement is not yet determined. A fair amount of driving at 100’ has not found the lode though some isolated patches have been found. Lode is well defined to 50’. Some recent driving on the lode has shown high grade ore in a fairly defined lode for 20’ when a fault is found.

The inspector goes on to suggest further driving to find the displaced lode and winze sinking to assist in locating a drive to intersect the ore at 100’. All in all he says the mine is still promising.

Football. The Aberdeen Football Club AGM at C. & A. Fuss’s office on 16 March.

C. Fuss in the chair. Elections: President J. Gallagher

Patron C. Bartholomæus

Hon. Sec. A. Brown

Captain A. Lomman

Vice-Captain Francis Bernhardt

[C. Fuss was on the committee and was a delegate to the Burra Football Association. A. Fuss was also on the committee.]

Early Closing of Liquor Bars. An address by J.W. Evans, ex-President of the Licensed Victuallers’ Association of NSW was given at the Rotunda on Monday night. He spoke in favour of keeping the closing time at 11 p.m. He is reported in c. 11⁄4 columns.

Letter from Labor candidates Pearce, Penglase and George, taking issue with ‘Liberal’ on election issues.

Letter from I.J. Goodridge in support of the 6 o’clock closing of bars.

Obituary. William Davey died on 22 March of pleurisy and bronchitis. He had lived in Burra over 60 years. He was born in the parish of Stithians, Cornwall, in 1828 and was aged 86. He came to SA in the Omega in 1851. He walked to Burra and got work as a miner and later as a storekeeper on the mine. Later still he was District Council Clerk until he was 80 and Secretary of the Oddfellows Lodge. For 221⁄2 years he was caretaker and librarian at the Institute. He was an ardent Bible Christian and after union a trustee of the Methodist Church. Mrs Davey died 10 years ago. He is survived by Mrs E. Statton (Hallett), Mrs E.L. Davey (Burra), Messrs S.H. Davey (Wallaroo), William (Petersburg), Jos. (Croydon), Alfred (North Adelaide), Samuel & Milton (NSW), A.S. and E.J. (Burra).

There are 49 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Cricket. Saturday at Robertstown: Kooringa 186 defeated Robertstown 137.

Burra Rifle Club: 14th shoot for the Pearce picture: W. Cock 97 from Captain Lord 93.

XXII, 1937, 24 Mar. 1915, page 4

Letter from ‘A Mother’ urging a vote for 6 o’clock closing of bars.

XXII, 1938, 31 Mar. 1915, page 2

Advt. Sale of fire damaged stock at the rear of Walker & sons, destroyed premises, Kooringa.

Advt. Calling on members of the RAOB to contact the District Grand Secretary with a view to opening New Lodges in Burra and surrounding districts.

Lieut. J.C. Killicoat has been home on leave for a few days, but has now returned to Torrens Is.

Football. AGM of the Kooringa Football Club was on 27 March.

Elected: Secretary L.R. Fergusson

Captain W. Cock

Vice-Captain F. Heighett

The Light Horse and Kooringa Clubs have merged for this year to be called the Kooringa Football Club. The Club will join the Burra Football Association if it re-forms. Colours to be those of the Light Horse.

Patriotic Concert, Thursday 25 March.

The Belgian Bees and the Burra Hockey Girls staged a very successful concert in the Institute Hall in aid of the Belgian Relief Fund. [All prior references are to Belgium Bees. These were a specially formed group of male and female performers for this concert apparently, as the review says they have had but a short life of three weeks or so. Their inspiration seems to have come from the idea of ‘busy as a bee’ and also from the colours of the Belgian flag (red, black and yellow) which were repeated in their costumes.]

The concert is reviewed in 11/5 columns. Door takings were £20.

Letter from Pte D. Killicoat dated 4 Feb. from Zertoun, Egypt.

There has been no letter for a while as he had influenza. He writes of some fighting in the area of the Suez Canal, but his lot had not been involved yet. The camp was near Heliopolis.

XXII, 1938, 31 Mar. 1915, page 3

State Election. Counting of votes from last Saturday has not been completed, but so far it suggests a sweeping Labor victory with a probable majority of 6. In the early closing referendum 6 o’clock was by far the most popular time. In the Burra electorate it got 5,137 and the other hours (to 11 p.m.) together got 4,143 of which 3,174 were for 11 p.m.

For the state so far there were: 87,025 votes for 6 p.m.

64,560 for other hours, of which

52,201 were for 11 p.m.

In the Burra electorate the three Liberal candidates (Pick, Miller & O’Loughlin) were returned with majorities much like the previous election.

Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes

2⁄3 column is devoted to the order which is attempting to set up a lodge in Burra. Its aims are said to be philanthropy, conviviality and to preserve and uphold the crown and constitution and to distribute benevolence. It is unsectarian. The King is Head of the Order and the Chief Justice of England is the Grand Primo.

Burra Town Council

The tender for the enlargement of the Burra Reservoir has gone to SA Reinforced Concrete Co.

Trees are being ringbarked by horses tied up to them. The matter needs thought as tying up posts would be a danger to pedestrians in dark streets at night.

The Corporation will be brought under the Building Act, giving it a say in the type of structures to be erected in the town.

New List of Volunteers

The following are added to the previous list:

A. Bruce — Burrows K. Crewes R. Friend

R. Harris A.M. Hopcraft H.E. Harvey G. Hills

Reg. Johnson S.A. Jones A. Pearce M. Stevenson

M.R. Sandland H.C. Smiley

A. Carey is corrected to F.A. Carey and G. McMaster is omitted.

Railways. The Department is testing sites on Firewood Creek for a reservoir. If a site is found £15,000 to £20,000 will be spent.

Ironmine Methodist Church anniversary Sunday 21 March drew large congregations. Rev. J.C. Jennison officiated. The tea meeting was Wednesday.

Belgian Relief Fund: now stands at £312-6-5.

Mr A. Forrest has donated 40 West Burra shares to be auctioned for the fund as part of a planned general auction sale. The date is yet to be fixed.

XXII, 1938, 31 Mar. 1915, page 4

The Escott Murder Inquest: 25 March and continued 26 March.

S.M. Lane JP as coroner. Burra Institute.

William Clement Escott was called, but failed to appear.

Dr D. McDonald Steele:

On 17 March went to Koonoona. Body of the deceased was lying c. 3 yards from his office door. The face was covered with blood and there was considerable blood on the ground. We took the body to the office. No blackening or singeing of the face. There was a large wound on the right side above the upper lip, from which I extracted a wad. The upper jaw was smashed and the right eye completely collapsed. There were many small wounds, many minute wounds contained fragments of wire from the window screen. The injuries were consistent with a shot from the gun and cartridge produced. Death was from shock and haemorrhage. The wad penetrating the skin points to a shot from at most a few yards.

William Clement Escott:

Gave an account of his movements, essentially the same as previously reported.

James C. McCarthy, farmer of Hundred of Hanson:

Owned a double-barrelled breech-loading gun – missed it a month or five weeks ago from a trap in the buggy shed, also about five cartridges, some of them Eley’s speedites. Cartridge produced is similar. The cartridge had been knocked about and McCarthy recognised marks on it where he had had trouble extracting it from the gun in February when he had used a pocket-knife for the purpose. Harold Escott was present on the hunt on that occasion. He described features of the gun which made it highly likely to be the same one, but would not swear to its being the one. Harold Escott had been staying at their place from before New Year till sometime in February. (About 2 months) Saw Harold at my father’s on 16 March: he arrived about 9 p.m. Said he was on his way to Farrell’s flat to have the horse shod. It is about 5 miles to Escott’s from our place – it might be covered in about half an hour on a good horse.

Christopher Tennant Fisher, retired farmer, who had been living with the deceased for about 15 years:

Evidence was largely as has previously been reported. He added that if after firing the shot the person had returned to rob Harold’s room he would have run into Fisher. When Harold came home I said ‘Have you heard the news, your father is shot.’ Did not tell him he was dead and Harold did not go to see.

Alvina m. Escott, wife of W. Clement Escott:

The evidence adds little to the picture [except the possibly strange point that there was no light in the office when the body was discovered and she said there was no evidence the lamp had been alight as the glass was not hot. She had carried a light from her bedroom to light the office lamp.]

Alfred Ryan, Police Tracker:

There was a track from a galvanised iron fence to the window: a distance of about 11 paces. Someone had stood there and the tracks returned to the fence. The tracks suggest a hurrying person. The tracks went towards the stable and got lost in motor traffic, but the same tracks come from the front of the house to the stable and return. A circle round the house did not reveal tracks of a stranger. Horse tracks led from the homestead to the back road. Later he details how he tracked a horse to where the rider got off and then the tracks of the rider to a deep shaft in which he could see a gun. The horse returned to the stable and then came from it galloping. The galloping horse had gone towards Black Springs and after a while the horse stopped, rider dismounted, got back on and a mile from the homestead took a side road to a back way to the homestead. This track eventually went to McCarthy’s Farm. The tracks were those of the mousy-coloured chestnut. The tracks to the shaft were the same as those made by Harold Escott. He identified the prints in front of the window and near the shaft as those of Harold Escott.

M-C L.G.J. Merrett of Adelaide:

His evidence corroborates the movements of the tracker and his conclusions. He also made enquiries about the gun and was told the story as outlined by James McCarthy.

M-C W.J. Johns gave corroborating evidence.

M-C Queale’s evidence is largely repetitive also, but adds information about the alleged robbery from Harold Escott’s room. Miss Minnie Escott reported this about 7 a.m. on the 17 March, saying he was missing £42, a gold watch, pendant and chain and a safety razor. Asked Harold how he came to have £42. £17 was a cheque from Bagot, Shakes & Lewis, £25 was from G. Marshall in Adelaide in payment of a gambling debt (details of which are given). On the night of the murder Harold said he had ridden the mousy-coloured horse to McCarthy’s.

Mr Winnall appeared for Harold Escott and asked the courtroom be cleared of children.

Herbert Allchurch, Detective, gave parallel evidence about the tracks and the alleged robbery. Confronted with the findings of the tracker, Harold Escott made no reply. The police checked his story about the gambling debt, but could find no evidence he had sent the telegrams he had claimed to have. He then changed his story and said a man called Murphy, who was with him at the races, actually sent the telegrams. They found Murphy had sent one telegram to Marshall at a hotel. Harold Escott had said four or five telegrams had been sent to Marshall c/o P.O. Adelaide.

Harold Escott was called, but refused to answer any questions.

The jury found that Mr William Escott Escott’s death on 16 March 1915 ‘was caused by some person outside the office window. From the evidence placed before the jury we consider that person was Harold Escott.’

Mr Lane committed Harold Escott to stand trial at the next Criminal Sittings in Adelaide.

XXII, 1939, 7 Apr. 1915, page 2

Notice. Public Meeting called to consider the school facilities at Leighton. Leighton Hall, 10 April.

Foresters’ Picnic at Sod Hut, courtesy of Mrs J.C. Sandland on Easter Monday. C. 200 attended. Results of events are printed.

World’s End Methodist Church Harvest thanksgiving was held on 28 March. Rev. H.W. Jew of Terowie officiated with Mr E. Wilson of Bright.

Letter from Cpl R. Woollacott dated 7 Feb. from France. 11⁄4 columns of description of trench warfare.

Hallett’s Sports on Easter Monday were a thorough success. The results are printed. Over £40 will go the Belgian Relief Fund.

Sir Samuel Way has written to Mrs Lally and sent a winter shawl as thanks for the interest she has taken in his welfare when he required a serious operation recently. [From the fact she had lost an arm at an advanced age and her sympathy was extended to him in like circumstances it would seem he had an amputation. He would be 79 on 11 April.]

Belgian Relief Fund: £323-15-2.

Films on Saturday night 3 April, grossed £20 and so £5 went to the Belgian Fund. This seemed to E.J. Harris, the Hon. Sec. Of the fund, to be hardly commensurate with the risk.

[The pictures shown were advertised on 31 March as:

The Wolf’s Daughter (A Lubin Drama) 2,000’

Busy Boy & W. Joppies in Essany Comedy 1,000’

End of Umbrella (7th series of Dolly of Dailies, Edison Drama) 1,000’

A Tight Squeeze (8th series of Dolly of Dailies, Edison Drama) 1,000’

The Vintage Season, France (Coloured Pathé, instructive) 355’

Mike the Avenger (Selig Comedy) 1,000’

Pathé War Gazette (Topical) 750’

The Champion Driver (Keystone) 1,000’

The Trobhattan Falls (coloured Pathé, scenic) 350’

8,465’

War Poem. Orphan’s Tears, by ‘An Orphan’.

XXII, 1940, 14 Apr. 1915, page 2

Notice. J.T. Hartnett [Tailor of Market Square] has sold his business and is leaving the state.

Dr J.I. Sangster has been enduring a long illness, but his numerous friends hope and believe he will be among them again before long.

M. Lally, son of the late Patrick Lally, is in Burra visiting his mother for the first time in 14 years. He now lives in WA.

Lieut. Copley sends a post card sating he is getting close to the theatre of operations.

The Escott Murder. Mr Escott’s body was exhumed on Friday – it is presumed to gather more evidence in connection with the case and officers have been making investigations at Farrell’s Flat.

August Schroeder was arrested at Emu Downs on 7 April. He is 21 and only arrived in Australia 12 months ago. He has been outspoken in his loyalty to the Kaiser and has been interned on Torrens Island.

Tar Paving. The sometimes criticised work proved its worth in the recent floods when it stood up better by far than the conventional metalled roads.

Mr R. Reed Jun. is recovering from a severe bout of typhoid fever.

Cricket. The 1914-15 season:

Best batsmen: F.T. Harcus 9 innings 296 runs av. 37

Dr D.M. Steele 12 innings 361 runs av. 36

W.H. Stevenson 12 innings 420 runs av. 35

Best bowlers L. Kellaway 21 overs av. 81⁄2

Bert Collins 19 overs av. 9

Dr D.M. Steele 20 overs av. 9

L. Neagle 110 overs av. 91/6

The Drought Breaks

The rainfall for 1914 was a total of 7.17”. In the first three months of 1915 the drought continued with 0.33” in January, 0.02” on February and 0.14” in March.

Then from Easter Monday we were teased with 0.13” and 0.02” on Tuesday and 0.06” on Wednesday. On Thursday there was 0.30” to 3 p.m. after which it began to pour down. Premises were flooded and all the creeks were running bankers. The flood began to be compared with the great flood of 1874 and was generally reckoned bigger. About 1.70” fell in the day and by 9 a.m. the next day 1.95” had been recorded. The flood swept away footbridges at the Burra Hotel and at the Pig and Whistle. The Commercial Hotel cellar was filling up and water was pouring through S. Burns’ shop, through Bagot, Shakes and Lewis’s Office and at E.J. Harris’s they were fending it off with brooms. A number of private bridges also went and Mrs Howell had to be carried out of her cottage.

In Aberdeen there was a lake from the railway line to the Racecourse. W.B. Page took a great photo from the railway line near the Bon Accord Hotel, with Mr Robertson’s house in the foreground and Drew & Crewes’ bulk store surrounded and a great mass of swirling water under the Bon Accord Bridge.

Robertson’s was quickly flooded. The two ladies took refuge on the window sill, feet dangling in the water, till swimming snakes made them turn around and close the window. When their predicament was noticed M-C Queale was sent for. Mr Shakes tried to get to them, but was almost swept away at the footbridge leading to the house. Mr McKeogh swam out to them. They were eventually reached from the Copperhouse side and rescued on horseback by M-C Queale, W. Field, C. Rabbich, F. Highett and Shakes. Damage to the house is estimated at £150.

Lionel Oppermann was caught trying to cross the White Hart ford by Gully’s house when a sudden wave of water washed the horses round one post of the footbridge and the lorry round another. Oppermann tried to save the horses. He managed at considerable risk to cut the harness and both horses eventually clambered out of the water. The lorry ended up in the creek opposite Walker & Sons Aberdeen shop, where it was secured by ropes. The footbridge was soon after swept away.

About 15” of water invaded A. Thamm’s.

Mrs Allen’s house was also flooded with furniture floating in the rooms. [The old Bushman’s Rest Hotel] Here it was high enough to run out of the windows, leaving cartloads of mud behind.

Drew and Crewes lost 7 cases of benzine, 31⁄2 cases of kerosene and 1 of methylated spirits, along with fencing posts, strainers and the harness and lorry at the ford.

Sara & Co had their benzine magazine flooded and their chaff shed was 3’ deep in water.

News from Mt Bryan and Hallett is scarce, but falls there were heavy. At Leighton falls were light only and at Baldina only 1.64” fell, but floodwaters came down the creek. Barker Bros lost 60 sheep and A.G. Gebhardt of Mackerode lost 40. At Hogback the flooding was severe and at King’s Well the torrent was half a mile wide and 4’ deep. Several miles of the Eastern Telephone line are washed away. Clearly much fencing has been lost. There are also further sheep losses.

Eastern rainfalls were very variable from as low as 0.35” at Glenora and 0.35” at Koomooloo to 1.64” at Baldina and 1.50” at Mongolata.

XXII, 1940, 14 Apr. 1915, page 3

Belgian Relief Fund: £352-1-101⁄2.

There are efforts being made to organise a Belgian Flag Day – perhaps on the Monday holiday, the 2nd Monday in May and perhaps with another appearance of the Belgian Bees.

Redruth Court, 7 April.

T. Halls v. J.E.H. Winnall for defamation of character: a claim for £490 damages. The basis of the claim was that Mr Winnall on the occasion of the prosecution of Harry Mendelsohn had said that Halls ought to come into the box with clean hands. Halls took this to mean his hands were dirty and since then some friends have shunned him over the same thing. The charge failed on two counts: firstly the utterances of Mr Winnall in court were privileged and could not be the subject of a charge and secondly the words uttered meant that he should come into court free from reproach. Judgement for the defendant.

Burns v. Fairchild.

Burns sought £5-5-0, being the balance due on a roller made by him for Fairchild. This was not a standard order and the machine had to be invented from Fairchild’s description of what he wanted. He felt he had been grossly overcharged and paid £16-10-0, believing this was sufficient. The court found for Burns as no doubt now they had a roller as a pattern one could be made very much more cheaply, but the first one produced was not unreasonably much more expensive.

Belgian Guessing Competition. Guessing the number of shot in a bottle for prizes given by Archie Williams of Redruth. Miss Katie Hales of Oakbank won with 13,000. The actual number being 12,997. The winner was Bob Bettison of the Court House Hotel with 13,013.

Burra Institute.

J. Pearce won the contract for the second escape door for £29-10-0 and for work on the lantern platform for £6-17-6.

The committee considered the need for a billiard room and perhaps a gymnasium and a room for draughts, chess etc. Rev. Nield (President) was concerned that after a short while interest in each entertainment lapsed.

XXII, 1941, 21 Apr. 1915, page 2

Advt. A.H. Broad has taken on the business of Hurdle-Making of the late T.H. Broad.

Notice. A meeting is called in the Burra Council Chamber 21 April to form a committee to aid Mr T.F. Robertson who suffered great loss in the late floods.

Notice. Following the death of Charles Henry Ewins, R.S. Ewins & K. Ewins have sold the business of C.H. Ewins & Sons to W.J.C. Ewins who has for many years been a partner in the firm.

Advt. Burra Institute, Wednesday 28 April.

Grand Tableaux Evening in aid of the Belgian Relief Fund has been organised by Mrs F.T. Harcus, assisted by the Clare Vagabonds Costume Co. with local and visiting artists.

Mr George Hann has arrived to act as managing clerk for Messrs Bright & Bright.

The Floods have washed tins from Drew & Crewes Burra as far as ‘The Gums’: some 70-80 miles.

Rev. F.H. Durnford has obtained the Bishop’s permission to take 9 month’s leave of absence and will go to England intending to go to the front as a chaplain. He will be given a social in St Mary’s schoolroom on 29 April.

West Burra Coppermining Co. is employing four men. Two are at the 50’ level putting down a winze and two are at the 100’ level driving west. Three tons of ore sent to Adelaide returned 27% copper and the nett price to the company was £16 per ton.

Obituary. Miss M. Lovell of Middleton died at Aberdeen on Sunday while coming to see the doctor. She had been visiting her sister Mrs Tester of Mt Bryan. [Born Minnie Myrtle May Mary Lovell 21 August 1895 Pt Elliot: died 18 April 1915 Aberdeen, residence Middleton.]

Inquest into the death of Miss M. Lovell by E.W. Crewes JP.

She had died either in a trap or soon after being taken into the Bon Accord Hotel. Gertrude Tester, her sister, gave evidence of symptoms of nausea, stomach pains and dysentery. She had suffered a fall from a horse at Middleton one day since Christmas.

Dr Steele had been summoned to the hotel and pronounced life extinct. The post mortem examination was not conclusive. He recommended stomach contents be sent for analysis. She was an emaciated young woman aged about 19. In the absence of other information from the stomach he would have no hesitation in giving the cause of death as diabetes.

Burra Town Council.

T. Woollacott wrote seeking permission for use of the right of way between the shop lately occupied by A.D. McLaren and Drew & Crewes, while he rebuilds McLaren’s shop and for permission to erect a verandah. Verandah permitted, but Council had no jurisdiction over the lane.

Water tabling to be done in Taylor St Aberdeen as without it at present water enters houses when it rains.

The floods had swept away three bridges and part of the footbridge being built at the Mine Bridge.

Various bits of flood damage were approved for repair.

Kapunda to be visited on 28 April about the fire brigade.

A deputation had waited on the Commissioner of Crown Lands seeking a special grant of £500 on account of the flood damage. £100 had been granted and more will be considered after an inspection.

XXII, 1941, 21 Apr. 1915, page 3

Burra Rifle Club: 15th match for the Pearce picture.

W.H. Sandland 90 M.A. Radford 90

J.E. Pearce 88 G. Lawn 88

So far no one has won more than one match.

Prizes given out after 15 matches:

Best 7 shoots out of 10 at 300 yds. A fat sheep to E.A. Riggs (222)

(Presented by W.H. Stevenson)

Best 7 shoots out of 10 at 500 yds. £1-1-0 to G. Herbert (240)

(Presented by John Tennant)

Best 10 shoots at 600 yds. A kitbag to J.E. Pearce (3091⁄3)

(Presented by J.A. Carr)

Best 9 shoots for the year, taking three from each group arranged. £2-2-0 & trophy to R.D. Pascoe (838).

Letter from E.W. Crewes outlining Mr Robertson’s losses in the floods and calling a meeting to solicit aid for him. Water ran through the house over 3’ deep in all rooms and wreaked havoc in outbuildings. Damage was put at £150.

Football, Saturday. Kooringa 2.0 2.1 6.2 6.3 (39)

Aberdeen 2.5 3.10 3.10 4.13 (37)

No association has been formed for this year.

Paxton Square.

The Hon. John Lewis has received a letter from the Council stating the cottages are in a bad state of repair and although Mr Lewis’s generosity is acknowledged it will not be possible to put them into repair and maintain them from the rents. He writes to the Council pointing out that before buying them he spoke to the Council and asked if he bought them would they be prepared to take them and the answer was yes. Having no wish to burden the Council if the Council is prepared to transfer them back to him, Mr Lewis will make other arrangements.

The Town Clerk said the property had never been transferred to the Council.

Cr McBride said as Mr Lewis didn’t want to discuss the matter a re-transfer of deeds would be the simplest solution.

Cr Lane said that the members of the late Council had met with Mr Lewis. He had offered the property and said he would spend £500 in repairs and on that condition it had been accepted at the meeting, but the acceptance had never been formally ratified by Council.

A letter is to be sent to Mr Lewis explaining that Council had never officially accepted the property and that members who were present at the conference with him stated their willingness to accept on the understanding that it was to be put in repair and consequently the present Council considered the proposition now before it to be entirely different from the original one.

The mayor thought that Council should seek a further conference with Mr Lewis.

Cr Radford thought that if the buildings were condemned the Lewis trust would be liable and personally he would not like to be a member of the trust.

Cr McBride said the deeds would be in the Council’s name.

Belgian Relief Fund: £373-11-6.

Wednesday last at the Institute there was a concert by the schoolchildren and the Hockey Girls in aid of the fund which will benefit by £15-15-0. The event is reviewed in half a column.

XXII, 1942, 28 Apr. 1915, page 2

Advt. Belgian Flag Day: 10 May, A Public Holiday. Procession of Decorated Motor Cars, auction Sale, Burra Band.

Notice. T.F. Robertson thanks the working bee and those who organised it to help repair flood damage at his property last Saturday.

Volunteers. Several volunteers have come home on leave this week. V. Riggs has been promoted to provisional sergeant. I. Macindoe, who was teller at the Bank of Australasia for some years, visited here from Melbourne before leaving for the front.

The Orchestra of the Ragged Seven has been formed by some young fellows to aid the Belgian Fund.

The Belgian Bees met Monday night to plan what they could do to help the cause further. They will give a concert at Leighton on the 29 May.

Rev. J.H. Nield is expected to go to the front as soon as the President of the Conference can arrange a suitable replacement for the circuit.

Employment for 20-30 men is now available for re-laying work on the line near Burra.

R.D. Pascoe has in his window a collection of photographs taken in Egypt of Burra Boys. Included are: Cecil Lord, D. Killicoat, R. Cock, Reg. Johnson, Reg. Sandland, Cyril Collins, Bert Swift and L. Fawcett of Kapunda.

E. Moore found a fine piece of malachite in the creek after the flood, weighing 6lb 7oz.

Dr J.I. Sangster is rapidly recovering.

Rev. F.H. Durnford has been advised he cannot get a chaplaincy with the forces in Europe and so he is staying in Burra.

St Mary’s annual vestry meeting was held on 15 April. The Rev. S.J. Bloyd gave a report showing they were in good financial shape. All mission churches showed a small credit balance and each had a building fund.

Burra Golf Club AGM last Thursday. Elections: President, Dr Steele; Secretary & Treasurer, L. Neagle; Captain, A. Lackmann; Vice-Captain, F.T. Harcus.

War Poem. An anti-German poem: The Kaiser’s Dream is reprinted from the Liverpool Post.

XXII, 1942, 28 Apr. 1915, page 3

Belgian Relief Fund committee met in the Institute on Wednesday and forwarded £140 to the central fund. E.J. Harris suggested a flag day which had taken on well in Adelaide. In Adelaide the flags had sold like hot cakes. Mr Lane moved there be a motor procession and a sale of gifts. A committee for the procession was established.

The fund stands at £389-13-1.

Burra Hockey Club met on Monday. Elections: President, Mrs H. Lord; Vice-President, Mrs C. Humphris; Hon. Sec., Miss A. Bullen; Treasurer, Miss A. Harris; Umpire, Mr Letheby; Captain, Miss D. Harris; Vice-Captain, Miss Blake.

Flood Aftermath. On Saturday a working bee set about clearing up after the flood at Robertson’s. In places silt 3-4’ deep had been deposited. The workers had 16 drays, 24 horses and 60 men. The Mayor and some Councillors and ex-Councillors were among those pitching in. By 6 o’clock over 200 loads had been removed from the yard around the house. Monetary donations we believe total over £50. We hear something is being done to aid Mr & Mrs Allen who also suffered very severely.

Letter from ‘Resident’ urging that the footbridge at the Mine Bridge be put on the Avenue [i.e. East] side and a walk be established through the trees rather than on the western side.

Letter from ‘Freedom’ against Socialism and explaining its failure where it has been tried. [c. 1⁄2 column.]

Military Medical Examinations. Captain C. Lowther Clarke, area M.O. has assessed trainees: Burra Fit Unfit

Junior Cadets (12 yrs) 18 1

Senior Cadets (14 yrs) 13 4

Citizen Forces (18 yrs) 8 4

39 9

XXII, 1943, 5 May 1915, page 1

Leighton Hall AGM, 24 April, for the year ending 20 April 1915.

Membership has increased from 37 to 53. Early last year a new supper room was added for £109 and then the hall was rebuilt larger and opened again on 8 July by the hon. J.G. Bice. The annual dinner was held in August. We started the year in deficit £0-6-6, have spent £399-3-11 in improvements. We have paid £80 off our liabilities and sent £115-9-0 to the Belgian and other patriotic funds.

XXII, 1943, 5 May 1915, page 2

Advt. The Bright and Busy Burra Belgian Bees will appear at Leighton Hall on Saturday 29 May.

Advt. Belgian Flag Day in Burra, Monday 10 May.

Procession of decorated cars. Auction Sale of Gifts and Belgian Flags.

Burra Band and in the evening Patriotic Costume Concert by the Burra Belgian Bees.

Rev. J.H. Nield has been appointed to the 7th Infantry Brigade and has been ordered to Queensland. He expects to leave on Friday and a farewell will be tendered him tonight.

Pte Sommerville, brother of J. Sommerville who volunteered from Burra, has been wounded in action.

Utica Copper Mine. Operations have resumed. The winze is to be sunk from 100’ level at No. 1 shaft to 200’. Some splendid high grade ore has been raised. William West has resigned as secretary and been succeeded by E.J. Davey.

Notice. A meeting is called for Saturday 8 May at Opie’s Hotel to form a branch of the RAOB at Burra.

West Burra Copper Mine.

A drive west at 100’ struck a rich seam of ore after 2 or 3 feet.

Belgian Flag Day next Monday. (Public Holiday) It is expected that at least 30 cars will take part. (There were only 20 at Pt Adelaide.) Also decorated traps. Robertson’s motor lorry will lead carrying the Burra Coronation Band. Even the boys are at it – some have dug out the old mine fire engine and are decorating it.

Belgian Relief Fund: £421-14-7.

XXII, 1943, 5 May 1915, page 3

Belgian Relief Fund Concert and Tableaux Evening – organised by Mrs Harcus on Wednesday. The Clare Vagabonds supplied half the evening’s program. Supper followed and in all £31 was raised.

St Mary’s Sunday School saw a gathering of parents and pupils on Wednesday to farewell Pte Hilary Fuss. Rev. S.J. Bloyd presided. Pte Fuss was the 1st of the Sunday school scholars to have volunteered. He had been a great help in the school as a pupil and teacher. He had served in the choir till his voice broke and then had pumped the organ. He was presented with a wristwatch.

Burra Town Council

The Coronation Band is seeking money for two bass instruments. The Council is not authorised to spend money for such purposes. Matter referred to the band committee and the councillors pledged to do all they could to assist the band – guaranteeing the money might be a possibility.

E.J. Harris sought the use of the rotunda and permission for a procession on Belgian Flag Day. Granted.

Flood Damage

It was necessary to decide on replacing the bridge that was swept away from behind the Burra Hotel. The Inspector suggested it be relocated opposite the Institute. So moved by Cr Radford, 2nd Cr Killicoat and passed.

An officer from the Public Works Dept. will inspect flood damage and report to the Dept. upon which the application for a grant will be considered.

Burra District Council. Councillors retiring on 30 June:

Kooringa Ward: Cr Lewis

Baldina Ward: Cr McWaters

King Ward: Cr Warnes

Auditor: Frank Treloar

Fire Brigade

This question was again discussed by Council where Cr McBride reported on the Kapunda Brigade which came under the Fire Brigade Board. The board paid 1⁄3 of the cost, insurance offices 1⁄3 and the Council 1⁄3. There were two permanent men and a horse reel. The Council contribution was £112 p.a. which was too costly for Burra. Cr Radford said a horse reel was out of the question. Cr Lane thought a hose and hydrant would be sufficient to cope in Burra. Further discussion will follow.

Burra Football Association.

Kooringa wanted the Football Association to continue.

Aberdeen was not in favour of joining if there were to be only two teams in it.

Mr Sleeman thought Aberdeen would join if a third team could be found.

Aberdeen club is to be informed that the shield must be returned to the secretary of the Association, Mr J. Allen, by 15 Aug. 1915.

The Oddfellows Lodge farewelled Leslie Kellaway on 28 April as he was about to leave for the front.

Football at Aberdeen on Saturday:

Aberdeen 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.7 (25)

Kooringa 0.0 2.2 2.2 3.3 (21)

Letter from Cpl R. Woollacott dated 1 March 1915, from France, talking of life in the billets behind the front: his time being spent between the front, the reserve trenches and the billets behind them.

XXII, 1944, 12 May 1915, page 1

Loyal Aberdeen Lodge MUIOOF gave a social in honour of Ptes Hilary Fuss, Frank Tiver & Jack Ridgway, who have enlisted for the front. Unfortunately only Pte Fuss was able to attend. Bro. C. Fuss took the chair. There was a large attendance with the Mayor, (Mr Crewes), Cr Radford, Cr McBride, Rev. J.C. Jennison, and Rev. J.H. Nield present. The evening comprised songs, recitations, speeches and toasts. There was a presentation of a handsome shaving outfit. Details extend 11⁄2 columns.

XXII, 1944, 12 May 1915, page 2

Notice. I have now handed the cab business over to my son, T.P Halls Jun.

T.P. Halls Sen. 11 May 1915.

Pte R. Crewes has been promoted to Lance Corporal.

West Burra Copper Mine directors have decided to issue the 5,000 shares in reserve to present shareholders, allotted pro rata. Indications at the mine seem to be improving by the week and the directors remain very confident.

The Robertson’s Flood Damage Fund Committee met on Thursday at the Institute. Subscriptions were £61-2-6 and expenses in clearing away debris were £22, leaving £39. The Mayor and Cr McWaters were empowered to pay all accounts and hand the balance to Mr Robertson.

Mrs Stewart of Aberdeen has four sons who have volunteered for service. One failed the medical test [Jack], one is in the Dardanelles [Arthur], and two are in camp. [Cyril & Cecil?]

Pte Albert Bruce, son of R.H. Bruce of World’s End, who is in camp, took ill on 7 March with pleurisy, pneumonia and diphtheria. After a worrying time he is convalescing.

Gallipoli. It is believed that the following local volunteers are in the Dardanelles:

Fred Harvey, Hartley Harris, V. Day, — Stewart, Harry Davey, George Thomson, Eric Roach, H. Skinner and Newton King.

The Burra Skating Rink has been granted free by Messrs Clarke and Bourman on 26 May for a Skating Gymkhana in aid of the Belgian Fund.

K. Chester Sandland, son of T. Sandland, has been admitted to King Edward’s Horse. Guy Barritt, a nephew of Mrs Sandland, has volunteered in Adelaide.

Belgian Relief Fund: £448-16-8.

XXII, 1944, 12 May 1915, page 2-3

Belgian Flag Day was held on Monday 10 May.

After just three weeks preparation it was a marvellous success. Shops were decorated and bunting hung out in Commercial St, Market Square and Aberdeen. The news of the sinking of the Lusitania cast a temporary gloom over the morning.

The rotunda was gay with flags and bunting and Belgian colours. One group was busy taking goods for auction from Lane’s empty shop which had been used as a depot. The weather, though cold, was bright and sunny. 28 motor cars formed the procession. [Owners are listed.] A.J. McBride’s car was judged the most appropriate, F. Custance’s was the most beautiful and I.J. Warnes’ car which was disguised as HMAS Sydney was the most original. It had a gun which fired to the thrill of young ladies and smoke issued from one of the three funnels. The Ragged Orchestra appeared on the old Mine Fire Engine – Masters Frank Howard, Reg. West, Vincent Cox, M. Cox, Clarence & Cyril Griffiths and R. Fuss. [Probably Eric Russell Fuss]

Streicher Bros lorry was a perfect imitation of a Red Cross ambulance.

XXII, 1944, 12 May 1915, page 3

The auction was due to start at 3 p.m. and the first items were the Belgian Flags signed by Lady Galway. The first went to Messrs Henry Collins & Co. for £11-11-0. J.M. McBride bought one for £10-10-0 and in all £101-17-6 was raised. 53 were sold [increased to 55 in the next paper] at prices ranging from 10/6 to 11 guineas with most fetching £1-1-0. [Including one to C. Fuss.] Other items were then auctioned.

In addition there were collecting boxes, guessing the weight of a sheep, the sale of small flags, badges etc. Total proceeds are expected to reach £270.

In the evening the concert raised a further £24 so that the eventual sum raised on the day would be c. £300.

Rev. J.H. Nield was farewelled at a service on Wednesday evening, followed by supper. The proceedings were reported in over 11⁄3 columns.

Theft. A sneak thief stole a Union Jack from S.M. Lane’s after Belgian Flag Day and four boys whose names are known were seen pulling down decorations in the street. If Mr Lane’s valuable flag is not returned action will be taken.

XXII, 1945, 19 May 1915, page 2

Notice: Theatregraph Picture Co. took a beautifully clear picture of Burra Belgian Flag Day. The film will be screened in Burra Institute twice on Saturday next at 2.30 and 8 p.m. with a full programme. This is the first moving picture ever taken in Burra.

Wounded. Although not having enlisted in Burra, the wounded in the Dardanelles include two soldiers who once worked here. Don Brooks [actually Donald Hamilton Brooke] at one time with the National Bank in Kooringa was wounded in the foot. S. Cameron, who worked for a time for S. Burns, was also wounded.

Inquest. When the inquest on Miss Lovell resumed the analyst’s report showed no poison and the verdict was that the cause of death was diabetes.

Obituary. Hilda Gallagher, the only daughter of Mr & Mrs J. Gallagher of Aberdeen, died on 13 May aged c. 14. She never fully recovered her health after an attack of rheumatic fever some 4-5 years ago.

[Hilda May Gallagher born 7 June 1900 near Kooringa.]

Obituary. Mrs Harry James died in Kooringa on 13 May. She had been suffering from tuberculosis for some time. [Born Mary Treleggan 15 May 1856 Bowden.]

Burra Cheer-up Society met on Monday and 43 ladies attended to start work for the Boys. Mrs Seager of Adelaide, who originated the movement was elected patroness. Mr John Pearce has given the Society the use of the small hall in Pearce’s Building for as long as they require it.

Letter from Egypt denying that any of the Burra Boys have been involved in anything that would have occasioned the slightest disgrace.

The Escott Murder. The trial has begun, but so far nothing that has not already been published at the inquest has been introduced in evidence. The defence is conducted by Sir Josiah Symons with Mr Winnall and the prosecution by Mr Dashwood.

Gallipoli. The Burra Boys at the Dardanelles are now said to be:

Fred Harvey Hartley Harris V.Day — Stewart

Harry Davey George Thomson Eric Roach H. Skinner

Newton King Fred Wheatley J. Camp Ross Harris

W. Klauffhause R. Hayes

[W. Klauffhause = W. Klaffus]

St Mary’s. A number of young ladies are running a series of fortnightly socials which began last Wednesday. The 1st was well patronised despite the wet and wintry weather. Any surplus from the 6d admission will go to the patriotic funds.

Letter from E.W. Crewes urging attendance at a meeting to form a ‘Willing to Serve Society’. This aims to bring together the fit and those barred by age or unfitness, to participate in some way and ‘help Great Britain in this, the most strenuous war in which she has ever engaged’.

Letter from E.J. Harris urging the publication of a souvenir with photos of those men and women who have volunteered as well as of those committees and activities at home that have supported the war.

‘Loyalty’ writes vehemently condemning the granting of drought relief to those of German descent whom he sees leaving the town laden with hay, chaff, etc. and railing against the ‘favour shown to aliens’.

Letter from ‘Patriotic’ urging those parents with sons 18-20 and who have refused permission for them to volunteer, to reconsider and allow their sons to do their duty and serve king and country.

XXII, 1945, 19 May 1915, page 2-3

Letter from ‘L.B.’ urging that all Germans be removed from Government employment & calling for a ‘clean sweep’.

XXII, 1945, 19 May 1915, page 3

Belgian Relief Fund. Four or five flags signed by Lady Galway remain to be sold. Efforts to raise money continue. The sum raised on Flag Day has not been finalised, but the Fund total now stands at over £700.

Weather. There has been good general rain for a week. In Burra it has reached 2.44”, dropping to 1.18” at Mongolata and patchy to the east where Quondong 0.97”, Koomooloo 0.50”, Baldina 1.30” and Braemar 0.70”.

Burra Town Council

The Hon. John Lewis declined a conference re Paxton Square. Council could take it or leave it. He had no desire to inflict a liability on the Council.

Advice has been received that the telephone service would be continuous from 7 a.m. Monday to 11 p.m. Saturday. There would be a 15 minute service beginning at 9 a.m., 1 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m. on Sundays.

Cr Killicoat apologised for his absence and says he has been told the Hindmarsh Fire Brigade might soon have a reel for sale.

So far £60-19-0 of the special flood grant has been spent. No news yet of any subsequent grant.

A series of jobs were approved on roads and footpaths.

The Chief Secretary will be asked that Burra be brought under the Place of Entertainments Act.

Council resolved it could not accept Paxton Square on the terms last set out.

An enlarged photo of the 1914 Council has been hung in the chamber.

Cr McWaters moved that a copy of the splendid enlarged photo of the procession on Belgian Flag Day by Mr Page be purchased and framed. Carried.

Burra Cheer-up Society.

When the first volunteers left they were accorded an enthusiastic send-off and public recognition. Since then the return of volunteers on their final leaves has been in ones and twos and this, together with the frequency of it, has meant no public recognition for most. It was decided a Cheer-up Society would provide a permanent group to take action whenever and as often as necessary. Mr Frank Harris and Miss Trix Pearce convened a meeting for this end last Saturday in the Lodge Room and 26 ladies and 10 gentlemen attended. [They are named.] The Mayor took the chair.

The Adelaide Cheer-up Society was there to be emulated. Mrs Seager, founder of the Adelaide Society, suggested a kind of club where the boys would be at home, and that entertainments be arranged.

Mr Lane moved the foundation of the Society & Miss G. Pearce 2nd.

The mayor was elected President with Trix Pearce as Hon. Sec. And Ethel James as Assistant Hon. Sec. Mr F. Harris is Treasurer.

Miss N. McLaren moved Mr J. Pearce be asked for the use of his large room in Pearce’s Building.

XXII, 1945, 19 May 1915, page 4

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Anniversary on 9 May. Rev. S. Kessell preached.

Mr Parrot, who is substituting for Rev. Nield, was welcomed. Reports on the past year occupy most of the more than 11⁄3 columns report.

XXII, 1946, 26 May 1915, page 2

Burra Coronation Band AGM

The Mayor was elected President with E.J. Harris as Treasurer and E.J. Davey as Secretary. The meeting resolved to buy two instruments at a cost of £30. Three subscription books were issued to the Mayor, G. Tiddy and J. Pascoe. There will be a concert in July with half the proceeds for the Belgian Fund.

A.L. Killicoat, the son of the late P.L. Killicoat, who enlisted in the Lovat Scots, has now received a commission in the 14th Royal Scots Infantry.

The Escott Murder

The case came to a conclusion on Monday. His Honour, Mr Justice Murray, summed up and the jury retired at 5.43 p.m. After 21⁄2 hours they could not reach a verdict. On being sent back they deliberated for a further 11⁄2 hours before returning a verdict of not guilty and the accused, Harold Escott, was discharged.

Golden Wedding

On the 24 May 1865 Thomas Wesley, eldest son of W.H. Wilkinson of Moonta, married Eliza Goldie Merrett, 2nd daughter of Charles Merrett of Pt Wakefield. Thomas Wesley arrived in SA in 1856 from England with his father, Dr Wilkinson. They lived briefly in Gawler before coming to Burra where Dr Wilkinson practised. Except for seven years when he managed a business on the Peninsula Mr Wilkinson has lived in Burra. The family comprises Mrs Griffiths (Omeo, Victoria), Dr Frank Wilkinson (Perth WA), Charles D. Wilkinson (Burra), Roland T. Wilkinson (Pt Pirie), Robert Wilkinson (Mt Perry Qld) & A. Douglas Wilkinson (Mt Barker), Mrs Bell and miss Annie Wilkinson (Adelaide), Miss Nelly and Miss Vera Wilkinson (Kooringa) & Mrs Glen Hawkes (Koonoona). All except Mrs Griffiths attended the celebration and she had paid a visit a few weeks ago.

Burra Cheer-up Society

John Pearce has granted the use of his building free of charge. He also intends to provide acetylene gas as soon as possible.

Lieut. A.H. Baynes, son of Mrs Ivey of Kooringa, has been wounded in the Dardanelles.

Belgian Relief Fund now stands at £738-8-7, but Flag Day income is incomplete and the committee is aiming for £1,000.

Letter from E.M. Harcus of the Bank of Australasia affirming the loyalty of Mrs Stasinowsky in the face of some wrong reports. Her name is of Polish origin.

Letter in support of E.J. Harris’s idea of an illustrated war souvenir book.

Burra Rifle Club AGM last Thursday. Captain Lord in the chair.

There has been some slight increase in membership, but more are needed considering the desirability of being an experienced shot in time of war. Captain Lord is disappointed they have only one active member from the north end of town. Trophy winners for the last year:

Club’s Trophy (£2-2-0) R.D. Pascoe

300 yds Trophy E.A. Riggs

500 yds Trophy G. Herbert

Best 10 shots at 600 yds J.E. Pearce

Highest score for the year E.A. Riggs & A.P. Harris tied and the £1-1-0 was donated to the Belgian Fund in lieu of a shoot-off.

Elected: Captain, G. Lord; Secretary, J.E. Pearce; Treasurer, R.D. Pascoe.

‘Rifle Notes’ by ‘Target’ include an observation that a ‘Willing to Serve Society’ is superfluous when there is a Rifle Club. Some of the talkers should become workers.

XXII, 1946, 26 May 1915, page 3

Burra Cheer-up Society. The second meeting saw 33 new members to give a total of 101. Three members called on Pte [Hilary] Fuss on Sunday for a farewell on behalf of the Society. At 9 p.m. the men provided refreshments, which was a pleasant surprise.

Football. [This was apparently an Association match, so it would appear that Aberdeen had decided to join an Association of only two clubs after all.]

Aberdeen 1.1 1.4 2.5 2.7 (19)

Kooringa 0.0 1.3 1.6 1.11 (17)

SA Pastoralist Assoc. Burra Branch AGM, last Friday.

I.J. Warnes was re-elected President for the 3rd year, Mr Bowman was Vice-President and J. McLaren was Secretary.

The meeting is reported in c. 11⁄4 columns and the speech of the SA President, Tom L. Browne, occupies c.11⁄2 columns on page 4.

XXII, 1947, 2 June 1915, page 1

Letter from Lce-Sgt R.J. Woollacott describing life in billets behind the front line. Weather at the time was mild.

XXII, 1947, 2 June 1915, page 2

Advt. Redruth Methodist Church anniversary 6 June. Rev. G.T. Arthur will preach and will speak on ‘Glimpses of the holy Land’. On 7 June he will talk on ‘Germany and Belgium as I Saw Them’.

Advt. Belgium Relief Fund Button Day & Auction Sale on a June date to be fixed.

The aim is to bring the local fund to £1,000.

Advt. Burra Cheer-up Society Grand Picture Night next Monday.

Includes the Burra Belgium Flag Day Film.

Obituary. Private J. Camp, son of Mr & Mrs Camp of Aberdeen died of wounds in the Dardanelles. He was born 12 Dec. 1892 and joined the 10th Battalion, leaving with the 1st Expeditionary Force.

[John Camp born 12 February 1892 Copperhouse: died 15 May 1915 at sea off Gallipoli.]

Wounded: Graham Dow and E.C. Collins, son of R. Collins Jun. of Hallett.

Rev. J.H. Nield is at Enoggera and will accompany troops from there to the war. He was a chaplain to Imperial troops in the South African War and was at Ladysmith and other historic centres of that conflict.

Obituary. Mrs Martin Eckart of Emu Downs died 23 May: a colonist of 59 years and who lived at Emu Downs for 43 years. She leaves 2 sons and 5 daughters:

Fred. (Emu Downs), Paul (Riverton), Mrs J. Heinrich (Aberdeen), Mrs Schuppan (Wilmington), Mrs Zerk (Sheoak Log), Mrs Seedal (Bakara), Mrs Schuppan (Emu Downs) & 56 grandchildren, 95 great grandchildren & 2 great-great grandchildren. Her husband died about 20 years ago.

[Elizabeth Eckert died 23 May 1915 at Emu Downs aged 93.]

Dr Ken. Steele, brother of Dr McDonald Steele of Burra has volunteered for the front and been accepted as a captain. He has on two occasions acted in Burra as his brother’s locum.

Volunteers. J. Kellaway and R.S. Sommerville are added to the list.

Obituary. Miss Jane Kellaway died 30 May, aged 49. She was crippled as the result of a fall as a child. She was the daughter of the late Mr & Mrs William Kellaway. [Born 12 January 1866 Kooringa.]

The telephone is now available from Burra from 7 a.m. Monday to 11 p.m. Saturday and for 15 minutes after 9 a.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Sundays.

XXII, 1947, 2 June 1915, page 3

War Poetry. Poem to J. Camp One Fallen, by E.A. Ward.

Belgian Relief Fund. A concert at Leighton with the ‘Burra Belgian Bees’ on Saturday Night and a football match with Kooringa together raised £30.

Football: Kooringa 5.10

Leighton 2.10

The Burra Belgian Bees

The principal performers at Leighton were listed as the Misses A. Harris, D. Pressick, B. Rabbich, L. Burns, L. Scott and Messrs L.R. Letheby, J.P. Ewins, L.R. Fergusson, A.G. Shortridge, W.J. Davey Jun., & Mr Schneider.

A Skating Carnival was organised by J. Caldwell in aid of the Belgian Relief Fund. The Burra Coronation Band gave its services gratis. Reported in 1⁄2 column. Total profit c. £25.

Golf. The links are in fine condition. A. Lackman did a round in 39 on Saturday. The first tournament of the season on the King’s Birthday holiday, next Monday.

Burra Cheer-up Society. On the 31 May 83 ladies attended. So far 20 boys have received gifts made by the society. £2 worth of cake has been sent to the Adelaide Cheer-up Society’s Egyptian Fair. Letters of sympathy were sent to Mrs Camp who lost her son Pte Camp and to Ethel Broad, who is also bereaved. There are 158 members on the roll. A list of donations to assist hospitals is printed.

E.W. Crewe’s on Burra’s War Effort.

What Burra has Done and Is Doing for the European War.

£286-11-3 has been raised for the Patriotic Fund, of which £80 was sent to the Prince of Wales’ Fund. The balance is being held to aid any of our boys who become wounded and disabled. The committee is considering ways of augmenting the fund.

A local branch of the Red Cross was formed. Large numbers met for months to prepare clothing, bandages and other requisites for the wounded soldiers. The sum of £70 was also collected.

Belgian Relief Fund. Various efforts to raise money for the sufferings of the Belgian refugees and Belgians at home were made, culminating in Belgian Flag Day. This brought out the largest crowd ever seen in Market Square and visitors said it exceeded even Adelaide in its procession etc. The sale of flags raised over £100. Sale of a fat sheep over £20 and the concert over £25. With the auction of goods the taking on the day were c. £300. The Belgian Fund has now raised £800, of which £720 has been sent to Lady Galway and the committee is aiming for £1,000. Several cases of useful clothing have also been despatched.

A Cheer-up Society has been formed and almost all the young ladies and many married women joined. They meet several times a week, knitting and making garments for our boys at the front and in camp.

Including money subscribed directly to funds in Adelaide as well as locally it is estimated that over £3,000 has been donated in cash from Burra and also large quantities of apparel and medical necessities.

The greatest contribution has been about 110 of our young men.

In addition for the district Leighton, Mt Bryan and Booborowie have subscribed largely to the Patriotic and Belgian Funds

We have just heard that numbers of wounded are now returning and a call has gone out for bedding, pyjamas and other clothing.

Belgian Relief Fund. The committee met on Saturday at the Institute. A further sum of £360 was sent to Lady Galway’s Fund.

Cr Lane moved for a Button Day and auction sale in June.

Commercial Travellers will give a concert.

A letter of sympathy was sent to Mr & Mrs Camp.

Cr Lane moved for a committee to consider a souvenir of the war as it affected Burra.

Cr Wilkinson asked that the Burra Football Assoc. be approached for a fancy dress football match.

While the north end of town was well represented in the volunteers it was felt it could be more energetic in the gathering of funds and on committees.

XXII, 1948, 9 June 1915, page 1

Our Soldiers’ Aid Society

A meeting was called 31 May at Jubilee Hall to decide how best to assist our wounded. The meeting was convened by Rev. J.C. Jennison and Mr C. Bartholomæus and chaired by E.W. Crewes.

The Mayor thought that the Government ought to be providing the basic necessities such as blankets etc. and that Burra donations were extensive. The Cheer-up Society and the Red Cross were already in the field so he was unsure what the convenors had in mind. If they were thinking of another branch of either society he thought that divided efforts were not always the best, though he admitted that the distance to walk to attend meetings in Kooringa was a factor.

Cr Radford said that blankets etc. would doubtless be provided, but that for items like pyjamas ladies could make them at half the cost. He moved the formation of ‘Our Soldiers’ Aid Society’ with the aim of rendering such aid to soldiers wounded or on active service as was deemed necessary. He envisaged pyjamas, slippers, sheets and possibly patchwork quilts. When convalescent temporary homes might be required and light work. Also little luxuries like bacon, eggs etc might be sent to hospitals. He felt that Aberdeen needed its own organisation. By the time ladies carried their machines etc. to Kooringa they would be out of breath. There was no sense of opposition to Kooringa.

Mrs Killicoat would provide afternoon tea at 3d a head to cover the cost of material.

If the committee so desired they would offer Abberton Park for the duration as a convalescent hospital – it could accommodate 25-30 beds. Burra could equip it and offer it to the authorities complete, but for the nurses and medical comforts.

The motion to form the society was carried.

Rev. J.C. Jennison nominated Mrs Bloyd for President. Mrs Bartholomæus was elected Vice-President, Mrs Frank Sara became Secretary and Mr Guy Tiddy was elected Treasurer. Mr C. Fuss moved membership be 1/- for ladies and 2/6 for gentlemen. Lieut. Killicoat’s offer of Abberton Park was accepted in principal and the authorities are to be informed of it. The Methodist Church trustees offered Jubilee Hall free for all meetings. Subscriptions so far are £9-3-6.

XXII, 1948, 9 June 1915, page 2

Snow fell at Mt Bryan on Monday night and on Tuesday morning, but none in Burra.

Burra Show Society. The Editor urges better attendance and more general interest in the Burra Show Society whose AGM is on 11 June.

Rainfall to the east this week varies from 0.12” at Caroona to 0.34” at Quondong.

Flood Relief. £9 has been collected and handed over to Mr Allen whose property was extensively damaged by the recent floods.

West Burra Coppermining Co. has disposed of its new shares to existing shareholders.

A.H. Lackmann, manager for Elder Smith, suffered a cut right eye when a stick flew up from the wheel of his car and broke his driving goggles.

Mr John Melrose of Ulooloo has paid for a fully equipped motor ambulance for use on the front in France.

Leighton Ladies have formed a branch of the Cheer-up Society with c. 30 members.

Burra Rifle Club

Obituary. The first member of the club to die in the war is Pte B.W. Pearse who has died from wounds in the Dardanelles. Besides giving the club some valuable trophies, he, with Mr C.B. Warnes, presented the club with the range shed.

Saturday last saw the opening match for the season.

M.A. Radford 109 from O.G. Walker 103.

XXII, 1948, 9 June 1915, page 3

Football Saturday. Aberdeen 0.8 0.8 1.14 2.14 (26)

Kooringa 0.0 0.2 0.2 1.2 (8)

Soldiers’ Aid Society. Major R.S. Rogers writes saying they are at present unable to make use of Abberton Park, but he seeks information on the number of rooms, size and how many men enlisted from the local area.

Obituary. Henry Lawn died 3 June aged 78. He was born at Gwenip, Cornwall, in 1837 and arrived by the Phoebe when 9 years old. He came straight to work as a lad at the Burra Mine. He worked around the district till taking a farm near Robertstown for some years and then took land at Baldina where he has lived since. He leaves a widow, 3 sons and 6 daughters: Messrs H.B., A., and G. Lawn (Kooringa), Mrs S. Broad (Bright), Mrs James Phillips (Booborowie), Mrs W. Rogers (Broken Hill), Mrs James Gemmell (Adelaide), Mrs R.P. James (Broken Hill), Mrs W.B. James (Baldina) and 38 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. His youngest brother James is now the last of a family of 7 and lives at Prospect.

[Death registered as aged 76.]

Burra Cheer-up Society bought and inscribed a bugle for the 6th Reinforcements of the 10th Battalion. It was presented in Adelaide last Friday. 1,000 copies of Miss Ward’s verses entitled Australia are to be printed and sold for the fund. They welcomed the Leighton branch.

Letter from a Leighton schoolboy condemning the miscreant who stole the Leighton schoolboys’ football on the night of the Belgian Bees Concert.

Sergeant Wheatley writes from Mena, Egypt, dated 8 Feb. 1915. They expected to be involved in the fighting along the Suez Canal, but so far had not moved. At Sunday church parade Wheatley conducted the massed bands. Afterwards he and several other sergeants dined with a local sheik (Head of a Village). They rode donkeys to a house about 2 miles away. They dined in a large room with a long table and were waited on by servants in long brightly coloured silk robes. They were served a dish of quail, then turkey, rice rolled in lettuce leaves, then skinless sausages. They were then almost full, having had whisky and cigarettes between dishes. The meal ended with stewed fruits and nuts and a big dish of something with nuts floating in it. The host did not eat with them, but afterwards.

Obituary. Trooper Bertram W. Pearse of the 2nd Reinforcements, 3rd Light Horse, was killed 26 May at the Dardanelles, aged 34. He was the eldest son of Mr Thomas H. Pearse of ‘The Gums’. Until a few years ago he owned Caroona Station and was on the Hallett D.C. He was a Freemason, a member of the SA Cricket Club, the Commercial Travellers’ Club, Burra Rifle Club and was once a racing cyclist. He leaves a wife and one child. [Bertram Wellesley Pearse born 20 September 1881 Hallett: death registered as 20 May 1915 Gallipoli, residence The Gums Station.]

Letter from Pte E. Roach. 24 April. He says they are leaving for an undisclosed spot where he expects a baptism of fire.

Another dated 29 April from Alexandria says he arrived on a hospital ship with minor wounds to his shoulder and neck.

Another dated 5 May from Malta from where he expects to return to the Dardanelles and further action.

Wounded:

Ambrose H. Baynes of 10th Battalion who was wounded on the Gallipoli Peninsula is the 5th son of the late John Baynes of Leighton. He was born in Burra where his mother Mrs Ivey lives. He was 25 in Egypt last January. He had been working as a barber in Broken Hill when he enlisted. His brother Sgt Roy Baynes is also at the front.

Burra Belgian Bees performed at Farrell’s Flat on 2 June and raised over £17 for the Belgian Relief Fund.

Belgian Relief Fund now at £795-16-10.

As well as the major events and weekly donations the paper regularly reports a whole series of other donations and items given for sale, ranging from mushrooms, kangaroo skins and rabbits to a sheep dog.

Volunteers. Recent additions to the list are:

Roy Fennell Rev. J.H. Nield N. Phillips

R. Hayes G. Highett B. Quinton

Charles Kuchenmeister Frank West

XXII, 1949, 16 June 1915, page 1

Burra Town Council

The Hon. J. Lewis writes asking what has been done about Paxton Square.

It has been decided to re-transfer the property to Mr Lewis.

Letters of sympathy to be sent to relatives of Privates J. Camp and B.W. Pearse.

XXII, 1949, 16 June 1915, page 2

Burra Show Society met on Friday and the President, Mr I.J. Warnes attacked the paper for suggesting not enough interest was being taken in the society. He seems to have mistaken our intention which was to attempt to galvanise into action those who never make any effort to support the society and not to reflect on those members who do support it. Mr Warnes also attacked the Burra Racing Club for not paying its secretary. Perhaps it is time the Racing Club had another meeting to take action to write off its debt.

Obituary. Henry G.B. Newman died in Kooringa on 17 May at the age of 83. He came to SA on the California in 1849. He worked on the River Light before coming to Burra. He was a bachelor with one surviving sister, Mrs M.A. Owers of Hampton and one brother, Mr B. Newman of Broken Hill.

[George Henry Blunt Newman.]

Frank Tiver, home on leave from camp, was tendered a social by the Redruth Sunday School and Christian Endeavour Society in Jubilee hall on Monday.

Advt. The Salvation Army’s Major Rowley will conduct a dedication service on Sunday afternoon. Walter Smith, C.O.

Belgian Relief Fund now stands at £826-8-2. The Commercial Travellers’ Concert is fixed for 9 July. The committee has 20,000 Belgian Flag stamps.

Letter from H.E. Winterbottom, Hon. Sec. Of the Mayor’s Patriotic Fund, Adelaide, seeking donations for the assistance of the wounded and disabled soldiers and relatives of soldiers killed or incapacitated. It will assist dependants until their case has been assessed by Commonwealth Pension Commissioners.

Burra Institute. Condolences were sent to Mrs Sangster on the death of Dr Sangster Jun.

Specifications for a fire-proof room for the biograph lantern were adopted.

Subscribers number 129.

Mr Drew suggested a general meeting of subscribers be called to discuss the idea of a billiard room as it seemed impossible to get a full meeting of the committee.

A general meeting has been called. The committee recommends a room with one table.

Volunteers. Add the name of A.C. McWaters.

XXII, 1949, 16 June 1915, page 3

Burra Cheer-up Society. Work continues raising money and sending away blankets and knitting etc. Meetings are attracting c. 85.

Obituary. Dr J.I. Sangster Jun. died at north Adelaide Private Hospital on 12 June aged 43, after a long illness. He came to Burra as a small boy with his father, Dr J.I. Sangster Sen. He took the degrees of MB and BS in 1893 at Adelaide and then went to England where he was made an MCRS England and LRCP London. On his return he practised in Burra for about 10 years. He took much interest in public matters and was for a term President of the Institute, a member of the Town Council and Mayor in 1908-09. He and his family were earnest supporters of St Mary’s. On leaving Burra he spent three years at Glenelg and returned to Burra 18 months ago to go into partnership with Dr Steele. He married a daughter of the late G.M. Turnbull of North Adelaide and leaves a widow and three young sons. A number of Burra residents attended the funeral at North Road Cemetery on Monday. [John Ikin Sangster]

Burra District Council nominations.

Kooringa Ward (Vacancy caused by the resignation of Cr Bowman)

John Reed (elected)

Kooringa Ward (Ordinary vacancy)

John Berryman

Robert Martin McBride

Baldina Ward Thomas McWaters (elected)

King Ward Charles Back Warnes (elected)

Auditor Frank Treloar (elected)

Poll needed in Kooringa Ward only.

Belgian Relief Fund

The committee discussed going on beyond the £1,000 target and it was decided to do so even if some subscribers and collectors pulled out.

The Commercial Travellers’ Concert for 9 July is confirmed.

The Rifle Club has special matches set for 28 June.

Mr Hann has presented an original cartoon for sale.

Farmers are asked to donate 1 acre of crop to the fund.

Mr Walker suggested asking graziers for a bale of wool.

Drew & Crewes are displaying a mysterious clock. There is a 3’ diameter dial transfer on the window. In the centre is a suction cup with a small pin on which there are two aluminium hands. The question is, ‘What makes it go?’ £5-5-0 is offered for the right scientific answer.

Burra Red Cross will hold a bazaar on 6 august at the Institute to raise funds.

Hockey, Saturday. Ladies 3 defeated Gents 2.

Burra Soldiers’ Memorial Fund.

N. Hiles Pearse wrote to the Burra Council from ‘Corra Lin’ Florieton 2 June.

The family is grieving the death of his brother, Bert Pearse, and he writes suggesting Burra have a memorial to those of the Burra volunteers who fall in action. Such a thing could be done inexpensively and we would be willing to give £5-5-0 or more if required. ‘It is the least we can do for our brave lads who fall in a foreign country, away from their own kin, to be buried in unknown graves.’

Mr Crewes’ thoughts turned to the South African War Memorial in Adelaide, though not on so large a scale of course.

Cr Killicoat thought it a good idea.

A statue had been erected in Jamestown with respect to the South African War, though unfortunately the wording made it sound as if the lads had been killed by the people of Jamestown.

Though a bit early, perhaps it was not too soon to start a subscription list.

It was resolved that the Council arrange for a memorial.

Souvenir of the War.

A large meeting of the combined Patriotic Committees was held in the Council Chamber on Thursday to consider a souvenir book of the war. Mr Crewes couldn’t see how anything could be done till the war was over. The cost was also a problem. He thought that with illustrations it would be c. £100. Cr Lane was strongly for the project.

E.J. Harris said it was necessary to gather the information for the publication as the war went on.

Cr Radford said if anything were premature the monument was. He thought there ought to be a committee to gather information and photos with the idea of publishing when the time came. He believed it would pay for itself.

A motion to collect information and prepare for publication at the end of the war was passed. A committee of seven was elected comprising the Mayor and Messrs Page, Marston, Winnall, Johnson, & Crs Lane and Radford. Mr Page to be secretary.

Redruth Court, 12 July

Carl Otto Ernst Kotz of Emu Downs, labourer, alleged that Benno Albert Frieddrick Kielow shot at him with intent to do grievous bodily harm. Kotz had shot pigeons eating his fathers’ wheat. Kielow had then threatened to shoot him for shooting his pigeons. Kielow had aimed at him and he then ran behind a tree. The shot was fired from c. 120 yards. Adjourned.

Soldiers’ Aid Society. Fund stands at £15-10-0.

XXII, 1949, 16 June 1915, page 4

Burra Show Society (Burra Agricultural Soc.)

AGM Friday last. The President, I.J. Warnes said last year’s show had not been held on account of the war and the very bad season, though personally he had favoured holding it. The secretary had still had quite a lot of work to do and had not been paid. He hoped the meeting would attend to that, unlike the Racing Club. The Hon. John Lewis was re-elected Patron and I.J. Warnes was re-elected President.

[The committee included C. Fuss, A. Forrest and Thomas McWaters]

It was resolved to have the sheep dog trials on 30 & 31 July. Various details of the trials were then settled. A decision on holding a show was deferred for five weeks.

XXII, 1950, 23 June 1915, page 1

Soldiers’ Aid Society met at Jubilee Hall 17 June. Several new members were enrolled to bring the total to close to 100. Knitting and the preparation of old linen for hospital use continues and various money raising activities have begun: guessing the name of a doll for instance. So far £20-11-0 has been raised. A list of donated goods is, as usual, printed.

XXII, 1950, 23 June 1915, page 2

Advt. Holiday Rifle Match, 28 June. In aid of Burra Cheer-up Society.

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, 28 June, in aid of the Burra Coronation Band.

Advt. St Mary’s Church, 28 June, Rev. C.F. Hall of Auburn will preach. Social 29 June.

Advt. Burra Institute, 9 July, the ‘Baggies’ Grand Concert in aid of Belgian Relief. 3/- & 1/6. Auction sale after the interval.

Notice. Public Meeting at Leighton Hall, 26 June, to consider the question of school facilities.

Obituary. Samuel Davey, son of the late William Davey, died 20 June at Milton NSW, aged 52, from cancer. He left Burra some 25 years ago. In his youth he was a great worker for the Bible Christian Church. [Born 4 April 1863 Kooringa.]

Corporal Whitters, in charge of the Redruth Police Station for 17 months has been made a sergeant and will move to Moonta in a week.

Wounded. Pte W.L. Ford, son of F. Ford, is in hospital in Heliopolis following a kick from a horse.

Pte Ross Hayes, well known in Burra, was wounded at the Dardanelles.

Cyril Collins of Mt Bryan was shot in the shoulder whilst landing and is incapacitated.

Belgian Relief Fund stands at £841-2-4.

Burra Cheer-up Society.

We have despatched in all 86 blankets, 59 towels, 22 pillows, 46 pillowslips, 49 sheets, 27 pyjamas, 3 quilts, 2 rugs, 2 pairs of slippers, 1 walking stick, 1 pair bed socks, 1 doz. Covers [?] 1 doz. washers.

Burra Band will perform next Sunday at 3.30 in a sacred concert in our aid.

On June 15 we farewelled Privates Tiver, Kilmartin and McGlosky. Pte Ridgway was too unwell to attend. [Probably Frank Tiver.] On 17 June we farewelled Privates Carey, Barrett, Gray and Hill. Pte Evans paid a hurried visit and also received a gift last Friday. We farewelled Trooper McLaren on 21 June.

Football, Saturday. Aberdeen 2.4 2.4 2.7 3.8 (26)

Kooringa 0.3 1.7 1.10 2.11 (23)

XXII, 1950, 23 June 1915, page 3

Redruth Court 20 June.

The Kotz v. Kielow case continued. Adolph Alfred Kotz, father of the complainant, gave evidence he had seen the incident. Theodor Kotz, aged c. 11 corroborated the evidence as did Clara Kotz, aged 9.

Mr Winnall, for the defence, asked for a dismissal on the grounds that the informant’s evidence had been most unsatisfactory and had been considerably corrected. The evidence of the so-called witnesses was clearly unreliable. They claimed to have heard a conversation at 350 yds. Only one shot from the gun had touched the informant and it was reasonable to believe it was not direct but had dropped onto the informant’s shoulder. The bench thought there was a case to answer. The accused did not desire to give evidence. Augusta Pauline Kielow gave evidence with a different version of the shots and said there were shot marks in her son’s hat that had not been there in the morning. Eventually the case was dismissed with each side to pay its own costs.

Burra Rifle Club. 19 June, shoot for Mrs C.W. Pearce’s picture.

A. Sugars 102 from J.E. Pearce, A.L. Kellock, E.A. Riggs, A. Harris & C.W. Pearce all on 98.

Letter from Sgt R.J. Woollacott of the Coldstream Guards, from Boulogne, dated 10 April. He had been sent to a base hospital with influenza. On 16 April he says he is going to a convalescent camp. The countryside was beautiful. On 23 April he writes he was transferred to Rouen. He had enjoyed walking around Boulogne.

Burra Red Cross. On last Friday a sheep presented by G.W. Gallagher of Pualco was auctioned on the Bugler system and as a result £143-9-0 was raised for them.

Obituary. Mr W.S. Thomson, the manager of the National Bank died suddenly on 21 June. He was recovering from severe gastritis, but collapsed in the street while talking to Dr Ashton who was visiting Burra. The latter at once sent for Dr Steele and the patient was sent to hospital, but died two hours later from a cerebral haemorrhage. He was aged 54 and had been manager in Kooringa for c. 5 years. He came to SA about 32 years ago from Scotland. At his death he was Vice-President of the Institute. He leaves a wife, three sons and one daughter. Mr M. Thomson is gaining station experience in the North, Charles is in the bank at Gladstone and George is fighting in the Dardanelles. [Wyville Smythe Thomson.]

Letter from Pte Hartley Harris from hospital in Alexandria, 23 May 1915. He was in hospital with diarrhoea and trouble with his false teeth. He writes of the landing at Gabe Tepe on 25 April in the face of heavy fire. He had four days and nights without sleep and with one bottle of water and two days’ rations.

Burra Town Council.

T.F. Robertson wrote suggesting the crossing near Gully’s [i.e. The White Hart ford] be lowered two feet.

Cr Lane said that fell in with the Council’s own ideas.

Five boys have wilfully damaged the wall at Victoria Park and the little door in the gate.

The reservoir overseer asks if the Council wants the old metal taken out in the enlargement at 1/- a load. Crs Radford and Lane said it would be a bargain.

Letter from ‘Britisher’, Kooringa, 15 June, complaining that the Burra District Council gave a tender to a ‘German councillor’s son in preference to the Britisher on the ground that the lowest tenderer had no horses, at the same time he would have employed a man that had a team and had to struggle to feed them as well as the councillor.’

[The last phrase reads oddly, but the general tenor of the complaint is both clear and typical of the time.]

XXII, 1950, 23 June 1915, page 4

Letter from C. Hawkins, the well known deaf mute collector for the Blind, Deaf and Dumb Institution, thanking and listing donors.

XXII, 1951, 30 June 1915, page 1

W.B. Martin writes from Thames in New Zealand saying his family arrived in Burra in 1848 and left in 1862 to move to the Wallaroo Mines and then in 1872 went to New Zealand. His father was Martin Martin, who sang in the Bible Christian Choir. He remembers people in Burra named Killicoat, Drew, Lane and Truscott. The writer is Bill, Martin’s eldest son. When the family arrived in Burra the creek was full of big gum trees and most people lived in the creek. I was playing with Joe Reed when he went to wash his hands in the creek and the bank crumbled. He fell in and drowned. Remember two men, Prior and Johns, I think, who suffocated in the mine. My wife was born at Kooringa on 11 October 1846, her father was Samuel Gribble and he left Burra about 68 years ago. There were 14 in our family, of whom four survive: a sister in Broken Hill, Mrs Simons in Aberdeen, a brother in Wallaroo and I. We have just celebrated our Golden Wedding and have 21 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Utica Copper Mine: inspected 19 May. Six miles south east of Burra.

Recent work has been confined to the 100’ level of the underlie shaft. 31 feet in on the SW crosscut a winze in the lode has been sunk 17’, yielding about 4% copper. The engine for pumping water out at this level makes it hot and unfit for men to work. Nothing more will be done here till this improves. A half mile east an underlie shaft is down 60’ in ore of 5% to 1% copper. 90’ east of this there is a shaft 65’ deep from former exploration some years ago and this will be further explored.

West Burra Copper Mine: inspected 19 May.

The main underlie shaft is at 100’ and driving extends a total of 18’. One vein 3-6” wide is fair, but the rest of the formation is low grade. The drive east meets a fault after 16’ and the ore body beyond has not been located. At 50’ the east drive hasn’t found anything while the west drive at 42’ is more promising. A winze from here to the 100’ level is to be dug. The indications on the west side at both the 100’ and 50’ look promising. The seam in the 50’ west drive is 15” wide and gave 34-36% copper.

XXII, 1951, 30 June 1915, page 2

Advt. Violet Day in Burra will be Next Friday.

It is to honour Fallen Heroes and to raise funds to build a home for the wounded.

Rain. At Kooringa there has been 1.82” since last Wednesday. Creeks are running and surface water abounds.

Burra Coronation Band benefited by £5 from the picture show last Monday night.

Obituary. Mrs George Dane, aged 30, died in Adelaide after a long illness. She was the daughter of Mrs Walker of Hyde Park and is survived by a husband and three young children. [Born Muriel Edith Pearce 18 December 1884: died 25 June 1915 Hyde Park, residence Kooringa.]

Burra Show Society. Meeting last Friday with I.J. Warnes in the chair.

The committee for the Sheep Dog Trials decided to allow dogs in the Novice Class to compete for the Championship Cup because this was allowed by the Strathalbyn Rules. This was against a resolution of the Burra Agricultural [Show] Society, which barred them. The committee also decided on one judge for the day when the annual meeting had decided on two. Mr Warnes believed the committee was bound by the resolutions of the AGM. The committee held that such resolutions were recommendations only.

Mr Warnes held they were wrong, but even if it were so they would have to report back to the Burra Show Soc. And when the committee decided to go on with the program he decided to call the present meeting. Since then the card from the Strathalbyn Society showed that only Open Class dogs competed in the Championship.

After a long and at times heated discussion it was resolved that the lines on which the Championship was decided at Strathalbyn should be strictly adhered to at Burra.

The secretary was inclined to resign. He said if the President and not Mr Radford had been in the chair at the time there would have been no trouble.

XXII, 1951, 30 June 1915, page 3

Light Horse. C Squadron 23rd Light Horse.

All equipment and clothing given out must be accounted for by the end of July 1915. After the 1st parade of the troops no man should be in possession of any equipment. This is to help those going away. All equipment is to be forwarded to SOO, Keswick, as soon as possible.

Football. Saturday at Aberdeen

Aberdeen 0.0 1.5 1.5 3.10 (28)

Kooringa 2.3 2.3 3.5 3.5 (23)

War Poem. To The Gallant Dead, by N. Hiles Pearse of Florieton.

Burra Rifle Club. Day for Burra Cheer-up Society. The Ladies Contest was won by Mrs C. Pearce from Miss Wardle.

Revolver shooting was won by L. Nutt.

Burra Cheer-up Society took £4-10-0 from tea and cakes and £16-10-0 overall.

The Ladies Nomination Match was won by C. Radford 110 from J.A. Riggs 107.

Burra Cheer-up Society.

The Burra Coronation Band Sunday concert raised £2-14-8.

Next Friday we celebrate Violet Day and will be selling violets and ribbons.

Membership is now over 200.

XXII, 1952, 7 July 1915, page 1

Clare Rural Deanery: annual chapter was held at St Mary’s on Tuesday followed by the annual meeting and a social in the evening. Reported in 3⁄4 column.

XXII, 1952, 7 July 1915, page 2

Bob Voumardt, well-known local drover has had a run of bad luck this year, losing dogs to the value of £70 to cars, poisoning and distemper. On Saturday week last he lost most of his camp equipment when his tent blew onto the fire while he was out checking the sheep. He narrowly saved the dray which was beginning to burn. His loss here was c. £50.

Fire. At the pictures on Saturday night at the Institute someone seems to have deliberately set fire to the scenery. It was discovered before it did much damage, but it did cause people to leave the hall, fortunately without panic.

Violet Day in Burra.

The day was set aside to commemorate the fallen and to raise funds for a home or club for the wounded and incapacitated. Up to now the Burra Cheer-up Society had sent away about £100 worth of goods, had £25 worth in hand and had farewelled departing soldiers. Mr Crewes called for a fresh application for the cause to be funded by Violet Day. He gave a stirring speech to rouse the patriotism of the locals. Mr Winnall then spoke of the sacrifice of the men in the Dardanelles and how those at home should be willing to make sacrifices in turn. I.J. Warnes said Leighton would unite with the Burra Cheer-up Society to make a common fund. W.G. Hawkes spoke of the volunteers in the loftiest of terms and of an empire based on magnanimity, justice and truth. Following this series of dramatic and impassioned speeches a bunch of violets was sold on the Bugler system. Trix Pearce reported on what followed.

It is the intention of the Cheer-up Society to build a club in Adelaide where wounded soldiers can go when they please. Burra is glad to assist in this aim. In Burra the aim was to sell violets, violet ribbons with a cross, and ‘in memory’ printed on them and programs for the day. Unfortunately the ribbons never arrived, but the flowers and programs sold rapidly. At 3 p.m. businesses closed and the Mayor, E.W. Crewes, and Messrs Winnall, Hawkes and Warnes addressed the large crowd at the rotunda. Mr O’Brien of Dalgety & Co. then proceeded to sell a modest bunch of violets by the Bugler system. The bidding was marvellous and soon totalled the sum of £243. When Mr I.J. Warnes finally bought the bunch for £5-2-6. But after that voluntary contributions continued to roll in and the final price was £382-2-0. Other proceeds for the day brought the total raised to £414. The buyers’ names are listed.

Soldiers’ Aid Society.

The society is growing and meetings are well attended. A large parcel of goods is ready to be sent and sufficient is retained to equip Abberton Park as a convalescent hospital if needed. Mr Morton’s Bible Class social raised 10/6. Seven little girls from Hampton gave a concert there and raised 12/6. The Society will provide luncheon for the sheep dog trials. Mr Jesser will give his billiard hall for one Saturday afternoon.

So far the fund is £25-10-41⁄2.

XXII, 1952, 7 July 1915, page 3

Burra Town Council

The commissioner of Public works has forwarded a special grant of £150 for flood damage to roads.

The Hydraulic Engineer advises that the contractor has no right to dispose of metal taken from the new reservoir site.

The Premier has sought co-operation in making Australia Day a success on 30 July.

The aim of the day is to raise money for the wounded and their dependants and for incapacitated nurses. At present the fund had £24,000 and their aim was for £100,000.

Cr McWaters said that 30 July had been set for the sheep dog trials.

Guy Tiddy for the Soldiers’ aid Society suggested that the military authorities be approached to let all Burra boys return at the same time for a public farewell.

Cr Killicoat thought that it might be arranged.

Cr Redford said it was vital every soldier get a public farewell. ‘Young Camp, the first who died, left without any.’

Mr Crewes said the 1st twenty-three who went did so in twos and threes making it impossible. He had communicated with the military authorities.

Messrs McLaren, Treloar, G. Lord, O’Brien and Dower waited on Council re the relocation of the bridge from the back of the Burra Hotel.

It was the shortest route from the corner of Paxton Square and buyers [at the saleyards] were inconvenienced by the lack of it. A number of ratepayers had also objected to its removal. It had served well for 40 years. The site upstream would not be as convenient for the saleyards or the Recreation Ground.

The Mayor said he had received expressions of directly opposite views and after much discussion the Council had decided on the Institute site.

Cr Radford said there was vandalism destroying street lamps in Aberdeen. One was down and another saved in the nick of time. Police are to be informed.

Belgian Relief Fund now stands at £854-0-3. Details of money raised recently are given.

Hockey. Men in Skirts 4 defeated Ladies 0.

Liberal Union. The AGM of the Women’s Branch is reported. Elections:

President Mrs W.G. Hawkes (pro tem)

Secretary Mr W.B. Page

Assistant Secretary Miss E. Cave

Golf is increasingly popular with nearly 30 members, including 11 ladies.

Letter from ‘Dog Owner’ protesting at Mr I.J. Warnes bluster and supporting the committee in its decision.

‘Supporter’ writes in similar vein, saying Mr Warnes ‘did his block’ and made ‘a lot of statements, as misleading as they were untrue, persuaded those present to pass a resolution exactly resembling the one adopted by the committee.’

Soldiers’ Memorial Fund stands at £49-7-0.

Burra Rifle Club, match on 3 July for Mrs C.W. Pearce’s picture.

G. Lawn 99 from M.A. Radford 94.

Burra Cheer-up Society has now equipped 100 beds and acknowledges the receipt of £15-18-0 from the Rifle Match of 28 June.

XXII, 1952, 7 July 1915, page 4

Letter from R.J. Woollacott, Rouen, France, 30 April.

He talks of his convalescence and of hearing of the Dardanelles exploits.

‘I quite understand the political necessity of having much glory attached to their exploits.’ The papers and censors will see to it. [Perhaps the first sign of some cynicism in his letters.]

On 9 May he writes detailing just where the Battalion is: 6 miles towards the Belgian border from Givenchy, though he was then at base camp near Le Havre.

Reg. Woollacott is now reported killed (the first day in action). He talks of other battalions and of paper reports of Australians in action.

‘dead men are no good to any army (though I know places where the French have used them in building a sand-bag barricade, thus saving the trouble of burying a dead man and of filling about three sand bags.)’

XXII, 1956, 14 July 1915, page 1 (Note the leap from number 1952 to number 1956)

Football, Saturday at Victoria Park.

Kooringa 4.7 5.14 7.18 8.23 (71)

Aberdeen 0.2 0.2 1.3 2.5 (17)

Redruth Court, 7 July

Thomas McBride fined £19-11-0 including costs for depasturing 3,000 sheep on Crown Lands.

Heinrich C. Przibilla fined £4-16-0 including costs for depasturing 100 sheep on Crown Lands.

XXII, 1956, 14 July 1915, page 2

Lieut. Lewis writes to T.H. Pearse of ‘The Gums’ to say how Bert got hit. He was guarding ammunition when struck by a sniper’s bullet on the temple, probably on 20 May. He died on 26 May.

Court Unity AOF has presented E.T.J. Rule with a gold medal for past services. This was accepted by his father, W.J. Rule as his son is at the front.

Letter from Harry Davey to his parents, from the trenches.

Obituary. Mrs T. Hams of Braefoot died yesterday. [Born Barbara Quinn 15 June 1862 Victoria Creek: died 13 July 1915 Burra.]

Rev. J.H. Nield has arrived in Cairo.

Soldiers’ Aid Society. A case of goods has been forwarded to Adelaide this week. Many more socks and handkerchiefs are needed. Membership is now over 100.

Total funds raised £26-12-101⁄2.

Golf. On Saturday L. Neagle won a golf stick with a round of 77.

XXII, 1956, 14 July 1915, page 2-3

Belgian Relief Fund.

The Commercial Travellers’ Concert. About 30 travellers arrived in town on Friday. Some set up shop in the rotunda where a ‘court’ was established. The Record reporter went to investigate and was fined 10/- for trespassing. S.M. Lane was fined 10/- for riotous behaviour, having just consented to be clerk. Other citizens were dragged in and fined on charges ranging from pitch and toss to manslaughter. Resisting arrest was a popular charge, though one was fined for not resisting and one for being too heavy to carry. Mr Ford assisted in the arrests and was fined for doing so. The Mayor was fined for being the Mayor and not setting a better example.

[A long list of offenders and offences follows.]

The fines raised £31-6-9.

The concert was packed to overflowing. After interval a Bugler sale was held of a large flag signed by Lady Galway and several smaller ones as well as a cartoon by Mr Hann. In this was £192-0-6 was raised. Mr Hawkes made the highest single bid of £32-11-0, though in several bids the Hon. J. Lewis contributed a total of 50 guineas.

The concert tickets raised £52-3-9

Lollies and flowers raised £1-7-3

The total for the day in cash takings was £279-0-9 which brings the total for the Belgian Relief Fund to £1,139-9-6, which was far beyond expectations.

Note that the program for the concert as printed the week before reads in an abridged form:

1. God Save the King

God Save Belgium

2. Song: Land of Hope and Glory

3. Whistling Song: The Bowery Boy

4. Song: The Deathless Army

5. Humorous Recital: Levinsky at the Wedding

6. Quartette: The Old Folks at Home

7. Band: It’s a Long Way to Tipperary

8. Song: Call Us and We’ll Soon be There

9. Song: Glorious Devon

10. Recital: Sari Bair

11. Song: If the Belgians Hadn’t Blocked the Kaiser’s Way

12. Song: The Death of Nelson

Interval

1. Hymn: Lead Kindly Night

2. Piano: Ragtime ‘Specialties’

3. Duet: Watchman! What a Night

4. Recital: When the Sun Went Down

5. Song: Three For Jack

6. Exhibition of American Axe Swinging

7. Ragtime Specialties

8. Song: The Blue Dragoons

9. Ventriloquial Sketch: Professor Levinsky and His Automaton Dolly

10. Song: The Little Grey Home in the West

11. God Save the King

XXII, 1956, 14 July 1915, page 3

Patriotic Meeting at Farrell’s Flat

A meeting at Farrell’s Flat on Saturday night to consider celebrating Australia Day was addressed by E.W. Crewes and Mr Winnall.

Mr Crewes gave a stirring patriotic speech and was proud to come from Burra where, with only 1,750 people they had raised over £1,500 and sent 128 men to the front. On Violet Day they had raised £414. Gawler had managed £45 and Adelaide £750.

Mr Winnall followed.

[The patriotic enthusiasm and the claiming of the moral high ground for Burra backfired on this occasion however, and Mr Bartlett, no doubt expressing views shared by others, took offence at the implication that Farrell’s Flat had not done its bit and also at the fact that Burra’s catchment area for donations extended to within two miles of Farrell’s Flat, where a man giving £20 to the Burra Fund would have had more credit if he had donated it locally.]

Mr Winnall apologised if he had trodden heavily on somebody’s corns. He had no thought of belittling the town.

But this did not quite quell the situation.

Mr Denton moved a vote of thanks to the speakers and said while Mr Bartlett had taken what was said in the wrong way, the Mayor must have known that a portion of Violet Day money had come from the Hanson District and it would hurt people’s feelings to have it all claimed for Burra.

Mr Crewes then said he was sorry he came and took Mr Denton’s remarks as an insult. Some of his friends lived in Farrell’s Flat and he would not travel there to insult them. If he had said anything to hurt their feelings he apologised.

A committee was then formed to organise Australia Day at Farrell’s Flat, but by that time anything said was interpreted as an insult by one side or the other and the meeting was adjourned.

One result of the above meeting was that Mr Ley, as Chairman of the District Council, who had invited the Mayor and Mr Winnall, grew so disgusted by the attitudes of the ratepayers as expressed at the meeting that he resigned as Chairman of the District Council and has since refused to change his mind.

Burra Cheer-up Society

The Hon. J. Lewis has loaned a piano to the Society for the duration.

Mr Pearce has had acetylene gas lighting installed in the room.

On Wednesday Lieut. Stevenson, who was on a farewell visit, called in on us.

Some members attended St Mary’s Schoolroom at the invitation of Rev. Bloyd on Thursday last to help farewell Rev. Durnford who was about to leave for the front.

[This was probably Wednesday as elsewhere he is said to have left on Thursday morning.]

Letter from ‘One Who Cares’ urging the cancellation of dancing at the Institute and the playing of football ‘while this horrible war is raging’. The editor comments that on Monday night the Institute committee prohibited dancing until after the war.

Letter from I.J. Warnes, defending his stand on the fracas over the Burra Field Dog Trials.

Letter from M.A. Radford on the same subject.

[For anyone interested in the whole thing this letter is perhaps the most clearly articulated outline of the dispute and sets out the chronological sequence of events and explains how it all came about in fairly dispassionate terms. Nevertheless some of the statements about who said what are at the core of the matter and these remain in dispute as shown in a letter in the next issue.]

Burra Institute Committee

Mr McLaren elected Vice-President for the rest of the year to replace Mr Thomson, deceased. Subscribers number 120. The committee discussed the issue of dancing for the duration of the war and decided to ban it in the hall. Six subscribers and the committee then considered the desirability of a billiard room. Three schemes were considered:

A room 18’ x 45’ with one table, costing £460 (Though costs have risen sharply since this costing was done.)

A room for two tables with the building and table to cost £570

(The third option does not seem to be reported in the paper.)

Terowie seems to be the only Institute to run a billiard room successfully from the four written to.

Mr Lane moved that with building materials so costly and the time inopportune, the matter stand over till after the war. Mr Wilkinson 2nd.

Given the general lack of response from subscribers the motion was carried.

Rev. F.H. Durnford has been appointed Chaplain with Australian troops and received only 24 hours notice to join them. A farewell social was hastily arranged in St Mary’s Schoolroom on Wednesday evening last. Rev. Bloyd and Mr Winnall spoke and so did Mr Treloar, Mr Page and Mr Crewes. Mr Durnford made a suitable response. He left on Thursday morning’s train.

XXII, 1957, 21 July 1915, page 1

R.H.P. Nicole, who has been ledger keeper at the National Bank for 8 months, has been promoted to teller at Crystal Brook.

Mr Horner has been appointed Divisional Returning Officer under the Commonwealth at Kooringa.

Pte W. Pederson writes he has arrived at the firing line with the Turks.

Bob Burns, son of S. Burns of Kooringa, who has been in Fiji for some time, has left with 60 others to volunteer in England. Two other sons, Gar. (in Adelaide) and Glad. (of Kooringa), intend volunteering shortly.

Hon J. Lewis has three sons at the front: Dr Brook Lewis from W.A., Capt. Gilbert Lewis who volunteered from India, and Lieut. Lance Lewis who joined from Burra.

XXII, 1957, 21 July 1915, page 2

Harry Davey writes from the Dardanelles on 29 May, in good spirits and reports Cpl E.T.J. Rule as being well.

Australia Day.

The combined patriotic committees met on 13 July to arrange for Australia Day on the 30 July.

The money raised is to supplement the pensions of returned soldiers.

A decorated motorcar procession was agreed upon. The Burra Automobile Club was asked to help and the Burra Band to play selections in the afternoon. It was resolved that an auction sale be held in the afternoon and a large silk flag of the Commonwealth, 6’ x 3’ signed by Lady Munro-Ferguson [wife of the Governor General] to be offered on the day by the Bugler system, to go in the end to the highest aggregate bidder – also 50 silk Australian flags signed by the Governor – or by the Governor General if his signature was obtainable. The ladies to provide afternoon tea. A concert to be held in the evening in the Institute. Various committees were established to organise the above.

Burra Cheer-up Society. Visit of Mrs Seager.

Mrs Seager, organiser of the Cheer-up Society visited Burra on Wednesday. The Mayor introduced the visitor. The President of the society, Mr Sowden apologised for his absence. Mrs Seager came not to solicit fresh funds, but to thank Burra for the money and packages already sent and specifically as the result of Violet Day. Mr Winnall asked for clarification on how the funds were to be expended and how Australia Day and Violet Day were differentiated.

Australia Day funds would go towards supplementary pensions for the wounded and helping their dependants and providing light employment.

Violet Day raised money for the Cheer-up Home which was a place the returned wounded could visit at any time when they were discharged. Many coming from all parts of the state had nowhere to go and this provision was important for them. They also found a lack of utensils at the camp and the Keswick Hospital was not well equipped and the funds helped there. Burra had supplied over 100 beds. The Government had supplied some land for the building.

In the evening of Mrs Seager’s visit we also farewelled two more Burra boys: Ptes J. Kellaway and Stagg. Mr Crewes presided.

Mrs Seager suggested Burra and Leighton branches provide the soldiers with a luncheon on Australia Day.

On July 17 an inscribed bugle was presented to Lieut. Stevenson’s battalion from Burra Cheer-up Society.

Some 30 dozen handkerchiefs have now been sent from here.

Pte Bruce regretted he could not attend the social.

Monday we had a send-off for Pte Lance Tiver.

XXII, 1957, 21 July 1915, page 3

Letter from L.W. Gebhardt, Mokota, 17 July, outlining clearly a different explanation for the misunderstanding and difficulties re the Field Dog Trials.

Letter from ‘Dog Owner’ who takes up the Field dog Trials issue and berates Mr Warnes for his headstrong approach.

Letter from ‘Supporter’ pointing out how M.A. Radford’s explanation rests in part on what he considered other people thought and this is shaky ground. The fault, he says, lies with Warnes and Radford for the whole mess.

Burra Show Society met on Friday for a general meeting to consider holding a show in 1915. The committee recommended reducing prize money to £200 and members volunteered to do the carting of exhibits from the railway station, saving £20-£30. The motion fixing the date as the last Friday in September was rescinded. Mr Hawkes moved and Mr R.M. McBride 2nd that there be no show this year due to the war.

Mr Radford moved an amendment that it be held. 2nd Mr Flower.

Mr Winnall was for the motion and Mr A.D. McDonald was for the amendment as were Mr Harcus, Mr Warnes, Mr Hodge and Mr Duldig. The amendment was carried 13 to 12.

The date settled on was 21 October.

Re the Dog Trials it was resolved that four dogs from the open class be taken to compete for the Championship.

Burra Rifle Club. After last weeks shoot the position for Mrs Pearce’s picture is J.E. Pearce 24 points when he shot a 98 to beat O.G. Walker 93.

The Belgian Relief Fund stands now at £1,142-17-9.

Football, Saturday at Aberdeen Oval.

Kooringa 0.0 2.2 3.2 3.3 (21)

Aberdeen 0.0 0.0 1.1 1.1 (7)

Burra Town Council

Mrs Sangster replied that an enlarged photo of the late Dr Sangster would be forwarded for hanging in the Council Chamber.

Cpl McCarthy has so far insufficient evidence to prosecute anyone for vandalism in Aberdeen.

Cr Killicoat complained that sometimes both streetlights in Aberdeen were out. The present lamplighter to be given notice.

The Deputy Post Master General is to be asked to provide private boxes at Aberdeen.

The Commissioner of Public Works is to be urged to get on with the job of repairing bridges washed out in the floods.

There was a petition from 175 persons asking for the footbridge behind the Burra Hotel to be restored.

Soldiers’ Aid Society.

Mr Jesser’s offer of his billiard room on Saturday raised £3-11-6.

Total now £35-2-41⁄2.

Burra Red Cross has now raised £70-3-0.

XXII, 1958, 28 July 1915, page 1

Burra Sporting and Athletic Club has decided to hold a Boxing Day sports Meeting with nett proceeds to go to the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund.

Letter from Isaac J. Warnes seeking clarification of whether the proposed War Memorial is for Burra or Burra District. If the latter then other local government bodies should have been consulted. In any case the move is as yet premature and could lay up money for years that could be put to better use.

XXII, 1958, 28 July 1915, page 2

Pte T. James was given a farewell social at his home by Hanson people on Friday night with dancing to the small hours.

Advt. Australia Day, July 30. For Wounded Soldiers’ and Nurses’ Fund.

Grand Procession 2.30 p.m. with decorated cars and other vehicles and Burra Band.

Auction Sale. Art Union. Afternoon Tea. Grand Concert in the evening at the Institute.

Advt. Burra Institute 4 August. Monster Recruiting Meeting

Remember Gallipoli! England Expects!! Every man Wanted!!

To Arms! To Arms! Roll Up! Roll Up!

Advt. Parks and Sharp – The Red Store – Commercial St, Kooringa

General Store, Groceries, Fruit 7 Vegetables.

Obituary. Barbara Hams died 13 July at Braefoot, aged 53, the wife of T.J. Hams and eldest daughter of the late Andrew Quinn of Terowie.

Mr & Mrs Hams lived at Yarcowie for 25 years before moving to Braefoot some 8 years ago. There are four sons including Malcolm (Booborowie), and two daughters, one of whom is Mrs O.J. Lynch of Leighton. [Born Barbara Quinn 15 June 1862 Victoria Creek: died 13 July 1915 Burra.]

Henry Collins & Son recently purchased for Lucernedale a ram, Lord Charles for the highest price ever paid in Australia: £2,000. It was bred at the late F. Bodey’s Bundemar Station.

G.B. Anderson, letter-carrier in Kooringa for two years was recently moved to Wolseley. He was given a farewell at the Commercial Hotel on Wednesday and presented with a travelling rug and scarf.

Australia Day Program in Burra

10.30 a.m. Field Dog Trial (Till 2.30 p.m. then resumed on Sat. morning)

2.30 p.m. Procession leaves Jubilee hall for Kooringa

Order: Light Horse, Cadets, Band, Citizen Forces

School Children, Kazoo-Tin-Can Band,

Vehicles, Motors

All participants must join in Redruth

Auction Sale of Goods and Flags

Patriotic Speech by E.W. Crewes

Paddy’s Market and Afternoon Tea

Patriotic concert in the Institute in the Evening

Art Union

Recruiting. A meeting was held on Monday evening to form a recruiting committee for Burra. Dr Steele thought it should be pushed vigorously. He was trying to go himself and on two or three occasions had almost lined up a locum and only on Saturday had a letter from one who had now decided to go himself. The mayor mentioned a strapping young fellow, out of work, whose parents would not let him go. A demonstration has been arranged for the 1st anniversary of the war on 4 August.

Farewell to Our Boys. The Institute was practically full on Saturday at 3 p.m. for a farewell to another batch of our volunteers. E.W. Crewes presided. Since the inception of the Burra Cheer-up Society no volunteer has left without a gathering to wish him well. Rev. Bloyd spoke after Mr Crewes. Mr Winnall then made an impressive speech and Lieut. McBride responded. Lieut. Kidman, as a visitor, also spoke briefly.

[Strangely the volunteers are neither numbered nor named.]

XXII, 1958, 28 July 1915, page 3

Letter from Sgt R. Woollacott, France, 1 June 1915, with more about Burra than the war or France. Another is dated 6 June when he was back with his battalion, having come up to the front by train from Le Havre. He was then about 8 miles from the front.

Letter from Horace Oates at Mitcham, dated 24 July. He was there in camp where about 3,000 were housed 12 to a tent or 60 to a hut. The ground he says is hard, but the food was good. They get plenty of drill and there is a ‘bird cage’ for the incorrigibles.

Letter from Eric Roach from the Dardanelles, dated 9 June. He tells of the difficulties of writing with a lack of paper, and of the landing at Anzac Cove. He got wounded when a bullet went through his shoulder and into his neck. He spent three weeks on a hospital boat and then went to Alexandria and Malta before returning to Gallipoli.

Burra Cheer-up Society report on the farewell to the volunteers. This report lists them as: Lieut McBride, & Privates James, C.A. Brown, Wahlert, Wilson, Bowman, G.A. Brown, Field, Lowe, B. Collins & Nicholls along with Lieut. Kidman (a visitor). Pte Niemann could not attend. We thank Mr E.J. Harris for allowing us the use of his crockery free of charge and J.T.P. Johnson for use of a copper.

M.A. Radford responds briefly to his critics, but sneers at the use of a nom-de-plume.

Frank Harris spells out just who is running the Cheer-up Society in Adelaide.

XXII, 1959, 4 Aug. 1915, page 2

Advt. Centenary of Australian Methodism. Thanksgiving services in the Kooringa Methodist Church 8 august. Dr H.T. Burgess from Adelaide will preach. On 10 August public tea at 5.30 p.m. and meeting at 7.45 p.m. with an address by Dr Burgess.

Notice. Dr Ashton has established a temporary surgery in premises next door to Lord’s Hotel.

Obituary. George Kemble, aged 64 yrs 11 months died 29 July at Baldina, leaving a widow, four sons, and three daughters. He was a very old resident of Douglas who was born at Cherry Gardens near Adelaide and worked in this district first as a station hand. 40 years ago he took up land at Douglas. Among children are Mrs A. Woodman of Kooringa and Messrs D. & H. Kemble of Burra. [Death registered as at Douglas.]

Fred Moxam of Parcoola was farewelled on 26 July at Old Koomooloo before going into camp.

Dr Ashton, formerly of Burra, has purchased the practice of the late Dr J.I. Sangster and has resumed work here. Pending the erection of a house and surgery in Commercial Road Dr Ashton has fitted up a temporary surgery in the premises recently occupied by Mr J.T. Hartnett, next door to the Burra Hotel.

Australia Day was held in Burra last Friday.

The weather, which had been threatening, turned out to be ideal. A team spent the morning decorating Market Square. An afternoon tea tent was erected at the northern end of the square and at the south end was T.P. Hall’s pie-stall, lent for the day to another group of ladies. In front of the rotunda were the articles to be auctioned. The procession began approximately at 2.30 p.m. from Redruth. It was headed by the police Cpl McCarthy and M-C Queale, then the Light Horse, Citizen Forces, Cadets under Lieut. Killicoat, Burra Coronation Band under Conductor Bentley, Burra Rifle Club under Captain Lord, Burra School Children under Mr Johnson, Copperhouse children under Mr Mazzarol, a large number of vehicles and 20-30 cars, the Kazoo-tin-can Band and the Copper Escort of small boys dressed in brilliant uniforms and carrying battle-axes and swords.

A.J. McBride’s car was judged most artistic; Mrs Barker’s car in wattle blossom and gold streamers was much admired. Dr Steele’s car was most appropriate: a boat-shaped frame carried samples of state recruiting posters. R.M. McBride Jun.’s car ‘was got up as a blackfellows’ wirley and was said to be from Oodnadatta’. The tin-can band was organised by Mr Hann and consisted of about 40 boys in black faces and patched costumes with jam-tin hats and kerosene-tin drums. At the rotunda Mr Crewe’s made another stirring appeal.

XXII, 1959, 4 Aug. 1915, page 2-3

The Auction. Bidding for the flag signed by Lady Munro-Ferguson opened with Mr Tennant’s bid of £200 and W.G. Hawkes had a bid of £50. The highest bid of the day got the flag and bidders of £25 or more got a smaller one signed by Her Excellency. Bidders of £1-1-0 got a small flag signed by Sir Henry Galway.

The bidding for the flag brought in the amazing sum of £1,600.

The largest bids were: J.M. McBride £300

A.J. & P.M. McBride £250

J. Tennant £200

Mrs Barker £100

R. T. & R.M. McBride £100

John Berryman £54-10-0

W.G. Hawkes £50

Miss Muriel Barker £50

The auction sale totalled £1,693

The art union brought in £30

The concert took £37

The overall total for the day exceeded £2,000.

XXII, 1959, 4 Aug. 1915, page 3

Other centres also raised money for Australia Day:

Farrell’s Flat £127

Mt Bryan £350

Robertstown £300

Booborowie £185-10-0

Hallett £150

Sheep Dog Field Trials, 30 & 31 July

Novice Stakes won by Mr White’s black and tan Koonoona Jack who penned in 133⁄4 minutes.

Puppy Stakes won by Willie Wade’s Logie-’o-Buchan

Open Class won by Mr A. Collins’s black, yellow and white dog Rap, getting maximum of 100 points and penning in 12 minutes.

The Championship Cup of SA was also won by Rap with another perfect score.

Letter from ‘Loyalty’ who takes exception to remarks of two of the speakers farewelling volunteers on 24 July, one of whom said

‘There ought not to be one able-bodied man in the hall who had not volunteered.’

And another said ‘all those physically fit who do not go are called the cold foot brigade’.

But some must stay behind as indicated in a cutting from the Register of 22 July.

The point made there was that the biggest harvest yet in Australia is on the way and men are needed to gather it in and farmer numbers are so depleted. Harvesting food for the nation is serving the country as faithfully as he who goes to the front.

Letter from ‘Supporter’ continuing the squabble over the Sheep Dog Trials. Also did Mr Radford say recently ‘men that are going now are not half as worthy of a social as others who have gone and those who go later should get no send-off at all’?

Why does Mr Radford stay at home?

‘Our roads are in good order now and our ratepayers may possibly be induced to give Cr Radford leave of absence for a few months.’

Letter from ‘Dog Owner’ noting Mr Warnes failed to thank Mr Killicoat for providing the sheep or Mr McBride for presenting a trophy at the Sheep Dog Trials. Was this because both were on the much-abused committee? But why was Mr George Melrose not thanked for presenting a medal. It is time Mr Warnes ‘climbed off his perch’.

Football: Saturday.

Kooringa 0.0 4.5 6.9 7.10 (52)

Aberdeen 3.0 4.2 5.5 6.5 (41)

Burra Town Council

The Commissioner of Crown Lands has offered to build three bridges in Burra for £400 each if the Council will pay half.

Cr McBride said the offer was absurd.

The Council had £150 and he suggested the Department be asked for the other £150.

The matter will be taken up with the local members.

The Aberdeen Bridge certainly did not need £400 spent on it.

Eventually it was decided to ask for a £600 special grant.

Kooringa has been brought under the Public Amusements Act.

Aberdeen will get private post boxes, but none are presently in stock.

XXII, 1960, 11 Aug. 1915, page 2

Obituary. Mary Anna Snell, aged 81, wife of the late Richard Snell, died at her daughter’s residence in Kooringa on 8 August. She was born near Truro, Cornwall in 1834 and arrived with her father, the late Henry Bishop in 1848 and her uncle the late Richard Boundy, afterwards a captain at the Burra Mine. They came straight to Burra. In 1852 she married Richard Snell and they went to the Victorian goldfields and they then lived in various places: Avoca, Daylesford, and Castlemaine, before returning to Burra in 1877. They lived here until Mr Snell died in 1906. In 1910 Mrs Snell moved to Saddleworth for four years before returning to Burra. The surviving children are: Messrs Frederick Snell (Saddleworth), John Snell (Westbourne Park), Mrs J. Hocking (Yackanandah Vic.), Mrs H. Young (Long Plains), and Mrs F.J. Carey (Kooringa). [Born Mary Ann Bishop.]

Accident. Cr T. McWaters was shocked and bruised when a car driven by Clem McWaters turned on its side in a creek crossing due to its tyre coming off.

St Mary’s special service for the fallen last Sunday night had a small attendance due to the heavy rain which also prevented the Rev. Bloyd from getting back. The service was taken by Mr Letheby.

Dr Burgess preached at the Kooringa Methodist Church on Sunday in connection with the centenary of Methodism in Australia. Wet weather kept numbers down somewhat, but £50-10-0 was collected.

Hockey, Saturday. Gents 3 defeated Ladies 0.

West Burra Coppermining Co. 4th half-yearly report, 28 July, Burra Institute.

Messrs A.J. McBride, George Lord and Thomas McWaters were re-elected as directors. (The other directors are S.M. Lane and C.B. Warnes.)

Work has continued and though little ore has been sent away the three tons processed gave encouraging results, assaying at 27% copper. In six months 158’ of driving and 34’ of sinking was done at 30/- per foot. Western drives now extending at the 50’ and 100’ levels. The company is in credit £630 following the issuing of the 5,000 shares held in reserve. The directors took 2,330 of them, showing their confidence in the venture.

Australia Day reports are printed for Booborowie (£185-10-6), Robertstown (Nearly £300), Mt Bryan (£340) & Manoora-Saddleworth (£463).

XXII, 1960, 11 Aug. 1915, page 3

Australia Day total for Burra is now revised to £2,113-2-5.

Railway Accident at Burra Station.

On Friday evening the Broken Hill Express was accidentally run onto the wrong line and into a rake of cattle trucks. The sound of the collision was heard for two miles. Luckily the driver applied the brakes promptly and the cattle train locomotive was not attached. There were no serious injuries, though some passengers were bruised and one lady was cut on the head. The engine passed halfway through a combination passenger and luggage van, smashed two cattle trucks and more or less damaged a score of others. The roof of the van enclosed the engine up to the cabin and the smoke stack of the locomotive was lying some distance back along the line. Some of the buffers on passenger carriages were also damaged. It was fortunate that the cattle train was able to move somewhat and so absorb part of the force of the collision. It seems the points were set right by one official and another, unaware of that changed them back. The system in use is said to be absolutely out of date and considering the line’s traffic it is time a more modern one was in place.

Red Cross Bazaar at the Institute last Friday.

The weather was about as bad as possible, but despite that c. £200 was raised. Mr Crewes introduced Mrs Hawker of ‘Bungaree’ to open the bazaar. Her speech and descriptions of the stalls etc. extend for c. 11⁄4 columns.

Soldiers’ Aid Society. The Aberdeen quarrymen have donated half a day’s pay. Other activities are detailed. The fund stands at £56-10-21⁄2.

Burra Cheer-up Society. As well as helping on Australia Day in Burra the branch sent four cases of good things to Adelaide for the Australia Day luncheon served to 300 men there. (The list of donors is printed.)

Letter from ‘Ratepayer’ suggesting the ‘move on’ clause be invoked more in Burra and complaining of vandalism in shop doorways with filthy and disgusting writing thereon and the shop doorways used as public urinals. These objectionable persons should be ‘at the front fighting by the sides of their mates’.

XXII, 1961, 18 Aug. 1915, page 2

The Red Cross Bazaar takings totalled £201-15-4.

Kooringa Methodist Church held special services for the war dead last Sunday.

Pte Leslie Kellaway writes from Egypt, having arrived on 5 July in good health. He saw Andrew Pearce on Tuesday and reports Dick Ockenden in hospital with malaria.

Trooper Ford spent five days in Gallipoli before an injury when kicked by a horse in Egypt caught up with him and caused him to be evacuated. He is home briefly and due to return to the front in about a fortnight.

Letter from A. Seager, honorary Organiser of the Cheer-up Society, explaining the working of the society and that work is about to begin on construction of a club for wounded soldiers in Adelaide. (1⁄3 column of detail.)

Recruiting Meeting, Burra Institute, 4 August.

The hall was well filled. Mr Crewes took the chair. Speakers were Hon. J.H. Vaughan, Attorney General and W. Miller MP. There were apologies from Hon. L. O’Loughlin. The Attorney General’s speech is reported at length. At the end D.C. Eig and L.J.T. Turner signed application cards to volunteer. (3⁄4 column.)

A recruiting meeting at Mt Bryan on 11 august is also reported in c. 3⁄4 column.

XXII, 1961, 18Aug. 1915, page 2-3

Burra Town Council.

J.E.H. Winnall advises the Council is entitled to the rates from Paxton Square while acting as trustee for the property.

J.B. Griffiths is appointed lamp lighter in Aberdeen until the end of November.

There are complaints re the lamp lighting in Kooringa, but nothing was resolved.

A petition was presented asking for the footbridge, formerly behind the Burra Hotel, to be re-erected opposite the Institute.

There was another bridge only a few yards from the hotel and it was not desirable for schoolchildren to go through the back premises of a hotel. There were 92 signatures.

The Mayor said they had already resolved to erect the bridge opposite the Institute and he could not say whether that would be altered in view of the two contrasting petitions now received, but both would be considered.

XXII, 1961, 18Aug. 1915, page 3

Burra Rifle Club, 7 August. E.A. Riggs 97 from A.L. Kellock & N.H. Pearse each 93.

Pte H.L. Riggs is reported slightly wounded and at Malta Hospital. A later cable from Malta says he is progressing favourably.

St Mary’s. The Bishop of Adelaide has been visiting Burra District for four days from 14 August.

Saturday: he met with church workers in the schoolroom.

Sunday: St Mary’s Holy Communion at 8 a.m.

St Andrew’s Mt Bryan, 11 a.m.

Hallett, 3 p.m.

St Mary’s 7 p.m.

Monday Booborowie, evening service

Black Springs, evening service

His Sunday evening address is reported at length.

Booborowie School. The Department has selected a site for the school about a mile from the town and the townspeople are incensed about it, especially as when the town was surveyed a well-drained suitable site of one acre was set aside for the school.

Burra Cheer-up Society. In the past week two more of our soldiers have been home on leave from camp: Privates Bishop and Bulbeck. The shortness of their stay prevented a farewell, but they were given Cheer-up parcels of woollen comforts etc.

Ptes Wilson and Bowman have sent thanks for parcels received. Pte H. Harris is in hospital with sickness after being at Gallipoli. Mrs Seager has written to say that the large hall in the Cheer-up Society’s building for wounded soldiers in Adelaide will be called the ‘Burra Hall’.

Football, Saturday. Aberdeen 1.3 2.4 3.7 3.9 (27)

Kooringa 0.0 1.4 2.4 2.4 (16)

Belgian Relief Fund is now at £1,144-5-3.

Burra WCTU continues to meet monthly and the last meeting on 4 August was under the newly elected President, Mrs Fegan.

Soldiers’ Aid Society. Socks and woollen comforts are much needed, as are supplies for hospitals in Egypt and Malta.

XXII, 1962, 25 Aug. 1915, page 2

Rain on Sunday and Monday totalled 294 points.

Hockey on Saturday: Gents 2 defeated Ladies 1.

Film: Saturday 28 August at the Institute.

A Hero of the Dardanelles, and also among other strong features,

Burra Belgian Flag Day and Australia Day at Burra.

Burra sporting and Athletic Club met at Opie’s Hotel on Thursday night re the Boxing Day sports.

Obituary. Miss Mary Sleeman of Aberdeen died on 23 August aged 48. She had been keeping house for her brother who is a widower. [Born 20 March 1867 Aberdeen: died at Redruth.]

Golden Wedding of Mr & Mrs D. Radford of Redruth was celebrated on 20 August. Mr Radford came to SA with his father in 1838 in the Pestonjee Bomajee with Governor Gawler. He farmed near Angaston and went prospecting in the NT in the early days. Later he took up land near Kanyaka not far from Quorn for 14 years. In 1891 he came to Glenora, east of Burra. He has been twice married. The surviving children are Messrs S.O. (South Africa), D.H. (Canegrass), M.A. (Redruth), F.W. (Glenora), G. (Sydney), and Mrs John Bowman (Leighton). There are 12 grandchildren, of whom Mr V. Nicholls is in camp.

Boy Scouts. A meeting in Jubilee Hall on Tuesday evening last with E.W. Crewes in the chair gathered to form a troop of Baden Powell Boy Scouts. E.W. Crewes was elected President and J. Rigney was chosen Scoutmaster and Secretary. 22 boys were enrolled. Mr James Reed Jun. has lent a large building as a troop room in Aberdeen.

Lce-Cpl O’Brien, who was at the Gallipoli Landing, is visiting. He is a mate of Hartley Harris who is suffering from rheumatics. He was in the trenches 15 hours when he was struck by an explosive bullet that punctured his lung. He is a native of NSW who enlisted in NZ.

Volunteers. The following came forward after the recruiting campaign and were examined by Dr Steele.

Accepted Rejected

C.E. Simmons L.J.T. Turner (measurement)*

H. Trevilyan D.C. Eig (eyes)*

A.E. White A.H. Lackmann (eyes)*

L.L. Craig J.H. Statton

H. Brown J.F. McMahon*

A.L. Davidson Roy Treloar (eyesight) #

R.A. Ford

E. Vivian

M.E. Przibilla

R.H. Lackmann was accepted, joining in Angaston

[# R. Treloar was omitted from this list and added in the paper of 1 September.

• These men were accepted at a later date.]

Messrs Crump & Leahy have completed a bore on Mokota for L.W. Gebhardt and found 30,000 gallons a day at 200’ above the homestead, ensuring a splendid supply for irrigation and the homestead.

Burra Cheer-up Society. Three more cases of goods have been sent to Adelaide.

On Thursday 19 August we welcomed home Trooper Ford who is recovering from a kick from a horse. He had four or five days on Gallipoli before giving in to the injury.

Ptes Ryan, Frusher and Gillett from Broken Hill are visiting. All were wounded in the initial landing at the Dardanelles. They have been entertained by the society.

Pte Bruce, who was to have been home on Saturday is in hospital with measles.

Trooper Ford was welcomed home at a public meeting at the Institute on Thursday evening. Mr Crewes presented him with a wristwatch. He had landed at Gallipoli on 25 May.

Poem. The Boys Who Fall by J.S.P.

XXII, 1962, 25 Aug. 1915, page 2-3

Welcome to Gallipoli Veterans. Privates Frusher, Gillett and Ryan from Broken Hill were welcomed. [This is reported in 12⁄3 columns]

[Whether they were coming from, or going to Broken Hill depends on whether you are reading column 5 or column 7 on page 2.]

XXII, 1962, 25 Aug. 1915, page 3

The Season. The Eastern Plains have been very dry, but recent rains have brought a slight flush of green, though more is required. Since this was written patchy falls have been reported: some as low as 0.20” at Quondong, but up to 0.90” at Old Koomooloo, 1.20” at Koomooloo and 1.57” at Mongolata.

Letter from Sgt R.G. Baynes, formerly of Burra, from Gallipoli dated 30 June. It is a humorous account of life in the trenches living on seven course meals of Bully beef, biscuits, bacon, potatoes, onions, cheese, jam and sometimes bread. He also tells of men sunbaking after rubbing themselves with rifle oil and turning brown to black.

Utica Copper Mining Co. Half-yearly meeting in the Institute on Wednesday last.

After beginning a winze at the 100’ level the prospect was poor and after a few feet it was abandoned. The capital is down to £136. We consider it would be unwise to spend any more money in exploration. The liabilities of the company are:

To the Government £208-0-0

To Horwood & Co. £37-6-4

£245-6-4

In the last six months William West resigned as secretary and E.J. Davey was appointed at £20 p.a. The office has moved to the Burra Institute (£10 p.a.)

Messrs Horwood have offered £110 for the engine. We advise acceptance if you approve total cessation of work. The directors intend to call a shareholders’ meeting soon to consider winding up or reconstructing the company.

Redruth Court, 19 August.

Benjamin Gully was charged with having possession of two fowls reasonably believed to have been stolen. [From Mr W. Short.]

W.J. Short missed two fowls from his yard on 12 August, out of 22. The door had been opened and tracks of a man were seen. Reported to police and on Wednesday he believed he saw his fowls at the defendant’s. But when the police arrived could only find one of them. William Thomas gave evidence he kept fowls and had missed three on Tuesday: the door had been broken and the thief had left tracks.

On Wednesday he went with the police and identified two he believed were his.

T.A. Gregg, licensee of the Bon Accord Hotel similarly identified one of two fowls he had missed.

The accused stated he was a labourer at the quarry earning 9/- a day. He had lost only two weeks work in the last 12 months. Until six weeks ago he had lived with his mother, 500 yards away. He swore he owned all the fowls and geese and gave details of how he identified them etc. He did not claim the speckled hen: [which had been identified by Gregg] it had joined his fowls, having been loose in the paddock. His fowls are sometimes mixed with Rule’s as there is no fence between the places.

Edith Gully, wife of the accused, corroborated his story.

Mr Hann for Gully would have called Mrs Gully Sen., ‘but unfortunately, that lady suffered with her heart and they were afraid that if she were put into the box there would be an explosion.’

The accused had been charged with having two fowls in his possession, but evidence having been tendered about four the information was bad and the case was dismissed.

Letter from W. Jeffery dealing with the issue of the two Booborowie schools at some length. It explains why the site south of the town was chosen.

Centenary of Australian Methodism. The meeting at Kooringa Methodist Church on Wednesday 21 July was addressed by Rev. G. Morley from Melbourne and Rev. G. Hall, Ex-President of the SA Conference. [Reported in 1 column.]

XXII, 1963, 1 Sep. 1915, page 1

Soldiers’ Aid Society. Another case of necessities has been sent off. Another Hampton Children’s Concert raised £2-1-0 and with £1-10-6 from the Quarrymen the total raised is now £67-15-21⁄2.

XXII, 1963, 1 Sep. 1915, page 2

Advt. B.T. Moran, Tailor and Mercer, has removed to Commercial St, next door to the Red Shop.

Obituary. Mary Sleeman, aged 48, died at Redruth on the 23 August. She was the sister of William and aunt of Millie Sleeman. [Born 20 March 1867.]

Obituary. Mrs Annie McWaters, wife of Cr McWaters of Burra Town and District Councils, died on 25 August, suddenly at Kooringa, aged 62, of heart failure.

She was born in Devonshire in 1853 and came to Australia with her parents Mr & Mrs Farrow in the Ilatanic and resided in Burra a number of years before marrying Mr McWaters in 1872. They went to live at Leighton. After two years they moved to a farm at World’s End, retiring to Burra after about 40 years (about 2 years ago). The surviving family are: Mrs Irlam (WA), Mrs Inman (Broken Hill), Mrs Hewitt (Sydney), Misses Florence and Dulcie (Burra), Messrs Steward McWaters (Penola), William Hedley McWaters (World’s End) and Clement M. McWaters (Kooringa). [Born Anne Luscombe Farrow 28 October 1853 Devonshire.]

Telephones. The charge for 100 miles is 1/4 and for 101-150 is 1/10. Burra is 103 miles. With those about to be connected there will be c. 45 phones in use in the town. We think Council should point out the injustice of 6d for the extra 3 miles. Does Petersburg pay for 200 miles because it is 1541⁄2 miles from Adelaide?

Pte H.L. Riggs writes from Malta where he is recovering from a shattered left hand and a finger, a bullet wound above the heart and wounds in the back, probably from machinegun fire.

Hartley Harris writes in a letter of ten weeks ago that ‘he is still in the land of the living’ at Menstapha Convalescent Camp.

Pte W. Pederson lost the bottom of his frying pan from shrapnel while cooking breakfast, but is otherwise OK.

Letters have been received from Lieut. Copley, Sgt McMutrie, Pte Harvey & Pte Wheatley. [No extracts printed.]

Tpr R. Harris has been sent home from Egypt after severe attacks of appendicitis and gastritis.

Lieut. Malcolm Stevenson of Springbank and Pte Ben Hill have gone with the last reinforcements.

Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, 28 August.

Evelyn Beatrice Gebhardt, eldest daughter of F. Gebhardt of Kooringa married

Fred Pudney, eldest son of George Pudney of Alberton.

Cpl A.H. Baynes writes describing the lead-up to the Gallipoli landing and then the landing at 4.30 a.m., having got 21⁄2 miles in when he copped a bullet. He is now back again doing his bit, but ‘think it will be a miracle if we have the luck to live through this. It is an awful business’.

Belgian Relief Fund now stands at £1,144-15-3.

Cpl O’Brien related his experiences of the Gallipoli landing at Burra Cheer-up Society on Friday. He gives a vivid account of the action before he was wounded and then his evacuation etc. [c. 3⁄4 column.]

Burra Rifle Club. At last the points for Mrs C.W. Pearce’s picture have been won, but as two have got there, there will have to be a shoot-off between E.A Riggs and J.E. Pearce.

Last Saturday there was a match at Leighton with a trip out in Streicher Bros. charabanc. Leighton 763 defeated Burra 726.

XXII, 1963, 1 Sep. 1915, page 3

Professor Henderson’s lecture at the Institute on Monday evening on ‘The European War’ drew a large attendance. [Reported in almost 3 columns.]

Burra Cheer-up Society. Four more soldiers were welcomed last Friday: Cpl O’Brien, Ptes Sugg, Fisher and Quigley. They went on by the Monday train.

Black Springs has raised £90 for the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund.

Pte C. Bishop has been farewelled at Hanson.

Football, Saturday at Victoria Park.

Aberdeen 0.1 1.5 2.7 5.9 (39)

Kooringa 0.1 2.2 2.3 3.5 (23)

XXII, 1964, 8 Sep. 1915, page 2

L-Cpl W.R. Hawkes was wounded at Gallipoli on 7 August, having been shot in the shoulder. He advises it is not serious.

Pte King has been sent to England, wounded.

F.W. Dunk, manager of the National Bank in Maitland, has been promoted to the Burra branch.

Soldiers’ Aid Society. The latest request is for sandbags which are needed in great numbers.

The dolls put up for their names to be guessed were: Grace, Nancy and Elizabeth. They raised 17/8, 16/- and 9/- respectively. Only Elizabeth was identified (by Miss Vera Griffiths). The total is now £75-19-7.

A stream of knitted goods continues to arrive as well.

Burra Show Society. A general meeting was called last Wednesday to decide whether the withdrawal of the Government subsidy this year should influence the holding of the show. It has been learned that Saddleworth, Tarlee and Kapunda will not hold a show this year, but that shows at Clare, Petersburg, Balaklava, Gawler, Jamestown and Eudunda were going ahead. Gawler expected to be very successful because of the cancellation of the Royal [Adelaide] Show. Clare’s prizes were down 15%.

Mr Winnall remained opposed to holding a show. He moved the suspension of standing orders to allow the decision to hold a show to be rescinded.

Mr Crewes opposed the motion. Surely, he said, the removal of a £25 subsidy was not going to affect Burra after it had done so well towards patriotic funds.

T. McWaters endorsed Mr Crewes’ remarks. A.D. McDonald, S.M. Lane and J.H. Gallagher also opposed the motion which was lost 5 to 12.

Profits, if any, this year would go to the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund.

The sheep dog trials ended £1-4-6 in credit, but they had yet to pay for advertising and trophy inscriptions.

Black Springs effort for the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund has been revised to £107.

Burra Cheer-up Society. Trooper J. Bailey was given a farewell on Saturday 4 September. Cpl Scotty O’Brien and Pte Wahlert also. Pte Wahlert had already been farewelled and sails this week. In the week parcels were presented to Ptes Symes, Gregg, & Ridgway, but only the first could attend in person. We have also heard from Frank Tiver.

XXII, 1964, 8 Sep. 1915, page 3

Redruth Court, 1 September.

Lucy Gully fined 5/- + 15/- for stray cattle

F.J. Carey fined 5/- + 15/- for stray cattle

C.A. Lott fined 5/- + 15/- for stray horses

David Kemble fined 5/- + 15/- for stray horses

A report extends for over 23⁄4 columns of a case in which Johann Otto Beinke sued Joseph Howard for £5-5-0, being the price of 7 sheep sold to the defendant who pleaded not indebted and in turn sued Adolph Beinke for £30 for six weeks paddocking for 1,200 sheep For Feb.-Apr. 1913.

Burra Town Council

The Hon. John Lewis writes saying he is only responsible for Paxton Square rates from 9 June 1915. The Town Clerk replied pointing out that the Council had only been trustees and all the rents paid had gone to him and thus he was responsible for the rates.

Lady Galway writes seeking Council help in making French Flag Day a success on 16 September. A public meeting has been called for next Thursday.

The Wattle Day League has written seeking Council help in making future Wattle Days a success. Left in the Mayor’s hands.

The garden in Ludgvan St is to be prepared for planting.

Council is to write a letter saying it cannot see its way clear to provide £600 for half the cost of the bridges, but asking instead for a special grant of £600 for which it would undertake to erect the bridges – the letter to be supported by a delegation.

Pte E. Roach writes from the front, having returned to Gallipoli from Malta. He mentions German planes bombing their positions (a Taube) and there being very few Turkish planes. They have been issued with helmets and respirators.

Belgian Relief fund stands at £1,152-15-3.

Burra Rifle Club. In the shoot-off for Mrs C.W. Pearce’s picture E.A Riggs won with 89 from J.E. Pearce 82, the latter getting a turkey from Reg. Sandland.

In the new contest for a kitbag H.E. Riggs 98 from C.W. Pearce 97 in the first round.

XXII, 1965, 15 Sep. 1915, page 2

Dr Steele is to go to the front and will leave Burra early in October. Dr Williams of Adelaide will act as locum tenens.

Adelaide Anzac Day Carnival. The program had a competition for its cover which was won by J.A. Pearce, son of W. Pearce of Burra and 2nd was Alfred Davey, son of the late W. Davey of Burra.

Rain to the east has been patchy, but useful. Koomooloo had 0.35”, Woolgangi 0.10” and Baldina 0.35” while Burra recorded 0.62” and Leighton 1.25”.

Rev. J.H. Nield has had a very serious illness and will be returning from Egypt shortly.

Pte Hartley Harris has fully recovered from his illness.

Tpr R.A. Ockenden has been wounded at the Dardanelles and his hand has been amputated.

Percy Fuss was struck by the train at the Bon Accord crossing c. 11.30 p.m. on Saturday and he was carried on the cowcatcher for 143 yards. He was taken to the hotel and treated by Dr Steele. He was battered and bruised and the skin was stripped from the shin of one leg. His survival is a miracle. He is recovering in the Burra Hospital.

John Reed’s car rolled over twice near Frank Ford’s on Friday night c. 9 p.m. and he was thrown out and knocked unconscious. When he came round about 3 a.m. he called out loudly which roused Ford’s dogs so that Mr Ford went to investigate. Dr Ashton was sent for and determined that Mr Reed had broken his thigh. He is recovering from this, shock and severe bruising at the Burra Hospital.

L-Cpl W.R. Hawkes who was wounded at the Dardanelles is recovering in a hospital in England.

West Burra Mine. Some good samples of ore from the west drive at 50’ and 110’ in are on display in Pascoe’s window.

Railway Accident. About two weeks ago two trolleys connected with line relaying near Hallett collided and two men were seriously injured. One of them, named Hourigan, is in a critical condition in the Burra Hospital. [The name was given as Horrigan at the inquest: XXII, 1966, 22 Sep. 1915.]

Burra Cheer-up Society farewelled Cpl O’Brien, and Ptes Bruce and Martin on Monday. (O’Brien and Martin were visitors.) Trooper G. Shortridge was not back long enough for a social, but was given a small present.

Soldiers’ Aid Society is busy making sandbags – c. 50 last week. The fund stands at £90-10-1.

William Escott Escott’s will is printed.

Belgian Relief Fund stands at £1,156-5-3.

XXII, 1965, 15 Sep. 1915, page 3

Football premiership match on Saturday last:

Aberdeen 4.1 5.4 8.6 9.7 (61)

Kooringa 2.4 2.4 2.5 3.7 (25)

Letter from ‘Municipal’. Recently the Council has shown concern about the quality control of milk in Burra. The quality is very good and it should be under the control of the Council, but they must first show they are capable of it, and judging by their action in meat inspection I would say don’t let them. At present anyone can come in from outside and sell from uninspected carts. Premises are not inspected. The Food and Drug Act allows for the inspection of carts. Four butchers in Burra pay licences and as many do not. Why not enforce Clause 103 of the Health Act of 1898 re the approval of slaughterhouses? Two other Corporations in SA enforce this and it ensures that meat is killed in an approved place. [Even if outside the Corporation area.]

French Flag Day is next Friday.

Badges will be sold in the street.

Afternoon tea will be provided by ladies of the Burra Red Cross, the Burra Cheer-up Society and Soldiers’ Aid Society.

The Soldiers’ Aid Society will provide luncheon at Messrs Elder, Smith & Co.’s sale.

A French flag will be auctioned to the highest aggregate bidder.

Fred Wheatley writes to S.M. Lane from the Dardanelles. He tells at some length of time on Lemnos before the Gallipoli landing, then of the landing and settling in at Gallipoli.

XXII, 1966, 22 Sep. 1915, page 1

War Poem by a nephew of T.W. Wilkinson: H. Wilkinson of the Methodist Parsonage, Devonport, Tasmania. August 31 1915: The Landing of the Australians.

XXII, 1966, 22 Sep. 1915, page 2

Obituary. Alice Bradley, fifth daughter of the late James Dew of Springbank, died on 11 September leaving a husband and four daughters. [Born Alice Dew 3 July 1871 Burra Flat: died at Adelaide, residence Kilkenny.]

Burra School was inspected last week and the very favourable report by Inspector McBride is printed.

George Thorpe received nasty burns to the face and right arm when he struck a match and an explosion occurred in a shed at the garage. Apparently rainwater had leaked into the carbide tin and generated some gas.

Weather. The end of last week was unpleasantly windy and dusty, but rain fell on Saturday. 1.80” was recorded at Burra and falls to the east ranged from 0.40” at Koomooloo to 0.85”at Quondong. The Mongolata area received 1.58” to 1.95”.

Volunteers. Charge-Nurse Faulkner of the Burra Hospital has been selected for service at the front and may be called away at any time.

Lin Gordon of Bagot, Shakes and Lewis has volunteered.

Surgeon Captain Steele will leave early in October.

Accident. Mr & Mrs Bruce were driving home to World’s End on Friday night with their young grandson when their horse took fright when a bolt fell out of the shaft onto its heels. The boy escaped over the back, but Mr & Mrs Bruce were thrown out and badly bruised. Mr Bruce needed stitches to a scalp wound. As he is over 70 he is recovering in hospital. Pte Albert Bruce’s departure for the front was delayed by the accident.

XXII, 1966, 22 Sep. 1915, page 2-3

Sgt R.J. Woollacott writes from France, 9 July 1915, of the Germanisation of the occupied areas. He continues on 14 & 26 July when he says more of trench life and warfare.

XXII, 1966, 22 Sep. 1915, page 3

Soldiers’ Aid Society. There is a meeting to make sandbags this Wednesday. The society helped to raise money for the French Red Cross on 17 September. Over £10 from the pie stall at the saleyards. Thanks to Mr T.P. Halls who donated his pie stall for the day. Badges and ribbons raised £16 and other items 15/-.

[French Flag Day sales acknowledged in column 4 totalled £26-3-4. Names of collectors include Doris Fuss and Vera & Katie Griffiths.]

Obituary & Inquest.

Cornelius Horrigan died 16 September at the Burra Hospital from a broken spine sustained in a railway accident on 1 September.

[Death registered as Cornelius Hoorigan 15 September Kooringa, residence Brompton aged 47.]

E.W. Crewes was coroner at the inquest. Dr Steele gave evidence of the spinal injuries.

Michael Bolton, spiker, gave evidence that three section cars were travelling to the work site on 1 Sep. He was on the second which was carrying 12 men when it ran into the first at about 4 m.p.h. The third then ran into the second knocking their car into the first and forcing it off the tracks. The deceased was thrown from the first car and found lying on the ballast. He attributed the accident to wet rails and a stiff brake. He denied any racing or speeding. He thought 12 men too many for the car. The stiffness of the brake had not been reported.

John Ross, labourer gave similar evidence.

Daniel Ryan had been working the rear handle of the first car and the deceased the front handle. Ryan was also thrown off and somewhat hurt. He saw Horrigan dragged along under the car.

Francis Butler was on the second car and gave supporting evidence.

E.S.J. Clark, foreman, said he had reduced the numbers riding on cars from 14-16 to 12. There was no rule. [Ten cars had left Hallett that morning.]

Verdict was accidental death.

Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday A Sugars 97 from N.W.R. Pearce 96.

Burra Cheer-up Society is preparing for a big Anzac Day on 13 October 1915. [This day seems also to be referred to as Cheer-up Day.]

Pte Wahlert has sent a picture of himself to be hung in our room – the first such to arrive.

Pte L. [Lyall] Fuss was home too briefly for a social, but was given a gift.

French Flag Day raised £300 for French Red Cross. Lunches and afternoon tea was provided in Market Square and at the saleyards. The Band under A.G. Shortridge played in the rotunda. Badges and ribbons were sold. Mr Crewes gave one of his patriotic speeches. A French flag and a French banner were auctioned.

Mr Winnall supported the Mayor.

Mr J.M. McBride’s donations eventually totalled £56-5-0 so he ended with the banner which realised in all £125-5-0. The flag raised £84-8-0 and Mr J.H. Gallagher paid the highest aggregate. The total raised for the day was £308-4-10.

Pte Herb. Riggs writes from hospital in Malta on 31 July. He describes his wounds in which he lost a finger and has wounds to his palm, back and over the left kidney. He says he is progressing as well as he can and better than he expected. He is full of praise for the treatment he has received. Food is good and plentiful. He described the occasion of his wounding in some detail.

XXII, 1967, 29 Sep. 1915, page 2

The British League is a society of young men who have hired a room in Queen St. On Wednesday they farewelled Robert Jones who has been at Walker & Sons for 13 months. He has been a member and librarian of the Burra Band.

Mr J.M. McBride was invited to Adelaide to ‘set’ a post in the construction of the Cheer-up Hut in recognition of his generosity to the cause. After French Flag Day he subsequently handed on a further cheque for £200 to be credited to Burra’s effort. After the ceremony in Adelaide he presented another £100 which we understand is to be credited to Burra Cheer-up Day.

Birth. A son to Mr & Mrs J.D. Kelly of Hallett on 6 September. [Ronald Cullen]

Mr J. Statton, from the High School has been accepted as a volunteer.

Fire. The Burra fire maniac has struck again and on Saturday c. 10.30 p.m. he tried to burn down W.J.C. Ewins drapery in Commercial St. Luke Day raised the alarm and the crowd from the picture show was soon there. The rear verandah and lean-to were ablaze and the shop roof was burning so the worst was feared. The thick smoke and the high fenced small yard made access difficult. Had the fire got a firm hold on the shop probably the whole block would have gone from Miss Snell’s corner. There is still no fire fighting equipment in Burra. After much effort the fire was extinguished. Two or three of the workers were much affected by smoke and the hard-working M-C Queale was rendered unconscious and had to be treated by Dr Steele. Though recovering, he still feels the effects. He was overcome trying to get to the books. That it was the work of an incendiary is undoubted.

Volunteers. Though Hampton had only 10 young men of military age, eight have been accepted and one rejected for military service. Five of them belong to the Brown family.

On Monday in an empty house there belonging to Mr Brown the people gathered to farewell Cliff Turner, Leslie McGowan, Thomas Brown, William Brown, and Albert Dunning. Lloyd Pearce from Aberdeen, who has also volunteered, was also present. Three of the Browns are in camp. J. Stewart was rejected. The odd one out is young McGowan, who is presently working on Lilydale Station.

Burra Record Telephone 46.

Golf. Clare members visited on Wednesday and Clare defeated Burra 3 matches to 2.

L.H.R. Gordon, head teacher at South Booborowie volunteered for the 2nd time and has been accepted.

Leighton School Concert last Thursday raised £8-1-6 to be divided between Australian Red Cross and the Belgian Relief Fund. Supper and a dance followed.

XXII, 1967, 29 Sep. 1915, page 3

Burra WCTU has sent a deputation to the Burra Show Society objecting to the provision of liquor at the show and seeking the prohibition of alcohol at the showgrounds. The petition contained 328 signatures.

The King had banned alcohol from the Royal Household for the duration.

The President could not say he was pleased to be waited on and it was a matter for the committee to decide.

The society was hard put to make ends meet with the war, the recent drought, loss of the £20 Government subsidy and this request would cost a further £20. The calling of a meeting required 14 days notice. He suggested the temperance people buy the liquor booth themselves – they had wealthy members – Mr Thomas for example could put up say £50. Rev. J.C. Jennison thought this a bit hard when last time it went for £10-£15.

The President [I.J. Warnes] said Mr Thomas could bid £25, but ‘we know he’s a liberal man and out for the cause’.

Also they could all join the Show Society and change things that way, but there was nothing he could do for this year.

Sgt R.G. Baynes writes from Gallipoli on 8 June. He writes 1 column on the Anzac landing on 25 April. He describes life in the trenches and complains that writing paper is very scarce: some soldiers are writing home on the blank side of the labels from beef tins. [He mentions ‘Brose’ being wounded: a reference to his brother Ambrose.]

Burra Cheer-up Society.

The Governor Sir Henry Galway and Lady Galway will come to Burra for Cheer-up Day on 13 October. Also visiting will be W.J. Sowden, President of the Cheer-up Society from Adelaide, Mr G. McEwin and two returned heroes Captain Sexton and Cpl Evans. Mrs A. Seager, honorary organiser, and Miss Judell. The effort will be in aid of the Cheer-up Hut. A procession will leave Aberdeen at 10.30 a.m. for Market Square. The Vice-Regal party will arrive on Tuesday night and leave on Wednesday by the 3 p.m. train. There will be luncheon, afternoon tea, an auction, a Paddy’s market, side shows, and other stalls. In the evening speeches and musical items will be given in the Institute. The procession will include a large number of Cheer-up ladies and despatch riders, the former in white hats with red bands and white shirts with blue skirts and the latter in khaki.

Jack Camp. Pte Allen J. Reid writes, dated 20 July, to Miss Camp describing the death of her brother, Jack Camp, at Gallipoli.

Ironmine Methodist Sunday School Anniversary Sunday 19 Sep. Rev. Parrot officiated in the afternoon. Rain caused the postponement of further services till Sunday 25th [sic, but Sunday was actually the 26th.] Rev. Jennison and Mr W. Woollacott then conducted the services.

Soldiers’ Aid Society last week made 260 sandbags to bring the stock to over 300 and a bale of them will soon be sent off. The Adelaide Committee aims for 100,000 bags. Burra Coronation Band will give a concert in the reserve by R.D. Pascoe’s shop Aberdeen [Best Place]. The fund stands at £96-13-0.

XXII, 1968, 6 Oct. 1915, page 1

Bible Christian Centenary by the Rev. W.F. James.

The denomination began in a farmhouse in North Devon in October 1815 and circuits, districts and conferences were organised as it spread. It started in Canada in 1831. In SA James Blatchford took five days to come to Burra from Adelaide by bullock dray. He began services at Burra as a local preacher with John Pellew and James Halse. A church to seat 200 was built and there were soon 40 members attending and a Sunday school. In 1850 James Way arrived from England with James Rowe. Way settled in Adelaide and James Rowe came to Burra. He lived in the creek till a house was built. The church was doubled in size. Later in James Way’s pastorate there were 320 converts and a church to seat 600 was built. During my first term in Burra a new manse was built and over £500 raised towards it. Centenary celebrations will be held throughout Adelaide on 9 & 11 October.

Hartley Harris writes from hospital in Heliopolis where he is in the same ward as Andrew Pearce. He mentions meetings with Lance Tiver, Murphy Henderson and August Brandt. They are in a ward of over 300 men with over 1,000 in the hospital.

XXII, 1968, 6 Oct. 1915, page 2

Dr Steele will leave on Saturday or Monday next. Dr G. Smith, son of Dr Otto Smith of Clare who has been assisting Dr Steele for a few days, is also an accepted volunteer. Dr Williams of Adelaide will act as Dr Steele’s locum tenens.

Crump & Leahy, boring contractors, have been successful for Mrs Hatherly (near Mt Bryan) and at J.C. Hooper’s, who is going to irrigate, and at Alf McWaters. The water is sub-artesian.

Dr Ken Steele, brother of Dr D.M. Steele is now chief M.O. on a troopship off Lemnos, with five other surgeons.

Sapper Harry Blunt was farewelled from Hanson on 22 Sep.

Sgt W. Aldridge & Ptes H. Oates & H. Collins were farewelled from Leighton on Friday.

Sgt R. Woollacott writes from France 8 august, of life back from the trenches a little as well as in the front line. The opposing lines were 600 to 800 yards apart where he was which saved the occupants from bombs and grenades. To the left where he had previously been the trenches were close enough for bombs and grenades to be thrown and for badinage across the front.

Burra Rifle Club. Third match for J. Carr’s kit-bag. N.W.R. Pearce 100 from A. Langford 95.

XXII, 1968, 6 Oct. 1915, page 3

St Joseph’s Annual Bazaar was held in the Institute last Thursday and Friday. It was opened by E.W. Crewes. Proceeds were about £100.

Soldiers’ Aid Society. The concert by the Burra Coronation Band raised £3-1-3. Sandbag making continues and the fund stands at £103-13-0.

Burra Cheer-up Society preparation continues for 13 October.

Pte J. Gray is seriously ill in Egypt.

The society is making an appeal to buy a billycan and fill it with Christmas gifts for a soldier at the front. The society has arranged for F. Harris to supply 100 cans. Place no matches in the cans! Cans must reach Adelaide for despatch by 15 October.

Pte F. Tiver writes from Egypt that he has met Sgt V. Riggs, Ptes Hartley Harris & Andrew Pearce and that the last two are recovering well from illness.

Burra Town Council

The Vice-Regal acceptance of the invitation to attend Cheer-up Day on 13 October has arrived and the party will join the procession from the station.

Crown Lands advises a cheaper style of bridge could be built for £230. The Commissioner to be reminded of the Council’s application for £600.

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis ask for the lease recently negotiated for the creek property. To be informed it was in the hands of Bagot, Shakes & Lewis’s solicitor for alteration and would be signed and returned as soon as it returned from him.

S.M. Lane moved that suitable lengths of hose for the hydrant, with a suitable nozzle be procured along with another hydrant. Carried.

There is difficulty over defining the boundaries of the Council Depot and disagreement with Mr Harvey & Mr Sampson over the position of the fences.

Rotunda to be painted.

Russian, Serbian and Italian flags to be bought.

Local Board of Health

Dr Williams takes the place of Dr Steele.

There was considerable discussion about the lack of inspection of meat brought into the town from outside.

District Council of Burra to be written to and asked to appoint the Corporation Inspector as their Inspector.

Belgian Relief Fund now £1,156-15-3.

XXII, 1969, 13 Oct. 1915, page 1

French Red Cross benefited by c. £54 from efforts at Hallett 2 October. There was a sale of gifts and Mr John Melrose presented a beautiful French Flag that was sold first on the Bugler system and then outright. Mr H.W. Tiver bought it for £21. In the evening a social was held for the Hallett Boys going to the front. Those able to attend were: Bert Bass, Stan Pearce, Dave McDonald, Peter Finlay & Jos. Statton. Bob Honan, George Prior, Jack Lewis & Charley Simmons are expected back later.

XXII, 1969, 13 Oct. 1915, page 2

Mrs C.H. Bruce of Harmston’s Circus, India, who has been living at Hampton, is to buy a home at the seaside. Due to unsettled conditions in the Far East Mr & Clarence Bruce are expected to arrive here shortly.

Sgt R.J. Woollacott, No. 11662, has been mentioned in despatches.

Obituary. Edgar V. Brady of the 10th Light Horse has died at the Dardanelles. He was the second son of Mr E.F. Brady, a long-time resident of Burra and Terowie who was Captain of the Burra Football Club for some years. His mother was Miss Hetty White., daughter of Captain White of Burra, where Edgar was born. Three other brothers are serving in the war. Essington (‘Dum’) is in camp with the 32nd Battalion, Ernest W. is a sergeant in the 8th reinforcements of the 11th Battalion and Rex is serving on an Australian Destroyer. [Born Edgar Vernon Brady 31 May 1882 Kooringa, died 7 August 1915 Dardanelles, Turkey.]

Cricket. AGM of Kooringa Cricket Club on 6 October saw the election of:

Patron W.G. Hawkes

President R.J. McBride

Secretary L. Neagle

Captain W.H. Stevenson

Vice Captain J.T. F. Johnson

R.J.M. McBride: from an article in the Register on Saturday.

He is one of the grand old men of the pastoral industry. He is characterised by enterprise, energy, sound commonsense and a shrewd judgement rarely at fault. Though of recent years he has shed responsibility for sheep and wool interests he has continued to do good work principally of a philanthropic nature. The public would be surprised to discover how much money he has distributed in the last decade to benefit others. In connection with the different war funds alone he has subscribed £7,086 since November 1914. He was born in Nowry in the North of Ireland in 1831 and went to sea at an early age. He twice doubled the Horn. He tried his luck at the Victorian Goldfields and arrived in Adelaide in 1856 with 5/- in his pocket. He walked to Burra and was there engaged in carrying between Burra and Adelaide. He later took fencing and other contracts on sheep stations. In 1859 he became a squatter and over the years has owned many sheep stations. He established ‘The Gums’ out from Mt Mary and occupied it for 20 years. He was always interested in mining and early on recognised the potential of the Barrier field. He bought 100 £10 shares in the Propriety Co. and subsequently sold some of them for £1,400 each.

Miss Oehme has been transferred from the Burra School and Mr Thomas has replaced Mr Statton who is in camp.

Wilfred Geake, son of W. Geake of Kooringa, has been transferred from Bordertown where he was assistant telegraph operator to be senior operator at Quorn.

Notice. All arms and equipment of the Commonwealth must be returned by Friday under the War Precautions Act and failure to do so risks imprisonment and/or a heavy fine. [This was directed especially at members of the Light Horse etc.]

Pte Tom Parks has returned from Egypt after a severe attack of rheumatism and a fall in a ship’s hold while unloading ammunition, which injured his spine.

Rev. J.H. Nield is expected back within days.

Volunteers.

Sgt D. Killicoat has been slightly wounded.

L-Cpl F.C. Harvey is ill in hospital in England.

Pte Cliff Hunt is in hospital in London with diarrhoea after 12 weeks in the trenches.

Tpr M.W. Dow is also ill.

Pte Arthur Ockenden was on leave last week before departing on Monday on the same ship as Dr Steele.

Dr Steele was farewelled Thursday afternoon at the Institute. E.W. Crewes took the chair. Over 200 had now gone from the district including four nurses and two chaplains. Dr Steele was presented with an inscribed wristwatch of which the dial and hands were treated with radium so the time could be ascertained in the dark. There was also a parcel from the Burra Cheer-up Society. J.E.H. Winnall added to the Mayor’s remarks and so did Rev. S.J. Bloyd. He reminded the Mayor that Burra had already sent Dr Caw to join HMAS Australia and he had already served a terrible winter in the North Sea. J. McLaren, T.W. Wilkinson and Mr Harcus added their endorsements and Dr Steele made a suitable reply.

XXII, 1969, 13 Oct. 1915, page 3

Dick Ockenden. An officer writes from Cairo 13 Sep. explaining how Dick had lost his hand and lower arm after a bomb exploded prematurely as he was about to throw it. He was indeed lucky to survive. Rev. J.H. Nield was then in the same hospital. Dick’s troop leader also writes of the incident.

Burra Cheer-up Society farewelled Trooper G. Burns & Ptes Cullen, Nicholls & Brown on Monday 11 October. Dr Steele was farewelled at the Institute, but his very short notice prevented a farewell from the Cheer-up Room.

Theatregraph Pictures were shown each week at the Institute, but were not generally advertised in the paper, but for the duration of the serial The Million Dollar Mystery outlines of the plot were published. This week was the 15th episode of two reels.

Soldiers’ Aid Society had a special evening this week. Funds to date: £107-0-6.

Masonic Lodge. The installation took place on Thursday evening of Bro. S.M. Lane as W.M. for the coming year. A social followed at Pearce’s Building.

XXII, 1970, 20 Oct. 1915, page 2

Notice re Municipal Elections. The following retire on the 1st Saturday in December:

Mayor Ernest William Crewes

North Ward Maurice A. Radford

East Ward Stanley Monteith Lane

West Ward Charles drew Wilkinson

Auditor Frank Treloar

Notice. Burra has been brought under the Building Act in a notice in the SA Government Gazette of 14 October 1915 and dated 7 October 1915.

Advt. Burra Show will be held on 27 October. In the evening there will be a Grand Picture Show at the Institute with nett proceeds to go to the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund.

Hartley Harris is recovering health rapidly.

Sgt Hoffmann, brother of Mrs Hann of Aberdeen was wounded at Gallipoli and writes urging those in Australia to volunteer and help those in need of relief at the front.

Lieut. J.C. Killicoat’s offer of Abberton Park as a military hospital has been accepted.

[But I have found no further references to it as such!]

Burra Town Council.

On Monday night the Mayor reported that Mr Sedgman of the Waterworks had written to the Hydraulic Engineer with reference to the recent fire drawing attention to the fact that the people had drawn water without first giving notice. He told M-C Queale that he had exceeded his duty in using the hydrant and when he noticed the fire he should have returned to his office and written and posted an application to use the water. The Department had now claimed the hydrant and taken possession of it.

Cr Killicoat suggested they inquire what notice they would require for use of water in the event of a fire.

Cr McBride suggested formal permission be asked for use of water in the event of a fire.

Cr Radford moved that and also to allow the Council to hold the hydrant. Carried.

Volunteers.

Captain Lewis, Pte E.C. Collins of Hallett, Cpl J.E. Hatherly of Mt Bryan and Pte Stewart Cameron were all ill in hospital.

Sgt F. Treloar, nephew of F. Treloar of Kooringa, has been promoted to Lieutenant.

On Friday night the Burra Coronation Band played patriotic airs at the Burra Station to welcome home Captain Chaplain Nield and Pte Dick Ockenden. The station was thronged.

Cheer-up Society welcomed Captain Chaplain Nield, Pte Ockenden, Pte T. Parks and Signaller Ross Harris at the Cheer-up Room on Monday evening. They also farewelled Sgt Lewey and Pte Oates of WA, Pte Ashby of Farrell’s Flat and Pte Stanley Pearce of Kooringa.

XXII, 1970, 20 Oct. 1915, page 2-3

Cheer-up Day in Burra.

The task for the day was to look after those who have answered the call. It was to raise funds for the Cheer-up Hut in Adelaide and to inaugurate a fund to give assistance required by any local soldiers who may return incapacitated. The Governor and Lady Galway arrived at the station in the state car on Tuesday night. At 10 a.m. Wednesday they were given a civic reception by the Mayor and Councillors with a guard of cadets. There followed a procession to Kooringa.

Lieutenant Killicoat and the police were followed by the mounted Cheer-up Girls, the Vice-Regal Party, the Light Horse, Cadets, Citizen Forces, School Children, Burra Band, Boy Scouts, Despatch Riders, Rifle club, Representative Groups and Tableaux, Unattached Riders, Motor Cars and other Vehicles.

The most striking feature was the 42 mounted Cheer-up Girls, uniformly dressed in blue skirts, white blouses, white hats with red bands and coloured handkerchiefs loosely tied around their necks. The despatch riders were also a great acquisition. The two motor tableaux – one representing the Allies and the other Russia – were also striking. ‘Russia’ was a scene in greenery and snowflakes and Mr Schneider, manager for Vivian Lewis Ltd drove dressed in a bearskin.

An arch over the station gates carried the sign ‘Welcome’ in blue on white. Aberdeen was brilliant with flags and another arch reading ‘Welcome’ in white roses and greenery. In front of the Institute was another arch reading ‘Welcome’ in blue surrounded by greenery. Flags and bunting were everywhere. The procession ended and deposited their Excellencies on a platform in the square surrounded by the Cheer-up Girls, Light Horse and Cadets. The band played the National anthem and Mr Crewes welcomed the visitors with a patriotic speech which outlined the town and district’s contribution to the war effort: 200 men, 2 chaplains, 4 nurses, 2 doctors.

Subscribed and collected £13,890-19-4

Patriotic Fund Cash £301

Belgian Fund Cash £1,156-15-3

Clothing £100

Commercial Travellers’ Day £279

Red Cross Cash £324

Clothing £122

Burra Cheer-up Society

Violet Day £414

Cash £96

Blanket Fund £250

Soldiers’ Aid Society

Cash £94

Clothing £210

Australia Day £2,100

French Flag Day £608

Soldiers’ Memorial £50

Cheer-up Day (Estimated) £750

Cash Direct to City Funds £7,036

He especially acknowledged the huge proportion of this given by Mr J.M. McBride.

The Town Clerk, Mr E.J. Davey then read the beautifully Morocco-bound illuminated address to the Governor and Lady Galway. His Excellency responded.

Mrs J.H. Nield presented Lady Galway with a tinted photograph of the bunch of violets that sold for £381 on Violet Day. Lady Galway responded.

W.G. Hawkes then spoke followed by W.J. Sowden as President of the Cheer-up Society, Adelaide.

The Governor’s party then visited the old mine and inspected the Boy Scouts before lunch.

Lunch was taken in a tent erected for the occasion. And was organised by Mrs McLaren.

After lunch the Governor delivered a stirring address.

In the evening there was a concert at the Institute with more patriotic speeches between the items. Mr Sowden hoped the fine cavalcade of Cheer-up Girls would be in Adelaide for the opening of the Cheer-up Hut on 6 November. He believed Burra’s contribution to the war effort which amounted to c. £8 a head of population was the finest in Australia. Details of the sum raised are then given and the total turned out to be over £800.

XXII, 1970, 20 Oct. 1915, page 3

Burra Town Council

Cr McBride reported he had bought 300’ of 2” hose with connections for £12.

Hon. J. Lewis received permission to place stone on Paxton Tce while repairing the Paxton Square cottages.

The lease on the creek has been handed to Council’s solicitor.

Council to inspect Gully’s crossing. [The White Hart Ford.]

Soldiers’ Aid Society continues to make sandbags. Christmas billycans have been packed and despatched. Fund at £109-19-0.

XXII, 1971, 27 Oct. 1915, page 2

Obituary. On 28 September Robert James Woollacott was killed in action in France. He was the 5th son of T.H. Woollacott and was aged 28. [Born 10 March 1886 Aberdeen: died at Vermelles, France.]

R.J. Woollacott was born at Aberdeen. He learned shorthand and typing in Melbourne and worked with Mr Radford. He left there and went to work at the Magnetic Works under Mr Maryatt. When the works closed he went to Adelaide for a time before getting a position in electrical machinery at the Central Mine in Broken Hill. Here he studied and passed exams in 1905-07. He continued studying electrical engineering in 1909-11 while working in an electric tramway powerhouse. He passed each year with honours and became an inspector over his own and other powerhouses. In May 1913 he went to work for Sims Bros of Stafford in England – electrical machinery manufacturers. He intended to return to a position in the Melbourne electrical railway system. When war broke out he enlisted on 3 September 1914 and was in the trenches from about Christmas time until 28 September when he was killed. He distinguished himself in the army, rapidly rising from the ranks and being mentioned in despatches by Sir John French for valour.

Obituary. QMS P.D. Killicoat, known as Darby, was wounded at Gallipoli on 18 September and died on 19 September. He was the son of the late P.L. Killicoat. He was educated at Roseworthy College and was a noted athlete and footballer. He was a member of the Light Horse and among the 1st to respond to the call-up. He was aged 24, the 3rd son in the family. His brother, Dave, is also at the front and his sister, Madge, has volunteered as a nurse. [Phillip Darby Killicoat born 12 June 1890 Redruth: died 19 September 1915 on board the Maheno, off Gallipoli.]

Volunteers

Cpl Les Kellaway has been wounded at the Dardanelles, but no details are yet to hand.

‘Wally’ Lee has been ill.

W. Sellars of Aberdeen has been wounded.

Burra Cheer-up Society

Last issue we briefly mentioned welcomes for Chaplain Captain Nield and Trooper Ockenden and Pte Parks and farewells to Sgt Lewey and Pte Oates of WA who were on a visit and to Ptes Horace Oates of Leighton, Stanley Pearce of Kooringa and Ashton of Farrell’s Flat – the latter group on their long leave before embarkation. Rev. Nield responded. He said how glad Burra boys were to get a copy of the Record and how proud they all were of the effort to support the war. In Burra one in thirteen had volunteered. In England it was one in fifteen and for Australia generally one in thirty-five. They were aware and appreciative of the fine work of Mr Crewes and the Cheer-up Society. He reported very favourably on the treatment of the wounded. He talked too of soldiers suffering shock from wounds, but also from seeing mates blown away from beside them. Red Cross gifts from Australia did arrive, despite delays at times. On their return they had been feted in Fremantle, Melbourne, Ballarat, Stawell, Horsham and Murray Bridge with gifts of oranges, chocolates etc.

Pte Oates of WA thanked them for their kindness. He had been born in Burra and left 20 years before. During the evening Pte Parks had to retire as he is quite unwell.

Public Welcome for Volunteers.

On Tuesday at the Institute there was a public welcome for Captain Chaplain Nield, Trooper Ockenden, Pte Ashton and Signaller [Ross] Harris. Mr Crewes welcomed the returned men followed by Rev. J.C. Jennison who urged the Government to adopt conscription. He tells a story of the discovery of a whole series of buildings at a Lutheran Mission near the top of the Australian Bight near a beautiful bay for landing and within easy reach of the overland railway – all of which he found very disturbing. The social evil of drink should also be put down and prohibition introduced for all. Rev. S.J. Bloyd spoke and then Mr Winnall. Captain Nield responded on behalf of all the returned men. He included some interesting observations on the broadening effect the adventure was having on Australians and how their admiration of the Indians they had encountered would mean ‘The boys would come back feeling that the White Australia policy must go by the board’.

XXII, 1971, 27 Oct. 1915, page 2-3

Ross Hayes, who was wounded twice and contracted typhoid, writes from Epsom Hospital in England on 24 August. His brother has also gone to the front and his father is about to leave. He writes of terrible episodes in Gallipoli – of one attack where the roll call found only 232 of the 850 who had advanced. After he was wounded he was sent to England and describes the journey on the Aquitania. He reports very favourably on his medical treatment and conditions.

XXII, 1971, 27 Oct. 1915, page 3

Leighton Hall annual dinner was held last Thursday. It was a wet night, but attendance was still very good. The hall president, I.J. Warnes, presided. The Mayor of Burra, Mr Crewes, Captain Chaplain Nield and Signaller Harris were especially welcomed. The speeches of course were dominated by the war and Captain Nield gave an address. He spoke of the positive outcome of the war and the possibility it gave for the rebirth of the nations of Europe from the melting pot of war. Mr Crewes thanked him for his vote of confidence and the hope which was sadly wanted. He regretted that the war had seen the delay in the building of a Hanson-Booborowie railway. Details of speeches etc. extend for c. 21⁄2 columns.

Kooringa Methodist Church Anniversary last Sunday. Rev. Henry Howard officiated to large congregations. Miss B.E. Pearce, for so long organist at the church, was presented with a purse of sovereigns.

Mr W. Wilson, an old and honoured veteran of the Crimean War was presented to the Governor on Cheer-up Day.

W.B. Page has applied and been appointed acting general secretary to the Liberal Union in Adelaide, so we lose one of our most able townsmen.

Volunteers

Rev. G.R. Parrott has applied for 12 months leave of absence to go to the front as a chaplain.

W.H. Sandland has decided to go to England to join the Imperial Forces.

Sgt J. Field & Tpr H.W. Bowman were farewelled from Leighton last Monday.

Ptes Hedley Bishop and T. Dixon were farewelled from Hanson.

Soldiers’ Aid Society. The fund stands at £111-0-0.

XXII, 1971, 27 Oct. 1915, Supplement

Burra Cheer-up Society presented Lieut. N.H. McBride with an inscribed bugle on Tuesday 12 October. Due to the short notice of his leaving an impromptu farewell was organised for him at 2 p.m.

During the week five of the Cheer-up girls assisted at the farewell dinner to 2,300 soldiers in Adelaide.

Farewell gifts were given to Ptes Foster, Lee and R. Wilson who were not here long enough for a social evening.

£50 worth of packed billycans has been sent off as Christmas gifts to troops. E.J. Harris has sent a large crate of eggs to the Keswick Hospital.

Visiting Day & Speech Day at Burra School was held last Friday. The headmaster Mr J.T.F. Johnson gave an address of welcome. Mr Thomas reported on the High School where the numbers were 33 (17 boys and 16 girls) at the start of the year, but were now only 21 (9 boys and 12 girls). In 1914 the numbers had been 26 in January and 24 in December. In 1913 there had been 28 in January and December. This year boys had left to fill the gaps created when others volunteered for the war effort.

Captain Chaplain Nield and Signaller Ross Harris were welcomed. Mr J. McLaren as chairman of the School Board of Advice said it was probably for the last time he would serve as such as the new Education Bill proposed to abolish the Boards and substitute a committee for each school. The present system did make it hard to keep in touch with the condition and needs of each school in the district. Mr Winnall spoke as a Board member and Mr Crewes as Mayor. Captain Chaplain Nield spoke of Egypt and a visit there to the El-Ahzar University which had 11,000 students, all male, and whose 500 teachers were each paid just 6d a month.

Burra Red Cross Society. Summary of work done since October 1914.

Money sent to Dr Brummitt, Hon. Sec. Of the Red Cross £324-0-6

Made goods sent to Government House, valued at £103-6-0

Case sent to Alliance Francaise for the French Red Cross £18-14-0

£446-0-0 [sic]

Burra Rifle Club match 16 October. L. Hills 106 from G.L. Nutt 101 & R.D. Pascoe 100

XXII, 1972, 3 Nov. 1915, page 2

West Burra Copper Mine

Last week 90’ west from the 50’ level a piece of bornite was found. This was a high % ore. At the 100’ level good ore is showing at 87’ west of the shaft.

Salvation Army. The Self-Denial Fund has raised £165. Miss Laura C. Pearce collected £81 of this sum.

Fire. Last week a spark from discarded ashes apparently set fire to curtains at the residence of Mr C. Lott in Paxton Terrace. Fortunately the fire was extinguished with about £10-£12 damage done.

The Eastern Plains. A lunatic has been frightening womenfolk to the east for some weeks. He has been wandering about with a gun and now and again approaches homesteads and demands food. Last Wednesday he visited Redcliffe. Mrs McBride tried to phone in, but could not make contact till evening. M-C Queale went out Thursday and found the man in the pigsty where he had spent the night. He seemed quite harmless, saying he found the bed quite comfortable and not too smelly, but the fleas were awful. He said his name was Smithers and after examination he was sent to the mental home.

Burra Show. This turned out to be a brilliant success. Despite the reduced prize money exhibits were good and attendance was also good in excellent weather. The main difference seems to be the later date. It is impossible to find a date that suits both farmers and pastoralists equally well. Perhaps we could hold a sheep show in conjunction with the dog trials. ‘The sideshows were numerous if not uplifting.’ The agricultural produce was not plentiful, but was of high quality. Butter was particularly good and cattle and horses were of good quality. Gate takings were £96-10-6 which was said to be a record. Attendance was very large.

[Of personal interest in the prize list:

J.M. Fairchild Pelargonium 2

3 Begonias 1

3 Palms 1

1 Palm 1

1 Pot Plant for Table 1

R.M. Fairchild 1 Begonia 2

A. Forrest Wheat 1 & 2

Ham 2

Flitch of Rolled Bacon 1 & 2

3 yr old Draught Filly 2

2 yr old Draught Filly 1

Pair Plough Horses in Harness 1

Team of 4 Horses 2

Saddle Pony 121⁄2 hands 1 & 2

Single Harness Pony 121⁄2 hands 2

C. Fuss Nasturtiums 2

6 Sweet Peas 2

A. Fuss 3 single Petunias 2

3 Stocks 2

Mimuli 1

3 Pelargonium 2

1 Palm 2

R. Fuss Green Barley 1

Poppies 2

6 Pansies 2 [1st not awarded]

3 Pansies 1

Pelargonium 1

1 Rose 1

3 Stocks 1

6 Sweet Peas 1

3 Verbenas 2

Cyclamen 2 [1st not awarded]

Mimuli 2

3 Pelargonium 1

Cabbages 1

Peas in the pod 1

Chin Young Rough-Coated Collie 1

Ladies Lap-dog 1

White Turnips 1

Red Beet 1

Celery 1

Onions 1

Leeks 1

Collection of Vegetables 1]

XXII, 1972, 3 Nov. 1915, page 3

Burra Town Council

Letter from the Hydraulic Engineer re the use of mains water for fires, to the effect that the matter was under consideration.

Cr Radford moved that water be laid on to the reserve in Ludgvan St and it be planted with grass. Carried.

The fire hose has arrived. Resolved that a fire reel be purchased and it be stored at the depot.

Mr Sedgman has been ordered to return the hydrant to Adelaide and had done so.

The Department is to be written to asking for its return.

The Mayor to convene a meeting at a suitable time to discuss the formation of a fire brigade.

Cr Radford moved the relaying of the ford near Gully’s as required. Lowering its height was debated. It was resolved that no action be taken till the road was put on the Main Roads Grant.

The Mayor was asked to stand again. He said he had approached Mr Winnall to stand, but as that gentleman had declined he would stand unless some other candidate came forth.

Sympathy was extended to Cr Killicoat and Mrs P.L. Killicoat on the death of Sgt D. Killicoat in action.

Soldiers’ Aid Society. Approximately 500 sandbags have been despatched. The fund stands at £116-17-6.

Burra Cheer-up Society. On 1 November Captain Chaplain Nield gave an interesting lecture on Egypt. L.M. Gordon, who was leaving for the front, wrote to thank the Society for its gift.

Pte F. Tiver writes that he is ill in hospital in Egypt.

A social was given to L-Cpl Bennetts, Pte Edmunstan and Pte Higgins on 2 November.

Cheer-up girls from Burra will provide the mounted escort for the Governor when he opens the Cheer-up Hut in Adelaide at 3.30 p.m. tomorrow.

Pte John Lockett was given a farewell social at Leighton on Saturday. Pte E.S. Williams and Pte J. Williams were also present.

Pte Hartley Harris writes from the convalescent home that he is now in good health, bur an old knee injury had flared up and he may either be confined to light duties in Egypt or sent home. He describes his accommodation in the convalescent home and the daily routine. He has seen Lieut. Copley and Stewart Cameron and Nurse Walker at No. 3 Auxiliary Hospital before he was sent to convalesce. Nurse Walker said Sister Wood was in Gallipoli.

Pte Will Pederson writes from Gallipoli on 6 September. He reports that Kenyon and Frank Treloar have both been promoted to Lieutenant. He also saw Jim Hatherly, Percy Herbert, Reg. Sandland, Sport Lord and the Killicoats. Lance Lewis and Fred Harvey are away sick and Graham Dow is in England, wounded. On the 20 September he writes that he saw Lel Kellaway who has been made a corporal. Herb. Riggs has gone to England wounded. He tells of German aircraft bombing the trenches in Gallipoli.

Letter from ‘Bandsman’ re Patriotism

The Burra Show society enquired about the Band’s terms for playing at the show, given it was a patriotic function. The Band decided to play for £5-5-0, to defray expenses – little more than half the usual fee. The Show Society refused and accused the Band of being unpatriotic. The Show Society itself will pay all over expenses to the patriotic fund – not all, but all over expenses. Did they ask anyone else working that day to do so without pay? I guess not! Did they ask the sideshow men to contribute their takings?

‘Again where was our show committee’s patriotism when [deciding on] prizes for the best German cake.’

He then outlines their patriotic activities:

Sacred concert for Cheer-up funds

Sacred concert for Soldiers’ Aid funds

Have come out for all functions held for patriotic funds

Have worked sideshows etc. as well as playing on Cheer-up day

Pte H.L. Riggs writes from the hospital ship Oxfordshire en route to England 31 August. He is just about convalescent now ‘and got about a little sightseeing in Malta. He writes of his transfer from Southampton to London and the sights along the way to the hospital at New End, Hampstead.

Burra Western District Horse Breeding Society. There is a report on its activities in 1⁄2 column.

XXII, 1973, 10 Nov. 1915, page 2

Notice. Public meeting called for Monday evening at the Institute re the founding of a fire brigade.

Silver Wedding. On 3 Nov. 1890 Elijah Thorne Humphrys, youngest son of Jesse Humphrys of Hassage Park, Hanson married Mary (May) Teddy, youngest daughter of the late Luke Teddy of Redruth. Presently of ‘Maythorn’ Hanson. [Report extends 3⁄4 column]

Notice. Burra Racing club AGM 12 Nov. in the Liberal Union rooms.

W.P. Wade has just been promoted to overseer at Winnininnie Station in place of Fred Heinrich who is leaving for the front. His father was employed on Koonoona for 31 years. W.P. Wade has been there 25 years and Mrs Wade for 20 years. His son, Bruce, is starting with his father at Winnininnie.

Charge Nurse Faulkner, here for some months, left Burra on Monday en route for service in Egypt. Nurse Meldridge, a trainee of Adelaide Hospital succeeds her in Burra.

Burra Cheer-up Society had a good time in the city last Thursday at the opening of the Cheer-up Hut and the mounted girls were much admired. The Mayor, E.W. Crewes was almost rendered speechless by the tremendous ovation he received when called upon to make an address in recognition of the magnificent work done for our boys in this town and district.

Captain Chaplain Nield gave a lecture on Egypt at the Institute on Monday evening to a crowded hall. Proceeds went to the Cheer-up Funds. Visiting soldiers L-Cpl Bennetts and Ptes Edmondson and Higgins were also on the platform. [Report extends c. 1 column.]

XXII, 1973, 10 Nov. 1915, page 3

Burra Rifle Club, Saturday, G. Lawn 105 from Captain Lord 103.

Burra Cheer-up Society.

On 2 Nov. there was a welcome for visiting wounded soldiers L-Cpl Bennetts and Ptes Edmondson & Higgins. Pte Alf Isaac was farewelled.

4 Nov. about 40 members went to Adelaide by the morning train to participate in opening of the Cheer-up Hut in Adelaide. At noon they were given lunch by the Adelaide Cheer-up Society and after lunch they paraded the main streets mounted on their horses before forming a guard of honour for the Governor and Lady Galway. In the evening they were again at the Hut, where a number of soldiers were entertained.

6 Nov. there was a farewell social for Ptes W. Herbert & R. Winders and for Troopers Lloyd Pearce, Eric Vivian, will Brown, Tom Brown, L. McGowan and Albert Dunning.

(Half of them from Hampton.) Three other soldiers were given parcels: Sgt Wadmore & Ptes Trevilyan and Przibilla. The first two sent their regrets at not being able to attend.

Redruth Methodist Sunday School anniversary was held last Sunday. Rev. Thomas P. Willason of Saddleworth officiated. The tea meeting on Monday was largely attended. F. Sara (Sec.) said 84 girls and 64 boys were on the roll and average attendance was 114. There were 25 teachers. Two old scholars had so far been killed in the war: R.J. Woollacott and Pte Camp. The Treasurer, Mr H. Fuss, reported receipts of £48-17-11⁄2 and expenditure of £45-4-71⁄2. Anniversary takings were £12-10-1, so the new year starts with a credit of £16-2-6. Primary and Kindergarten reports are printed.

Thanks were extended to ‘the boys’ L. Clode, A. Tiver and H. Fuss, who, by their own unaided exertions had erected a pulpit in the church which had proved so eminently convenient.

Sgt R.J. Woollacott’s letters continue to arrive. One on 26 August tells of his movement towards the front and on 5 September, two days after the anniversary of his enlistment, he reflected on the year past and speculated on the good that might come out of this catastrophe – of the lessons the war might teach.

Sgt R.J. Baynes writes from Gallipoli dated 12 Sep. He is on a hill called Sari Bair and he describes the landscape: ‘I cannot describe to you what a bayonet charge is like. It is a very awful affair and is like getting drunk – it is alright while the fun is at its height. You have no time to think, but after it is all over is when you feel it.’

‘Nearly all the chaps who landed here are either gone away wounded or sick, I have only four left out of fifty-nine I landed with.’

F. Harris, Treasurer of Burra cheer-up Society, writes explaining what has happened to all the socks made for the boys at the front – to dispel all doubts that they are getting to those for whom they were intended.

XXII, 1973, 10 Nov. 1915, page 4

Redruth Police Court.

Gustav Kuchenmeister sued James Edward Donaghy for the balance of:

£28-4-3 for labour and work done, £30 for the loss of two horses, £95 for the depreciation in value of 19 horses at £5 a head and £60 for loss of contract profit.

The ground were alleged fraudulent misrepresentation, or breach of warranty.

There was a counter-claim for £70 for breach of contract. The details are extensive and extend for over 23⁄4 columns. The bench eventually gave judgement for the plaintiff for £13-7-2 and for the counter-claim of £70 with no costs on the £13-7-2, but costs on the counter-claim of £70 and plaintiff was non-suited on most aspects of his claim.

XXII, 1974, 17 Nov. 1915, page 2

Notice. John Herman Schneider, garage manager of Burra, has changed his name to John Glenister and his wife will henceforth be known as Doris Glenister instead of Doris Schneider.

Reg, Sandland & Cecil Lord are sick in hospital in Malta.

Volunteers.

Reg. Murray & Fred Highett were examined, but not accepted.

A. Bartholomæus, A. Tiver & T. Carpenter were passed.

Burra Boy Scouts now number 38, under Mr Rigney. Last weekend they enjoyed a camp at the showgrounds despite the rough weather.

Re John Glenister, formerly John Schneider, we point out that the Schneiders have been residents of London for over 100 years and have no connection in any way with any enemy country.

Incendiarism. Last Friday at c. 10.30 a box of shavings was set alight and drawn up against the back door of F. Harris’s shop. The flames got a good hold on the door and shed and in a few minutes more would have been hard to quell, but they were fortunately quickly extinguished. An inquest will be held today.

Fire Brigade. A meeting on Monday to discuss forming a fire brigade drew surprisingly few in view of the events of recent months. Volunteers were called for and Messrs Truscott, J. Allen, G. Burns, S.M. Lane, A.J. Collins, Wilson, J.W. Bowen, A.J. Gebhardt, M.A. Radford, F. Moore and L. Lihou handed in their names. Mr Truscott was elected captain and E.J. Davey the Hon. Sec. It was decided to ask the Burra Coppermining Co. for the mine fire-bell and the leather buckets lying around the mine. We note that in 1885 the Record strongly recommended the formation of a fire brigade.

Burra Town Council

The Hydraulic Engineer’s Office has offered to supply a hydrant etc. for £5. If a fire brigade were formed 24 hours notice of a wet practice would have to be given to the fitter in charge who must attend the same and be paid by Council. When a fire occurred the mains could be tapped without notice. When the last fire occurred the covering on one fireplug was damaged. The Mayor said the most ridiculous part of the whole affair was the taking of the hydrant to Adelaide. Had the fire last Friday got a hold half the town might have burnt down although the Council had procured everything else to fight the fire. ‘Had it not been too late he would have telegraphed to the Department asking them to return the hydrant with permission to use the water. The terms of the letter will be complied with and a hydrant procured. The approximate cost of a fire reel is £7-10-0 and S. Burns offer to make on was accepted.

C. Wilkinson moved Lane Gardens be planted with grass.

Belgian Relief Fund now at £1,157-17-3.

Copperhouse School visiting day was last Friday. The inspectors report presents the school in a most favourable light. The monitor, Miss Brenda Edwards, got 95% for her junior and first classes. The head teacher, Mr Mazzarol introduced the Mayor who was invited to unveil a photograph of the late Pte John Camp, who was a former scholar at Copperhouse. Among other things there was an exhibition of flag signalling by the boys. The report extends for 1 column.

Burra Racing Club AGM last Friday at the Liberal Union rooms. The club was in debt £128-9-6 and had a signed guarantee for £125. The President, Mr A.G. Gebhardt said the debt was due to a bad year last year combined with costly improvements. This year £20 would get the track in order and with reduced stakes a good part of the debt might be wiped out and the rest in 1916. The secretary has applied for the 3rd Saturday in January for a meeting. It was agreed to go ahead with the meeting. The Hon. J. Lewis was re-elected Patron and A.G. Gebhardt was re-elected President. Mr Treloar tendered his resignation as Secretary as he was not greatly interested in the sport and they needed someone with a keener interest and furthermore he was likely to be absent from the town in January. The position will be advertised at £20 p.a. The stakes were fixed at £225.

XXII, 1974, 17 Nov. 1915, page 3

Burra Cheer-up Society held three farewell gatherings for the week ending 12 Nov. Two have been reported and on 12 Nov. the farewell was for Pte S. Lihou, while Driver Williams, a returned soldier, was welcomed to Burra. Sympathy was extended to Pte Page who broke his arm while here on leave last Tuesday.

Thanks to A.J. McBride for a generous contribution towards the expenses of the horses at the opening of the Cheer-up Hut. Also to G.E. Dane who took general responsibility and to Lieut. J.C. Killicoat for drilling the girls and to the young men who trucked and cared for the horses and to those men who lent their horse for the occasion.

Court of Appeal

The Railway Commissioner said railway residences were not subject to rates under the Act and cited Mr Justice Murray in 14 Nov. 1914. The mayor said that notwithstanding that the Dec. 1914 Municipal Corporations Amendments Act provided residences used by the Government were subject to rating. A test case being conducted by the Mitcham Council might decide the issue and the matter was adjourned pending that decision.

The hotels asked for a reduction in rates due to the early closing. This was refused, but will be reconsidered after the Early Closing Act comes into force.

W.I. Short had an assessment reduced from £7 to £3-15-0 on blocks and an uninhabited house rendered unfit for habitation by the recent flood.

John Lewis objected to assessment on 20 Paxton Square cottages at £5 each. The actual rental was £39 p.a. He was allowed a reduction of 10%.

Soldiers’ Aid Society. Sandbag making continues along with the making of woollen comforts. The fund stands at £135-3-3.

Pte Herb Riggs writes on 28 Sep. from Lady Northcote’s Convalescent Home, Eastwell Park, Kent. Mostly he describes the stately home which he is enjoying and from which 25 men had enlisted from the gardening staff and 6 from the house staff!

Pte F.A. West writes from Helmeih Camp, Egypt on 3 Oct. He tells of sand getting into everything and of ancient tombs nearby. He has seen King Tiver, who has had fever and will probably go about the same time as West. On 6 Oct. he continues. He has seen Hartley Harris who was thin and pale from illness. Essen Rule has been made a Sergeant. ‘Banjo’ Pearce is in Heliopolis Hospital and Dick Ockenden is at Malta with his hand blown off.

Cricket, Saturday, Kooringa 147 defeated Mt Bryan East 43.

German Loyalty. There is 1⁄4 column of anti-British sentiment supposedly written by an anonymous German-born resident ‘Don’t Trust You’ and a reply from ‘Australian’, but neither are local.

XXII, 1975, 24 Nov. 1915, page 2

Advt. At Lagoon Farm, Baldina, 16 miles east of Burra, Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will sell 2,570 acres of Govt. leases and plant for the estate of Philip Nankivell deceased.

The leases comprise sections 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12 in the Hundred of Baldina.

Notice. The Burra Town Council calls tenders for the erection of a suspension bridge over the Burra Creek: to be lodged by 20 December 1915. [The bridge opposite the Institute.]

Notice. Calling for the registration of all males who have resided in Australia for six months and who will turn 14 in the year ending 31 Dec. 1916, for Naval or Military training.

Editorial complaining that the Kapunda Herald is using material from the Record without acknowledgement. This, he says, is not of great concern generally, but writers of letters have been complaining when the Kapunda paper publishes their letters as if they had been to whom the letter was sent.

Volunteers.

Pte H.C. Collins of Hallett, previously reported ill and wounded, has embarked for England.

Pte R.J. Nourse has been wounded.

Cecil Lord has been recommended for a Distinguished Conduct Medal. He is currently in hospital in Malta, but for what reason is unknown.

Reg. Sandland & Bob Cock are said to have carried a wounded man 100 yards under fire.

The Fire Hydrant has arrived and is presently in the Council Depot till the Council decides on a more central spot.

Nurse Woollacott denies she is considering closing her maternity home.

Accident. When returning from Koonoona on Saturday the king bolt in the trap came out and the occupants were thrown out. In the process Mr Lewis’s knee knocked out two of Mrs Lewis’s teeth and she fainted. A car was sent from Koonoona and returned the party to Koonoona and later home.

E.J. Harris has put in a plant making butter fresh daily at his Kingston St Premises. A room and cellar have been set up and dairy owners will be able to dispose of cream locally instead of sending it away by rail.

Burra Creek. There is still disagreement about the use of the Burra Creek. Mr Lewis held the right to buy the creek including the plantations made by Council, but he would allow the Council to buy the Creek at the same price provided his firm was assured a right of way for their stock to their yards. As part of this they need the right to impound to prevent town cattle from grazing there and so preserving a bite for the travelling stock. This would not prevent the Council’s own horses from grazing. The current dispute is over this right to impound. Cr Radford had understood Mr Lewis was leasing only the bed of the creek. Mr Winnall believed the Council was at least morally bound to grant the lease and since he also points out that the Council is a continuing body he seems to imply it also may have a legal obligation.

Soldiers’ Aid Society. Another 300 sandbags have been either made or taken home to be made up. The fund stands at £135-16-0.

Black Springs Red Cross held a garden fete and concert at Koonoona which raised some £50. Reported in 1 column.

Burra Hospital. Mr H. Walker has resigned as porter owing to advancing age and John Harvey has been appointed in his place.

XXII, 1975, 24 Nov. 1915, page 3

Burra Rifle Club, match on 20 Nov. G.E. Dane 101 from H.L. Pearse 100.

War Poem, The Call to Arms, to Victory, by J.S.P.

Letter from ‘Aberdeen’. This is a rather obscurely worded letter apparently about the Council’s purchase of a horse. ‘There are rumours of a Councillor having an interest in a horse purchased which should be stopped. I understand Cr McWaters was allowed to buy the turnout and no doubt that gentleman can give us light.’

Letter from ‘Ratepayer’ suggesting the Meeting of Ratepayers should get answers on:

The Burra Creek muddle

The Paxton Square settlement

The town’s bridges

Tree planting etc.

Letter from Walter Burke, Editor of the Australasian Photo Review urging people to send clear and detailed photos of local scenes and event to soldiers at the front.

Letter from W.R. Lee, 29 July 1915 at the front, complaining of lack of writing paper and envelopes and of not receiving much [correspondence] either. He continues on 25 Sep. from Cottonera Military Hospital, Malta. He is there, suspected of having typhoid.

Pte Stanley Lihou was recently farewelled from Leighton at a social evening.

Burra Cheer-up Society.

On 9 Nov. there was a farewell social for Driver Scott, Trooper Wyett and Pte Ford. Pte Page, a returning soldier was welcomed back.

On 22 Nov. we farewelled Sgts Wilson and Aldridge.

XXII, 1975, 24 Nov. 1915, page 4

Inquest. On Thursday E.W. Crewes JP conducted an inquest into the attempted incendiarism at F. Harris’s shop in Kooringa on 12 Nov.

Francis Harris:

In the afternoon unpacked three cases of confectionery and put the cases three to four yards from the back verandah outside. There was some packing paper in the cases. Locked the back doors at 9.45 and closed the shop about 10.00 or 10.10. Everything then seemed alright. Went home to Chapel St with my brother. Was not home ten minutes when the Methodist Church bell rang. Went outside and could see the glare of the fire. Ran down the street to opposite the police station where I met George Lawn who said it was my place, but the fire was under control. Got to the shop and one of the three boxes was still burning and the matchboard enclosing the back verandah had been pulled away. Do not smoke and had no light in the yard. The stock was insured for £400. No idea of the origin of the fire. There are two entrances to the yard. On behind Miss Snell’s and the other through Ewins’ yard. Saw a strange man leaning against a tree on Dalgety’s corner.

E.J. Harris corroborated his brother’s evidence.

Frank Blott had helped to unpack the confectionery about 3-4 p.m., but was not in the yard in the evening.

Clare Tiver, groom, was in front of the Burra Hotel about 10.20 when he saw the fire and ran across the square and through the Record office to see that the fire was at Frank Harris’s. Someone pulled the box away and F. Streicher kicked in the door and threw some water on the fire.

J. Allen said he had gone through the Record office and pulled the box away.

‘Did not apply to the Commissioner of Water Supply for permission to use the water.’

E.G. Burns saw someone walk from Dalgety’s corner up the lane opposite, but did not see him return. This was c. 10.10. Ran to the fire around Miss Snell’s corner.

Annie Snell gave evidence of hearing M-C Queale checking at the back. Soon after heard crackling, but couldn’t believe it was fire so soon after the police inspection. Soon after she put on a coat to check out the continued noise and by the time she got there the fire was almost out.

M-C Queale said he had not been there, but on Dunk’s corner watching some boys. Then she said it was someone in uniform. ‘Heard the crackling noise almost immediately after Mr Queale turned the corner.’

On the Saturday Queale admitted he had been around the back ‘for a private purpose’.

Eva Reynolds, who lived with Miss Snell, gave evidence consistent with Miss Snell’s.

M-C Queale:

Went to Truscott’s house at 9.45 p.m. to get my wife, but she was playing the piano so went across to the Burra Hotel and could hear some young fellows rapping the sign boards on the verandahs opposite with sticks. Walked to Miss Snell’s and up the side street and waited a few minutes for the boys to appear. They walked quietly past so I did not speak to them. Walked on to the lane entrance and c. 2 yards in for a private purpose. Then returned to the street, passed Mr Harris at his shop and went home. Did a little in the garden then turned the hose off and saw E.J & F. Harris going home. Went into the office: it was then 10.15. Went and collected my wife and heard the cry of Fire!

The jury concluded that the fire was caused by a person or persons unknown. That M-C Queale was in no way connected with it and his name should not have been brought into the case. When questioned by Mr Winnall, who was appearing for F. Harris, the foreman said they had not specifically mentioned Mr F. Harris as the evidence conclusively proved he was not connected in any way.

XXXII, 1976, 1 Dec. 1915, page 2 [Note the irregular change of volume number.]

Kooringa Post Office requires more hitching posts: currently there is one.

Booborowie is to get a telegraph service (worked by telephone), a public telephone, and a trunk line office, ‘about the end of the present year’.

Municipal Elections.

Mayor Mr [E.W.] Crewes (unopposed)

East Ward Mr [G.E.] Dane (unopposed)

West Ward Mr [S.M.] Lane (unopposed)

North Ward Mr [M.A.] Radford (unopposed)

[Note that East and West should be transposed in this report.]

Volunteers.

Tpr R.J. Nourse has not been wounded: the report was false.

Pte Harry Davey has been invalided to England.

Pte Hartley Harris has recovered and returned to the trenches.

George Hann has been made secretary of Burra Racing Club.

Hon. John Lewis appealed against his assessment. With 20 appeals and 10/- hearing fee on each it would cost £10 to defend without legal fees so Council has agreed to reduce the rates from £4-10-0 to £3 and to pay £5-5-0 costs.

Cricket, Saturday at Terowie, Terowie 242 defeated Kooringa 117.

XXXII, 1976, 1 Dec. 1915, page 2-3

Annual Meeting of Ratepayers, Monday 29 Nov. at the Institute.

J.E.H. Winnall took the chair.

A motion approving of the way Mr Crewes had discharged his mayoral duties was passed by acclamation.

Cr Lane thanked all for returning him unopposed.

Cr Radford did the same. Cr Killicoat’s enforced absence on military duties, even to the neglect of his own business, had placed more work on his (Mr Radford’s) shoulders and he thanked the other councillors for their assistance. It was nice now to have Cr Killicoat back to share the load in North Ward.

Cr Dane, who had been elected unopposed was surprised as two candidates had withdrawn whom he thought would have filled the position much better, in W. Hodge and J. Drew and he thanked them both for their courtesy.

The Mayor felt he had neither sins of commission or omission to confess. The parklands account practically being the only one in arrears. When he took office two years before £150 was owing on the creek and £40 for a block of land purchased by the Council. Of that £150 had been wiped off. He felt the town was spending too much on lighting. He intended to make further enquiries about electric lighting, but it would cost £5,000 to £6,000 which would be hard to raise at a reasonable rate of interest. With reference to the bridges washed away, the Government was paying for one to be erected opposite the Institute and the other two would be erected when the department had funds. The tar paving would be more effective with a £20 or £30 heater.

Cr Lane said he was in favour of tree planting, tar paving and electric lighting, provided a scheme reasonably sure to pay was submitted.

Cr Radford thought one of the three permanent billets on council should have gone to Aberdeen [i.e. one of the three employees] He thought they needed a heater to make tar paving satisfactory and he favoured an electricity scheme as soon as the Burra Mine reopened.

Mr Crewes thought the only use of the creek was for a plantation and spending £150 to buy it had been a waste of money.

Cr Lane thought it one of the wisest things Council ever did.

Mr McLaren said that the Hon. John Lewis had offered the Council £100 if it would stand aside and not purchase the creek – Would Councillors accept £250 for it now?

The Mayor would. Cr Radford said it should never have been out of Council hands.

The mayor was in favour or re-erecting Deadman’s Bridge and borrowing money to do it.

Cr McWaters concurred.

Crs McBride and Lane thought it would have to remain as it was under the circumstances and Cr Killicoat thought the same until the bridge at Gully’s was re-erected.

XXXII, 1976, 1 Dec. 1915, page 3

Soldiers’ Aid Society. Sandbag making continues. The fund stands at £137-8-3.

Burra Cheer-up Society.

A sandbag class has been formed in conjunction with the Soldiers’ Aid Society. We have been sending handkerchiefs and washers away and require mittens.

Pte S. Bishop could not be at our last social, but Captain Chaplain Nield gave our gift to him at his farewell at Hanson.

Sgt Woollacott’s last letter dated 12 Sep. describes a rather idyllic break from the fighting in a picturesque valley with a small river.

A letter from E. Ridgway tells how Sgt Woollacott was killed when struck by a large piece of shell on 28 Sep. and died peacefully soon after.

Pte C.D. Hunt writes from Fulham Military Hospital, Hammersmith, where he is recovering from dysentery. He writes of outings to various London sight like the zoo, Marble Arch, St Paul’s, Westminster Abbey and the Underground. He also saw the effects of a German air raid.

XXXII, 1976, 1 Dec. 1915, page 4

The Mayor’s Report for 1915.

After last year’s disastrous drought this year’s season has been very good with prospects for an excellent harvest.

Unfortunately the war that started in August 1914 still rages. In supporting the war effort Burra has shouldered the burden with energy and a great cheerfulness.

Burra and district has sent 220 men, 2 chaplains, 5 nurses and 2 doctors to the front and subscribed £13-968-14-9:

Patriotic Fund Cash £301-0-0

Belgian Fund Cash £1,156-15-3

Belgian Fund Clothing £100-0-0

Commercial Travellers’ Day £279-0-0

Red Cross Cash £324-0-6

Red Cross Clothing £122-0-0

Cheer-up Society Violet Day £414-0-0

Cheer-up Society Cash £103-0-0

Cheer-up Society Blanket Fund £250-0-0

Soldiers’ Aid Society Cash £109-19-0

Soldiers’ Aid Society Clothing £210-0-0

Australia Day Cash £2,100-0-0

French Flag Day £608-0-0

Soldiers’ Memorial Fund £50-0-0

Cheer-up Day in Aid of Soldiers’ Hut

And Wounded Soldiers’ Fund £805-0-0

Cash direct to City Funds £7,036-0-0

The Cheer-up Society is doing wonderful work for those who have left for the front and for those returning sick and wounded.

The Soldiers’ Aid Society is working hard doing similar kinds of work to the Red Cross.

Violet Day was a red letter day in Burra with the auction of a bunch of violets raising £384 and a total of £414 for the day.

Australia Day was the town’s best effort with £2,100 raised.

French Flag Day raised £608 for the French Red Cross.

On 13 October the town welcomed Sir Henry and Lady Galway. Welcome arches were erected at the station gate, in Aberdeen and in Kooringa and the whole town was gaily decorated with flags and bunting. Of the £805 collected £250 was sent to Adelaide toward the Cheer-up Hut while £550 was kept for the purpose of assisting wounded soldiers who may return to us later on. The funds are still open to receive donations.

During the year the drought broke and heavy rains did much good, but consequent floods badly damaged roads, footpaths etc. and swept away three of our bridges: the one near Lord’s Hotel, one at the south end of town [presumably at the Pig and Whistle crossing] and one at the old White Hart Hotel at the north end of town. We have received £350 special grant to repair roads and arrangements have been made to replace the bridges. Plans and specifications have been received from the Government Engineer and tenders called for the first one to be built across the creek opposite the Burra Institute.

The town has been brought under the Building Act which will prevent the erection of unsightly buildings in the town. It has also been placed under the Places of Public Entertainment Act which provides for means of safety in places of entertainment in the event of fire or panic.

For many years Burra has been totally unprovided for in the event of fire. In the last 12 months there have been several outbreaks. In most cases we were fortunate to control the fires before much damage was done, but in one case considerable loss of property resulted. The Council has now purchased hydrants, a hose and a hand reel and have organised a volunteer fire brigade.

The Burra Band continues to make progress and has rendered great service to the various patriotic committees by responding to their appeals for help. Mr James Bentley has resigned from the leadership and Mr A.G. Shortridge has taken his place.

Rates collected: General £437-15-4

Parklands £73-2-10

Health £255-5-6

Lighting £109-6-11

Total outstanding rates £12-19-4

The general account began the year £24-18-9 in debit and is now £68-0-3 in credit.

North Ward began £24-15-2 in debt and is now £11-2-7 in debt.

East Ward began £0-8-7 in debt and is now £23-13-4 in credit.

West Ward began £4-0-10 in credit and is now £38-4-2 in credit.

Parklands. In the year all dead trees were removed and hundreds of young trees, mainly pines, were planted, but unfortunately not with great success. A new garden is being planted in Ludgvan St. There is a plan to plant the eastern side of the Creek.

Cemetery. Mr H. Wilson has been appointed curator and when not employed there he attends to the various garden plots and other general work. This arrangement has been a success.

The main roads continue to be maintained and two sections have been added: Sara’s Corner to the junction with the Mt Bryan Road and the length from the Bon Accord Corner to the western boundary of the Corporation. The grant this year was £430. The special grant is still in credit £135-0-8.

Tar paving was proceeded with during the year and extension of it is intended. Though expensive to begin with it is the cheapest way to manage main roads in the long run.

During the year our Health Officer, Dr J.I. Sangster, died. Dr Steele took over until his departure on active service and now Dr Williams carries out the duty. The present balance of £34-15-4 is needed in case of any outbreak of infectious disease.

Mr George Lawn has been permanent scavenger – previous appointments by tender had generally proved unsatisfactory. The Council purchased its own horse and dray for the purpose.

Health Officer’s Report. There was an outbreak of enteric fever [typhoid] early in the year and then little infectious disease. There were three cases of chicken pox and one of tuberculosis. The typhoid outbreak was of 12 cases, mostly in March and April.

Electric light continued to be discussed by Council, but at this time it was thought inopportune and the Council decided to wait for an easier money market after the war. Of the rates of £109-8-5, carbide cost £41-19-1 and the lighting of lamps cost £50-14-0.

The new reservoir erected by the side of the old one has assured the town of adequate water supply in the future.

XXXII, 1977, 8 Dec. 1915, page 2

Notice. Adolph Friedrich Heinrich, late of Winnininnie and now of Adelaide give notice that I am a natural born British subject and have assumed the name Frederick Hanley.

3 Dec. 1915.

Advt. Opening Swimming Carnival, Saturday 11 December.

Advt. St Mary’s annual church parade in aid of the Burra Hospital, 12 December.

Advt. Burra Institute Grand Concert, 15 Dec. in aid of the Burra Hospital.

French Flag Day committee have finalised the account and have forwarded the balance of £279-9-7 to J.A. Riley for the French Red Cross.

Mr J.M. McBride has donated £200 to the Burra Hospital funds towards the cost of furnishing the new building. Part will go to placing guard rails on verandahs and stairs. Public contributions will also be sought.

Marriage. Roy Wigle married Miss Barker of Baldina last Monday at Walkerville Church of England.

Fire Brigade. The newly formed brigade has asked for the fire reel and hose to be stored at the police station – to be safe from the local firebug. The Burra Copper Co. is expected to provide one of the mine bells. Mr Burns is constructing the reel.

Burra Racing Club has decided to limit bidders for the publican’s booth in January to licensed victuallers. There will also be a temperance booth.

The Town Clerk’s salary has been increased and Mr E.J. Davey will now receive £90 instead of the previous £80 in response to the increased workload over the last year or two and to the admirable way in which he has carried out the task.

Vandalism. People are stealing flowers and plants from the town gardens. It is petty, but very annoying and greatly hinders the beautifying of the town.

Mr R. Hope Harris, with Messrs Bagot, Shakes & Lewis for the last two months, has volunteered and went to camp yesterday.

Burra Town Council.

The Council has been invited to attend the Church Parade at St Mary’s next Sunday. Accepted.

Another nozzle is to be procured for the fire brigade.

The salary of the Town Clerk, Mr E.J. Davey has been raised from £80 to £90 p.a.

J.E.H. Winnall has been appointed Council solicitor.

The cost of a tar heater is to be ascertained.

The Church St bridge is to be repaired.

XXXII, 1977, 8 Dec. 1915, page 3

Burra Cheer-up Society.

Just on 200 sandbags have been made by the men and boys in two evenings.

17 Dec. will be Button Day in Burra to help the work of the YMCA and their support for the war effort.

Soldiers’ Aid Society. 170 sandbags were made at last week’s meeting and we have now made over 1,000 bags.

A children’s concert at Hampton raised money for the Soldiers’ Aid Society.

[In the next issue the amount from two small concerts there was given as £3-1-8.]

There will be a children’s concert in Jubilee Hall on 8 December.

Belgian Relief Fund now at £1,169-17-3.

Pte Eddie Przibilla was farewelled at Hanson on 4 Nov. Gunner F.L. McPherson, a former resident was also present.

Marriage. At Mt Bryan East Methodist Church on 23 Nov. T.P. Griffin married Miss E.M. Simmons.

Burra Rifle Club. 1st match for ‘The Gums’ Cup. J.A. Riggs & G. Lawn each 104, from N.W.R. Pearce 103.

Burra Hospital Furnishing Fund:

£200 from J.M. McBride and £112-16-6 from others.

St Mary’s Strawberry Fete was held last Friday and was a great success with well over £100 taken. [1⁄3 column of detail.]

XXXII, 1978, 15 Dec. 1915, page 2

Advt. Burra Racing Club – Annual Meeting on 15 January 1916 will feature 7 races with the main event being the Burra Handicap with stakes £65.

Advt. Burra Sporting and Athletic Club Annual Sports on Boxing Day in aid of the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund.

Qualifying Certificates were gained by the following in examinations on 19 Nov.

Donald Fuss Clifton Richards John Broad

John Winnall Ernest Hopcraft Martin Hann

George Sara Irene Harris Elvera Tiver

Alma Wicklein Marjorie Riggs Marjorie Tiver

Irene Vivian Mavis Johnson Eva Jennison

Rhena Thamm Clarice Turley Bertha Jennison

Dorothy Bartholomæus Xenia Thamm Nellie McGowan

Burra Institute Committee has granted 12 free memberships to Public School children.

Burra Hospital Furnishing Fund is now at £376-16-0.

YMCA at work in Egypt and Gallipoli. 2⁄3 column article by Captain Chaplain J.H. Nield.

Volunteers.

Pte W.R. Hawkes has recovered from wounds and expects to be back in the trenches by Christmas.

Pte W.C. Henderson is seriously ill in London from enteric fever.

Surgeon Captain Brooke Lewis, who has been on duty on ships between England, Egypt and Australia, is paying a visit to Ulooloo and will meet a number of old friends here on his way through.

XXXII, 1978, 15 Dec. 1915, page 3

Burra Swimming Club

The Opening Carnival was held on Saturday afternoon.

Dressing sheds have been erected, along with springboards and ropes and rings.

Members’ ticket for the season is 1/-.

The Mayor opened the carnival. He complimented Mr Nation on inaugurating the club. Profits for the day went to the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund. Results are printed.

Pte H. Riggs writes from England, 2 Nov. He is now at Park Crescent, a soldiers’ home run by the [Australian] Natives Association – similar to the Cheer-up Society. He refers to Hedley’s death. He has had a good time convalescing in England.

Burra Cheer-up Society held a farewell social on 12 Dec. for Pte R. Lackmann, Trooper C. Turner and Seaman H. Vivian.

Soldiers’ Aid Society. The concert by children of Mr Morton’s Bible Class was a great success. Jubilee hall was well filled and it raised £5-0-10. The fund is now at £150-5-9.

St Mary’s Hospital Sunday service was preceded by a procession from the rotunda to the hospital and then to St Mary’s comprising the boy Scouts, Lodge members in regalia and the Burra Band. The collection was £6-17-7.

XXXII, 1979, 22 Dec. 1915, page 2

Lieut. F. Treloar is reported ill in hospital in London.

L-Cpl W. James of Aberdeen is reported seriously ill in hospital in Egypt.

Mr. A. O’Brien, manager of Dalgety & Co. in Kooringa has been transferred to Adelaide to be replaced by Mr F. Mitchell.

Obituary. Michael Miller of Farrell’s Flat died suddenly on 5 Dec. leaving a wife and 11 children.

[Born 29 November 1865 Ross Creek. Death registered as 14 December 1915 at Farrell’s Flat.]

St Joseph’s School prize day was on 17 Dec. Rev. Father Kett presented the prizes. The list is printed.

Burra Mine. An article reprinted from the Register of 23 October 1915.

The Burra Mine is to be sold on 27 January 1916 by public auction.

On 16 April 1845 the SA Mining Association came into being to develop the colony’s mineral wealth and prevent it all falling into the hands of one or two of the wealthy.

It issued shares to £5,000 in £5 shares with liberty to increase them to £20,000 worth. Its aims were:

To purchase or sell mineral lands

To carry on mining operations when they were advisable

To let on royalty or otherwise

In response to an advertisement placed by the Secretary, H. Ayers, a shepherd named Stear produced a valuable copper specimen he said he had discovered on unsold wasteland to the north of Mr F.H. Dutton’s Princess Royal sheep run. The part of the Burra Survey which comprises the Burra Burra Mines was not known to be metalliferous till a few weeks after Stear’s find when Thomas Picket, a bullock driver employed by William Robinson, then of Gum Creek, had his attention taken by an outcrop of red oxide of copper. A special survey of 20,000 acres was made embracing the two finds and on 20 Sep. 1845 it was divided into two parts. The northern moiety which turned out to be the really valuable one fell to SAMA.

Ten Cornish miners, a blacksmith and a Captain were sent north and arrived at Burra on 29 Sep. 1845. They blasted out the red oxide and sent it back on the drays that had carried their supplies north.

After purchasing the freehold of the 10,000 acres SAMA had just £1,800 of working capital, but in the first seven months they made £20,000 profit and the ensuing eleven months produced a nett profit of £70,000.

For the 291⁄2 years of the mine’s operation between 1845 and 30 Sep. 1877:

Ore produced 234,648 tons

Realised nett. £3,110,911

Cost of production £2,284,325

Profit £826,586

Wages £1,400,988

The peak employment half year was to 31 March 1859 with an average 1,087 and a peak of 1,170.

The peak output was for the half year to 31 March 1851, of 12,966 tons.

And the peak half year for the sum realised was to 30 Sep. 1850, £127,410.

To the end of May 1867 dividends had been £315 per £5 share.

Official records show that in the six months to March 1849, 9,310 tons of ore was carted to Pt Adelaide over 100 miles of unmade roads by c. 600 teamsters, using between 6,000 and 7,000 bullocks.

A strike in 1848 held up operations for 6 months. Before it ended arrangements were made for the Patent Copper Co. (Now the English & Australian Copper Co.) to smelt the ore and the first copper was produced there in the winter of 1849.

The establishment of the smelters made possible the handling of lower grade ore profitably.

The mine was at its peak of success at the end of 1851.

Gold discoveries in Victoria saw the suspension of all work below water level as men left for the goldfields.

Pumping ceased on 1 Oct. 1852 and it was not resumed till 4 January 1855. It then took 17 days to fork the water at the 40 fathom level.

Work was resumed after the Governor, Sir H.E.F. Young induced the Emigration Commissioners to relax some of their more stringent regulations and allow Cornish miners to migrate to SA. The low price of copper and the unprofitable working with high costs of open cutting led to closure in 1877.

For many years mining was limited to tributing, but in 1901 the present Burra Burra Copper Co. was formed to buy the mine and work it. It bought everything except the interest of SAMA in the township blocks.

XXXII, 1979, 22 Dec. 1915, page 3

Old Reports show that there were no extensive operations below the 300’ level. In 1901 it was considered there were tailings and other material on the surface estimated at between 170,000 and 440,000 tons that would yield between 0.86 and 2.72% copper which might give a profit of from 2/- to 3/- per ton and some of 4/- to 5/- per ton. They did not propose to carry on where the old mine left off, but to treat the tailing etc. and to prospect likely places where indications were favourable.

Every visitor to Burra notes with interest the open cut. About 1,000’ south is Morphett’s Shaft which was connected with Waterhouse’s and Peacock’s Shafts at the 300’ and 360’ levels by drives and crosscuts and with Waterhouse’s at 420’. Drives were also put in at 510’ and were in sulphide for considerable distances. Sulphide was also found at 600’ at the bottom of Morphett’s Shaft as reported in the final report to the directors of SAMA by Captain Sanders on 11 October 1877, shortly before it was shut down. He reported that Morphett’s Shaft had been completed to 100 fathoms, the last 10 feet on part of Kingston’s Lode of soft quartz, carbonate of lime and fluorspar, and patches of very rich purple yellow and flesh-coloured ore and scales of asbestos.

A bore pit several years ago confirmed this lode at 600’ and that it was continuous in strike and exists at 800’. At the time the Government Geologist, H.Y.L. Brown thought it justified putting Morphett’s Shaft in order and restarting mining operations from that point.

Magnetic treatment of the tailings was tried by representatives of Elder, Smith & Co. and F.H. Snow, but was unsuccessful. An option was let to the Great Fingall Consolidated, but the bursting of the 1907-08 copper boom put an end to their interest, they paid a substantial sum for release from their obligations. Since then little or no work has been done.

Burra Rifle Club. Second match for ‘The Gums’ Cup.

N.H. Pearse 96 from G. Herbert 93.

Belgian Relief Fund stands at £1,175-17-3.

Burra Cheer-up Society

The YMCA effort last Friday raised £82-15-0. Buttons and flags were sold for £31-7-0.

Some 560 sandbags have been sent off this week.

Soldiers’ Aid Society fund stands at £151-2-3.

Burra Hospital Furnishing Fund is at £434-10-11.

Burra Town Council

The Burra Burra Mining Co. offers a bell for the fire brigade for 1/-.

The Mt Gambier Council advises that a company has contracted to supply electric light there. Details are given.

Bridges Ltd are to be written to asking on what terms they could supply electric light in Burra.

A recruiting committee has been formed in response to an appeal from the Prime Minister.

Two special constables were appointed for the holidays.

Local Board of Health.

5 cases of typhoid fever and one of measles last week.

Hospital Concert in the Institute last Wednesday attracted a large audience and raised £30-11-10.

Sgt R.G. Baynes writes from Gallipoli, 27 Oct. He says things have been quiet. He is one of only about 100 out of 1,200 who landed and have been on the peninsula for six months.

Letter from E.W. Crewes who makes a stirring patriotic appeal thanking those who have contributed to the war effort and urging further sacrifices and finally setting up yet another fund: this time to provide a motor ambulance for the front.

J.M. McBride contributes £3 for aid for the Burra poor for Christmas and E.W. Crewes adds £1.

Leighton Concert and Christmas Tree last Thursday raised some £14-10-0 to be distributed to various war effort causes.

Characteristics of the 1915 Paper

Page 1 had large advertisements and sometimes a considerable amount of news, but not necessarily news of any more importance than that on other pages.

Page 2 had smaller advertisements and notices of sales and from Councils and various other public organisations. Classified advertisements were very few. This led to local news. There was very rarely editorial comment.

Page 3. This was a page largely of news, especially of the various efforts to support the war and also news from the surrounding districts. The division between pages 2 and 3 was very fluid.

Page 4 carried both large and smaller advertisements, many of them local. There was a varying amount of news, mostly of less importance and sometimes there was only advertisement.

The literary supplement continued as a loose double-sided sheet: see table.

The paper was dominated by war news with many letters from soldiers and especially the efforts of Burra and district to raise money for the various funds. These efforts are reported at great length and with great care to acknowledge all financial donations, gift items and other assistance. Jingoism is relatively restrained, but not entirely absent. It naturally appears in reports of some of the stirring speeches at major events.

Numbering of issues in 1915

The apparent intention to begin each year with a new volume number breaks down.

The year began with Volume XXII Number 1926 on 6 January 1915.

And continued to Volume XXII Number 1975 on 24 November 1915.

Within this sequence numbers 1953, 1954 & 1955 were not used.

Presumably through an accident the volume number then changed:

Volume XXXII began with Number 1976 1 December 1915

And continued to Volume XXXII 1979 22 December 1915.

Literary Supplement to the Burra Record for 1915

1 Dated 30 December 1914, but issued with the paper of 6 January 1915 and corrected by hand on the microfilm.

2 Wrongly dated 9 June

1 Not preserved in hard copy or on microfilm

XXXII, 1980, 5 Jan. 1916

Page 1 Advertisements

Walker & Sons Clothiers & Footwear, Kooringa

N.J. Tiddy Draper & Clothier & AMP Life Insurance Sub-Agent, Aberdeen

C. & F. Streicher General Store with Motor delivery Service, Kooringa

Mrs A. Young Maternity Home, George St

Bright & Bright Solicitors, Dalgety’s Building, Kooringa

Fred M. Pearce Carpenter, Builder & Ironmonger, Aberdeen

B.T. Moran (Late J.T. Hartnett) Tailor & Mercer, Kooringa

Max Morton The Kooringa Forge, Blacksmith, Wheelwright, Coachbuilder & Horseshoer, Thames St

C.E. Birks District Travelling Agent Australian Mutual Provident Society

W.J.C. Ewins Draper, Clothier & Outfitter, Commercial St Kooringa

S.M. Lane Saddler, Ironmonger & Chaff Merchant, Kooringa & Aberdeen

Vivian Lewis Motor Garage & Repairs, Kooringa

J.H. Krinks Surgeon Dentist every Friday, Queen St

Painless Extractions 1/-. N.B. I do not use Cocaine

Page 2 Advertisements

Drew & Crewes Universal Providers & Wheat buying agents for W.R. Cave & Co.

Edwin J. Harris Urges farmers to bring in their cream

Parks & Sharp The Red Store, Kooringa

E.E. Thamm Machinist, Wheels & Tyres made

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Auctioneers

[Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd Auctioneers, regular advertisers, but not this issue]

Page 3 Advertisements

Sara & Co. General Store

Edwin J. Harris General Store

Page 4 Advertisements

E.A. Mummery Dentist, every Friday at Pearce’s Building

M. Maughan Dentist, every four weeks at Lord’s [Burra] Hotel

Crump & Leahy Boring Contractors & Engineers

R.D. Pascoe Hairdresser & Fancy goods Dealer, ‘The Emporium’, Kooringa

Luke Day Grocer, Fruiterer & General Dealer

D. Jones Painter & Decorator, Mine Bridge

John Harry Windmills & Pumps

C.J. Pearce & Son Furniture

George Lord Burra Hotel

W.E. Hodge Land, Estate & General Agent, Commercial St

S. Burns Blacksmith & Wheelwright, Commercial St

Emelie Clark Commercial Hotel

Murray Aunger Motor Engineers & agents for: Arrol Johnson, Darracq, Hudson, Overland, Sheffield Simplex, Vauxhall, Calthorp Minor & N.B. motor cars

John Pearce Carpenter, Builder & Contractor, corner Thames & Bridge Sts

W.T. Truscott Butcher & Small Goods Dealer, Market Square

XXXII, 1980, 5 Jan. 1916, page 2

Editorial on The Holidays.

Burra was quiet with a rush of people to the seaside and elsewhere. The weather was extremely hot, especially on 28 December, which ended with a long and severe thunderstorm and 65 points of rain.

On Wednesday another storm dropped 16 points. On Monday 4 points fell in the town, but there was a deluge to the east in patches. Koomooloo got 50 points and Woolgangi 32.

Business was brisk on Christmas Eve and Christmas day was very quiet.

New Year’s Eve was unusually quiet. 1916 arrived without any shouting or other noise – just a general wish for peace.

Miss Edith Cave again provided the Christmas tree at the Burra Hospital on 22 December. The grounds were decked out in flags and Japanese lanterns. A fine program of music accompanied the distribution of gifts.

Percy Fuss is about again after being critically injured in a train accident on 11 September.

Burra Boy Scouts. 17 members had a camp on Saturday at Princess Royal, by kind permission of Mr J. Tennant.

Mr J.T.F. Johnson, head of Burra School, has been moved to Moonta after 5 years. He was active here in cricket and golf clubs and was a local preacher and Circuit Steward for the Kooringa Methodist Church. He was also active in patriotic matters. He is replaced by Mr C.J.W. Mundy.

J.P. Turley, for some years in charge of Drew & Crewes’ wood and chaff store, has gone to become manager of Mr Power’s station.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held their annual picnic at Sod Hut last Saturday and it was enjoyed by the smaller than usual number who went.

Advt. For Sale: Large Shop and House of six rooms with washhouse etc. W.J. Richards, Aberdeen.

Pte P.C. Herbert was admitted to hospital in Alexandria on 24 December with slight frostbite to his feet.

Cpl M.R. Sandland is ill in hospital in Malta for the second time.

Pte C.C. Lord is ill in hospital in Malta.

Capt. D.M. Steele is ill in hospital at Heliopolis.

Pte F.A. Carey is also in hospital in Heliopolis.

Obituary. Pte William Jones, a Burra boy, but who had been away from the town for about two years, recently returned from NSW and enlisted. While he was home on leave over Christmas he was stricken with meningitis and died. [David Frederick William Jones born 26 November 1894 Millerton: died 3 January 1916 Kooringa, residence Aberdeen.]

Meningitis. As well as Pte Jones there have been two other cases of meningitis, but they have been removed to Adelaide for treatment.

A. O’Brien of Dalgety’s was given a social on Friday before his transfer to Adelaide.

XXXII, 1980, 5 Jan. 1916, page 3

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. fund stands at £160-16-9.

Burra Sporting and Athletic Club Annual Sports was held on 27 December at Aberdeen Oval.

The very hot weather and the exodus of people to other parts reduced the attendance. The gate took £14 – about £11 down on the last meeting. The results are printed.

There was a picture show in the Institute in the evening to bring further revenue to the fund.

The Wounded Soldiers’ Fund will benefit by about £20.

Burra Cheer-up Society. 15 soldiers were entertained on 31 December. Present were Troopers A. Bartholomaeus, H. Hill, R. McBride, R. Lackmann, A. Tiver, F. Hanley (a veteran of the South African War), F. Gebhardt, Sapper Rule, Signaller Williams, Ptes H. Ockenden, S. Lihou, L. Turner, R. Blott, Kennett, & Trooper Dick Ockenden.

During the evening an interesting letter from Cpl J. Murison was read. He is very near Belgium. There was a postcard from Pte A. Wahlert and a note from Pte Page and a framed photo of Trooper B. Hill, who is so ill in Egypt. So we now have photos of C. Lord, J. Bailey, J. Field, Winders, Wahlert and Hill.

Cpl J. Murison’s letter is printed. He tells of the scene near Ypres and of the plight of Belgian refugees.

Burra Hospital. The Furnishing Fund stands at £462-19-5.

J. Bailey Walker, Secretary, writes calling for donations to the Royal Alfred Aged Merchant Seamen’s Institution.

W.M. Hughes, Prime Minister of Australia, writes a call to arms and for the creation of Local Recruiting Committees.

War Poem The Call for Men by ‘J.S.P.’

XXXIII, 1981, 12 Jan. 1916, page 2 [Note new volume.]

Advt. Labourers wanted for Port Pirie Smelting Works: 9/9 a day.

Advt. The Burra Mine will be sold on Thursday 27 January 1916 at the Wool exchange, Brookman’s Building, by Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd. under instructions for the liquidated Burra Burra Copper Co.

The min of 672 acres freehold, machinery plant, pitworks, wasteheaps, and buildings and mineral rights over 11,060 acres, portion of the original Burra Creek Survey.

M-C Queale was given a farewell on Saturday evening before his transfer to Yorketown. He was presented with a purse of sovereigns. The Masonic Lodge gave him a fountain pen. He is succeeded by M-C Kain.

Capt. L.A. Lewis is reported returned to duty.

Pte W.L. James is off the danger list.

Pte Allan Carey is seriously ill.

Cpl Reg. Sandland is returning home.

Pte Cliff Hunt is convalescent in hospital in England.

Pte Harry Davey is still in hospital.

Pte Hartley Harris is with his regiment at Lemnos.

Pte Harry Skinner disappeared after the landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. He was believed lost on landing, but now there is news he was alive on the Tuesday following the Sunday landing, but there has been no news since then.

Burra Town Council.

Police Commissioner approves the storage of the fire reel in the police yard.

Bridger Ltd will send a representative to give information on a possible electric light supply and power plant.

Cr A.J. McBride has presented to the Council two 18 pounder high explosive shells: the first turned out in SA. They were made by Murray Aunger Ltd.

Cr Radford complained of larrikinism in Aberdeen on New Year’s Eve. Paint was splashed on windows, gates unhinged, and a buggy placed under a verandah.

Mr H. Wilson said he was on duty and there were five mobs of larrikins around. There was no paint evident when he had been around Sara’s Corner at 3 a.m.

Cr Killicoat thought the special constables’ appointment was a slur on the soldiers present in the town.

Cr Lane said they had been appointed before it was known that any soldiers would be around.

Cr Killicoat wondered what they could do to help Pte Ockenden to get a job – it would help recruiting to show the town caring for returned wounded soldiers – perhaps he could be trained for the telephone exchange.

The Mayor said the Government had made provisions and wounded men needed to apply.

It was decided that the Mayor interview Mr Ockenden to ascertain his wishes.

Local Board of Health.

The Adelaide Hospital reports admitting Elsie Rosenthal and Tommy Halls.

[Later made clear they were the two meningitis cases mentioned in the previous paper.]

Letter of condolence sent to the parents of Pte Jones who died from meningitis.

[The report here suggests that the arrangements for the transfer of the two patients to Adelaide were botched at the Adelaide end, but only permits inferences on what happened – the ambulance seems to have failed to meet the train. See later for more details.]

In the last fortnight there have been three cases of typhoid and three of meningitis.

The typhoid has been attributed to unhygienic milking conditions in Burra.

The Mayor outlined the events of the Sunday outbreak of meningitis. Dr Ramsay-Smith in Adelaide had recommended the transfer of the patients to Adelaide, but insisted that travel arrangements etc. had to be handled by the Local Board of Health. After much difficulty the Mayor had got the Medical Superintendent of the Adelaide Hospital to arrange for the police ambulance to meet the train. He then had to pay the fare of the nurse and patients to Adelaide. A carriage had been reserved and the patients admitted to Adelaide Hospital.

Cr Killicoat said Pte Jones case was sad; he had been placed in the isolation ward, ‘a shed not fit for a dog to live in’.

Cr McBride said he had not been there, but in a room at the rear of the hospital.

Of the cases sent to Adelaide he said the nurse and her patients were left in the carriage at the Adelaide Railway Station for two hours without a soul coming to help. Finally a nurse arrived with an ambulance and the two nurses had to get the patients into the ambulance as best they could. He thought a complaint to the Central Board was only fitting.

XXXIII, 1981, 12 Jan. 1916, page 3 [Note new volume.]

Burra Institute Annual Meeting.

Rev. J.H. Nield took the chair. Two of the committee had died in the year: Dr Sangster jnr and Mr W.S. Thomson. The President (Rev. J.H. Nield) had been given nine months leave for war service, but had returned due to illness, though he had recovered sufficiently to resume duties as President. In October Dr Steele had resigned due to his war duties. In July J.E. Pearce and W.E. Hodge joined the committee.

At the end of 1915 the library held 4,442 volumes.

The membership in the year had fallen from 138 to 124.

The financial position was good.

The Orchestral & Choral Classes were much disturbed this year by the illness and then the death of Mrs Dane.

During the year a new escape door was placed on the northern side of the hall.

A fire proof box has been erected around the picture operator’s machine and panic bolts fitted.

Elected for 1916: President, J. McLaren; Vice-President, J.E.H. Winnall; Treasurer, T.W. Wilkinson (who has been so for over 40 years) & Secretary, J. Drew.

Mr & Mrs J.T.F. Johnson were farewelled at the close of the War Intercession Service at the Kooringa Methodist Church last Wednesday. [Details in c. 1⁄2 column.]

[Mr Johnson was headmaster of Burra School.]

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. Fund at £164-18-6.

Burra Rifle Club. On 8 January the shoot was led by E.A. Riggs 92, from N.H. Pearse 89.

Obituary. Mrs T.W. Rabbich (Elizabeth Jane) of ‘Kondening’, Williams WA, died after a fall from a cart when the horse made a sudden rush forward. She landed on her head. She was 62. The deceased was born in Kooringa in 1854, the daughter of the late John Boundy. Mr Rabbich was Mayor of Burra for a number of years. [Born Elizabeth Jane Boundy 11 March 1854 District of the Murray.]

[Williams is about half way between Perth and Albany.]

[Actually he was Mayor only from December 1892 to November 1893, but he was North Ward Councillor December 1880 to November 1882, December 1888 to November 1892 & December 1894 to November 1896, though he received leave from Council when he went to WA in July 1896.]

Ptes E.S. & C.J. Williams & Tpr F. Gebhardt were accorded a farewell at Leighton Hall with I.J. Warnes in the chair.

XXXIII, 1982, 19 Jan. 1916, page 2

Salvation Army. Capt. Smith has been transferred to Millicent and is succeeded by Ensign Day.

Burra Sporting & Athletic Club showed a profit of over £40 on the sports day. Steps are being taken to devote it to local returned wounded soldiers.

Belgian Relief Fund. A further £25 has been forwarded to Lady Galway’s fund to make the total forwarded £1,125. The total raised stands at £1,201-9-3.

Burra Cheer-up Society.

Pte Carpenter’s parcel was sent to him and as soon as we have addresses parcels will be sent to Pte Wilmott, Pte Pryor and the two Ptes Williams.

Condolences were sent to the family of Pte Jones.

At the general meeting on 10 January the Mayor took the chair.

There was some discussion about soldiers who had not come to socials to receive farewell parcels.

[In fact the tone suggests that it was felt they had somehow shirked their duty in not attending and the society appeared quite peeved at being snubbed, though doubtless they would have denied this, had they been challenged on the point.]

Mr Milner said the fund should be audited – having had £1,352 handled to the end of December.

Mr Lawn regretted that Pte W. Jones had had such a quiet funeral. He thought the Society should pledge themselves never to allow one of our soldiers to be buried ‘as this young man was’. The fact was that it had occurred on a public holiday and no one, not even Mr Crewes, had known when the funeral was to be held. It was resolved to place a wreath on the grave.

E.J. Harris referred to the designation of the room in the Adelaide Cheer-up Hut as ‘The Burra Hall’. The name was on a small brass plate about the size of an envelope and he thought something better was warranted.

Mr F. Harris had spoken to Mrs Seager and said the Society was displeased with the way in which the name of the Burra Hall was exhibited, as Burra had done so much for that hall. Mrs Seager promised to see that the present plate was replaced by a large scroll, and would like it to be unveiled by somebody from the Burra Branch. It was resolved that a letter of thanks for this be written.

Ptes Lihou and W.J. Herbert have sent photos to the Burra Cheer-up Society.

Mr Dawson, the teacher at Hanson is being moved to Tarlee. Mrs Dawson ran the post office

XXXIII, 1982, 19 Jan. 1916, page 3

Burra Races were run in hot weather, which reduced attendance somewhat. The main race was the Burra Handicap over 11⁄4 miles. 1st £50, 2nd £10 & 3rd £5. Won by H.E. Gregory’s Wee Gun ridden by G. Hale. Results are printed.

Burra Town Council.

Main Road Grant for 1916: £277.

Position with respect to bridges.

A deputation from Council had waited on the Commissioner of Crown Lands and asked that the three bridges destroyed in the floods be replaced, as the Council had no funds. This was unsuccessful. Later an inspector came up and reported on the sites and said the bridges would cost £1,200 or £400 each. Another deputation then asked the Commissioner to grant £600 on the assumption that the Council would fund the other half. The Commissioner said that money was tight and he would do what he could. The Council was to call tenders for one bridge and erect that and when money was freer the other two could be considered. After considerable debate Cr McBride moved that the Commissioner be informed that the Council would accept the tender of Harland for No. 1 type of bridge and, if the Government approved it, asked them to grant the money as promised.

The Mayor reported that the tar heater would be completed that night.

Cr Lane moved that tar dressing be carried from the Post Office round Commercial St. Carried.

Cr Radford moved tar dressing be done in North Ward, where previously carried out, except for two chains in front of Ridgway’s which were not in a fit state for it. Carried.

Local Board of Health.

For the month 9 cases of typhoid were reported.

The Central Board of Health to be asked if the Local Board was responsible for expenses incurred when typhoid cases were sent to hospital.

Burra Hospital had written alleging such was the case.

Burra Hospital asks for an explanation why Elsie Rosenthal and Tommy Halls were removed.

The Mayor was doubtful about explaining this: ‘The letter ought have been written in a little different tone.’

Burra Hospital Furnishing Fund stands at £471-3-5.

XXXIII, 1983, 26 Jan. 1916, page 2

Pte F. A. Carey has been removed from the dangerously ill list.

Tpr Gar. Burns is at Heliopolis, appointed pay-corporal.

Bob Burns, who enlisted in Fiji, is in London.

Burra Hospital. The new section will be opened next Tuesday by the Chief Secretary, A.W. Squaires MLC.

W.T. Rabbich, whose wife died recently in a buggy accident, has suffered a fire that swept through his crop and wheat stacks. It took eight hours to control the blaze. About 1,000 bags of wheat were destroyed.

Tpr Percy Herbert has been admitted to hospital with frostbite to the feet while on duty at the Island of Imbos. He describes a severe storm at Gallipoli in a letter to his parents. He was in the company of Pte Bert Quinton.

Burra Hospital Furnishing Fund at £500-13-11.

Burra Cheer-up Society has received letters from Pte A.J. Bruce and Pte A. Wahlert from Heliopolis about their voyage from Australia.

XXXIII, 1983, 26 Jan. 1916, page 3

Annual Seaside Trip. A meeting on Monday night in the Council Chamber was told a special train to Henley Beach or Semaphore would be £76-16-0 and to Brighton £82-16-0. Heavy traffic on the line would prevent a trip to Semaphore on a Saturday. It was decided to go to Henley Beach on Saturday 19 February. Mr Mundy was appointed secretary. The balance on hand from last year was £17-4-2. Fares would be 6/- and 2/6 for children. Copperhouse, Booborowie, World’s End and Leighton Schools would be included. [Tarlee School had organised a trip for 17 February for all stations between Saddleworth and Hamley Bridge.]

Burra Cheer-up Society continues to make sandbags – 470 were sent off in the last week. Pte Rogers of Spring Bank was given the usual Cheer-up parcel.

Belgian Relief Fund at £1,204-9-3.

Burra School. A subscription list has been opened for a presentation to Mr J.T.F. Johnson, headmaster, who has been moved. Mr Oldham has been welcomed in Mr Thomas’s place and Mr Mundy replaces Mr Johnson.

Burra Rifle Club. The final shoot for J. Carr’s kitbag resulted in a close finish. R.D. Pascoe and J.A. Riggs both shot 94 ahead of N.W.R. Pearce & G. Herbert on 92, followed by N.H. Pearse & A. Sugars with 91. This resulted in a shoot-off for the kitbag between N.W.R. Pearce & N.H. Pearse, which was won by the former 95 to 93. [Shoot-off a result of the aggregate scores for the series.]

Soldiers’ Aid Society. On 31 January Hampton children will hold a bazaar in Jubilee Hall. Two beds have been presented to the Burra hospital. Chaplain Captain Durnford writes from Alexandria acknowledging parcels despatched to them. The fund stands at £192-3-101⁄2.

Burra Hospital Board: meeting of 13 January.

Local Board of Health to be informed that the hospital will hold them responsible for the cost of infectious cases sent to hospital. They requested a full explanation of the arrangements made and the manner in which patients were sent to Adelaide on 3 January.

Proposed to assess several chronic cases with a view to their removal to the Home for Incurables.

New Men’s Ward to be named McBride Ward. The Women’s Ward to be named the Victoria Ward and the Surgical Ward to be called Nesbit Ward. The old portion of the hospital will be thoroughly cleaned.

New Education Act. The key provisions of the Act are printed. Attendance now became compulsory from 6 to 14 (previously 7 to 13) and attendance was required on every school day, but a child who gains a Qualifying Certificate may leave any time after turning 13. The Qualifying Certificate will allow the child to attend a technical or high school. Children within compulsory ages must not be employed in school hours or outside them if it handicaps them in doing their schoolwork. Persistent truants may be committed to an institution.

[Significantly, given the war, was the provision that the education given each day had to be through the medium of English for at least four hours. This was aimed at the system of German language schools in the state.]

XXXIII, 1984, 2 Feb. 1916, page 2

Advt. Wilford K. Bannerman, Ophthalmic Optician.

‘I am not a quack or spectacle pedlar as will be seen by the length of my stay in district surrounding yours. i.e. Clare 4 months, Saddleworth 4 months . . .’

Lord’s Burra Hotel from Now until Further Notice.

Notice. Mt Bryan, Booborowie & Burra DCs urge wheat carters to use sidetracks rather than metalled roads as the Main Road Grants to Councils have been greatly reduced.

Tenders Called for the construction of a Reservoir in the Hundred of King, northeast of section 35, of approximately 1 million gallon capacity. DC of Burra.

Elder, Smith & Co. will offer 20,012 sheep at Burra Market on 18 February.

Editorial on the appeal of the District Councils to use sidetracks.

[So was it for or against?]

Driver Horace G. Oates of Leighton is ill in hospital at Ghezireh.

2nd Lieut. J.R. Somerville is reported ill in hospital.

Pte A.L. Fulwood is also reported ill in hospital – though he enlisted from Bute he is well known in Burra.

H.N. King has been made a Lieutenant. He was wounded on Gallipoli and removed to Malta and then England. He was employed in the National Bank at Burra when he enlisted.

Burra Racing Club announced an extraordinary general meeting for last Saturday, but only six turned up. It was nevertheless decided to issue debentures to liquidate the overdraft. [The sum involved is not cited, but see XXXIII, 1985, 9 Feb. 1916, page 2.]]

Capt. A.W. Lott, son of C.A. Lott of Burra, has been chosen for a one-year course of thorough training at Duntroon Military College.

Reg. Murray of Elder, Smith & Co. has moved to Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd. and will work at Owen.

R.W. Wheaton, ledger-keeper at the National Bank, goes now to Auburn as teller.

West Burra Copper Mine. 5th Half-yearly Meeting: Saturday last at Burra Institute.

While no large body of payable ore has been found, some rich bunches have been found at both the 50’ and the 100’ levels with some samples of high grade. The winze has been sunk to the 100’ level and workings are now well ventilated. The half year cost of work and management was £226-5-0 and the company is in credit £360-9-0. So far drives and crosscuts total 473’. The shaft is at 152’ and winze of 38’. It may be advisable to send a parcel of 10-20 tons for smelting as copper is now at a very high price. The proposal is to test the width of the lode at 100’ and sink a winze on the course of lode to water level. Confidence was expressed in the directors.

Cricket. 31 January: Terowie 5 for 260 declared drew with Kooringa 7 for 243.

XXXIII, 1984, 2 Feb. 1916, page 3

Pte A.T. Winders writes on 17 December 1915 about the journey and Colombo.

Burra Hospital Furnishing Fund at £512-2-11.

The League of Loyal Women appeals for necessities and comforts for the soldiers in the trenches.

Railway Changes. Mr Crewes went to Terowie on Thursday to take part in a meeting to protest the increase in railway charges. Fares have risen not less than 25% and freight charges have also risen. A deputation will wait on the Government.

Burra Mine: Burra Burra Copper Co.

The liquidators for the company offered the mine for sale on Thursday. A bid of £5,500 was entered for the property as a whole and was rejected. It was then offered in lots.

Lot 6 11acres 0r 10p to John Walker of Aberdeen for £9 per acre.

Lot 7 13acres 3r 9p to Henry H. Thomas for £9 per acre.

Lot 8 13acres 1r 34p to Henry H. Thomas for £8-10-0 per acre.

Lot 5 19acres 1r to Hon. J. Lewis for £8-7-6 per acre.

Lot 2 140acres adjoining the mine block withdrawn at £5-15-0 per acre.

Lot 3 163acres withdrawn at £6 per acre.

Lot 4 47acres 3r withdrawn at £6 per acre.

Lot 1 (Mine Block) 2621⁄2acres withdrawn at £3,000

A.J. McBride offered £6,000 privately for the whole – not accepted.

A.J. McBride offered £5,000 for lots 1, 2, 3, & 4 – not accepted.

The Buildings of the Electric Magnetic Separator Co. were offered, but received no bid.

After the sale A.J. McBride paid £3,000 for the mine with 262 acres of freehold and the mineral rights. The liquidators still have to dispose of c. 350 acres.

It is expected the heap of tailings at the mine will shortly be treated profitably.

XXXIII, 1985, 9 Feb. 1916, page 2

Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. will offer 23,082 sheep at the market on 18 February.

Redruth Police Court was so hot last Wednesday that the SM, Mr W.J. Hinde, permitted those present to remove their coats – clerks, press and members of the profession. Several of the windows could not be opened and the furniture ‘is absolutely obsolete’ said Mr Hinde. A year ago SM Mr S.J. Mitchell made similar observations.

Burra Hospital. When the new hospital opened on Tuesday there were nine members of the Woollacott family in beds: T.H. Woollacott Sen., Miss Bessie Woollacott, Mr T.H. Woollacott jnr, Mrs T.H. Woollacott jnr, three of the children, Mr Stanley Woollacott and Mr Joe Woollacott of Mt Bryan. All had gastric influenza with typhoid-like symptoms.

Burra High School. Mr Oldham, in charge since Christmas, has been succeeded by Mr Biddle.

John & William Pearce celebrate the 67th anniversary of their arrival from England next Sunday.

Burra Hospital. The Chief Secretary said in his opening remarks that the Burra Hospital was obtained from SAMA, but Mr J.A. McBride said the hotel was bought by Mr White, a private schoolteacher, whose business collapsed when a public school was opened. He bought it from Mr Paxton. Knowing nothing of hotel keeping Mr White did not prosper and he asked Mr McBride’s advice. Just at that time there was a move to establish a hospital and tenders had been erected for the erection of a building opposite the present mill. Mr McBride suggested that the hotel would make a good hospital and the building committee bought it for £1,000 and even though they had to compensate the contractor a large sum was saved in building.

[This account is clarified by reference to the papers of 1877.

The original proposal was to use the old Mine Hospital known as Bleak House.

The contract for enlarging and converting this building went to G. & W. Sara for £1,791-14-0. (See paper of 12 Jan. 1877)

Expenditure on the eventual hospital up to the time of opening was £1,893-0-11. (See paper of 2 March 1877.)

The conveyance of the hospital from SAMA to the Council was signed later: see the paper of 18 May 1877.

SAMA asked the Council for £583-10-8 as purchase money for the hospital and interest, with the deed to be handed over on payment. Payment was passed by Council: see the paper of 20 July 1877.

There is no mention of payments to White. Presumably White had bought the business and a lease, since it is clear that SAMA held the freehold.]

Volunteers. Two men who were recently stationed at Burra in the National Bank are in camp at Mitcham: H.R. Tolhurst & R.P.H. Nicholle.

Pte A. Pearce & Pte J. Seeley are sick in hospital.

Burra District Council complains of the state of the Baldina Creek ford.

The decking of Diprose’s Bridge is in a bad state and the second bridge is in a similar state.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. Hampton members held a bazaar in Jubilee Hall on 31 January and raised a nett £14-0-81⁄2. The fund now stands at £209-0-4.

Burra Cheer-up Society now has a photo of Tpr Horace Hill.

Burra Town Council, Monday.

Bridger Ltd. has outlined a scheme for electric light.

The Commissioner of Crown Lands advises that the tar paving of main roads can be charged to the main roads account.

The left hand side of Morehead St is to be tar paved.

Burra Racing Club. A meeting of subscribers was held in the Commercial Hotel last Friday. The club is in a much better position than last year. The debt was now c. £100 with some £35 in members’ tickets to come in. Receipts this year were down c. £90 and subscriptions down c. £46. Debentures are to be issued to cover the debt.

XXXIII, 1985, 9 Feb. 1916, page 3

Burra Hospital. The new building was opened on Tuesday last week by the Hon. A.W. Styles, Chief Secretary. He was accompanied by Mrs Styles and the Chief Inspector of Hospitals, Dr Morris and Mrs Morris. Mr Styles gave a speech, which is printed. In it he outlines the hospital’s history.

Preliminary steps were taken in 1875.

There was a need because Burra was then the railway terminus and the centre for a very large district.

A public meeting was held to take subscriptions etc.

The old Burra Hotel was purchased from SAMA.

Initial subscriptions totalled £2,000 and after a short time the hospital was proclaimed a public hospital.

In 1915 the Government had contributed £1,496, the public had subscribed £24 and the paying patients had contributed £380.

Of the eight public hospitals in SA the Burra Hospital was the only one that had a contract with the Government in which the latter agreed to make up any shortfall in funds needed for its upkeep.

In 1911 the Board asked that the building be renewed.

The old building had by then had £6,118 spent on it.

The new building cost upwards of £4,000.

Mr Winnall responded. He said the Government did not in fact make up for any deficiency, but limited its input to £1,500 (dating from c. 12 years ago). Economies effected by the Board had reduced the subsidy to below that figure. The average number of patients any year was 276. The main problem with the building was the number of steps within it.

I.J. Warnes thanked the ladies who had raised about £600 for furnishings – though he admitted that there had been one donation of £250.

[The acknowledged subscriptions so far amounted to £521-15-5 from a report on the same page.]

The new buildings comprise a Men’s Ward, a Women’s Ward and a Surgical Ward. The Committee has provided 30 beds and mattresses at £6-10-0 each, plus new pillows, bed linen, wire blinds and doors, verandah curtains and railings.

‘Wet it’ writes wondering why the water is turned off ‘pretty well every night’.

Boy Scouts. The District Scoutmaster Rev. A.M. Webb of Riverton visited on Monday 31 January accompanied by Riverton Scouts. Various scouting activities were conducted and a social was held in the Troop-room in the evening.

Cricket. At Clare on Saturday: Clare 198 defeated Kooringa 136.

Burra Rifle Club on 5 February. Best shots were G.E. Dane 98 leading J.E. Pearce & C.W. Pearce with 97 each.

Kooringa Court, 4 February.

Jessie Margaret Halls was charged on the information of her husband Thomas P. Halls Jnr with the embezzlement of £31-0-6 between 13 December and 30 January 1916.

Thomas P. Halls Jnr charged Hilton Grow with embezzlement of £24-10-0 between 13 December 1915 and 30 January 1916.

Thomas P. Halls Jnr was also charged by his wife with assaulting her on 3 February.

The embezzlement cases were adjourned to 10 February and the assaults to 4 February.

On the resumption of the latter Thomas P. Halls Jnr was charged with assaulting Hilton Grow on 3 February, but counter-charged his own wife and Grow with assaulting him on 3 February.

Halls objected to W. Crewes being on the bench because ‘he Mr Crewes has got his knife into me’ and has had since a municipal election some years ago. Crewes remained on the bench with T.W. Wilkinson.

Mrs Halls:

Last Thursday Halls told her that Hilton Grow has signed a statement at Halls Senior’s house alleging misconduct between Mrs Halls and Grow. Mrs Halls had denied it and Halls had struck her each time she had, with a clenched fist and kicked her in the stomach, tipped a water-bag over her to revive her and then struck her again. Then Grow drove up in a cab and Tom called him in. Mrs Halls asked Grow about the alleged statement of which he denied all knowledge. Grow told Halls to stop hitting his wife. Halls pushed Grow over the back of the chair he was sitting on. Did not actually see Halls strike Grow as she was escaping at the time. She denied hitting Tom with a coffee pot or that Grow hit him with a frying pan. He accused me on Thursday morning of impropriety with Grow. Grow drove my luggage to my sister’s. The children (four of them) are with Halls.

Hilton Grow.

Confirmed what had happened up to Mrs Halls’ escape. He denied signing any statement. Said Halls had attacked him after Mrs Halls left, but he had got away after a minute or two. There has been no impropriety.

Thomas Halls Jnr.

Returned home from hospital after recovering from typhoid on Sunday. He accused his wife of impropriety with Grow, alleging she had been found on the bed together. She admitted Grow had been on the bed, but she was only tickling him. Told her he was finished with her. Noticed her bags were packed and said that looked like guilt. Repeated the conversation to Grow when he arrived and that was when both of them attacked me – she with a coffee pot and he with a frying pan and fist. She fell on her head climbing over the wall. He admitted to striking Grow, but not his wife: pushed her, but never hit her. I said nothing about a signed statement. At one point everybody was hitting everybody else. Untrue I pushed Grow over the chair. Wife was pretty regular in attendance at hospital while I was there.

Judgements:

T. Halls Jnr v. Jessie M. Halls & T. Halls Jnr v. H. Grow were both dismissed with 5/- costs in each.

Jessie M. Halls v. T. Halls Jnr. Defendant fined 20/- with £1-1-0 costs + 15/- court fees.

H. Grow v. T. Halls Jnr. Defendant fined 10/- with £1-1-0 costs + 15/- court fees.

XXXIII, 1985, 9 Feb. 1916, page 4

Redruth Court, 2 February.

R.H. Bruce v. E.A. Nankivell in a claim for £39-5-0 being the balance owing on a contract for wages, conveyance, board and lodging etc. – amended to £38-10-0.

The plaintiff had been employed by Philip Nankivell who died and he had been asked to continue to work by Miss E.A. Nankivell. He was eventually non-suited on a technicality that he should have sued Miss Nankivell personally and not as executrix of the estate. The SM thought that in justice the defendant should have allowed the claim to continue on its merits, but had to agree that technically she could object as she had.

Robert Fairchild v. I.J. Warnes. Mr Bright for the plaintiff.

A case for £30 for the use and occupation of land, or in the alternative £30 damages for trespass.

This arose out of a contract for sheep agistment on the plaintiff’s land in the Hundred of Ayers.

Plaintiff:

Am owner of sections 473 & 474 in Hundred of Ayers, comprising one paddock of 180 acres. Defendant asked the plaintiff in August 1915 what he wanted for the feed in it. Plaintiff said 3d per head of sheep per week. Defendant said it was too cumbersome to count sheep and offered £50 for the feed until the end of September. Plaintiff agreed for sheep to arrive in two weeks and stay for the last two weeks of August and the whole of September. Near the end of September Warnes agreed to remove the sheep and pay by cheque at the end of the term. A cheque for £50 was received on 8 October at a farewell to a soldier at Leighton Hall. There was no means of getting a receipt at the time, but the sheep remained in the paddock. Plaintiff wanted to put his own sheep in on 19 November. Defendant said he had the use of the paddock till the end of March. Plaintiff believed the sheep were there till 4 January. He estimated the feed at 50 tons of self-sown hay. A low estimate of the value would be 3d per head. The plaintiff had based his claim on 1d a head.

Another dispute arose over another paddock of 80 acres of good feed for which the defendant paid £5 for its use till the plaintiff wanted to plough it.

The defendant, through Mr Winnall claimed he had bought the feed for £50, provided he didn’t start ploughing before 1 October. On other paddocks paid £5 – because the plaintiff said he would start ploughing in two to three weeks. £50 cheque was paid in front of Bagot, Shakes & Lewis’s office in Kooringa on 7 October. If the judgement is that I have to pay for October, November and December that would not in Warnes’ opinion have been worth more than 50/-. Warnes had no recollection of any function at Leighton about 1 October. The cheque had not been handed over at Leighton Hall.

The verdict was for the plaintiff for £15 plus costs.

XXXIII, 1986, 16 Feb. 1916, page 2

Cr A.J. McBride has decided to reside in Adelaide. Mr & Mrs Philip McBride will take up residence in the family home in Burra.

Obituary. The three-month-old infant of Mr & Mrs T.H. Woollacott has died.

[Name: Arthur James is given in XXXIII, 1989, 8 Mar. 1916, page 2.]

[Born 1 October 1915 Aberdeen: died 13 February 1916, Redruth.]

Obituary. Bertie Stockman, son of Mr & Mrs A.C. Stockman of Hallett has died.

[Bertie Stockman died 14 February 1916 aged 3 at Burra, residence Hallett.]

The Seaside Trip for 1916 will be a record for one train. It will carry 586 adults and 295 children for a total of 881 persons for £210. Frank Harris sold no less than £118-7-0 worth of the tickets. The train will comprise 12 carriages and leaves Burra at 5.20 a.m. and departs Henley Beach at 6.45 p.m.

Volunteers. No less than 7 members of the Ockenden family have enlisted including Mr O.H. Ockenden, who passed his examination yesterday. (Some of the brothers have joined in other towns.)

Eric Vivian writes from Heliopolis, 28 December 1915. He saw Reg. Sandland and Dave Killicoat in hospital in Cairo. He tells of Christmas in Cairo.

Harry Davey writes from St Thomas’s Hospital in London, 14 & 27 December 1915. He tells of the sights of London, of a service at Westminster Abbey and about a visit to St James Theatre for a performance of The Merchant of Venice.

Several Letters from soldiers have revealed the arrival of the billycans at the front – some getting to other than Australian hands – one to a member of the Black Watch.

Dr Steele writes to Mrs Harcus (Sec. Of Burra Red Cross) from Egypt 1 January 1916. He tells of the results of Red Cross efforts in Egypt. He expects Reg. Sandland to be sent back to SA after having typhoid fever. He himself had been in a convalescent home briefly, but was recovering. He had seen Lieut. Kenyon, Sister Mosey & Nurses Dwyer & Killicoat.

XXXIII, 1986, 16 Feb. 1916, page 3

Volunteers. 21 more have been recruited in Burra and passed their examination.

H.F. Lomman A.H. Lackmann O.H. Ockenden

H.H. Lord W. Cock H.J.B. Jennison

H.J. Mills S.A. Jones R.A.F.J. Sellars

W.H. Nankivell R. Hopcraft C.M. Humphrys

H.O. James A. Oram A.J. Garrard

N.H. Pearse D.I. Kelly M.A. Dowd

C.C. Bell W. Bell C.S. Burton

‘Warm Feet’ writes wondering if enthusiasm for the patriotic societies is waning, not having seen much activity lately for the Belgian Fund and the Burra Cheer-up Society is now confining itself to helping locals.

‘Britisher’ writes about the ‘strike’ among soldiers in Sydney – blaming some of the enemy within. We need to ponder more seriously the German question. He seeks the formation of a local branch of the All-British League.

E.W. Crewes writes seeking donations towards a Motor Ambulance for the front and starting off the fund with £5.

‘A Visitor’ writes urging authorities to remove or tidy up the untidy outhouses and workshops attached to otherwise good buildings in the town.

Mr J.F.T. Johnson, formerly headmaster of Burra Public School, has been presented with a handsome solid leather suitcase with an inscribed silver plate from the staff and Burra School Board of Advice.

Ironmine Methodist Church Harvest Thanksgiving was held last Sunday. Rev. J.C. Jennison preached and on Monday night Rev. J.H. Nield gave his popular lantern lecture on Our Boys in Egypt.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. fund stands at £209-8-4.

Sandbag making continues.

Burra Hospital Furnishing Fund at £531-18-5.

Kooringa Police Court, 10 February.

The adjourned case of T. Halls v. J.M. Halls for embezzlement was called, but the plaintiff failed to appear. In a letter via J.E.H. Winnall he sought to withdraw the charges against both his wife and Hilton Grow. The cases were dismissed on their merits.

Local Board of Health.

Concerning the meningitis cases sent to Adelaide.

The Police Ambulance left the barracks at 7.10 p.m. and returned at 10 p.m. The train arrived at 7.22 p.m. and at 7.45 p.m. the Central Board of Health was asked by the Adelaide Stationmaster to make arrangements. At 8 p.m. Nurse Wylie of the Central Board left home and arrived at the station at 9 or 9.05 p.m. and the patients were transferred to hospital. The Local Board had to make all arrangements as the Central Board had no power to act. The Mayor had understood this matter with respect to responsibilities, but had relied upon an understanding by the Superintendent of the Adelaide Hospital to organise the transfer from the station. The central Board also advised that the Burra Hospital could not recover costs of infectious disease cases sent there by the Local Board of health unless some agreement had been reached.

Cr McBride said there was an agreement.

The Town Clerk said no: one had been proposed, but had not been finalised. The Hospital Board will be asked for its authority to charge any amount.

Burra Cheer-up Society. Several of our members will be in Adelaide on 19 February when the handsome copper tablet commemorating the magnificent patriotism of the people of Burra & District will be unveiled.

Driver Horace Oates is reported to be in hospital in Egypt.

XXXIII, 1987, 23 Feb. 1916, page 2

W.R. Hawkes of Koonoona has received a commission in the Flying Corps in England.

The Seaside Trip to Henley Beach last Saturday was a great success.

New JPs have been appointed: Henry H. Thomas of Aberdeen

J.G. Sara of Aberdeen

Horace J. Dunn of Black Springs

W.H. Reynolds of Booborowie had a 160-ton haystack burn down on Tuesday morning last week. Much assistance could not save the stack, but did save buildings, machinery and a second stack.

Mr E.J. Davey Town Clerk of Burra has been appointed an Inspector under the Building Act of 1881.

Burra Cheer-up Society. At a meeting last Thursday Mr Crewes said that since his recent suggestion that the Burra Cheer-up Society might take up the cause of the Motor Ambulance there had been objections saying there were other societies around. There may be, but none had come forward to make any effort after the topic was first suggested weeks ago. Ultimately it was decided to call a public meeting to see how the appeal could be best handled.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. fund stands at £211-1-4.

Burra Town Council.

The Commissioner of Crown Lands has approved the tender for the bridge opposite the Institute for £215 and the Department will pay half.

Cr Lane said that in view of the estimated cost of the three bridges being £1,200 and the Department offering to pay half, this offer of half of £215 seemed poor and the Commissioner should be interviewed.

Cr McBride said as he remembered the Council offered to erect the three if they were given £600 and subsequently the Government offered to give favourable consideration to paying for one bridge if tenders were called.

Cr Dane said the Government could interpret half the £215 as ‘favourable consideration’.

Cr McBride will wait on the Commissioner and if settled satisfactorily the tender is to be accepted.

The Town Clerk has been appointed an Inspector under the Building Act.

Local Board of Health.

An account for £12 arrived from the Burra Hospital for three patients admitted with an infectious disease.

Burra District Council considers that appointing the Town Inspector an Inspector under the DC would not solve the problem of meat slaughtered outside the town.

Five cases of enteric (typhoid) fever were reported in the last fortnight.

The Mayor referred to scarcity in the water supply.

Cr Radford said if the engine can’t fill the tanks what was the point of making the extra reservoir? The hydraulic engineer is to be asked for an explanation of the shortage.

XXXIII, 1987, 23 Feb. 1916, page 3

Redruth Court House.

On Monday afternoon as Senior Constable McCarthy was closing the front door he heard a noise and on investigation found about two square feet of the ceiling in his office had fallen down. Soon after another similar piece fell and almost immediately the rest of the ceiling and its rafters. In doing so the back wall was bowed out and will have to be rebuilt above the height of the windowsill. It is a great mercy no one was hurt or killed.

Burra Cheer-up Society. Knitting work continues apace. The Mayor, Mr Crewes, was in Adelaide on Saturday to unveil the Burra Tablet at the Burra Hall at the Cheer-up Hut. With him was Mr F. Harris.

We have received photos of Tpr F. Gebhardt & Tpr A.D. McLaren.

Burra Hall.

The tablet bearing the name of the hall was unveiled by the Mayor of the town, Mr E.W. Crewes, on Saturday morning at the request of the Society’s President, Mr W.J. Sowden. The donations from the Burra Town and District roughly equalled the cost of the hall and their contribution was being acknowledged by naming it the Burra Hall. The hall will also contain a picture of the great demonstration at Burra on Carnival Day, which was opened by the Governor. Mr Crewes gave a stirring speech. Burra Cheer-up Society had now raised £1,500 in cash. Of which about £360 had been invested to help local boys in particular. In the district about £15,500 had been raised for the war effort by various agencies and funds. Lately they had concentrated on the local hospital and had raised c. £600 for it. [‘They’ here means the community rather than the Cheer-up Society.] Some 300 men had now enlisted from the District. The tablet was unveiled. Under the direction of H.J. Henderson it had been artistically prepared from Burra copper.

E.J. Harris, Secretary of the Belgian Fund, writes assuring ‘Warm Feet’ that the fund would be only too happy to accept any donations, is still very much alive, and has a total of over £1,200 and is still growing.

Local Board of Health. Inspection of the Town.

Hotels – some orders for improvements were made

Butchers – all satisfactory

Bakers – all but one good and that one very unsatisfactory

Pigs – two places will receive notices as not complying with the by-laws & Health Act

Burra Town Council. Inspection of the Town.

Mine Bridge – the proposed [foot] bridge can be erected for about £20.

Railway Road – this part of the main road to the western town boundary is in a bad state and need re-metalling. [This description suggests they were talking about Copperhouse St.]

Railway Gate – the Railways’ fence encroaches 15’ onto the roadway and the Railway Commissioner should be asked to move the fence and fill in the road as needed.

Mt Bryan Road – needs attention north from Drew & Crewes Store.

Watt Rd – a shockingly bad main road, which needs re-metalling for its whole length following the flood.

Killicoat Rd – fair, needs patching near the boundary near Mr Killicoat’s gate. [i.e. the road to the east from Redruth.]

Main Roads in Kooringa – fair, tar paved from the post office to Eyes and Crowles.

Black Bridge – to be tar dressed.

Redruth Court, 18 February.

A.J. McBride was charged under the Width of Tyres Act.

In one case 11 cwt in excess – fined £2 + £1-10-0.

In another case 10 cwt in excess – fined £1-10-0 + £2-1-0.

Arthur Collins v. W.G. Gregurke for assault at Mt Bryan 11 February.

W.G. Gregurke v. Arthur Collins for insulting language.

The details of the cases extend for c. 13⁄4 columns.

Gregurke was fined £1 + £1 costs + £2-2-0 professional costs. The cross summons was dismissed.

XXXIII, 1987, 23 Feb. 1916, page 4

Advt. Mrs F. Gray has opened a Maternity Home in St Dye St, Redruth.

XXXIII, 1988, 1 Mar. 1916, page 2

Volunteer F. Custance has been training in the aviation camp in Victoria. The flying corps will complete their training in England before going to France. Mr Custance visited Burra last week.

Mr Page Acting General Secretary for the Liberal Union seems likely to be made permanent.

Marriage. 23 February.

Herbert Richard Edwards, eldest son of Ambrose Edwards of Spring Farm, Mt Bryan, and Matilda Joyner Goodridge, 4th daughter of Isaac James Goodridge of Bourne Vale St Booborowie.

St Mary’s Harvest Thanksgiving was held last Sunday. Rev. C.F. Hall of auburn preached.

Sergeant Hamilton, a veteran of Gallipoli, has been appointed recruiting officer in this district.

Cpl M.R. (Reg.) Sandland arrived in Adelaide by the Melbourne Express yesterday.

The Great Drought has not yet broken in the east. Braemar, Oakbank and Sturt Vale had thunderstorms in January, but other stations missed out. If there is no rain within a few weeks some stations will have to be completely destocked.

Obituary. James Farley, from near Robertstown, died last week. He was one of the district’s earliest farmers. He was aged about 82. [Died25 February 1916 aged 80 at Robertstown.]

Burra Boy Scouts will run an Entertainment, in part for the Burra Hospital, on Tuesday night.

XXXIII, 1988, 1 Mar. 1916, page 3

Burra Show Soc. met on Friday. Last year it was decided the profit would go to the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund. The Secretary read the report. They started 1915 in credit £47-1-5 and ended in credit £164-17-4. The profit was £117-15-11. This included £39 of returned prize money and the sale of a ram presented by Messrs H. Collins & Co. for £63. It was resolved that the Secretary’s salary of £50 for 1914 & 1915 be a charge on the money in hand prior to the show. It was resolved to donate £130 to such patriotic funds as might be decided, leaving c. £12 to meet any outstanding liabilities. There was then debate about what the 1915 resolution had meant – did it mean only The SA Wounded Soldiers’ Fund? Some thought the idea was that and others that it was more generally for wounded soldiers. Eventually Mr Winnall gave notice he would move that the motion giving all profits be rescinded and if that were carried, would then move that £130 be paid to such war funds as the committee deemed advisable.

Billycan Letters. Further letters of appreciation from soldiers for billycans have been received.

Burra & District Motor Ambulance.

A public meeting was held Tuesday last week to formulate a scheme to raise money for a Military Motor Ambulance. The Mayor opened the meeting, saying his appeal in the paper had elicited no response. He understood the ambulance would cost c. £550.

Cr Lane moved that a movement be inaugurated. Carried.

Mr Lane was elected Secretary. A committee was established.

A meeting was called for 8 March and all local patriotic societies are asked to send a representative and also the Friendly Societies. Mr Horner suggested a time limit to hurry things up.

Subscriptions to date: £19-14-5.

Tpr A.D. McLaren writes from Heliopolis on 9 January. He writes about Gallipoli, late in the campaign and of its evacuation.

Rev. F.H. Durnford writes 18 January. He mentions meeting Gordon Hills of Gum Creek in a convalescent home after sickness and also Mr M. Stevenson, who had typhoid fever, and hopes to see Hilary Fuss who is in Egypt somewhere.

Burra Cheer-up Society. On 22 February there was a farewell to Troopers R. Allen & J. Turner and on 25 February another farewell social for Ptes B. Bartholomaeus, S. Ockenden & Merrill (who was on a visit to Burra). Also back in Burra on leave were Privates Ockenden, C. Turner, R. Blott & F. Hanley. Parcels were sent to Privates Hunt, Pryor, Stern, Cullen & Lines.

Burra Rifle Club. Congratulations to N. Hiles Pearse for enlisting. Rumour has it his brother Harold is also enlisting. Mr Lackmann has volunteered.

XXXIII, 1989, 8 Mar. 1916, page 2

Burra Belgian Fund. Receipts to 6 March 1916 are £1,198-11-3.

Obituary. Arthur James Woollacott, son of T.H. & N.P. Woollacott, died 13 February aged 3 months. [Born 1 October 1915.]

Mrs Goldsworthy has had the lease of the Burra Railway Station Refreshment Rooms for 28 years, but has now decided to retire at the end of the month. The lease is open for tender.

Fire. Children playing with matches destroyed a 30 ton straw stack of Mr J. Reed of Mongolata last Saturday.

XXXIII, 1989, 8 Mar. 1916, page 2-3

Burra Town Council.

The Government will advance the total cost of the bridge opposite the Institute, but half will have to be repaid in five equal annual instalments.

Cr Radford thought the Government was very reasonable and suggested they be asked to finance the bridge at Gully’s on the same terms.

Cr McBride thought it would be cheeky, but Cr Radford was serious and so moved.

Cr McWaters thought it absurd. A bridge was not needed in Aberdeen. It would only be used for the show and races. He moved as an amendment that the request be not sent. Carried.

Mrs Richards of the [Court House] Hotel, Aberdeen [i.e. Redruth] was given permission to keep pigs.

Bridgers Ltd said they could not raise capital to construct an electric light scheme during the war, but would happily negotiate on the matter after the war.

Mr Winnall explained the lease of the creek to Hon. John Lewis. It was for 99 years, giving the lessee right of way for stock from Kingston St Bridge to below the Mill for £3-15-0 p.a. or 5% interest on the money paid for the creek. The portions needed were shown on a plan: the rest could be fenced and planted.

Cr Killicoat was against a lease, saying it ought to be open to all as a stock route. The lessee could block the route to others. Mr Winnall did not think Mr Lewis could block other users, but he could impound straying stock or stock at large on it.

Cr Radford was concerned as well, apparently along similar lines to Cr Killicoat.

Mr Winnall thought Mr Lewis would agree to the route being a right of way for all travelling stock.

Cr Killicoat said that no lease was needed; let the route be a proclaimed stock route for all time.

Mr Lewis will be asked if he would be satisfied with no lease, but it being proclaimed a public right of way and so registered on the deed.

Mr Winnall pointed out that Mr Lewis had given the Council the option of purchasing the creek on the condition he got the lease.

Dr Ashton submitted plans for a surgery and residence in Kooringa. Approved.

XXXIII, 1989, 8 Mar. 1916, page 3

Burra Cheer-up Society further reports replies as a result of materials sent to soldiers. [A list of names is printed.] Sapper Rule has sent a photo of himself. Pte Wahlert was given a parcel, but his leave was too short for a social.

Proposed Sheep-breeders Association. Up to 1913 the Burra Show was held in September and served the sheep-breeders well, but the move to October, which was better for farmers, does not suit the pastoralists. The later show is better for the public and consequently a meeting of pastoralists was held on Friday to consider holding a separate sheep show. A special meeting of the Show Soc. is called for to consider the matter.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. No further sandbags will be made for the present as needs have been met. The fund is now £214-11-5.

Burra Hospital Furnishing Fund is now £534-10-5.

Burra Red Cross held a garden fete at the Bank of Australasia on Friday. It was a close and dusty day, despite which there was a good attendance. Nett proceeds were £73-10-7.

Burra Rifle Club. Saturday: M.A. Radford 102 led O.G. Walker 97 and R.D. Pascoe 96.

Burra & District Ambulance Fund. There is a general meeting tonight. The fund is presently £62-1-6.

Volunteers. 13 were accepted yesterday at the Institute.

From Burra:

A.H.R. Degenhardt Charles T. Bennett Amos D.R. Voumard

Samuel Hill Arthur P. Harris Edwin R. Henderson

William Hogg Edward P. Dollard

Percy G. Hooper from Orroroo

Henry N. Tralaggan from Mt Bryan East

Harold L. Pearse from ‘The Gums’

Leonard Griffiths from Hampton

William A. Moffat from Farina

Nurse Cavell’s execution is described.

John Hipper had an accident at the railway crossing near ‘Lucernedale’ Mt Bryan, when he rode through the barbed wire fence, breaking five wires and being horribly cut and entangled in them. He somehow left the top wire intact and was extricated by Mr Foote, an Inspector for the Adelaide Fire Office Ltd. He is recovering.

XXXIII, 1990, 15 Mar. 1916, page 2

Volunteer. At Mannahill on 28 February Fred Hanley (formerly A.F. Heinrich) was entertained on his long leave prior to departure.

P. Cornwell, a close friend of the late Sgt P.D. (Darby) Killicoat, has just received a small Union Jack from Len. J. Fawcett, (late of Kapunda). It was a flag he had given to Darby and was inscribed ‘Finder kindly return to P. Cornwell, Burra SA’. Dave had given it to Fawcett a few days after he returned from Gallipoli.

Pte Arthur Stewart of Aberdeen is to arrive in Burra tonight.

Burra & District Ambulance Fund. The Mayor chaired the meeting last Wednesday at the Institute. Agreement to help in raising money came from H. Morgan representing Mongolata, Mr Tiddy as Sec. of the Soldiers’ Aid Soc., George Ley as Chairman of Hanson DC and Miss Trix Pearce for the Cheer-ups. The Mayor also said the Commercial Travellers had promised to do something. E.J. Harris moved for a day for a united Burra & District Demonstration. Support also came from the Red Cross Soc. and from representatives from Farrell’s Flat, Booborowie, Mt Bryan and Hallett. Indications already are that the fund can easily get one ambulance and eyes are set on three. Messrs A.J. & Phil McBride have, through the Cheer-up Soc. offered to fit up one of their big cars and hand it over fully equipped, so that is No. 1. Has someone else a big car: the ambulance committee is prepared to put the top on. Donations so far:

General £99-16-0

From Cheer-up Soc. £50-15-6

From Soldiers’ Aid Soc. £37- 1-6

£187-13-0

A demonstration is planned for Wednesday 19 April. The Military Authorities have been asked to give a demonstration of trench digging and wire entanglements. Shopkeepers will be asked to close all day.

The Dearlove Family have sent a cheque of £22-14-0 to the Ambulance Fund and also Harry & Archie Dearlove are about to go into camp.

XXXIII, 1990, 15 Mar. 1916, page 3

Leighton & Ironmine Annual Sports were held last Saturday in perfect weather. Attendance was good. They were held in I.J. Warnes’ paddock at the rear of the hall. Takings were c. £20 nett. A dance followed the sports. Results of the events are printed.

‘Warm Feet’ writes thanking E.J. Harris for publishing the balance sheet for the Belgian Fund and thinks that all funds should do likewise, not because he doubts the honesty of the secretaries, but because it is the donor’s right to know.

Burra Rifle Club. Best figures for the year. (Best two below, but the paper printed more.)

200 yds O.G. Walker & J.A. Riggs 139, N.W.R. Pearce 138

300 yds E.A. Riggs 2482⁄3, A.P. Harris 2481⁄3

500 yds H.E. Riggs 2692⁄3, E.A. Riggs 267

600 yds A.L. Kellock 3741⁄3, H.E. Riggs & N.H. Pearce 3712⁄3 [Check Pearse?]

700 yds E.A. Riggs 127, H.E. Riggs 1202⁄3

Best three shoots for the year: G. Lawn 308, N.W.R. Pearce 304

Best four from each group: E.A. Riggs 1128, N.W.R. Pearce 1125

Club Members who have volunteered:

B.W. Pearse W. Cock R. Hawkes

D. Killicoat F. Treloar R. Sandland

R. Cock V. Riggs L. Kellaway

J. Field Lieut. Stevenson Rev. Durnford

F. Wheatley C.C. Lord J. Hatherley

W.R. Lee F.C. Harvey H.L. Riggs

J. Sommerville A.D. McLaren A. Gartery

F.C. Custance L.M. Gordon W.H. Sandland

H.L. Pearse A.P. Harris

L. Harris is leaving to enlist on Wednesday and if accepted will join the above.

Burra Cheer-up Society, 13 March

Cpl Reg Sandland was welcomed home. Mr Crewes welcomed him home and also Sgt Hamilton. Photos of Lieut. N.H. McBride and the two Ptes Williams of Leighton have been received.

Others of our boys who have returned and are in the city are Lieut. Stevenson, Pte Stewart & Pte James Seeley. Thanks to Mister Glenister who allows free use of his car whenever needed.

Utica Mining Co.

Annual Meeting of shareholders was held on 8 March. A.L. Walker presided. G. Sampson was elected a director to replace J.M. McDonald who retired.

The engine and pump have been disposed of to Horwood & Co. of Adelaide for £110. Proceeds will have to go to the Government. No mining has been done since the last meeting, but with copper at £108-£110 per ton this meeting will have to decide on the desirability of recommencing developmental work. The ore on the surface should certainly be sent for treatment and it may be advisable to see if it can be augmented from work at 100’. We are in credit £100. If we decide not to go on then all property of the company should be removed from the mine and placed in the care of the secretary.

XXXIII, 1990, 15 Mar. 1916, page 4

Redruth Court.

T.P. Halls jnr was charged by his wife, Jessie Margaret Halls, with cruelty and wilful neglect to provide maintenance. She applied for custody of the four children and reasonable separate maintenance. Mr Bright appeared for the plaintiff and sought to add cruelty in August, September, October and November 1916 [sic] [presumably 1915]. This was disallowed.

Jessie M. Halls:

Married 8 February 1908 and had five children, four of whom are living. The eldest is 7 and the youngest 19 months. Lived unhappily with defendant till his admission to hospital 13 December 1915. Married at 16, when he was 22. The unhappiness was the result of his bad temper and drinking. He was in hospital 7 weeks with enteric fever and I visited daily till meningitis broke out and I was quarantined. He has been a cab proprietor for 12 months and had two cabs and four horses with receipts of £8-£11 a week. While he was in hospital T. Halls Senior drove the cabs and kept the fares. Hilton Grow drove the small cab and paid me £24, which he said he had received in fares. When I showed the defendant the memorandum of receipts he threw it down and demanded the money and then beat me and told me to pack up and get out.

[Details are then given of the disagreement with Grow that had already been before the court and of financial matters. Much more detail is given of the alleged impropriety with Hilton Grow, aged 17.]

The defendant admitted swearing false oaths in charging his wife and Grow with embezzlement and the SM said that tainted any evidence of his that was uncorroborated.

T.P. Halls Senior:

Swore to seeing his daughter-in-law commit acts of gross impropriety with Grow and of seeing them in the same room three or four times. [He also said he still owned the cabs etc.]

The SM concluded that much of the defendant’s jealousy and bad behaviour resulted from his recent illness and neurasthenia. The bench believed he had assaulted his wife as described and then had her locked up on a false charge. Cruelty and failure to provide maintenance was proved. A separation should be granted and custody of the children, also defendant to pay 30/- a week to the State Children’s Council in Adelaide. Professional costs of £4-4-0 were awarded against the defendant.

XXXIII, 1991, 22 Mar. 1916, page 2

Obituary. Thomas Fitzgerald, a Crimean War veteran, died at Petersburg recently aged 90.

[Died 27 February 1916 aged 88.]

Burra & District Ambulance Fund at £270-13-6.

Burra Show Soc.

A general meeting was held on Friday in the Liberal Union Rooms. The President said he had been approached after the last show about a separate sheep show, as the date of shows near the end of October was unsuitable for sheep breeders.

As President of the Pastoral Assoc. he could not ignore it, but as President of the Show Soc. he could not move against its interests.

Mr E.W. Van Senden spoke and felt that a show at Burra under the auspices of the Burra Show Soc. in August or September would not clash with the Adelaide Show.

H.H. Thomas supported a sheep show.

Mr Hawkes pointed out how sheep breeders had to fit in with other shows, and not only with those in SA. For the Sydney show in August the sheep had to be shorn in July. HE favoured a pastoral committee for the Burra Show Soc.

M.A. Radford also favoured a separate sheep show. He thought a committee should be appointed at once to get things going.

Mr Winnall proposed that the society was prepared to hold a sheep show on a separate day from the general show. Mr Hawkes 2nd. Carried 17-4. A committee of twelve was appointed.

XXXIII, 1991, 22 Mar. 1916, page 3

Burra Town Council

S.J. Harland wrote saying that since he tendered for the suspension bridge there had probably been a rise in the price of materials, furthermore 4” wire rope was now unobtainable, but 31⁄2” was approved by Crown Lands Office.

The Overseer reported that the best road metal was from the hill near the Burra School. A letter will be sent to Hon. J. Lewis asking the price per acre for land near the school. The same is to be asked of owners of blocks in front of the Mill.

Hon. J. Lewis has offered to pay 12 months rates on Paxton Square only. Mr Winnall advised acceptance of the offer as the properties were not on the assessment book till last August and it was doubtful if they could claim more than 12 months rates. Accepted.

Cr Radford said the fire reel had now been under construction for four months! Without a reel the hose would soon become useless. The contractor is to be given 10 days to complete the work or the job will be taken elsewhere.

Given the dilapidated state of the Redruth Court House the Mayor supported moving the court to Kooringa. The SM, Mr Hinde would support such a move. Pearce’s Building would be suitable and Mr Pearce would consent to letting one or two rooms as offices, plus the main hall as the Court House. Council supported the move, as the Redruth Court was entirely out of the way and Kooringa was the centre of business.

Local Board of Health.

Burra Hospital writes referring the Council to the Health Act [for its power to charge for the hospitalisation of infectious diseases cases. The whole matter of who was responsible for both the treatment and the payment seems to have been quite confusing for the Local Board.]

A conference with the Hospital Board will be arranged.

Fire at the Old White Hart Hotel.

On Tuesday night last week [14 March] the old White Hart Hotel was nearly all destroyed by fire. It was used as the home of Mrs A. Sara and partly by the Boy Scouts for their gatherings. The house belonged to Mr James Reed. It was one of the oldest buildings in the town, being built 65 years ago. [1851] It comprised 22 rooms and was not insured. The fire broke out when no one was at home. The Boy Scouts were at the Institute giving a concert and the alarm was raised during the interval. Captain Truscott was raised by the bell rung by Mr Crewes. He got the hose and hydrant, but then had trouble getting to Aberdeen. Several cars sped past without stopping and eventually Mr Lord got his car out and took Mr Truscott to the fire. They arrived within 20 minutes of the fire being discovered, but lack of practice still delayed then from plying the fire with water. The front part of the house was then saved. Mrs Sara’s furniture had already been largely saved except for the kitchen and her own bedroom. The Scouts’ Rooms and equipment were saved. In the process the water from the hose brought down a ceiling on top of a number of men, but fortunately it was lath and plaster and did little damage except to blacken them. The origin of the fire is unclear, but perhaps a spark in the kitchen was responsible.

John McLaren writes concerning the ‘extraordinary action of the Council repudiating an agreement of a former Council’. If there are no minutes of such an agreement the Town Clerk is at fault as it was a regularly called special meeting. Particulars should also have been noted by the Council’s solicitor (Mr Winnall) attending for that purpose.

When SAMA decided to sell the creek the Council asked that it be dedicated to the town.

SAMA, as a public company, decided it couldn’t do that.

The area in question extended from Kooringa to the Mine Bridge and on to the rear of the Mill and the Council had no rights to any of that or to any crossing between the Black Bridge and the rear of the Mill, except for Ursula St, near the Burra Hotel.

To maintain access between their yards and the railway station, Bagot, Shakes & Lewis would have purchased the whole length of the creek, but Council thought it should be under municipal control.

Mr Lewis used his influence to get a definite price placed on it of £150 and could have bought it at such a price, but waived his right in favour of the Council, on the condition that Bagot, Shakes & Lewis had the grazing rights and pay £3-15-0 p.a. (5% on half the value.)

This gave the Council the right to plant and fence such portions as they wished. Three large crossings were to be left in agreed positions.

I consider Council should sign the lease as agreed. If there had been any thought that such would not be done the registration of the transfer could have been delayed till both it and the lease were ready together.

F. Harris writes saying Burra Cheer-up Society balance sheet will be published in May, at the end of the financial year.

‘North Ward’ writes expressing amusement at the attempts of the Council to get money from the Government. First they wanted £600 for three unnecessary bridges when £100 would do all that is required. At the last meeting of Council they endorsed the Mayor’s agreement to borrow half the cost of the proposed bridge in Kooringa. Can the Council borrow without ratepayers’ approval? The sum is not large, but if they can borrow £100 without approval why not £1,000?

‘Warm Feet’ writes expressing approval of the great welcome accorded Cpl Sandland and Pte Stewart at the railway station.

Liberal Union. The Annual District Meeting is reported from the Jamestown Institute on 15 March.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. fund stands at £217-14-10.

Burra Cheer-up Society. Letters have been received from Sgt Dave Killicoat & Trooper B. Swift.

XXXIII, 1991, 22 Mar. 1916, page 4

Lieut. N.H. McBride writes from Egypt on the northwest border in the Libyan Desert, dated 3 February. There is a brief description of the desert conditions.

‘There are a few donkeys and camels about and a lot of niggers.’

The Boy Scouts’ Concert on Tuesday is reviewed. The show featured songs etc., but also scouting skills like signalling, rescue work and artificial respiration. There were also skits featuring the Kaiser etc. and a short drama: The Scold, The Scoundrel and The Scout.

[Personal interest. The cast included Norman Fuss, Russell Fuss and Vernon Fuss.]

Burra Hospital Board.

Medical Officers are to be informed they are not to admit infectious cases to the hospital without the authority of the Local Board of Health.

District Councils of Waterloo, Apoinga, Burra, Hanson, Booborowie, Mt Bryan and Hallett are to be informed they will be held responsible for any fees due the hospital for infectious cases sent in from their district.

Dr Ashton is to be asked for a further explanation of his letter of the 16 February.

XXXIII, 1992, 29 Mar. 1916, page 2

Advt. Burra Institute 30 March, Theatregraph Pictures presents Nurse Edith Cavell. 1/6 & 1/-

Advt. Burra Institute Friday 31 March, Olympic Pictures presents The Martyrdom of Nurse Cavell.

Electric Light: Special Music. 2/- & 1/-

Burra Ambulance Committee. At a meeting last Wednesday the date of the demonstration was moved form 19 to 15 April. Other preparations were set in train.

Burra Athletic & Sporting Club. The balance sheet shows a credit of £43-5-8, but a late account has reduced it to £42-15-8. It was decided to give the profits for the last meeting to a fund for wounded soldiers. [The actual balance sheet is printed on page 3: audited by C.A. & H.A. Fuss.]

Captain D. McDonald Steele & Lieut. J.R. Somerville are reported returned to duty from the sick list.

Dr Brummitt had a sudden and serious seizure last Wednesday. He has of late been working hard and has been anxious. His son has joined the AMC.

XXXIII, 1992, 29 Mar. 1916, page 3

Booborowie Races were held last Wednesday and were a thorough success. The results are printed.

Burra Cheer-up Society, 21 March. A farewell social was tendered Cpls C. Jones, B. Lowe, Troopers Duell & Jones and Ptes Steadman & Fiegert.

Ptes Court, Pearce, Cullen and two named Schulyer [sic] could not be present. [Actually Schuyler.]

Photos have been received of Lieut. T. Kenyon, Sgt V. Riggs, Pte H. Riggs and Chaplain Capt. Nield.

Bottles of pickles, jam, sauce, etc. are being collected for the Cheer-up Hut in Adelaide.

Knitters continue to produce socks, mittens and face-washers.

A parcel was sent to Pte Fuller, who is unable to have a social farewell.

Pte Sealey has returned without letting anyone know he was coming.

Kooringa Court, 24 March.

Thomas Arnold (alias Westall, Weston, and Williams) was charged that between 20 & 23 March he broke into the house of Johann Gottlieb Rooke of Baldina and stole two purses valued at 2/-, £4-15-0 in cash, a gold ring, gold locket and articles to the value of £10-15-0.

The accused had been seen in the area and the purse was found on him and other items in his swag. He sold the ring and locket to Thomas Woodman. He pleaded guilty and was committed to the Criminal Sittings at the Supreme Court for sentence.

W.J. Davey jnr was farewelled at the Record office on Monday. Mr Crewes spoke of his creditable conduct and accurate reporting of meetings. He presented Mr Davey with a handsome travelling rug. Various people spoke including Messrs Drew, Milner, E.J. Harris, F. Harris, & A. Walker. Mr E.F. Marston endorsed all that had been said. On one occasion for six months Mr Davey had been entirely in charge of the Record and on Mr Marston’s return everything was entirely satisfactory. Mr Davey has joined the staff of the Horsham Times in Victoria.

‘Ratepayer’ writes condemning any move to shift the court house from Redruth. Repairs must be cheaper than ongoing rent. Quietness would be out of the question in Pearce’s Building with three nearby garages. The present location is quieter, has good areas for horses and vehicles, has four hotels for accommodation and is nearer the station.

E.J. Davey writes in reply to Mr McLaren’s letter. The meeting referred to was not a regularly called special meeting, but a hastily summoned one called together verbally to suit Mr Lewis, who was that day in town. He [McLaren] says he has heard there were no minutes taken. He was the Mayor, and should know. He should have ensured minutes were taken and that they were correct. The only reference in minutes is that an agreement was to be drawn up by Mr Lewis’s solicitor and submitted to Council. This has now been done, but because one clause would practically give Messrs Bagot, Shakes & Lewis a monopoly over the route, the present Council has objected to this clause. The Council desires the route to be kept open for all travelling stock.

‘Ratepayer’ writes saying Mr McLaren’s admission and his idea of excusing himself is only worthy of a politician. Such regular meetings were frequent when he was Mayor. If regular, was it in order? When were the minutes confirmed? There is no doubt that as Mr McLaren says had he expected to be beaten for Mayor he would have certainly finalised things previously. ‘What is stirring him now, his interest in Burra, or, as per usual, other quarters!’

J.C. Killicoat also attacks John McLaren ‘for his absolutely slack management during his abruptly-ended regime as Mayor’. He ‘characteristically blames someone else’. I fail to see where the Council repudiates any agreement, they are merely being businesslike and keeping the interests of ratepayers before them as first consideration.

Burra & District Ambulance Fund. Present total £292-15-6.

XXXIII, 1993, 5 Apr. 1916, page 2

Volunteers accepted at the Burra Institute yesterday:

H.S.C. Fuss from Aberdeen

N.H. Ford from Kooringa

W.C. Sampson from Hampton

John Allen from Kooringa

L.R. Bell from Burra

John Highett from Burra

W.J. Quinn from Kooringa

J.G. Tiddy from Aberdeen

D.S Voumard from Kooringa

Obituary. Mrs West, wife of W.C.L. West, died on Thursday 30 March. She was the only daughter of Robert Tilbarry, a pilot of Port Adelaide. She was Mayoress of Burra for two years and an enthusiastic worker for St Mary’s Church. A few years ago the family moved to Payneham. She is survived by her husband, three sons, five daughters and seven grandchildren. [Born Caroline Jane Louisa Tilbarry 1 November 1865 Pt Adelaide: died 29 March 1916 Adelaide, residence Payneham.]

Obituary. Mrs Thomas Harvey of Aberdeen died in the last week. [Born Amelia Jane Long 3 August 1866 near Stockport: died 31 March Kooringa, residence Aberdeen.]

Obituary. Mrs Thomas Villis of Aberdeen died in the last week. [Born Edith Ellen Ryder 10 August 1890 Copperhouse: died Edith Helen Villis 3 April 1916 Redruth, residence Copperhouse.]

Departures from Burra:

Rev. J.H. Nield

Rev. J.C. Jennison

Rev. G.R. Parrott

Mr Letheby of the National Bank goes to Pinnaroo to take charge of the branch.

Mr Fergusson of the Savings Bank

Mrs Goldsworthy of the Railway Refreshment Rooms

Capt. Lance Lewis is reported to have been promoted to Major.

Burra Rifle Club is in the midst of class-firing for the year.

XXXIII, 1993, 5 Apr. 1916, page 3

Harry Davey writes from Abbey Wood, London. He tells of the camp of 3,000 Australians awaiting their deployment. The Light Horse are rumoured to be heading for Mesopotamia. He mentions meeting Will & Graham Dow in London and also writes of the receipt of parcels from home.

The Cheer-O’s Concert.

The lady members of the Burra Cheer-up Society organised a concert for the purpose of raising funds for the supply of comforts to soldiers in the trenches. The concert came off last Tuesday and featured: the Misses A. Harris, A. Bullen, L. Jesser, D. Harris, H. Hunt, B. Pearce, L. Scott, D. Herbert, L. Burns & M. Isaacs. Nett proceeds were £17. [Review extends 2⁄3 column.]

Burra Town Council.

Cr Lane reported the fire reel was almost completed.

Re the purchase of a quarry the Hon. J. Lewis preferred to have the present matter settled before entering into anything further.

H. Roach & Sons offered a block in Graham for £100.

R.M. McBride offered two blocks in Graham for £30.

Consideration was deferred.

The Railway Commissioner replied that the fence in question had been there for 44 years and therefore it did not appear that any alteration was necessary.

The Hydraulic Engineer says there has been no shortage of water, but some pipes are corroded and need to be replaced.

The attorney General cannot see his way clear to move the Courthouse to Kooringa and the present Courthouse was undergoing repair.

The Adelaide Australia Day Committee is preparing to celebrate on 28 July and seeks co-operation.

Because there was no water in the railway trucking yards stock was being taken to other stations. The Railway Commissioner is to be asked to install troughs.

Local Board of Health.

Burra Hospital forwards accounts for infectious disease patients totalling £76. (All were for typhoid patients – classified as an infectious disease under the Act.)

Five cases of typhoid and one of erysipelas were reported in the last fortnight.

The Hanson Railway Station has been improved with the installation of a gas plant. There is a shelter house and a waiting room.

Ambulance Day in Burra.

The committee has received an offer from Mr Lester of Theatregraph Pictures to give ‘all above usual proceeds’ to the fund. The Mayor has been authorised to buy an Overland or an Oakland subject to Military approval, so it might be in Burra for the day. Someone had suggested that Mr Crewes would get a handsome commission on the purchase – well he hoped he would – as large as possible, and the fund would get every penny of it. The Trench Digging Committee had reluctantly concluded the idea was impracticable. There were not enough young men in the town now to carry out the work and if let to tender it would cost £30-£40.

The procession would start at 11.45 from Aberdeen.

A Punch and Judy show was to be obtained if possible.

A concert and an auction will be organised.

Mr A. Walker is organising a sideshow where for 6d everyone will get a prize.

[Apparently this was a sort of lucky dip, but some of the prizes were significant, including a sheep, a fat lamb, a piano, a bag of chaff, watches, clocks and cases of fruit.]

Burra Cheer-up Society

There was a social on 1 April to welcome L-Cpl James & Pte Seeley and to farewell Bugler Jennison.

[The Secretary berated members for the low attendance – Saturday night’s other entertainments being deemed no excuse.]

Actually neither L-Cpl James, who is quite ill, nor Pte Seeley was able to attend either. Pte Davis of Wallaroo was welcomed as a visitor.

We are to lose both our Lady President, Mrs Nield, and Vice-President, Mrs A.J. McBride due to their removal from the district. Mr G. Parrott, another active member, has also gone.

In the week farewell parcels were sent to Ptes Hammer (2 of them), Ockenden & Speckman [sic, for Spackman], who were unable to attend socials.

Photos of Ptes A. & L. Carey & Allen have been received at our room.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. The main activity of the ladies is making dressing gowns, shirts and pyjamas.

XXXIII, 1993, 5 Apr. 1916, page 3

Burra Show Soc. AGM last Friday. President’s Report.

He makes reference to the war and the splendid season, in marked contrast with the previous one.

The Sheep Dog Trial on 30 & 31 July had record entries and for the first time the Championship Cup of SA was sent on from Strathalbyn and won by Mr A. Collins with his dog Rap.

Unfortunately the trials were not a financial success.

The show was held on 27 October, mainly due to the lateness of the season – it was an unqualified success. There were record entries almost everywhere except in sheep (due to the lateness of the date.) There was a record attendance and the return of considerable prize money yielded c. £130 for the patriotic funds.

The balance sheet showed a profit of £130 of which prize money returned was £39. Sale of a ram presented by H. Collins & Co. yielded £63 and there was a £5 donation from E.F. Marston.

The President said a luncheon room was required at the grounds. A tent was hardly suitable for entertaining such visitors as the Governor. An iron building 60’ x 30’ would do. Perhaps they could issue debentures to finance it.

R. Fairchild suggested that the profit was more or less fictitious, as over £100 of it had been returned for patriotic purposes.

Elections for 1916-17: Patron, Hon. John Lewis; President, I.J. Warnes; Vice-Presidents, T. McWaters & A.D. McDonald.

There was considerable discussion re the meaning of the original motion to donate to the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund, because there was a Central Fund and a Local Fund. Mr McLaren thought that when it was passed the Central Fund was meant and he strongly opposed any other course. [SA Wounded Soldiers’ Fund] Mr A.D. McDonald thought it was not specified originally which patriotic fund and H.H. Thomas favoured giving some to local bodies. Mr Winnall was sure that when Mr Crewes moved the original motion the local fund would have been in his mind – he is after all President of the Burra Cheer-up Society, which initiated it. The motion to rescind the original motion was lost 20 to 11 and the whole £130 was voted to go to the SA Wounded Soldiers’ Fund.

XXXIII, 1994, 12 Apr. 1916, page 2

Advt. Burra & District Ambulance Day, Saturday 15 April.

Procession headed by the Imperial forces Band from Mitcham, Auction Sale, a ‘Bruce’ Stall, Luncheon and Afternoon Teas, Two Comic Concert Parties, A Heap of Side Shows and a Paddy’s Market.

Advt. Anzac Day at Booborowie. Public Gathering at the Booborowie Woolshed on Tuesday 25 April.

Local Recruiting Committee on 8 April discussed the fact that of 72 unsatisfactory replies from men only 26 attended as required and none volunteered. With one exception all said they would await conscription. The committee recommended conscription.

Obituary. David Morris, brother of R. Morris of Booborowie, died when torn to pieces while attempting to put a belt on a wheel while the machinery was in motion at the Junction Mine, Broken Hill last Thursday.

The Dog Poisoner is active again, especially in Aberdeen.

Miss Goldsworthy was farewelled from the Burra Orchestral Class, as she is leaving the town.

Major L.A. Lewis is on the sick list.

Harry Lord, who has been in camp, has returned having been declared medically unfit.

Burra Show Soc. will hold a non-competitive sheep show the Tuesday following the Adelaide Royal Show. Entries will be restricted to members of the Burra Soc.

A.J. McBride has donated a second-hand car to be sold on Ambulance Day and has offered to make up the balance for the purchase of a new ambulance.

XXXIII, 1994, 12 Apr. 1916, page 3

Farewells.

Rev. J.H. Nield gave his final address in Burra Tuesday last week, before going to Mt Gambier. After the Intercession Service at Kooringa Methodist Church he and Rev. G.R. Parrott were farewelled. Mrs A.J. McBride was also farewelled.

QM Sgt W. Cock was farewelled from Leighton on Thursday. His brother Cpl Bob Cock has been away 18 months.

Obituary. Henry Pinch died on 7 April, after a short illness, aged 86. He was a native of Cornwall and came to Australia in 1849 on the Duke of Bedford. He became engaged to Miss Frances Hicks on the way out and they were married on arrival in Burra in the old Church of England on Limestone Hill by Rev. J.C. Bagshaw. He brought the first team of horses to Burra for the Patent Copper Co. and worked on the Mine for 20 years. For a time they lived in one of the historic dugouts until he built a brick house in Redruth. In his spare time he put the roof on. Due to high transport costs he carried all the timber from Kooringa on his back. He sold his creek residence for £3 shortly before the flood that washed out all those huts. Mr Pinch’s was the first house in Redruth. Later he bought a farm of 704 acres and held it for 18 years before selling it to Mr J. Cockrum; though later still he re-bought it and handed it to his son-in-law. He then retired to Redruth. He was much involved in public life. He was a District Councillor for three years and Chairman of it for some of that time. He was a Town Councillor for two years. He was also for a time a Member of the Burra Hospital Board and a member of the MUIOOF Lodge for 65 years, twice being NG. He was also a Freemason and was Master of that Lodge in 1886. Mrs Pinch died in 1912 aged over 90. The couple had celebrated their Diamond Wedding in 1909. There were two children: Mrs E.N. Finch & Mrs Josiah Thomas.

Burra Cheer-up Society gave a farewell social on 6 April for QM Sgt Cock & Pte S. Hill.

We have received a photo of Pte C. Hunt.

Burra Boy Scouts farewelled their troop leader Bugler Jennison, who has volunteered for the front.

[Personal interest. Among speakers were Pack-Leaders Russell Fuss & Aubrey Fuss, while Norman Fuss provided a song.]

XXXIII, 1994, 12 Apr. 1916, page 4

‘Reformer’ writes strongly attacking protective tariffs.

War Poem: The Shirker by ‘Quornite’, reprinted from the Petersburg Times.

Alistair McLaren writes from Amazza, Egypt, dated 4 March. He tells of visiting the Barrage near Cairo and of the evacuation of Gallipoli.

XXXIII, 1995, 19 Apr. 1916, page 2

Notice. Harry Rabbich has closed his butchering business for the time being and thanks his customers.

Obituary. Edith Ellen Villis, wife of T.H. Villis of Copperhouse, died at her mother’s residence on 3 April.

The WCTU held its annual silver medal competition for temperance recitations by the children last Wednesday in Jubilee Hall. The winner was Elvie Tiver ahead of Hazel Edwards. There were songs and addresses from the Chairman, Mr H. Thomas and Captain Day of the Salvation Army.

[Personal interest: one of the songs was from Mr R. Fuss.]

M-C Kain has three brothers at the front.

Sgt G.W.W. Thomson of Kooringa, previously reported wounded is now reported to be sick.

Pte C.D. Hunt, who was previously sick, has now returned to duty.

Ambulance Day in Burra was held last Saturday, 15 April. It was a huge success. The morning was cold and somewhat threatening, which reduced attendance somewhat, but the afternoon was very pleasant. The 43rd Battalion Band arrived by train. They did a fine job supplying delightful music to help the day along.

The procession was led by M-Cs McCarthy & Kain, then Mounted Boy Scouts with Scoutmaster Rigney. Then came the Red Cross Tableaux and the Burra Band under Mr Shortridge. The ‘Bruce’ Stall attendants came next with the ‘piano’ for 6d. This was followed by the Boy Scouts’ cart especially fitted up in grotesque and fantastic style as ‘Hann’s Imperial Chariot’ and Rainbow Tableaux. A zeppelin followed that inscribed with several labels: ‘Billy’s Baby-Killer’, ‘His Sausage Majesty’ & ‘William the Weed’ etc. The school children then came along before John Bull and ‘The Allies’ before a Hay Scene and then ‘Warm Feet’, which featured Charles Burns, F. Harris, P. Milner, F. Dew & boys, the Birtle Bros on bikes, Messrs Glenister & N. Burns. Next was The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe with about 20 children and then Nation’s ambulance, a clown, the Rag-Time Band [A group of female musicians], followed by the star of the show, Burra & District Ambulance No. 1. Decorated traps and motorcars brought up the rear with ‘His Satanic Majesty’ (not the Kaiser).

At the Square a splendid marquee had been set up for lunch and afternoon teas. Mrs C.J. Pearce was in charge of Paddy’s Market, while Mr A. Walker ran the ‘Bruce’ Stall. There was a pie stall, a lolly stall and The Burra Bunyip, but some boys who gave the game away by revealing it was only a huge pumpkin in disguise, reduced the latter’s takings to only 9/6.

Mr Hann ran a mock Bruce Stall, promising to take down all the people and succeeding very well. His bag of chaff turned out to weigh only about 2 oz and his coil of wire was about 6” of hat wire rolled in a coil. He collected £4-5-9 in sixpences. The real Bruce Stall took £93-15-6.

The Westminster Warblers were a great success. They appeared on Robertson’s motor lorry as a band of niggers and gave some good songs. The day’s takings were c. £500. [Subscriptions before had exceeded £224.]

At the luncheon the Mayor welcomed the 43rd Battalion Band. A few months ago Burra had quite a good band, but now about half had volunteered. Although Burra & District had subscribed over £15,000 in various appeals it was felt something else was wanted and so they decided on an Ambulance Day. They had started with the idea of one ambulance, but at present there was every prospect of four.

XXXIII, 1995, 19 Apr. 1916, page 3

Towards that they already had £400 in cash and Mr J.M. McBride had promised a donation of £150, while Messrs A.J. & Phil McBride had decided to give an ambulance complete.

Messrs Pearce Bros [sic, for Pearse] of ‘The Gums’ had promised to submit a 30 h.p. car to the authorities and if suitable would have it fitted up as an ambulance. He thanked in particular Mr J.M. McBride: his name as a philanthropist was a household word throughout SA. During the war Mr McBride had given: to the Belgian Fund £3,600

to the Serbian Fund £2,750

to the Salvation Army Field Service £2,000

to other funds smaller amounts

Total £10,900

To which another £1,000 would shortly be added.

Mr Hawkes gave a patriotic speech after the Mayor’s, ending with a patriotic poem by Will. H. Ogilvie that had been published in London Punch.

Sunday Concerts

On Sunday the Military Band gave a concert in Best Place. The mayor announced that Mr J.M. McBride had now decided to personally give a fully equipped ambulance and also to donate £50 towards paying off the instruments of the Military Band, which he understood was in debt to that amount. Chaplain-Captain Cuttriss gave an address including the remark: ‘There was no word in the English dictionary which described properly a man who could and would not go, the only thing to say was that he was “worse than a German”, we knew were [sic] the latter stood, but it was impossible to say how the shirker, the dawdler and the postponer stood.’

In the evening the band played in the Rotunda. Captain Cuttriss again appealed for volunteers and believed ‘the church should make itself one of the most active agents to send men, money and munitions.’

‘The war . . . was a contest for supremacy between the Devil and God.’

The collector then played on north-south rivalries in the town in order to collect £55.

Mr Lester gave £19-18-6 from the picture show.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. The fund stands at £224-5-11 and £54-15-4 has been sent to Burra & District Ambulance Fund.

Burra Town Council.

The Mayor said the fence at the station yard had to be moved back. It intruded onto the road 1⁄4 of a chain (16.5 feet) and was unsafe. Matter to stand over pending an inspection.

The contractor for the suspension bridge was granted an extension of time.

Letter from Messrs Bright & Bright for J. Lewis threatening legal action unless the Council gave the lease it was alleged they had agreed to.

Cr Killicoat said the objection to an exclusive right was that anyone crossing from Princess Royal would be stopped and would have to go to Farrell’s Flat.

The Town Clerk was not sure Mr Winnall had written to Hon. J. Lewis on this point as he was away. All correspondence to be reviewed and a decision made on the reply at next meeting.

The Inspector said the land offered by R.M. McBride as a quarry was unsuitable, but there was a suitable site in the old mine.

Cr Killicoat asked if there was ever a motion passed to fence Best Place, as some ratepayers were anxious a portion be fenced.

Cr Lane said there was a motion that it not be fenced. It was thought that if it were fenced off level there would not be a chain road. The Government had taken away the water troughs when they took over the water supply, but it was not with the idea of fencing.

Cr Killicoat asked if the Council would object to a monument there. The first three soldiers to die were from Aberdeen and it was the intention to place a monument there in best Place.

Cr Lane said, though this was a worthy idea other men had fallen also and it was the intention of Burra & District to erect a monument to all.

The Mayor said there was the nucleus of a fund to erect a monument in Market Square. He would prefer a single monument for all and would not subscribe to one that was for Kooringa boys only.

Ct Killicoat said that personally he would not subscribe to a separate monument to any great extent. His brother had died, but he intended to place a memorial window in the church.

Matter deferred for further consideration.

Local Board of Health.

The Hospital Board have agreed to a conference about infectious disease costs.

Burra Cheer-up Society.

A photo has been received of the late Pte Jones.

Various other activities are reported and a call made for fly nets to fit over hats, for our boys in Egypt.

Burra Golf Club. At the AGM those Elected were President, Mr Marston; Treasurer & Secretary, Mr Neagle; Captain, Mr Neagle and Vice-Captain, Mr W.S. Bright.

In the last season, of the three gents’ competitions two were won by L. Neagle and one by F. T. Harcus. Of the two ladies’ competitions, Mrs Mitchell won one and Miss Treloar the other.

Mr L.R. Letheby of the National Bank was farewelled on Sunday at St Mary’s Schoolroom. He goes to Pinnaroo. He had been a lay reader and church warden.

Burra Hospital Furnishing Fund is at £557-15-8.

XXXIII, 1995, 19 Apr. 1916, page 4

Burra Hospital Board, Thursday last.

The Chief Secretary wrote warning against the Board paying unnecessary interest [on an overdraft] because the Government sent a cheque every month to meet liabilities.

Bur Mr Harcus said it often came up to 10 days after the end of the month and it would not be fair to keep staff waiting for wages. Mr Warnes moved that accounts other than staff wages be held until the Government remittance arrived.

On 16 December Dr Ashton wrote that the Matron had told him it was impossible with the present staff to give the special attention he needed for certain enteric fever patients during a recent severe outbreak. He asked for steps to remedy this deficiency.

The secretary asked for clarification of the closing statement, which referred to the consequences of this problem in Reice’s and similar cases.

An Acknowledgement has been received signed jointly by Drs Ashton & Williams:

‘Your notes of the 11th inst. have been received.’

The Board was indignant at what seems to have been a decision not to answer their request at all and were also annoyed and puzzled by Dr Williams’ signature, as the case referred to occurred before he was in town.

Mr Gebhardt wanted individual replies.

Mr Crewes thought the Doctors should be asked to a conference with the Board and Mr Warnes so moved.

Mr Hawkes said the letter was not only rude, but also intentionally rude and a conference would achieve more than letters, which could easily lead to unpleasant developments. Motion carried unanimously.

The Board agreed to meet with the Local Board of Health on the issue of responsibility for the payment for infectious diseases cases referred by them to the Hospital. Mt Bryan Local Board of health wrote accepting responsibility. Hallett agreed to pay without accepting any responsibility to do so. Their attention is to be drawn to the Act.

Mr Hawkes said something had to be done about the Isolation Ward. It was an abomination and a veritable death trap: like a camp oven in summer and an ice-chest in winter. It was an iron structure.

Mr Warnes moved the Government be written to pointing out to them that the Board felt it endangered the life of any patient placed in it.

Other urgent work was cellar accommodation, ward wash-up house and a ramp to the new buildings from the operating theatre and the removal of some of the old buildings. Request that they be allowed to get the work done locally, but at Government expense.

XXXIII, 1996, 26 Apr. 1916, page 2

Advt. Wednesday 26 April, Alexander Black’s Costume Comedy Co.

The Frolics present 8 Star Artists featuring: Vocal Scenes, Ragtime Numbers, Burlesques & Ensembles, also The Novel Musical Travesty The Bottle-Oh Band and the ‘Unaphone’, the only one of its kind in Australia. Edison’s latest invention with electric motor. 2/- & 1/-.

Notice. Have you joined the All British League? If not, why not? Meeting called Thursday night in the Council Chamber to form a local branch.

Band together Britons, and make the Commonwealth free from Germanic Rule!

Ernest Crewes, Mayor.

Birth. 25 April to Mr & Mrs C.H. Humphris, a son. [Cecil Francis]

Hon. John Lewis will give a garden party at his home ‘Benacre’, Glen Osmond, on 28 April in aid of the Burra Branch of the Red Cross.

Obituary. The 9-year-old daughter of Mr R. Cox died in the Burra Hospital on Monday from diphtheria. [Ethel Irene Cox died 24 April 1916 at Kooringa.]

Miss Alice Bullen from Burra Public School has been transferred to Moonta. She has been much praised for her work with the early classes at the school.

Marriage. 22 April at Kooringa Methodist Church.

James Sims married Myrtle Elizabeth Gebhardt.

Capt. D. McDonald Steele, after a short illness, has been RMO to the 16th Battalion near the Suez Canal for almost three months now.

Burra School Board of Advice was dissolved with the new system and was to be replaced by a Committee of Seven. The old board offered itself, comprising: Messrs McLaren, Winnall, Lane & E.J. Harris, but no one else came forward. Mr Mundy, headmaster, has asked the Minister if he will nominate the three required members.

Anzac Day yesterday was remembered at 9 a.m. when businesses, trams and trains were asked to stop for 2 minutes.

The Juvenile Foresters Annual Picnic was held on Monday. It went well until about 4 p.m. when rain forced an early departure. It was held at Sod Hut and was served by Streicher Bros’ charabancs.

Education Act. Recent changes now require a doctor’s certificate for every day absent. This is clearly unworkable and also discriminates against the poor.

Burra Cheer-up Society.

On the afternoon of 25 April we entertained 24 soldiers who were welcomed as usual by Mr Crewes. Rev. A.J. Finch was welcomed for the first time since his arrival in Burra. The soldiers present were: Sgt F. Thomas, Ptes Honan, Hunt, Preiss, A. Harris, L. Harris, Turner, K. Drew, Bowen, Cullen, G. Hill, Fitzgerald, Fuller, Ockenden, Morgan, White, Humphris, T. Harrap, A. Gebhardt, Morgan, Nelson, L. Lafsky, R. Henderson and L-Cpl Manson. [The two Morgans were probably E.B. & G.H.]

‘Indignation’ writes that it is with a mixture of amusement and disgust that I read that the Hospital Board considers the isolation ward a ‘death trap’ etc. They are obviously aware that for more than 12 months the nursing staff were compelled to use these apartments for their sleeping accommodation!

XXXIII, 1996, 26 Apr. 1916, page 3

Newsprint.

A deputation of representatives from 700 country papers has asked the Minister of Customs to assist in getting newsprint from Canada and the USA. New Zealand has already acted on this. The cost of paper has risen form £15 to £40 per ton and papers will not be able to continue at this price – or not beyond the end of 1916 at any rate. Mill prices have changed little; it is the transport costs that have rocketed. Aid was promised.

War Poem. Satan’s Soliloquy by ‘The Rip Saw’.

XXXIII, 1997, 3 May 1916, page 1

Burra Red Cross Fete at ‘Benacre’ Glen Osmond, the home of the Hon. John Lewis MLC, last Friday is reported at some length. It was opened by Lady Galway.

XXXIII, 1997, 3 May 1916, page 2

Advt. At the Burra Institute on Saturday 6 May Theatregraph Pictures will present at 2.30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Denver Dixon, a Real Live American Cowboy. See him in the Pictures. See him spin the lasso.

Hear him lecture on his Cowboy Picture.

Obituary. A thank you notice reveals the recent death of Mr Thomas Butler, probably at the Burra Hospital. [Thomas Butler died 8 April aged 69 at Burra, residence Black Springs.]

SM Walter Finch has passed examination for a commission.

Volunteers. Four of Mr Kelly’s sons have either volunteered or are about to do so – James & Owen have gone, Frank goes on Saturday and Denis at an early date.

Deteriorating Mail Service.

Until about two years ago mails for the morning train closed c. 5 a.m. Then they closed at 10.15 p.m. This practically prevented mails received by the evening train being answered by return. Now there is a move to close at 6 or 8 p.m. A letter written Monday evening would not be delivered in Adelaide till Wednesday morning and the same applies to Broken Hill. It was also promised that with sufficient subscribers the phone service would be continuous, yet on Sundays it is available for only a few minutes at a time.

Redruth Court, yesterday.

T. Halls Senior was charged with being drunk and discharging firearms within the town. Fined 5/- on the first and 10/- on the second charge.

T. Wedding of Mt Bryan lost his hand in a chaff cutter on Saturday and his arm was badly broken. It was subsequently found necessary to amputate his arm.

Hanson Methodist Church Harvest Thanksgiving was held on Good Friday.

Troopers E.B & G.H. Morgan were farewelled at Leighton Hall on Wednesday.

XXXIII, 1997, 3 May 1916, page 3

Anzac Day in Burra. The Mayor presided at the Burra Institute with Rev. Father Kett, Rev. A.J. Finch, and Rev. D.B. Bridgwood. (Rev. S.J. Bloyd was absent from Burra.)

Mr Crewes read the names of the Burra enlistees who had taken part in the Gallipoli Landing:

Newton King, Essen Rule, Fred Wheatley, Fred Harvey, George Thomson, Vernon Day, Hartley Harris, Arthur Stewart, Eric Roach, John Camp (killed) and Harry Skinner (missing).

He gave a short speech, followed by a few words from Rev. Father Kett, who recited the Charge of the Light Brigade. This was followed by the hymn, For the Men at the Front. Rev. A.D. Bridgwood then spoke and was followed by the hymn, Onward Christian Soldiers.

Rev. A.J. Finch was briefer, but equally full of the sentiments of the others and the evening closed with the National Anthem and God Bless Our Splendid Men.

Boy Scouts. Having lost their room in the fire at the White Hart in March, they thank Mr Sedgman of the Waterworks for a large room in which to store equipment etc. The room will now become their headquarters. The scouts recently got a letter from Fred Fuller, who is on the training ship HMAS Tingira.

Burra Town Council.

A letter will be sent to the SAR telling them that in the event of an accident they would be held responsible for the misplaced fence. Several near accidents have occurred.

The offer from R.M. McBride to sell blocks 8 & 9 in Graham for £30 is rejected. The offer of another block from Roach & Son for £100 was also rejected.

Cr McBride said his firm would be happy for them to open a quarry on the mine property for a royalty. The inspector reported good quality metal there. Offer accepted.

The premises opposite the Institute are to be moved further along (away from the new bridge) and painted. [Presumably this refers to a toilet block.]

The Town Clerk read a letter from November 1913, which contained the adopted minute re Hon. John Lewis and the Burra Creek lease.

‘The Council should reserve certain parts of the creek as they may require for planting, which should be marked on the plan and then granted your firm (Bagot, Shakes & Lewis) a right of way over the creek, excepting the reserves, in perpetuity at a nominal rent.’

The Mayor said the agreement submitted by Mr Lewis was totally different.

Mr Winnall will be asked to draw up an agreement in line with the above clause and submit it to Council for approval and inform Bright & Bright that this was being done.

It was pointed out that this did not give Bagot, Shakes & Lewis the sole right of way along the creek.

Local Board of Health.

The Inspector said two cases of diphtheria and two of enteric (typhoid) fever and one of measles were reported in the last two weeks.

Alexander Black’s Costume Comedy Co. on Wednesday last drew a small audience after only short notice of their visit. The quality of the show deserved a much larger audience, which they will get if they return.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. Knitted goods continue to be made and despatched. Guy Tiddy has resigned as correspondence secretary, as he has enlisted.

Burra Cheer-up Society.

The Adelaide branch of the society is having a big fair in the Adelaide Exhibition Building on 18 & 19 May and donations for a ‘Sing a Song of Sixpence’ stall are being requested (i.e. items to be sold for 6d.). Parcels have been sent to soldiers unable to be at our recent social: Ptes Voumard (2), Kelly (2), Parker & L. Griffiths. D. Kelly has written back with thanks.

Lady Galway is editing a book of 182 pages on Belgium, including 26 views and 16 other pictures. 2,000 copies in an exclusive edition at 7/6 each will raise £750 for the Belgian Relief Fund if all are sold. The Publishers, Hussey & Gillingham are donating labour and material.

‘Visionary’ writes deploring the lack of any are that could be developed to encompass tennis courts, hockey, bowling greens and a garden. The only possible site is occupied by Paxton Square.

‘It can hardly be contended that these are an ornament to the town.’ For the price a few better modern replacement cottages could be erected for the old people sheltering there now.

XXXIII, 1997, 3 May 1916, page 4

The All-British League. A branch was formed in Burra at a meeting called by the Mayor on Thursday evening last. He worked himself up into a fine patriotic fervour reading from a speech delivered by the Kaiser in 1908, which outlined the latter’s plans for world domination. The Mayor went on to say that ‘no one blames a German [in Australia] simply because he was a German or of that descent, but it was expected that everyone with German blood in his veins who lived in a British community and enjoyed British liberty and prosperity, that they should stand up and declare on all possible occasions that they had no sympathy with the Kaiser and his brood.’ Etc., etc.

In church one man could sing the hymns, but was dumb when the National Anthem was sung. In Market Square some omitted to take off their hats when the National Anthem was sung. Should Britishers take these insults? The Government was still giving jobs to Germans when Britishers volunteered for the front. The Mayor then read the objects of the league and people who joined should be prepared to carry them out to the letter.

Mr Pederson said that according to the rules he was not eligible to join, not being of British lineage, but he had seen German armies overrun his own country [Denmark] in 1864 and had suffered under German rule. This was sufficient evidence that the movement had his sympathy. Many years before he had been a member of the volunteers.

Mr Lane gave it his support as did Mr Milner.

Mr Lawn thought it should have been long established.

Mr W.H. Pearce moved that a branch be formed and W. Lee 2nd.

Mr Crewes was elected President and Mr Horner, Secretary.

Vice-Presidents are: Messrs I.J. Warnes, E. Cock, T. Sandland, A.J. McBride, John Tennant, R.J.M. McBride, W.G. Hawkes, J.M. McBride & P. McBride.

During an interval in the meeting Miss Bullen was presented with a farewell gift of a travelling case and rug.

A big meeting is called for 18 May.

Tennis. A meeting was held of the Kia Ora Tennis Club last Saturday. Elected: President, Mrs John Tennant; Captain, Mrs Ashton; Vice-Captain, Mr Neagle. The season will open 3 May.

Burra Rifle Club. Pte A.P. Harris was farewelled on 25 April. Club matches for ‘The Gums’ cup have recommenced. Scores for the 1st match (without handicaps, which are not yet available) were: N.W. R. Pearce 100, O.G. Walker 100, C.W. Pearce 100, H.E. Riggs 98 & Captain Lord 98.

XXXVIII, 19, 10 May 1916, page 2

[There is no apparent reason for the change in both volume number and issue number.]

Advt. At ‘Kennington’ at the rear of Roach’s Mill and near the Court House, Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will sell for William B. Page surplus furniture and effects.

Ambulance Day Results. Ambulance Day produced one ambulance from J.M. McBride and one from Messrs A.J & P. McBride and raised in cash nearly £900 despite the fact that the highest donor gave £25. This is a magnificent effort from those in moderate circumstances. It is well known that some of the wealthiest have given practically nothing to the war effort. They are prepared to stand by and let another man be smashed up in their place and then refuse to help even to carry him to hospital. And they have the enormous audacity to point the finger of scorn at young men who haven’t the courage to plunge into the maelstrom of war itself.

At a meeting of the committee it was decided the Mayor should hand over the ambulance already bought, to the Military authorities as soon as possible. The other three will be presented as soon as they are ready and it was decided to do this at a ceremony. Clem Sampson, H.L. Pearce and Clarence Humphrys are to be recommended as drivers.

After all expenses are paid some £20-£30 will still be needed to pay for the two ambulances.

Supreme Court, Adelaide.

Thomas Arnold (50), who admitted to stealing from the dwelling of Johann G. Rooke at Baldina on 23 March, was sentenced to five years. He has a long history of offences and was warned that another offence would see him liable to be declared a habitual criminal.

Entertainment. On 20 May the film shown will be Ashmead Bartlett’s war film Anzac and Gallipoli.

Mr Dunk, manager of the National Bank in Burra for a few months, has been moved to Mt Gambier. Mr Davis, late of Maitland and Gladstone succeeds him.

The All-British League met on Saturday and Mr Horner resigned as Secretary, as his Department objected to his occupying the position. He was replaced by Mr P. Milner.

Obituary. Pte C.H. James has died from pneumonia, it is thought in Egypt. He was the son of Mr & Mrs Norrell James. He was a member of the 27th Battalion. [Cecil Hammond James born 7 October 1895 Kooringa: died 27 April 1916 Egypt.]

XXXVIII, 19, 10 May 1916, page 3

Volunteers, accepted last Thursday:

J. Rossini (Mt Bryan) J. Heinrich (Aberdeen) H. Harris (Kooringa)

H.W.M. West (Kooringa) O.R. Duldig (World’s End) M.A. Kavanagh (Aberdeen)

C. Bruce (Kooringa) H. Munt (Gum Creek South) M.G. Burke (Kooringa)

C. Lomman (Mt Bryan) J.F.W. Muller (Florieton)

Declared not physically fit:

P.K. Callahan M.L. Quinn D.C. Eig

W. Allen A.B. Schoenberg

Burra Cheer-up Society. The society’s first anniversary will be on 15 May. Photos have now been received of Pte Fred Hanley. There are two, one taken during the Boer War.

The usual gifts to Ptes Charlie Bennetts & Hopcraft, whose visit was too short for the usual social.

Disputed Will.

The last will of William Develaing, who died 30 October 1914, was disputed.

The plaintiffs were Mary Develaing and Mrs Bell, for a will dated 29 October 1914, for which they were executrixes. Defendant was Sarah Honan, through her guardian Maud Mary Honan.

The plaintiffs’ claim was for probate to be granted.

Defendants claim was the will was not properly executed and the proper will was another made on 19 March 1914. Both wills were drawn up Mr Winnall.

Mr Winnall:

Was called to make the second will when the deceased was very ill because he had married on the previous day. The witness considered the deceased understood the new will. Mrs Short was in the room. The testator signed with a mark.

Mary Ann Develaing said she had lived with the deceased 15 or 16 years in Kooringa and had been known as his wife all that time. The deceased owned four houses in Kooringa. She was not sure she was present when the testator signed the new will. The instructions for the new will, she said, were it was to be the same as the old one except for the omission of a bequest of two houses to Mrs Bell, his daughter. The will as prepared did not conform to this. It left out the bequest as instructed, but made other alterations not authorised.

His Honour considered that because of the state of health and age of the patient he could not accept as conclusive that the testator was aware of differences between the instructions and the terms of the will. The will could not stand. This was no reflection against anyone. He made no order in favour of the plaintiffs regarding costs. Defendant to have costs out of the estate.

Burra Rifle Club. Saturday shoot. A. Sugars 100 led J.E. Pearce & E.A. Riggs each on 99.

Copperhouse Methodist Church. 27 April. A large gathering was held to say farewell to the lads who had given their all in the war. It was presided over by Mr R. Fuss who sang Our Navy and gave a very suitable recitation. A. Lomman spoke and Miss Nieman played the organ.

XXXVIII, 20, 17 May 1916, page 2

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will sell, on the premises adjoining the Methodist Church at Redruth, Dwelling, Shop & Furniture on 26 May 1916, for W.J. Richards who has removed to Adelaide.

7-roomed dwelling house, bath and usual conveniences, also a large shop.

Volunteers. Two more from the district: George Giles (Mt Bryan) & J. Griffiths (Aberdeen).

Burra Hospital.

A document in the possession of Council shows that not only is Council the trustee of the Hospital, but also its registered owner. In 1877 the property was sold to the Council by SAMA for £500. This makes rather comical the struggle of the owners to get a representative on the Hospital Board of Management. Also recently a great portion of the old building was demolished and a new one erected without reference to the wishes of the owner. More recently the Council was told that if some monetary arrangement were not arrived at they would have to isolate cases of infectious disease somewhere else.

Film made in Burra.

Denver Dixon, the American cowboy who has been here recently has now written and produced the first drama to be filmed in SA. Stockman Joe stars Denver Dixon as hero with locals of Burra as the villain, heroine, reckless-riding stockmen, etc. The main scenes were shot around the mine.

Leighton School Committee was elected on Tuesday: Chairman, I.J. Warnes; Secretary, J. Flower; Treasurer, T.J. Hams and committer of F. Longbottom, R.J. Fairchild, W. Morgan & D.F. Williams.

West Burra Mine continues favourably. 6 tons of ore have been raised and 10 tons will be obtained shortly. It will be then sold and is expected to fetch £30 a ton.

Pte Ben Hill has recovered from illness and returned to duty.

Boy Scouts. A camp at the Forest was held from 6-8 May.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Anniversary was held 7 & 8 May. The new minister, Rev. A.J. Finch officiated.

XXXVIII, 20, 17 May 1916, page 3

Hospital Board & Local Board of Health.

During the late epidemic of enteric (typhoid) fever the Burra Hospital sent accounts totalling over £300 to the Local Board of Health. The Local Board of Health received them, but took no action, holding that it had not authorised the admission of the patients, nor had it made any agreement to pay. Eventually they asked for a conference with the Hospital Board for last Thursday.

Local Board of Health Representatives Hospital Board

The Mayor, Mr Crewes Mr Crewes

Cr Lane Cr Lane

Cr McBride Cr McBride

Cr McWaters Cr McWaters

Cr Dane Mr Bartholomaeus

Mr I.J. Warnes

Mr A.G. Gebhardt

Mr Hawkes

Mr Winnall

Also present were the Town Clerk, Mr E.J. Davey & Burra Hospital Secretary, Mr F. Treloar.

Mr Crewes said an attempt at an agreement had been made years before, but had failed. He believed the Local Board should be responsible only for the debts of the destitute.

Mr Winnall said:

The Local Board was responsible for isolation cases of infectious disease.

They could make arrangements with anybody to that end and would be responsible for such payments as agreed upon.

There were two doctors in town: one was health officer.

The Hospital held that the Local Board was responsible for all cases admitted by the health officer even without an agreement: a view endorsed by Dr Morrison, the Inspector General of Hospitals.

The Hospital Board could stand by the law and refuse to admit cases without authority.

The Local board would have either to provide authority or find another place of isolation.

As for those already admitted it was a question of whether the Local Board would stand behind the law or treat the matter in a fairer spirit and accept responsibility.

They could collect the fees from the patients and hand them on to the Hospital.

If the Local Board attempted to evade payment the Hospital could refuse all infectious cases.

Something had to be done, as the Hospital could not meet its liabilities.

[Mr Winnall then said that in Adelaide they paid 30/- per week for infectious cases and he thought that would serve, BUT as typhoid cases were not dearer to treat than non-infectious diseases the hospital should waive its claim in that respect. This seems odd since the whole issue of the £300 liability arose over a typhoid outbreak and if the hospital waived its claim for that against the Local Board presumably much of the £300 would remain their problem. Presumably all that Mr Winnall was prepared to waive was the gap between normal charges and infectious disease charges because typhoid treatment actually involved no greater cost.]

Mr Winnall said at Kapunda the Local Board paid a flat £40 p.a. and at Jamestown it was £30 – as a sort of insurance premium.

Mr Lane could not see how the annual lump sum solution solved anything – at least not in an epidemic. The Adelaide agreement was for 30/- a week for infectious cases, typhoid excepted, plus £1 for burials and the cost of removing patients to hospital.

Mr Winnall said the local burial charge was £3.

The Mayor suggested that the Local Board collect what it could from patients and hand it over as a full discharge of past debts and then apply the Adelaide agreement for the future.

Mr Hawkes was not impressed.

After further discussion Mr Winnall moved that an agreement similar to that in force in Adelaide be put in place. Carried.

With respect to accounts already rendered a committee of three are to be appointed to work out a compromise.

Both the Boards met separately subsequently and endorsed this resolution of the problem.

Mr W.B. Martin, an old Burraite, writes from Thames in New Zealand with some brief reminiscences on the past.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. Currently the main work is making sheets and towels for the Red Cross Convalescent Home in Adelaide. 850 sandbags were sent off this week.

John McLaren writes re a proposed railway line from Wentworth to Morgan. He suggests one from Wentworth to Burra would serve more country, as there is already a Paringa to Adelaide line.

[In any event neither line was built.]

‘Burra Every Time’ writes recommending a Roll of Honour in a public place at the Institute to record the names of all volunteers.

The Editor comments that the Council has already resolved upon a roll of honour for the Council Chamber, but the more public location seems like a good idea.

Burra Cheer-up Society. Photos have been received from Gunner Stanley Pearce & Pte Will Henderson.

Burra Town Council.

A.J. & P. McBride have offered to allow the Council to raise metal on the mine property free of charge, provided the site was kept fenced.

4-5 chains of the west wall of the cemetery are in need of repair. To be done.

Cr Lane said that as there was a good balance in the account a bridge should be put in George St. He said the bridge would require to be c. 88’ and he believed it could be done for £1 a foot.

Cr Killicoat thought the Aberdeen Bridge was needed more.

[This produced the usual north-south division on the two bridges.]

Estimates will be obtained.

Council will inspect to see what type of bridge is needed at the Mine Bridge.

V. Riggs writes, dated 26 March, of their train trip from Marseilles to near the Belgian border.

Cpl Bob Crewes writes, dated 27 March, from France, also of the trip from Egypt and the train journey north to the front.

XXXVIII, 20, 17 May 1916, page 4

Burra Hospital Board.

They discussed the communication problems between the isolation ward and the rest of the hospital.

The telephones in the hospital were questioned. There were two – were two still needed? [While not spelled out, this appears to refer to two direct lines to the town’s two doctors, which were installed before the town exchange became a continuous service – and possibly before there was a local service.]

The Matron appeared to have appointed a probationer nurse without reference to the Board, which provoked considerable discussion. The Chairman went to the Matron. On returning he reported that she said they had needed a nurse urgently and on consulting Mr Bartholomaeus and Mr A.J. McBride they had told to write and tell the young lady to come. But this was a misunderstanding: they had intended only that she be sent an application form. There was then much debate about what sort of nurse was required – a charge nurse or a probationer. Mr McBride said that the doctors had worked on the staff and made them feel that the Matron and seven nurses were insufficient. After further discussion about the new probationer nurse it was decided to ask her to put in her application along with others to be considered next Thursday.

The Chief Secretary wrote to say a new isolation ward, scullery and cellar accommodation was being considered. A letter of explanation was received from Drs Thomas B. Ashton & A. Evan Williams.

In Riece’s case a delirious typhoid patient died suddenly after sitting up in bed. The probationer nurse explained she had to leave the patient alone because she had patients to see in another ward. This was reported with recommendation that further nursing strength be made available. The Board had misconstrued this as an attack on the nursing staff and passed a resolution ‘That Dr Ashton had been grossly unfair to nursing staff.’

We submit that cases are recommended by us as fit cases for treatment in the hospital in a medical sense, in our capacity as private medical practitioners and that the Board has no power to dictate the conduct of our private practice, but can refuse patients admission to the hospital at their own discretion; hence our terse acknowledgement of the Board’s effort.

The Board must make its own arrangements with the Local Board of Health for responsibilities for payment for infectious cases.

The lack of a definite understanding concerning the admission of infectious cases complicates the conduct of private work in the town and district.

The resolution of the Board placing obstacles to the admission of ‘children of tender years’ is especially prejudicial to the interests of children suffering from diphtheria and other acute diseases. There are only two fully qualified nurses, including the Matron and the probationer nurses, mostly in the early part of their courses, if worked excessively, have no time for the study to fit them for their future profession.

Consideration of the letter was postponed and the medical officers will be asked again to meet the Board.

XXXVIII, 21, 24 May 1916, page 1

Theatregraph Films will show on 30 May the film Britain Prepared. When show in Adelaide H.E. the Governor, Sir Henry Galway, addressed the audience. His speech is printed.

XXXVIII, 21, 24 May 1916, page 2

Advt. For Sale by Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd on a/c of George Kellock, 2 June 1916: Blocks 320 & 321, Ayers & George St with a 6-roomed cottage, good yard and garden.

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures Presents, Saturday 27 May, With the Russians at the Front. – backed up by a huge program. Tuesday 30 May: Britain Prepared.

Advt. Grand Military Carnival. Celebrated Band & Bayonet Squad of the 43rd Battalion visits Burra on 27-29 May before going to the front.

27 May. Parade from the train 11.15 p.m. [sic] [Actually a.m.]

28 May. Sacred Concert at Aberdeen, 3.30 p.m.

28 May. Sacred Concert at Kooringa, 8.30 p.m.

29 May. Concert at Burra Hospital, 2.30 p.m.

29 May. Concert & Entertainment at the Institute, 8 p.m.

Obituary. Richard Collins of ‘Rosedale’ Mt Bryan died 19 May. Husband of Mary Collins.

[Died 19 May 1916 at Mt Bryan aged 75.]

Obituary. Mary Ann Pryor, relict of the late William Pryor, died 11 May aged 86 [at World’s End].

[Age registered as 84.]

Red Cross Button Day has been fixed for 16 June. It will aid Lady Galway’s Convalescent Hospital for wounded soldiers. There will also be a grand fair at the Institute.

Pte Bert Gallagher was farewelled at the Bon Accord Hotel on Tuesday. E.W. Crewes presided. He was given a wristwatch and a case of pipes, a silver-mounted tobacco pouch and some money.

Wpl Bro. Page was farewelled by the Freemasons with a case containing a Pastmaster’s collar, gauntlet and jewel. Bro. Page leaves after 16 years’ association with the lodge.

Volunteers accepted in the last week:

R.H. Finch H. Finch T.L. Jesser

C. Griffiths (All of Burra)

S. Sommerville of Mt Bryan

R. McBride of Redcliffe

J. Hogan of Booborowie

G. Giles of Mt Bryan

Burra Cheer-up Society on 20 May held a farewell social for Ptes H. Webster, Lloyd, Hempel, Gallagher & Jones.

Pte Allen Carey was welcomed home, invalided out after 12 months active service, following illness.

Pte J. Lockett also returned. He has gone on to Broken Hill, but will be welcomed on his return.

Photos have been received from Pte Eric Vivian, Seaman Harry Vivian and Pte G. Foster.

XXXVIII, 21, 24 May 1916, page 3

Burra Hospital Board.

Drs Ashton & Williams failed to attend the meeting held last Thursday.

Miss G. Berriman of Saddleworth was appointed Probationer Nurse.

Matron clarified the confusion over the previous appointment of a probationer and the Board accepted it was a misunderstanding.

The Superintendent of Public Buildings gives no hope of a cellar, wash-up house or new isolation ward till the war ends. In the meantime wooden ramps will be made where needed.

Mr Winnall & Mr Gebhardt said they were a waste of money and too steep to be used – one was a slope of 1:5.

The Board reviewed the case of Dr Ashton’s complaint about inadequate nursing.

The Board considered Dr Ashton had first attacked the nursing staff, then when the patient had admitted being drunk; he shifted his ground to the inadequate numbers of staff. When asked for an explanation the two doctors merely acknowledged receipt of the letter and had now declined to attend a meeting of the Board. Dr Ashton refused to attend until the censure motion was expunged.

On the 12 December a motion had been passed requiring an order from a member of the board for admission to the hospital etc. This was awkward.

On 12 January this was rescinded, with the effect that in practise the doctors could now admit whom they chose. The register of patients to be read at Board meetings.

Mr Hawkes thought the doctors would come and the whole thing be settled if the censure motion was rescinded.

Mr Winnall was in the chair and objected to any recantation.

Dr Ashton did not complain at the time and resigned in January, when he left the town. The membership of the Board had changed greatly during Dr Ashton’s two-year absence and it was a direct insult that the doctors would not confer with it.

Mr Hawkes said that after the alleged unfair motion Dr Ashton had attended meetings, then resigned and finally accepted re-instatement under the Board which had insulted him.

Mr Warnes moved that as the hospital was meant to care for destitute persons; all persons treated should be free of all fees except hospital charges. In regard to the vote of censure he recalled that the Matron and nurse were examined at the time, three years ago, and were now away. If the doctor was not satisfied then why did he not ask for a special conference and have the matter thrashed out again whilst the parties were in the town? The case was not specialised and the nurse had to attend to other cases. If it were so bad the doctor should have given instructions.

When anyone left an institution and returned again it was generally taken that old sores had healed. The two-line reply from the doctors was not worthy of gentlemen and an apology should have been demanded. The financial and medical management were inseparable. Dr Ashton said all he had to do was look after his private practice, but a good deal of that was done in the hospital. Medical officers were paid to look after the patients on alternate weeks. Many non-paying patients were surprised to receive doctor’s bills. Then again the doctors had free use of the operating theatres and use of the nursing staff. Concerning children, the only ones objected to were babes in arms as one of those would need a nurse to itself. If the rules were unsatisfactory why didn’t the doctors come and help to amend them? He felt certain that when they could no longer follow their private practice in the hospital they would ask for a conference. Why Dr Williams involved himself in the matter was hard to say.

Mr McWaters 2nd the motion.

Mr Hawkes felt the motion was too drastic and in admitting paying patients the doctors were standing behind hospital rules. It meant that of a person able to pay met with a serious accident and was taken to hospital the doctors might reasonably refuse to treat them.

Mr Gebhardt thought that to pay them £75 p.a. without the right to treat private patients would not be reasonable.

Mr Harcus thought a reply sent to the doctors’ letter might bring them to a more reasonable state of mind.

Mr Crewes suggested three members of the Board interview the Medical Officers.

Mr Warnes: Crawl to the doctors!

Mr Crewes: No. Matters were critical and they had to think of the patients. He moved an amendment that Mr McBride and Mr Hawkes wait on the doctors and discuss the question.

Mr Warnes then suggested it all be put to the Chief Secretary for guidance.

Both the motion and the amendment were lost.

Mr Warnes suggestion about the Chief Secretary was then carried.

Australian Pastoralists’ Assoc. Burra Branch had its AGM last Friday. I.J. Warnes was re-elected President with Mr T. McWaters as Vice-President. The report extends for 11⁄2 columns.

W.B. Page, having been appointed Secretary of the Liberal Union and having removed to Adelaide, was farewelled at St Mary’s on Sunday after the evening service. He had been the church organist.

Burra Rifle Club. At the shoot on Saturday J.E. Pearce 101 led E.A. Riggs 100.

‘Burraite’ writes re the Roll of Honour, agreeing that the Council Chamber is not a sufficiently public location for it.

XXXVIII, 21, 24 May 1916, page 4

The All-British League met at the Institute on Thursday evening with the Mayor presiding.

He said the League was not out to make enemies or say nasty things about anyone.

Mr J.H. Clouston, Mayor of Pt Adelaide and General President of the All-British League spoke of its aims:

Foster national ideals and keep alive patriotic spirit.

Defend British freedom, rights and privileges against German aggression.

Defend British industry and labour against German competition.

Fight German influence in social, financial, industrial, municipal and political life.

Guard against the ascendency of any language over English in state-aided schools.

Remember the Lusitania, the rape of Belgium, Nurse Cavell’s murder, etc. He spoke of the League’s growth and against Germans in high places – naming Messrs Meucke & Basedow, who had been MPs, and of Mr Schomburg and of German language in schools and German language newspapers, which had continued till recently. Mr Owen-Smyth also spoke on the history of German aggression since 1863, of German economic plans for domination and the need to buy nothing of German manufacture. Rev. John Warren then spoke on the German goods issue and the need to drive all Germans from public office. During the evening the Institute Orchestra played and the Messrs Ewins and Glenister sang a duet. [Somewhat ironic given that Glenister was born Schneider.]

XXXVIII, 22, 31 May 1916, page 1

W.B. Page was farewelled in the Council Chamber on Monday last week. The Mayor presided. He had been very active in public affairs for many years. He had been recently secretary of the Australia Day Committee and a long-serving Local and then District Secretary of the Liberal Union. Now he was moving on to become General Secretary of the Liberal Union in Adelaide. He was presented with an inscribed watch and his wife with a very pretty clock. Other speakers were Mr Winnall, Cr Dane, Mr McLaren, Mr Treloar, Mr C. Fuss and Mr Pederson.

XXXVIII, 22, 31 May 1916, page 2

Obituary. George Schwier died 18 May at Welsh Place aged 68. He was the husband of Harriett Schwier. [Died at Kooringa, residence Mongolata.]

Weather. Welcome rain has been falling. Mr Hardy reports that to the east falls have been significant. Quondong got 25 points and Old Koomooloo 19. Most other places fell in between. Redcliffe recorded 30 points. [This would suggest that Hardy was still the telephonist for the Eastern Telephone Exchange.]

Burra Show Soc. has decided to get quotes for a luncheon booth – an unlined galvanised iron shed either 60’ x 30’ x 14’ or 60’ x 30’ x 12’ with a 7’ roof without a floor. The agreement with the Recreation Ground Syndicate has expired and a new agreement is needed to acquire security of tenure. Up to now use has been free, but all permanent buildings become the property of the Syndicate. The Syndicate’s view of the proposed building will be sought.

The Collins Brothers have lost two valuable sheep dogs to a poisoner two days before they were to compete at Strathalbyn.

The Temperance Party is out to end the alcohol booth at the show. Mr Thomas urged this in view of the war and the example of the King. He will seek a hearing at the General Committee or even at a General Meeting.

Empire Day was celebrated at the school on 26 May.

Obituary. Mr William Gerard died at Miss Hill’s Hospital aged 73. He was a colonist of 50 years, arriving with his wife in the Trevillian in 1866. He was a resident of Burra for 44 years. He was one of the last of the old carriers connected with the SA Carrying Co. and later with Treleaven & Brown. He is survived by Mrs J.T. Walker (Nairne) and Messrs W. & A.E. Gerard.

[Died 24 May in Adelaide, residence Aberdeen.]

Soldiers’ Aid Fund stands at £228-10-111⁄2.

Leighton Public Hall, AGM. I.J. Warnes was re-elected President for 1916-17 with J.Q. Hogan as Vice-President, E. Cock as Secretary and A.D. McDonald as Treasurer.

The year saw farewells to 14 young men now with the Expeditionary Forces, 9 in camp and 3 have not been accepted. The last year the hall debt has been reduced by £30. £29 was forwarded to the Belgian Relief Fund and £15 from the Strawberry Fete will go to patriotic funds.

XXXVIII, 22, 31 May 1916, page 3

Visit of 43rd Battalion Band.

The Band arrived by the midday train on Saturday and they were entertained in the afternoon by Burra Cheer-up Society. In the evening they played at the Theatregraph Pictures and Mr Lester donated £5. In their stay £112-17-10 was raised for 43rd Battalion Trench Comforts and Relief Committee.

The Burra Cheer-up Society entertainment is reported in 1⁄2 column and the Society reports the receipt of photos of Bugler Jennison, Pte Speckman [sic, for Spackman], Pte Steadman & Sgt J. Murison.

At Aberdeen the band gave a sacred concert on Sunday afternoon.

The report then spends c. 1⁄2 column outlining the sort of cases that are dealt with from the Battalion Fund.

In the evening Chaplain Capt. Cuttriss gave an address at the Kooringa Methodist Church on ‘The Mystery of Suffering’, which receives another 1⁄2 column.

After this the band played in Market Square where the Captain gave another address.

On Monday there was a concert at the hospital. Unfortunately Pte Waters, 1st cornettist, went for a ride and his horse fell, breaking Pte Waters’ collarbone. In the evening there was a concert in the Institute, which is reviewed in some detail with names of performers etc. in c. 1⁄3 column.

Ptes R.J. Lloyd & H.C. Webster were farewelled last Saturday from Leighton.

Burra Rifle Club. AGM. Elected were Captain, G. Lord; Secretary, J.E. Pearce; Treasurer, R.D. Pascoe; Press Reporter, N.W.R. Pearce.

Clubs with 30 members are to have a Sergeant and N.W.R. Pearce has been nominated.

Capt. Lord presented the 9th Annual Report.

There was a credit balance of £29-0-11 after giving £20-2-0 to patriotic causes. There were 41 financial members. Last year there were 42, but only 22 of that group are still members – most of the missing names having enlisted. Trophies in the year went to:

E.A. Riggs 200 & 300 yards class firing a fat sheep

E.A. Riggs Mrs C.W. Pearce’s picture

N.W.R. Pearce Mr J. Carr’s Kitbag

O.G. Walker 200 yds a fat sheep

E.A. Riggs 300 yds a ham

H.E. Riggs 500 yds a chest of tea

A.L. Kellock 600 yds a bag of sugar

E.A. Riggs 700 yds a kitbag

G. Lawn best three shoots £1-1-0

E.A. Riggs best 12 shoots £2-2-0

‘East Ward Ratepayer’ writes complaining of unlit lamps in East Ward and asking for one on the corner of the old Bible Christian Church.

Burra Cheer-up Society elections for 1916-17:

President E.W. Crewes

Vice-President J. Drew

Secretary Miss Trix Pearce

Assistant Secretary Miss Ethel James

Lady President Mrs J. McLaren

Lady Vice-President Miss A. Wilson

Treasurer F. Harris

XXXVIII, 22, 31 May 1916, page 4

Burra Cheer-up Society, First Annual Report.

The group first met 15 May 1915 in a room at the Institute. The aim was to give all those who were leaving for the front a happy send-off, to assist soldiers in various other ways and to support other patriotic efforts. Elected were President, E.W. Crewes; Hon. Sec., Miss Trix Pearce; Assistant Secretary, Miss Ethel James; Treasurer, Mr F. Harris; Vice-Presidents, S.M. Lane, E.J. Harris, G. Lawn, E.F. Marston, J. McLaren, R. Jones & P. Milner.

Ladies Committee: Patron, Mrs A. Seager; President, Mrs J.H. Nield; Vice-President, Mrs W. Thomson.

In the year the membership grew to 334.

We soon procured a room free of cost from Mr J. Pearce. Monday evenings have generally been work evenings for knitting woollen comforts.

A bugle was presented to the 10th Battalion by Mrs Seager on our behalf.

Blankets, sheets, etc. were collected to equip hospitals in the city for wounded and sick heroes on their return to SA and over £250 worth was sent away.

In June we lost Mrs Thomson, who went to live in Adelaide following the death of her husband. Mrs J.A. McBride was elected in her place; though later she too had to resign on moving to Adelaide.

28 June Burra Cheer-up Society provided afternoon tea at Burra Rifle Range and on 2 July Violet Day was celebrated to raise money for the Cheer-up Hut in Adelaide and a bunch of violets was auctioned for £384. On 14 July Mrs Seager visited us.

Norman McBride was presented with a second bugle from the Society and a third went to Lieut. M. Stevenson.

Meanwhile members gathered 30 dozen handkerchiefs and 6-dozen face-washers, plus writing material and bootlaces for the troops. Six-dozen milk jug covers were also sent to Keswick hospital.

On 13 October Cheer-up Day in Burra was held to aid the Wounded Soldier’ Fund and we were visited by the Governor and Lady Galway and the President of the Adelaide Cheer-up Society, Mr W.J. Sowden. The Adelaide Society recognised the large contribution of Burra & District by naming the Adelaide Cheer-up Hut’s main hall ‘Burra Hall’. 40 Cheer-up Girls formed a mounted guard of honour when the Governor visited and they were also asked to repeat it when he opened the Cheer-up Hut in Adelaide on 4 November.

Male members formed a class to make sandbags and several hundred were despatched.

On 10 December we ran YMCA Button Day in Burra.

On 5 December we sent large parcels of woollen comforts etc. to our boys in Egypt.

Fruit & cake were sent to Keswick Hospital for Christmas and 100 billycans filled with Christmas gifts were forwarded to the city for despatch to soldiers.

In February Mr Crewes unveiled the Burra panel in the Cheer-up Hut in Adelaide.

In April a ‘Cheer-O’ concert was given in the Institute to raise money for comforts for men of the 32nd Battalion. Recently we sent four cases of pickles etc to the Cheer-up Hut and held a 6d gift evening to collect materials for a stall at the Exhibition Building for the Carnival on 18 & 19 May.

We had also sent sufficient poultry, ham and cakes, etc. to provide lunch for 300 soldiers.

Socials have been held, sometimes up to three in a week, to farewell departing soldiers and in 12 months we have given away 182 parcels of comforts for departing soldiers.

So far 11 volunteers have been returned to Burra and we aim to welcome back all returnees as we farewelled them. The Society has provided a bed in the new part of the Burra Hospital.

Recent removals from the district mean we have lost Mrs J.H. Nield and Mrs A.J. McBride. We have been proud to receive photographs of many of the volunteers and would welcome as many more as possible. Thanks especially to A.J. McBride and Mr Glenister for free use of motor vehicles and to Mr F. Robertson for never charging to transport our Cheer-up parcels.

The balance sheets for the cheer-up Society and its Wounded Soldiers’ Fund are then printed.

Significant income for the year was:

Violet Day £409-13-2

YMCA Button Day £83-18-3

Ambulance Fund Collection £103-0-0

Main Expenditure for the year:

To Adelaide Cheer-up Society £414-0-0

Ambulance Fund £103-0-0

Wounded Soldiers’ Fund

Income £800-4-7

Of which Cheer-up Day provided £778-6-2

Adelaide Cheer-up Soc. received £350-0-0

Balance in Bank for local use £370-15-9

XXXVIII, 23, 7 June 1916, page 1

Harry Davey writes, dated 5 April, of visiting cousins in Cornwall, near Perranwell and of visiting Ponsanooth, Truro & Redruth. He says he had a boshta time at Truro Fair.

XXXVIII, 23, 7 June 1916, page 2

Advt. British Red Cross Society Button Day, Friday 16 June. Grand Fair at the Institute.

Proceeds to Lady Galway’s Convalescent Hospital for Wounded Soldiers.

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures at Burra Institute 10 June 1916.

Stockman Joe produced by Lester & Dixon at Burra Burra, featuring Denver Dixon and Miss Maud Jesser and an all-local cast.

Coming on Saturday 17 June: Kangaroo Hunting by Motor Car East of Burra.

Golf. The competition on Monday was won by L. Neagle (off scratch) with 43 + 48 for 91.

Obituary. Mrs William Blott died in Adelaide aged 95. She was a colonist of 62 years. She was born 4 December 1820 in West Wratting, Cambridgeshire. She was one of seven children of whom the eldest three have now died in order of their birth and all in the neighbourhood of 96 years of age. The youngest is James aged 86, who lives on the King’s Sandringham Estate. He was for many years head gamekeeper to the Duke of Cambridge. Mrs Blott came to SA in 1854 in the Octavia. She and her husband settled first at Clarendon, but soon came north and spent several years on northern stations before settling in Burra over 50 years ago. Mr Blott died at Burra 23 years ago and Mrs Blott went to live with her eldest daughter, Mrs Frank Smith. She was blind for the last 17 years and bedridden for the last four, but her memory remained wonderfully bright. She died on 25 May and has been buried at Kooringa. [Born Mary Tilbrook.]

Volunteers approved on Tuesday last week:

P.R. Beckwith of Burra

P. Dedigan of Mt Bryan

D.J. Duggan of Hallett

J.W. Muller of Florieton

A.S. Somerville of Mt Bryan

Burra Show Soc. The Pastoral Committee has met and recommended a separate Sheep Show in September.

Soldiers’ Aid Society AGM was held last Wednesday. Mr Crewes presided. The secretary reported:

Meetings have been held fortnightly and garments given out to be made at home, knitting only being done at meetings. Fortnightly evening meetings were held for a while to produce sandbags. The Boy Scouts helped with this and 2,120 bags were made. Several concerts were given by a band of little girls at Hampton and also a Bazaar in Jubilee Hall. The society numbers about 110. In the year we have produced 361 sheets and 361 pillowcases, 124 towels, 36 pairs of pyjamas, 23 flannelette shirts, 36 flannel undershirts, 13 dressing gowns, 140 kitbags, blankets and rugs, 11 pairs of blankets & 1 single, 3 rugs, 263 pairs of socks, 51 scarves, 92 face-washers, 55 Balaclava caps, 12 c. belts [cholera?] 85 mittens and gloves, 101 handkerchiefs, 18 housewives, 3 pairs of slippers, bundles of old linen, 1 case of jam and 24 Christmas billycans.

We have assisted in Australia day on 30 July, provided luncheon at the Sheep Dog Trials, helped on French Flag Day with the pie stall, raised over £50 for the Burra Ambulance Fund and are working for Red Cross Fete Day. The Balance Sheet audited by C. Fuss is printed.

Elected for 1916-17 were: President, Mrs Bloyd; Vice-President, Mrs Bartholomaeus; Hon. Sec., Mrs F. Sara & Treasurer, Mrs A. Wallis. [The committee included Mrs C. Fuss.]

Cr Killicoat expressed his appreciation of the work done.

C. Fuss followed on and said the Society had also given two beds to the hospital and one through Mrs Griffiths. The Mayor also gave an address of appreciation.

Musical items were given by Miss Griffiths, Mr R. Fuss & Mr N.J. Tiddy.

Leighton Agricultural Bureau report on pig killing and curing.

XXXVIII, 23, 7 June 1916, page 3

Burra Rifle Club. At the last meeting N.W.R. Pearce and M.A. Radford on 100 led G. Lawn, G.E. Dane & J. Kellock on 99.

Stockman Joe, the film made in Burra. The first picture drama produced in SA. The plot is outlined in 1⁄4 column.

Burra Cheer-up Society.

Violet Day will be celebrated on 1st Friday in July.

Parcels have been sent to those unable to attend a social: Capt. A. Lott, Sgt T. Statton, Ptes W. Nankivell, Dollard, D. Cain, H. Dearlove & A. Dearlove.

Obituary. Samuel Burns JP died 3 June aged 58. Until 51⁄2 years ago he was noted for his strength. He then suffered a stroke from which he never fully recovered. He had another 5 weeks ago and a final one on Thursday night from which he did not regain consciousness. For 30 years he had been a local preacher. He was strictly honest in his business and very kind-hearted. He was born in Burra on 23 June 1858 and established a blacksmiths and wheelwright’s business about 30 years ago. He was a member of the Town Council for some years and Mayor for one. During his second year had to resign on account of ill health. [He was West Ward Councillor Dec. 1905-Nov. 1909 and Mayor Dec. 1909-Nov.1910. Through ill health he did not contest the mayoralty for 1911.]

He was chairman of the trustees of the Burra Burra Lodge MUIOOF and a trustee of the Rechabite Lodge. He was a prominent Freemason and Superintendent of the Methodist Sunday School. He leaves a widow, six sons and three daughters: Norman, Gladstone & Charles in Kooringa, and Garfield in Egypt with the Light Horse. Robert enlisted in Fiji and is with the King’s Royal Rifles in France. Jack is in Melbourne. The daughters are Mrs Alan Murrie of Pt Pirie and Misses Lydia & Melva of Kooringa. There are three grandchildren. Rev. J.A. Burns of Mildura is his brother.

[Death registered as 4 June 1916 aged 57.]

R.D. Pascoe’s Sheep Photographs.

[Article reprinted from ‘Bendleby’ in the Australasian.]

While commenting very favourably on Pascoe’s collection for the modern Merino there are interesting references to collections, which go much further back. One of the best collections of old-time portraits of Merino sheep is in the possession of Alick J. Murray in his Mt Crawford home. These show the evolution of the long-necked ram free from apron or cross folds such as are still seen in the Carngham flock in the Western District of Victoria. These were evolved to cope with the spear-grass seed troubles of the north. Cross folds acted as a trap for the seeds and caused endless trouble to the rams and indirectly for the owners. The Mt Crawford gallery contains some prints and engravings and photographs of old-time sheep collected by the late E.M. Pitts of the Levels and were secured by Mr Alick J. Murray after Mr Pitt’s death. For a collection of sheep in modern times nothing compares with the collection of R.D. Pascoe of Burra SA.

Not older than 12 years, it contains all of the most noted rams and ewes which have been making history in that period in SA. It began with two or three portraits of local sheep and a small case of wool from Koonoona Station.

Pte Dollard & Gunner Keynes were farewelled at Leighton on Thursday & Saturday nights respectively. I.J. Warnes presided.

XXXVIII, 24, 14 June 1916, page 1

Burra Hospital board, Last Thursday.

It was decided to switch from two telephones to one and to connect the isolation ward and get a switchboard.

The Chief Secretary acknowledged receipt of a letter from the Board re the town’s doctors.

Nurse McNeil has resigned as a probationer because both of her brothers had enlisted and she was needed at home.

The Chief Secretary expresses concern that the expenditure is exceeding the Government grant of £1,500 and thought more should come from paying patients.

Mr Harcus said the excess would be about £112.

The hospital financial year should be brought into line with the grant year running from 1 July to 30 June and it would be more even. This will be done.

Patient contributions varied greatly from year to year. There was a low of £242 in 1910 and a high of £726 in 1914 for instance. The secretary thought that outstanding accounts should be placed in the hands of a solicitor.

Outstanding accounts totalled about £300.

XXXVIII, 24, 14 June 1916, page 2

Advt. Burra Show Society. Sheep Dog Field Trials will be held on 14 & 15 July.

Henry Collins & Co. have sold their special stud ram Lord Charles to Messrs John Collins & Sons for 1,500 guineas. Lord Charles was bought last July for 2,000 guineas from the estate of the late F.I. Body of Bundeman, NSW

The Mayor wired the Government deploring the loss of Lord Kitchener and received a wire thanking him for the feelings of Burra and District that were expressed. [Kitchener was the British War Minister and he was sailing to Russia on HMS Hampshire when it struck a mine off the northern island of the Orkneys on 5 June 1916 and sank with only 12 survivors.]

Weather. Some light falls to the East this week, mostly 3-15 points, but Faraway Hill got 34 and Morgan Vale 62.

Gallipoli. It is reported that only 16 of the Anzac troops were continuously there from the landing to evacuation.

Red Cross Button Day on 16 June will raise money to furnish ‘Mareeba’ at Woodville as a convalescent home for soldiers.

Theatregraph Pictures on 11 June will show film of kangaroo hunting near Burra. When shown in Adelaide many letters to the press denounced the sport as cruel and should be stopped. Some even wanted the film suppressed.

Obituary. Richard Collins died at his residence ‘Rosedale’, Mt Bryan. A memorial service was conducted at Mt Bryan Methodist Church on 11 June. He was for many years Chairman of the Mt Bryan & Hallett District Councils. He was 1st President of the Hallett Institute. He was the senior JP in the Burra District and one of the oldest members of the Foresters and Oddfellows Lodges. He was also on the local School Board and had been an ardent Bible Christian and laid one of the foundation stones for the Kooringa Bible Christian manse and gave land for the Mt Bryan Church.

A memorial poem to R. Collins by ‘A Friend’ in printed. [Died 19 May aged 75.]

E.W. Crewes, Mayor of Burra, was entertained by Lt-Col Gordon of the 43rd Battalion at Morphettville on 2 June, prior to their departure to the front. Lt-Col Gordon expressed appreciation for the way Burra and District had supported them and Mr Crewes replied. The report extends for 2⁄3 column.

XXXVIII, 24, 14 June 1916, page 3

Hallett District Council is asking for land on the stock road being offered for allotment to be set aside for returned soldiers.

Burra District Council. Nominations:

Kooringa Ward E.N. Finch elected unopposed

J. Reed elected unopposed

Baldina Ward Johann Gottlieb Rooke

John Kellock

King Ward Norman Hiles Pearse elected unopposed

Auditor E.J. Davey elected unopposed

An election will be held for Baldina Ward.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. fund stands at £303-10-0.

Burra Boy Scouts. Activities reported.

[Personal interest: R. Fuss, Don Fuss & A. Fuss are reported to be patrol leaders. They would probably be Russell & Glen Donald, sons of August Fuss, and Aubrey, son of Charles Fuss.]

Pte Hartley Harris writes from France dated 22 April. He is presently with the 9th Battalion Band. Their billets were shelled the day before and c. 30 were killed including three members of the band. The letter was continued on 23 April, when two more bandsmen died and the band was broken up as a consequence.

Leighton Hall meeting was held to decide on the best format for soldiers’ farewells. Sometimes heated, the discussion eventually ended with a decision to have patriotic speeches, songs, games and dancing, subject to the soldiers’ approval.

Redruth Court, 7 June.

J. Duncan Kelly and Hector Bagg were each fined 5/- + 15/- costs for driving an unlit vehicle.

T.P. Halls Senior was charged by his wife Isabella Halls with acts of cruelty and improper relations with Mrs Evans, Dolly Churchman and other unknown women and with neglecting to provide maintenance from 9 April onwards.

Isabella Halls:

Before 9 April had been allowed £2 per week, but he then told me the two boys could keep me. Have been married 32 years. On 18 April said he would ‘make an Alf. Lyons [sic] job of the whole lot of you’. [This is a reference to Alfred Lines, who in June 1885 shot his wife and her lover before shooting himself.] Have seen him in the company of the women above and heard him with others unknown. Am afraid he might shoot me. About five weeks ago saw his bankbook – he had about £700 in the bank. The house I live in is my own. Would accept 30/- a week. Four children from the marriage are still alive: the youngest is 19. Defendant lives in another house, but comes to mine for dinner and tea. He had been in mental hospital for six months.

S.L.G. Halls (Joe):

Joe gave evidence of his father’s behaviour with other women and of threatening him and his brother with a revolver.

T.P. Halls:

Said they had not lived happily for the last 16 years and had not got on well with the children since they grew up. About 18 months ago my wife told me not to enter the house any more. I have given Tom £200 and Joe £110 and handed over the cabs and business to them on condition they provide for their mother. The houses belong to me and I am getting no rent. Remember saying recently I paid Tom wages to drive the cab. Never used the expression ‘Alf Lyons’ to my wife. Had no improper relations with any of the women. Brought home a water pistol: had no revolver.

The Bench decided that much of his behaviour was due to his being kicked by a horse about two years ago. Cruelty was not proven, but the improper relations were circumstantially proved and sufficient to grant a separation. Mrs Halls accepted an offer made by Halls as to assignment.

Bright & Bright sued T. Halls Senior for legal costs of £21-5-4, which arose out of a case that T. Halls Senior brought against T. Halls jnr for assault. A dispute arose over which Mr Bright had been engaged – W.S. or T.R. – who had to come up from Adelaide. Under all the circumstances the magistrate thought there should have been a written agreement and gave a verdict for £11-5-4 plus costs.

Burra Cheer-up Society. Gifts were sent to Ptes H. Pearse, Hogg, Stewart & Goddier, for whom a social could not be arranged.

Burra Institute Committee will send a letter to Mr Lester asking him to have better order maintained at the pictures.

XXXVIII, 24, 14 June 1916, page 4

Burra Town Council.

Mr Winnall advises that Bright & Bright have written stating that the offer made by Council re the lease of the creek was unacceptable by Hon. J. Lewis and asking whether the Council’s solicitor would receive service of a writ.

Estimate of cost of Roll of Honour obtained.

Cr Dane was against a costly roll if there was also to be a big memorial. Also there was some objection to its location in the Council Chamber.

Cr Killicoat said the memorial would be to the fallen, but the roll of honour would include all those who enlisted. Cost of having names in brass to be obtained.

S. Hyland, contractor, advises he could build the George St Bridge for £130 and one in Aberdeen for c. £160. It was decided to do nothing at present.

Cr Killicoat urged the uprights at Gully’s Wharf be removed, as they would act as a baulk in another flood.

Cr Radford said all but one were sound and might be of use if a bridge similar to the old one were to be built.

Cr McWaters said if they were a baulk, then what was the bridge itself?

The site is to be inspected.

A message of regret at the death of Lord Kitchener to be sent to H.E. the Governor.

Condolences sent to Mrs Burns and family.

The Mayor and two or three Councillors have inspected the quarry at the mine and think it is first class. All main road metal in future will come from there.

The lamp at John Pearce’s Bridge in Chapel St is to be shifted to the opposite side of the road.

500 pines and 500 caribs [sic, for carobs] to be applied for.

XXXVIII, 25, 21 June 1916, page 1

Trooper Fred Gebhardt writes from Egypt dated 18 April. He has moved from Light Horse to artillery – it gave more experience and also the chance of getting into action sooner. He mentions which of the Burra boys he has seen and the food they were getting.

Pte F.A. West writes from Egypt dated 6 April. He mentions sandstorms. He writes again from Serapeum on 30 April and reports that Essen Rule has got a commission in the 50th Battalion and mentions several other Burra boys.

XXXVIII, 25, 21 June 1916, page 2

Advt. Burra Institute, 26 June. Grand Dramatic Performance by the Petersburg Dramatic Company in Aid of Burra Branch of the Red Cross Society of the Sensational Comedy Drama in Three Acts:

At the World’s Mercy.

Notice. Mrs S. Burns announces that the Blacksmith & Coach-building business will be carried on as usual by Norman G. Burns.

Ambulance Committee. The 4th ambulance will be a Buick and the order will go through the local branch of Eyes & Crowle.

Mr McKenzie, accountant in Burra with Elder, Smith & Co. goes to the management of the Orroroo branch. He will be succeeded here by Mr L. Boyes from Mt Gambier.

Burra Show Soc. finance committee has decided to recommend the building of a luncheon shed at a cost of £215 and to raise the sum by 5% debentures.

XXXVIII, 25, 21 June 1916, page 2-3

Red Cross Button Day & Fair was a great success and the nett proceeds were £200. The fair was addressed by the Mayor before being declared open by Miss Barker.

He said the Red Cross Branch was re-organised about 13 months ago and since then 14 cases of goods of average value £20 had been sent to Adelaide. Also £330 in money had been sent and they had donated £15 to the Ambulance Fund as well as raising £55 for it. Details of the day run to just over 1 column.

XXXVIII, 25, 21 June 1916, page 3

Burra Town Council.

After talking to Mr Winnall the Council has instructed him if necessary to accept service of a writ.

[E. Thamm was obviously having drainage problems and the Council Inspector seems to have been less than helpful. This may have had something to do with Mr Thamm being thought by some people to have had pro-German sympathies, but nothing of that nature is hinted at in the paper.]

An old well near the Mine Bridge is to be filled in with rubbish.

A photograph of Mr Burns is being sought for the Council Chamber.

Cr Dane said he believed Burra was the only town in SA with sufficient subscribers for a continuous telephone service, but which had not one.

The department will be urged to rectify this at once.

The Postal Department will be urged to revert to the early morning closing of mails as was the former custom.

Cr Dane complained of the lack of a men’s waiting room at the station.

Sergeant Lackman, who had been manager for Elder, Smith & Co. for about three years, was given a banquet at the Cheer-up Hall by friends and former clients on Friday evening. Mr Winnall presided. Mr Hawkes & Mr Crewes, H.H. Thomas and Cr Radford all spoke warmly of Sgt Lackman and the report extends over 11⁄2 columns.

Mr J.M. McBride has donated £13,170 to the war effort since October 1914. He has also continued to donate regularly to other non-war related funds and has made personal gifts that will never be heard of. Mr H.F. Peacock of the Government Treasury released a list of the war donations supplied by Mr McBride. The total list is printed in some detail, but a summary reads:

Salvation Army 1200

Belgian Relief Fund 4200

Serbian Relief Fund 4750

Burra Fund 600

SA Soldiers’ Fund 600

Ambulance 920

Testaments 200

Poles’ and Sailors’ Funds 700

Total £13170

Burra Cheer-up Society social on 13 June farewelled Gunner Cyril Griffiths. It was a small gathering on short notice.

Preparations are being made for Violet Day.

On Monday at the Adelaide Cheer-up Hut Mrs A.J. McBride, on behalf of Burra Cheer-up Society presented Lt Barritt of the 5th Reinforcement of the 8th Machine Gun Section with a beautiful flag. Misses A. & G. Pearce were also present.

Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday A.B. Riggs and G. Lawn on 101 led from L.G. Nutt on 98.

J.G. Nutt scored a possible on the 500 yds range.

XXXVIII, 26, 28 June 1916, page 1

Redruth Reformatory.

Miss E.A. Price, who has been matron for some years, will retire at the end of June. She will be replaced by Miss Edith R. Bubb, Matron of the Girls’ Industrial School Parramatta North, NSW. There had been c. 70 applicants from NSW and 30 from Victoria as well as from numerous SA residents.

XXXVIII, 26, 28 June 1916, page 2

Obituary. Thomas Hogan aged 67 died at the residence of John Q. Hogan at Leighton on 23 June.

Obituary. Mrs Fred Lewis aged 24 died at Aberdeen at the end of last week from pneumonia, leaving a husband and two young children, the youngest not yet a fortnight old.

[Born Millicent Wall 23 October 1891: died 23 June 1916. The youngest child referred to was Millicent May who was born 16 June 1916 at Aberdeen and died 7 July 1916 at Kooringa.]

Obituary. Private Hedley Trevilyan, son of Mr & Mrs John Trevilyan of Mt Bryan, has been killed in action in France. [Born 23 May 1895 Hampton: died 9 June 1916 France, residence Mt Bryan.]

Trooper A. Brandt of Kooringa has been seriously wounded.

Continuation Class. Interest in such a class was shown at a meeting at the Institute on Wednesday 21 June. The class will be in shorthand, typewriting, etc. every Tuesday & Thursday evening. Cost: 10/6 per quarter. Over 20 students have given their names so far.

YMCA appeals for support for the YMCA Club House on the Henley Beach foreshore for convalescing soldiers. The house was built quickly and opened on 8 January 1916 by Lady Galway. At present it houses 30 men and is run entirely by volunteers. Mr G. Bull, the Hon. Sec., has arranged for a soldiers’ concert on Monday 3 July and a badge and button sale that day. On 2 July a united service will be held in the Burra Institute.

Weather. A wet week with 3.08” recorded since last Wednesday. The near Eastern areas received between 1” & 2” and the farther eastern stations between 20 & 40 points.

Petersburg Dramatic Co. took only about £13 at the door on Monday evening. The critic thought the play not well chosen, being highly melodramatic and full of improbabilities and inconsistencies. The performances received lukewarm reviews.

XXXVIII, 26, 28 June 1916, page 3

Leighton Agricultural Bureau AGM is reported in just over 1⁄2 column.

Burra Cheer-up Society.

A photo of Pte R. Blott has arrived for the room. Parcels were sent to soldiers unable to attend a social farewell: Sgt Lackman, Gunner Dixon Thompson, Ptes Dowd, Degenhardt & S. Symons.

Sapper F.C. Alver, a nephew of George Lord, has sent an extract from News of the World reporting the arrival of the ANZAC troops in France and their taking over a portion of the front. 3⁄4 column.

XXXVIII, 27, 5 July 1916, page 2

Obituary. Poole Bevis James aged 53, farmer of Hanson was found dead on the verandah of his niece’s home in Gordon Rd Prospect last Saturday. The deceased has two sons at the front and four daughters: Mrs Przibilla & Mrs McNamara and two at home. He is also survived by a widow.

[Born 3 May 1863 near Kooringa: died 1 July 1916 Prospect, residence Hanson.]

Obituary. John Lord of Magill, brother of G. Lord of Burra has died aged 65. Like his brother, he spent most of his working life as a hotel licensee and served two terms as Mayor of Quorn.

[Considerably more detail is given.] [Born December 1851Devonshire: died 3 July 1916 Adelaide, residence Rosslyn Park.]

District Council of Burra Election.

Baldina Ward results.

J. Kelloch [sic, for Kellock 22

J.G. Rooke 4

[Given that in 1914 Mr Rooke had been elected unopposed one might suspect that 1916 was a bad year to be called Johann Gottlieb.]

Burra Town Council.

E. Thamm was granted permission to build on allotment 17 in Aberdeen.

Cr Radford moved that on outlet be allowed to permit water to flow from the yard of E. Thamm’s present residence, across the footpath.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. Fund stands at £305-14-9. Knitting continues apace.

[Personal interest: knitting included socks from Miss D. Fuss and from the Misses M. & V. Griffiths.]

XXXVIII, 27, 5 July 1916, page 2-3

YMCA War Depot & Lady Galway Club House.

The visit announced last issue is here reported at length, running to almost 1 column. There is also 1⁄2 column on the concert in the evening, including a brief history of the Lady Galway Club House by Mr G. Bull. It is expected the total returns for the visit will be c. £145.

XXXVIII, 27, 5 July 1916, page 3

Hedley Edwards of Mt Bryan School contributes a war poem: The Kaiser’s Mistake.

Burra Red Cross. The Annual Report by E.M. Harcus, Hon. Sec. & Treasurer.

50-60 ladies have attended meetings. We have sent 12 cases of made garments, 1 case of 100 sheets for Mareeba Hospital – each case being worth c. £20. Last 15 July we sent £60 to Adelaide Rad Cross. The branch was most active in Australia Day 1915 with other patriotic societies. In August our Bazaar raised £200, of which we sent £180 to Adelaide for medical supplies following a special request from Lady Galway. On 3 March 1916 £73-10-6 was raised at a garden fete. We also strongly supported Australia Day. On 28 April a garden fete at ‘Benacre’ by Hon. John Lewis raised £10 for the Mareeba Hospital. On 16 June Red Cross Button Day raised £200. Very cold wet weather meant a small house for the Petersburg Dramatic Co. and the sale of sweets by Miss Lane and Sister Solly produced a profit of £4-10-0, which allowed a total profit of only £5-15-9 to be paid into the general fund. In summary since October 1914:

Sent to parent society in Adelaide 324

Sent to Mareeba Convalescent Hospital 210

Given to Ambulance Day, Burra 15

Total cash raised £549

In goods there have been contributions valued at c. £30.

Present bank balance is £68.

Burra Cheer-up Society.

On 1 July the society entertained Rev. Moyle and the returned soldiers in connection with the YMCA Lady Galway Club House visit.

Photos of Ptes Hartley & Arthur Harris have arrived and also of the 13th Reinforcements for the 27th Battalion.

Football. Saturday:

Aberdeen 1.2 4.9 4.10 6.11 (47)

Kooringa 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.4 (10)

£4 was collected for Burra Cheer-up Society.

XXXVIII, 27, 5 July 1916, page 4

William Satchell writes an article in favour of conscription. [About 1 column.]

XXXVIII, 28, 12 July 1916, page 1

Burra Show Soc.

The Ring Committee submitted a program for the dog trials with the usual publican’s booth.

The Soldiers’ Aid Soc. asked to use the publican’s booth as a luncheon facility.

Mr Thomas said that he understood the Soldiers’ Aid Soc. would not run the luncheon if there was a publican’s booth. [In the next issue of the paper Mr Thomas denies he said this.]

Mr Killicoat said he was a member of the Soldiers’ aid Soc. and had heard no such thing.

It was agreed to go ahead with the building of a luncheon booth for £215, financed by 5% debentures. The relationship with the Syndicate over this is to be clarified.

The Pastoralists’ Committee recommended a sheep show in September.

A meeting was called for 18 August to decide whether the sale of intoxicants will be allowed at any future exhibition.

XXXVIII, 28, 12 July 1916, page 2

Advt. Burra Institute, Thursday 13 July, one night only: Leslie Lester presents Three Great Artists.

Daisy Jerome, the Queen of Song; Rose Lee-Ivy, The Californian Peach

and Miss Ruby Dent, Concert Pianiste.

Obituary. Poole Bevis James, farmer of Hanson aged 53, died suddenly on 1 July at Prospect, leaving a wife, two sons, four daughters and six grandchildren.

[Born 3 May 1863 near Kooringa: died 1 July 1916 Prospect, residence Hanson.]

Obituary. William T. Rodda aged 79 died at his residence in Kooringa. He was a colonist of 59 years. He was born at St Just, Cornwall 11 November 1836 and worked for several years in Cornish mines and aged 20 came with his parents and five sisters to SA in the Monsoon, arriving in March 1857. He worked briefly in the Burra Mine before going to the Victorian goldfields, but soon returned. He went to Moonta with the second lot of men who left Burra and worked there 21⁄2 years before returning to the Burra Mine until it closed in 1867. He went to Victoria and then to the River Murray where with George Webster he built the barge Kooringa and leased it to several firms. He then returned to SA and went to the Mt Burr Copper Mine in the northwest and then to the New Burra Copper Mine at the back of Booborowie in company with G. Lord’s father and the late Mr John Lord. When Burra Mine restarted he returned and worked there till it closed in 1878. He then worked for many years for Shakes & Lewis erecting sheep and cattle yards in various places. He was a member of the MUIOOF Lodge for c. 56 years. He married the daughter of the late George Webster. His wife died in 1883 and he then lived with his brother-in-law Mr John Harvey. He left no family. He is survived by two sisters: Mrs Burns of Moonta and Mrs E. Harvey of Ballarat, Victoria and one brother, Mr John Rodda of Bendigo. [William Tresize Rodda died 7 July 1916 at Kooringa.]

Obituary. Hartley McWaters aged 20, was killed in action in France on 31 May 1916. He was the nephew of R. & E. McWaters of Leighton. [Born 3 August 1896 Ironmine.]

Weather. Rainfall to the east this week has been mostly in the 30-60 point range.

Burra Red Cross. At the AGM Mesdames J. Tennant, John Pearce & C. Pearce were added to the list of Vice-Presidents and Mrs Harcus was re-elected as Secretary & Treasurer.

YMCA Army Department. A local committee of this was formed with E.W. Crewes as President and A.G. Horner as Hon. Sec.

Violet Day 1916.

Market Square was decorated and tents and stalls erected. The Mayor made a stirring appeal to give liberally. The object was to raise money for the local Trench Comforts Fund and the Adelaide Cheer-up Society. Rev. A.J. Finch gave a short address. An auction sale on the Bugler system was conducted by Mr Builder for a total of £84-11-0 with the largest bid coming from I.J. Warnes with £10-10-0 per Mr T. McBride.

Sale of souvenirs £21-5-6

Paddy’s Market £46-11-9

Violet Depot £16-1-3

Afternoon Tea £17-7-9

The grand total came to £232-2-11

XXXVIII, 28, 12 July 1916, page 3

Redruth Court, 5 July.

Halls v. Halls adjourned from the previous court day. Maintenance arrangements having been made, a separation order was granted. [Mr & Mrs T. Halls Senior.]

YMCA donations acknowledged to a total of £114-9-0 including £50 from A.J. McBride.

Burra Cheer-up Society.

A social for two of our boys was attempted for Monday, but one had already been arranged for them at Aberdeen – Ptes H. Fuss & C. Tiver. [Presumably H. Fuss is Hasle Fuss.]

We have received a photo of Pte Harrop [Harrap]. On Friday we entertained some boys on leave at Violet Day tea in the tent. [Including Ptes S. Cordon & Dowd.]

Burra Rifle Club. Saturday: A.B. Riggs 90 led from A.L. Kellock 89.

Liberal Union, Burra Men’s Branch AGM on 30 June is reported. M.J. Rogers was elected President in place of Mr J.M. McDonald. Vice-Presidents are Messrs Winnall and J.M. McDonald.

Mrs J.H. Woodcock of the Trench Comfort & Relief Fund for 43rd Battalion writes thanking Burra for its support.

A.J. Moyle writes on behalf of YMCA Army Department, thanking Burra for its liberality etc.

Cpl Fred Harvey writes 5 May from London of five days’ Easter leave spent in Ireland. They ran into the Easter Rising in Dublin and volunteered for service there, getting back to London 10 days late. The details occupy almost two columns.

XXXVIII, 29, 19 July 1916, page 2

Advt. Friday 28 July: Australia Day in Burra, in aid of Wounded Soldiers’ & Nurses’ Fund.

High Court on Circuit, Special Bruce Auction and Cheap Jack, Auction Sale, Art Union, Luncheon & Afternoon Tea, Paddy’s Market, souvenirs, Side Shows, Aunt Sally, Pinch & Judy & Picture Show.

Obituary. Clifford Henry John Morgan, son of Herbert Morgan JP, died on 14 July at Aberdeen aged 5 years 3 months, of bronchial pneumonia. [Born 19 April 1911 Redruth.]

Mr & Mrs John Harvey have left to live in Victoria. They came from there in 1859 and have been here ever since. Mr Harvey was Town Council Overseer for nearly 15 years.

Mr Thomas says he did not state that the Soldiers’ Aid Soc. would not run the luncheon if there were a publican’s booth.

Miss Dorothy Hawkes has left to become a resident nurse at Mareeba Hospital.

Burra School Committee. A meeting of parents will be held at 4.15 Wednesday, when it is hoped to choose the three remaining members needed for the committee.

Mr Crewes alleged in the Register last Saturday that the Burra District has led Australia proportionately in patriotic subscriptions and in the rate of volunteers. The Burra record is c. £20 per head for every man, woman and child.

Weather. Splendid rains have fallen in Burra (283 points) and to the East falls ranging from 215 at Baldina to 101 at Sturt Vale have been reported.

XXXVIII, 29, 19 July 1916, page 2-3

Burra Hospital Board, Thursday.

The Chairmen reported considerable success in collecting money owed.

Mr Warnes moved and Mr Lane 2nd a move to charge anything from 2/6 to £3-3-0 a week depending on the ability to pay. At present they were charging either 25/- or nothing. Mr Winnall was vigorously opposed. If he went into a general ward he would expect to pay for that. If he went into a hotel he paid 1/- for a 1/- dinner no matter what his income. Mr Gebhardt also thought the idea ridiculous and Mr Hawkes could not imagine the board doing such inquisitorial work. Mr Crewes thought the motion a step in the right direction. Mr Winnall said if he travelled by rail he had the right to travel 2nd class and pay a 2nd class fare and it should be the same in hospital. The Chairman, A.J. McBride, thought they could increase the ward fees and allow the House Committee to reduce them where necessary. Mr McLaren sided with Winnall etc.

The motion was lost 6 to 5.

Sister Wood has resigned.

The Chief Secretary writes that the Department cannot at present provide a scullery and cellar. The Superintendent of Public Buildings reports the isolation ward is a disgrace to the Board.

Mr Warnes said the Superintendent only glanced at it.

The Chief Secretary advises that Mr P.A. McBride has been appointed to the Board.

Mr McLaren found himself unable to congratulate the appointee. It was an insult so young a man should be appointed and ‘further one whose father was the chairman and who had two uncles and a father-in-law on the Board’ – it was a discredit to many eligible people. [P.A. McBride was then 24. His father was A.J. McBride, his uncles were W.G. Hawkes and S.M. Lane and E.W. Crewes was his father-in-law.]

He moved the Board respectfully protest against the appointment of Mr P.A. McBride. Mr Warnes regretfully 2nd saying ‘it looked as though there would be a block vote on occasions. The appointment looked as though undue influence had been used.’

Mr Crewes denied any prior knowledge of the appointment. He could not see that the relationship would make any difference – he had a mind of his own.

Mr Hawkes disapproved also and concluded that the board was being made ‘a training ground for public office’.

‘He had no doubt that influence, and most improper influence had been at work. He did not impute the influence to members of the Board. As a member of the family he wished to repudiate any connection with so undesirable an appointment.’

Mr Lane denied any prior knowledge of the appointment.

Messrs Winnall and Bartholomaeus moved the motion be not put and that was carried 6 to 4.

The Chief Secretary suggested the Board appoint a special committee to confer with the Medical Officers about an amicable arrangement of their differences. This was complied with.

The six-month balance sheet showed that £900 of the £1,500 had been spent.

Mr Hawkes said they were worse off than ever before, but the Chairman said they had got in £102 this month with more to come.

XXXVIII, 29, 19 July 1916, page 3

Burra Rifle Club. Progressive points for ‘The Gums’ Cup so far: E.A. Riggs 17, J.A. Riggs 14, J.E. Pearce 13 & N.W.R. Pearce 13.

Leighton farewelled L-Cpl Drew, Pte P. Hooper & Pte S. Cordon on Saturday 8 July.

Burra Cheer-up Society. On Violet Day parcels were presented to Ptes Highett, Henderson, Cordon, Beckwith & Bob Jones. Cpl Drew had already received his and since then parcels have been sent to Ptes Hogan & H. Harris.

We have received photos of the late Sgt R.J. Woollacott of the Coldstream Guards and of Ptes A.M. Hopcraft of 3rd Light Horse and Pte R. Hopcraft of 43rd Battalion and Bugler W. Bowen.

Burra Town Council.

The request to the PMG for mail to close in the morning has been refused.

Hon. J. Lewis agrees to accept the Council’s lease as offered except for the impounding clauses.

Cr McBride suggested some of the slagheap be tried for blending [sic: blinding?] and suggested a trial near the Black Bridge. Carried.

The Mayor said he understood the Aberdeen Post Office was about to be separated from the store and a postmaster appointed.

Local Board of Health.

The Inspector reported that all meat in the town came from outside and therefore the whole of the killing was without inspection.

Mr Crewes said slaughtering could be enforced in the town if the Council provided a place.

Crs Killicoat & McBride said meat was too dear in Burra as it was.

The Mayor reported that the conference with the Hospital Board resulted in the Local Board of Health honouring accounts for infectious diseases except for enteric fever. This amounted to c. £30, most of which could be collected from the patients.

Mr Winnall will draw up an agreement.

XXXVIII, 29, 19 July 1916, page 4

Burra Show Soc. Annual Sheep Dog Trials were held at Aberdeen 14 & 15 July and were very successful.

The Novice Class: won by T. Eustice’s Pat with 87 points.

The Puppy Stakes: won by K. McDonald’s Glen with 92 points.

Open Class: won by R. Laidlaw’s Bantry Jack with 197 out of a possible 200 points.

[Details in c. 21⁄4 columns.]

Belgian Relief Fund now stands at £1,102-17-3.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. Burra Fund stands at £309-9-7.

XXXVIII, 30, 26 July 1916, page 2 [Note: wrongly dated 29 July except on page 1.]

Obituary. Henry Dunn died on 14 July at his residence ‘Barton Hill’ Black Springs aged 87, leaving three sons and five daughters. [Born 1829 Devonshire.]

Editorial on Burra Hospital.

The Government has reduced the annual subsidy from £1,500 to £1,000. At least six months’ notice of such a drastic change should be given.

West Burra Mine has 10 tons of ore bagged and ready to be sent to Adelaide. It should realise c. £300.

Burra School Committee. At a meeting of parents on Thursday Messrs Dane, M. Radford & H.H. Thomas were elected to join Messrs McLaren (Chairman), E.J. Harris (Hon. Sec. & Treasurer), Lane & Winnall.

‘The Gums’ has received the best rains since June 1912 with 1.75” in 36 hours.

Advt. Burra Show Soc. –

Stud Sheep Exhibition and Fair at the Showgrounds Aberdeen 19 September.

Burra Rifle Club. Saturday: A.L. Kellock 102 led H.E. Riggs & L.G. Nutt each on 100.

XXXVIII, 30, 26 July 1916, page 3

Burra & District Motor Ambulances.

Burra & District has sent 400 young men to the front and raised over £18,000 for the patriotic funds. It has now collected £850 to buy two motor ambulances for the military authorities. Mr J.M. McBride and Messrs A.J. & P.A. McBride each agreed to provide an ambulance. As a consequence the committee, of which Cr S.M. Lane is secretary, was able to hand over four motor ambulances to the Defence Department on 18 July: two Overlands, a Buick and an Oakland. The presentation was made opposite the South African Soldiers’ Memorial on North Terrace, by His Excellency the Governor, Sir Henry Galway. About 35 Burra residents travelled to Adelaide for the presentation. Unfortunately the weather was showery. Mr Crewes had the honour of asking His Excellency to make the presentation. He thanked in particular the generosity of the McBrides and Mr W.G. Hawkes supported the Mayor’s remarks. Brigadier-General Irving accepted for the defence department. These brought to 52 the ambulances presented by SA.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. £28-15-1 was raised at the Sheep Dog Trials. The Fund now stands at £341-2-2.

Obituary. Pte F.G. Tralaggan of the 43rd Battalion died on 28 June on the Africa en route to the front. He had contracted measles. [Frederick George Tralaggan born 28 September 1895 Redruth.]

George H. Harmer of Clare writes contradicting the statement at the Burra Council meeting alleging Burra meat prices were high. The prices quoted were 8d lb in Clare and 1/- lb in Burra, but in Clare the 8d refers only to the lowest quality meat and is misleading. Actually prices in Clare are Beef 8d to 1/- lb, Mutton 8 d to 11d lb and Lamb 9d to 11d lb.

Australia Day.

Half a column outlines the coming meeting of the Supreme Court in Kooringa when as many citizens as possible would be fined for diabolical and nefarious offences. Charges included parting his hair in the centre in order to balance properly after drinking too much Scotch, winking at the wrong girl, using hollow legs as a receptacle for beer, and harbouring sheep dogs that did not win a prize at the recent trials.

Burra Cheer-up Society has received photos of Pte Reg. Friend and Driver A. Elliott.

XXXVIII, 30, 26 July 1916, page 4

‘Cpl R. Crewes writes from the trenches in France dated 29 May. He writes of shells landing within feet of them in the trenches and continues on 5 June about fetching in wounded comrades from between the trenches. [2⁄3 column.]

Leighton farewelled Pte J.E. Hogan last Wednesday. A supper and dance followed the presentation.

XXXVIII, 31, 2 Aug. 1916, page 2

Advt. Burra Institute, 11 August: Malini, The Napoleon of Magicians.

Advt. Mr Harry Rabbich is selling his Dwelling, Butchering Plant, Furniture, etc. and moving to Renmark. Allotments 62 to 66 Aberdeen with residence of 7 rooms, pantry, storeroom, bath, kitchen, cellar, stables, sheds, butchering plant, furniture, two butcher’s carts, harness, double Rosa buggy and harness, marble counter top, etc., etc. Two pure bred Yorkshire sows.

Obituary. Edna Margaret Bailey died 25 July at Aberdeen aged six months, of whooping cough and pneumonia. She was the daughter of D. & O. Bailey. [Born 1 February 1916 Aberdeen.]

Robert Burns, who enlisted with the Fijian contingent, has been admitted to hospital in England suffering from shell shock.

Burra Hospital Board, Thursday last.

The Board was unable to suggest any plan that would cut costs to the extent demanded by the Government’s reduction of its grant from £1,500 to £1,000.

Mr Hawkes thought the reduction reasonable. The Government could not be expected to allow over £1,000 p.a. for the care of the indigent. Since all the staff employed seem indispensable, all they could do was ask for subscriptions and raise the prices for paying patients. The charge for ward patients at present was 25/- per week, which raised £62 and the cost was c. £100. Those who could afford it should pay £2 per week.

Mr Crewes thought the Government should have given more notice and if they expected subscriptions to rise then the Board should be elected by the residents of the district.

Mr Warnes said that the district had to subscribe one sixth of the revenue before the public had the right to vote.

The doctors are considering the request for a conference with the Board.

An appeal for subscriptions will be made.

Mr Hawkes said when old age pensioners went into hospital their pensions were stopped, a procedure which benefited the Federal authorities, but not the State.

‘Bill’ writes following on from last week, gently poking fun at the Council and other town institutions.

‘Subscriber’ writes thanking the Record for reporting the Hospital Board so well and is critical of the attitude expressed by Mr McLaren etc. against the appointment of Mr P. McBride.

‘World’s End’ writes saying that if there is concern about family influence on the Burra Hospital Board, then what about the Burra District Council?

‘Chairman, son, ranger and son-in-law.’

‘Also has Mr McWaters been charging mileage right from World’s End or only from Kooringa where he lives?’

‘A Britisher’ writes complaining about the way the secretary of the Black Springs Hall is charging for its use.

XXXVIII, 31, 2 Aug. 1916, page 2-3

Australia Day in Burra.

Would Burra produce the goods again? In the past five weeks nearly £600 had been collected for Red Cross, the YMCA and the Cheer-up Society.

The day was fine. Bunting, marquees and stalls were erected in Market Square. Souvenir sellers were afoot. By 1.30 the crowd was still thin, but by 2 p.m. it had thickened. There were a series of addresses at c. 2 p.m. Rev. A.J. Finch was followed by I.J. Warnes who scorned the wealthy men in the district who had not managed to spare even £100 and some not even £1 for patriotic purposes. Cpl W.M. Hanell, who served under Sgt Darby Killicoat, spoke.

Then Mr Hawkes spoke, followed by Mr Winnall. The Mayor welcomed Ptes James & Oates. He had been asked what sum the committee would be satisfied with and he had said £1,000 and been laughed at, but he knew he had not overestimated.

Ray Chambers of Bagot, Shakes & Lewis then auctioned a Union Jack signed by the Governor-General. The bids totalled over £900. In the end it went to J.M. McBride who had bid £210 and J. Tennant was not far behind with £200. Just as significant was Mrs Brown of Hampton’s bid of 10/-: she has little enough to spare and five boys at the front.

The Mock Court then appeared.

Chief Justice (Mr Hann), and two Judges (Messrs Glenister & Horner), Judge’s Associate (Mr Milner), Court Crier (young Jack Hann) and a bodyguard of women police.

Many were fined from 6d to 5/-. Finally M-C Kane arrested the judges, jury and police and the Mayor fined each on 1/- for impersonation.

A list is then printed of the takings from the various stalls and activities.

Total takings £1,367-8-4.

Burra Cheer-up Soc. On 31 July Driver Horace Oates was welcomed home from Egypt. A photo of Pte W. Pederson has been received. Parcels have been sent to Ptes Duldig and Muller, who could not be present at a social. Condolences were sent to Pte Tralaggan’s family.

Burra Rifle Club thanks A.J. McBride for the gift of a telephone and Mr Bice who installed it and put the old phones in working order.

Leighton School held its Arbor Day on 20 July.

Football. A match in aid of the Aberdeen Soldiers’ Aid Society drew a small crowd and a gate of only 30/-.

Kooringa 1.4 1.7 4.13 4.13 (37)

Aberdeen 2.4 2.8 2.8 3.11 (29)

XXXVIII, 32, 9 Aug. 1916, page 2

Advt. Mrs J. turner of Bleak House has room for two or three respectable gentlemen boarders.

WCTU will hold its AGM today in Jubilee Hall. Victor E. Stanton, General Secretary of the SA Alliance, will give the address.

Kooringa Homing Club was formed on 26 July with Joe Parks as Honorary Secretary.

Mareeba Hospital was opened officially on Saturday by the Governor.

Advt. Perry Bros. New Circus and Menagerie will perform in Burra on 14 August.

Miss Beryl Rabbich was farewelled at a ‘handkerchief evening and girls’ frolic’ at the Oddfellows Hall in Aberdeen last Tuesday evening. Half the 50 young girls present were attired as gentlemen, as there are scarcely any ‘boys’ left in town.

Second Anniversary of the War.

At 9 a.m. residents and school children assembled and the National Anthem was sung, the flag saluted and patriotic speeches delivered. There was a wonderful gathering at the Institute in the evening. In the morning there were speeches by Mr Crewes, Rev. D.B. Bridgwood and Mr Hawkes. The evening gathering was addressed by Mr Crewes, W.G. Hawkes, Rev. S.J. Bloyd, Mr Winnall & Rev. A.J. Finch.

XXXVIII, 32, 9 Aug. 1916, page 3

The Recent Floods.

The last week’s floods saw two narrow escapes from drowning. On Friday Harry Seeley was coming in from Austin’s Farm for supplies and was swept off the ford while trying to cross on foot. He was spotted by Stan Field who jumped in further down and pulled him to the bank.

On Saturday Mr H. Greatbatch, manager for T. Pearce, & Cr Fennessy were crossing the creek near McWaters’ at Leighton in a light dray when the horse was swept away and the dray and men with it for half a chain. Fennessy jumped out and swam to the bank, pulling the turnout with him. Greatbatch climbed along the shaft to safety, but the dray then overturned. The horse seemed to be dead and Fennessy cut the harness, but later the horse recovered. A bridge has been sought there for some time.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. Fund stands at £341-18-6.

Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday the best two shots were Capt. G. Lord 97 and N.W.R. Pearce 94.

‘Honor to Whom Honor is Due’ writes asking that the late Mayor, Samuel Burns be acknowledged on the Rotunda in Market Square for his role in having the idea and in seeing it through to fruition in a year.

‘Anzac’ writes adding to Britisher’s comment about the actions of the Black Springs Hall Secretary in charging the Red Cross for the use of the Hall.

‘Fairplay’ writes on the same theme.

Ray Carter, Hon. Sec. Of the Black Springs Hall writes to say that Red Cross had enjoyed free use of the hall for about 10 months and he had offered to pay £2-2-0 towards the cost of the hall, leaving them to find just £1-3-0 for the use of it till 1 July 1917. As for the Red Cross ladies support of the hall before the war – they had supplied supper on two occasions in four years! He goes on to explain the situation further.

‘Johnny Trevaskis’ writes a letter in dialect agreeing that the recent appointment to the Hospital Board is wrong: ‘cause to maney relationes in a govment is as bad as to maney on a orspital Bord.’

He thanks Mr Crewes for his work towards the war effort and is sorry the north end of town is giving him trouble about letterboxes. He wonders why, now the new swing bridge is in place it isn’t finished off so it can be used.

[This is the first reference to this job for a long time.]

Burra Town Council.

Senator Foster writes that he is still agitating for later closing time for the mail.

The Railway Dept. has agreed to supply, free of cost, the rubble needed to fill in the road near the station.

The Commissioner of Crown Lands reports that the bridge opposite the Institute has been completed.

Cr McWaters asked about the approaches and was told they were not in the contract and the Council would have to make them.

A. Sugars was granted permission to build in Kangaroo St.

Council voted to erect temporary approaches to the new suspension bridge.

Council informed Mr Winnall it was prepared to grant right of way along the creek to Hon. J. Lewis on the conditions agreed to two years ago for 1/- p.a.

Casual hands were granted a pay rise to 9/- per day as from 3 July.

Council is concerned that the railway quarry bridge is holding water back and causing silting up of the channel. The bridge was too low and had been narrowed.

[Presumably this means that the width of the opening for the water had been narrowed.]

A conference on the matter was sought with the Railways Dept.

Local Board of Health.

The agreement with the Burra Hospital Board about infectious diseases cases was adopted.

XXXVIII, 32, 9 Aug. 1916, page 4

Australia Day at Booborowie is reported in 1⁄2 column.

West Burra Copper Mine: Sixth half-yearly report to shareholders. G. Lord presided.

No large ore body has yet been found, but 81⁄2 tons of high-grade ore were raised and sent to Pt Adelaide. The financial position was not strong and there was a need to raise 10-20 tons. In the six months just gone a winze has been sunk from the 100’ to water level, c. 46’ at a cost of £92. A rise from the 50’ level to the surface cost £47 and 56’ of driving and crosscutting cost £79. The 81⁄2 tons despatched cost £61-7-0 to mine and forward, for a return of £200. Working costs have been £317. Presently the sinking has been 246’, driving and crosscutting 529’ and rising 47’. We believe further development is justified at the bottom of the winze. Funds can be obtained from work at the 50’ level. We began with a credit of £360-9-6 and end in credit £54-10-9.

S.M. Lane and C.B. Warnes were re-elected as directors. The directors were instructed to take out as much ore as possible in the light of the high price of copper.

Pte Will Pederson writes dated 17 June. He tells of being a cook and of other aspects of trench life. Hartley Harris is with him. He also talks of gas attacks.

XXXVIII, 33, 16 Aug. 1916, page 2

Obituary. Jane Gibbons died 11 August at her daughter’s residence (Mrs M.A. Kellock) in Kooringa. She was the relict of the late Philip Gibbons and was aged 88. She came to SA in the Pestongie Bomajee on 12 October 1838. She lived for some years near Clarendon before coming with her husband to farm at Baldina just before the Mine closed. Mr Gibbons died in 1881 and Mrs Gibbons remained on the farm until a few years ago when she moved to live with her daughter. She had 10 children of whom 6 survive: Mr John Kemble (WA) [sic], Mrs William Kellock, Mrs M.A. Kelloch [sic], Mrs Fanny Kellock, Mrs Holman (Laura) & Mr H. Motherall (Hanson) [sic]. There are 51 grandchildren, 49 great grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren.

[Mr Kemble & Mr Motherall are accounted for because Mrs Gibbons was married three times: John Kemble in 1845, William Henry Motherall in 1863 (died 1875) and Philip Gibbins/Gibbons in 1878 (died 1881). Born Jane Waymouth 1828: died at Kooringa aged 87.]

Accident. Mrs Schwier and two daughters were thrown from their vehicle on Friday on the way in from Mongolata when the pole broke and the horse bolted. They all suffered shock and cuts.

A Patriotic Demonstration at the Institute on Tuesday was chaired by the Mayor and was in aid of Salvation Army work among the troops.

Obituary. Pte Stan Pearce [W.S. Pearce], son of Mr & Mrs Walter Pearce of Kooringa has been killed in action in France. For a time he had lived at Mt Bryan. [Walter Stanley Pearce born 15 March 1892 Kooringa: died 20 July 1916 France, residence Kooringa.]

Obituary. Pte J. Duell of World’s End has been killed in Egypt. [John Duell born 1 January 1895 World’s End: died 6 August 1916.]

Obituary. Pte J. Honan, who enlisted elsewhere, but was born and has relations in Burra, has died in London of pneumonia. [John Henry Honan born 4 November 1888 Redruth, died 27 July 1916.]

Obituary. Captain Charles W. Hooper, son-in-law of Mrs Lane of Burra, and second son of Mr John Hooper of Queen St Norwood, has been killed in action. [Charles William Hooper born 20 April 1884 Kenton Valley: died 25 July 1916.]

Lt. Kenyon is reported wounded.

Pte H. Collins, son of P. Collins of Gum Creek is reported wounded.

Mr A. Shortridge of the local post office has moved to a job with the Electoral Dept. Mr Crewes presented him with a travelling rug and a case of pipes on Saturday and said he was Burra born and he (Mr Crewes) had known his father 38 years before. He had been leader of the Burra Coronation Band, which was so much diminished by the war, though its members remain enthusiastic.

Mr A.J. McBride recently showed a piece of copper extracted by the experimental Mr du Faur’s process from the dump heap at the mine. Arrangements are being made to erect a full working plant.

Burra Hospital Board.

The Board told Matron to discharge a man admitted on a note from Mr Crewes, but without a doctor’s authority.

Water was penetrating one of the walls of the new ward.

Tenders will be called to remove part of the old building if the Chief Secretary permits.

Mr Dane reported on the state of the Hospital piano. It would cost £20 to repair and was not worth it. If they sold it for £10 he would run a couple of concerts and raise money for a decent one. His offer was refused with thanks.

Mr Hawkes moved that a suggestion be made to the Chief Secretary that he consult the Board before making appointments to vacancies thereon. Carried unanimously by the 8 present.

Fees were suggested by Mr Hawkes: Ward Patients £2 a week

Private Rooms £3-3-0 a week.

Mr Warnes brought up the idea of assessing patients’ ability to pay again. The others wanted to reduce charges when people couldn’t pay.

Mr Hawkes then suggested: Ward Patients 5/- a day, (£1-15-0 a week).

Private Rooms 10/- a day, (£3-10-0 a week).

Special nurses to be extra, but medicine & bandages included. Carried.

XXXVIII, 33, 16 Aug. 1916, page 2-3

Australia Day at Mt Bryan on 11 August raised over £500 and is reported at length in c. 11⁄3 columns.

XXXVIII, 33, 16 Aug. 1916, page 3

Burra Cheer-up Soc. A farewell social was held on 10 August for Pte Harold Pearse of ‘The Gums’ Station. J. Drew presided in place of Mr Crewes, who was too ill. Lt. Throssell VC apologised for being unable to stay for the occasion. Photos have been received of the two Bishop brothers and of Cpl Crewes. Condolences have been extended to families of the deceased soldiers noted above in this issue.

‘Bill’ writes again in dialect, casting aspersions on the Aberdeen post boxes and the White Hart footbridge.

‘Wayback’ writes in the same vein and casts an eye over the Booborowie District, in the process of which he mentions moves to get a hotel at Booborowie.

[The following year the licence from Opie’s Hotel in Burra was transferred to the Booborowie Hotel.]

‘Member of the Society’ writes about the Burra Show Soc. meeting on 18 August to decide on the publican’s booth at the show and lobbying against it.

Ray Carter, Hon. Sec. Of the Black Springs Hall, responds to Anzac’s attack on him.

Ray Carter writes a second letter in response to Fairplay.

‘One of the Boys’ writes supporting Ray Carter.

‘Local Resident’ writes supporting Ray Carter.

E.W. Crewes writes suggesting the arrangement of a memorial service for the fallen (numbering 14 at the time of writing) of the district, to be held in the Institute on a Sunday to be fixed. It would also be an intercession service for those still fighting. Perhaps a monthly intercession service should be considered.

‘Shop Assistant’ writes calling attention to breaches of the Early Closing Act to the disadvantage of those who do comply. Hawking is also being carried on after hours.

Leighton Hall. A meeting on Saturday last voted for the Hall to be admitted to membership of the Institutes’ Association of SA. The annual dinner will not be held this year on account of the war.

XXXVIII, 33, 16 Aug. 1916, page 4

WCTU AGM was held in Jubilee Hall last Wednesday. There was an address by V.E. Stanton, General Secretary of the SA Alliance on The Great Lesson of the War. Reported in 2⁄3 column.

[It must have surprised many with relatives etc. at the front to learn that the real enemy was the drink traffic, which was even more dangerous than German military might.]

Burra Cheer-up Soc. has received photos from Miss Nellie Ockenden of her five soldier brothers: Ptes Arthur, Oliver, Stanley, Harold & ‘Dick’ Ockenden. Photos of QM Sgt W. Cock & Cpl R. Cock have also been received.

Boy Scout activities continue to be regularly reported.

XXXVIII, 34, 23 Aug. 1916, page 2

Advt. Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Fund.

Public Meeting on 24 August at Burra Institute, 7.30 p.m.

Advt. First Annual Boy Scouts Social in Jubilee Hall.

Advt. Memorial & Intercession Service at Burra Institute, Sunday 27 August 3 p.m.

Obituary. Harry Edward Davey, killed in action in France, 25 July 1916 aged 22. He was the only son of E.J. & Emily Davey of Burra and husband of Gwendoline Davey of North Adelaide. He leaves one child. He was employed by the British Imperial Oil Co. in Adelaide and enlisted in December 1914. He spent six months on Gallipoli before being taken ill and was six months in England on sick leave before going to France on 28 May 1916. [Born 8 April 1894 Kooringa.]

Pte W. Line [sic, for Lines] has been reported not seriously wounded.

George Wilkins, who has just returned after two years in the Frozen North, as a member of the Stefansson Expedition, is a Burra boy. His father was the late Harry Wilkins JP, who worked in the Burra mine till it closed. He went farming at Mt Bryan East, where young Wilkins was born and he lived there till c. 10 years ago when his parents moved to Adelaide.

[He is better known as Sir Hubert Wilkins, 1888-1958. George Hubert Wilkins was made a Knight Commander in 1928.]

Pte Hartley Harris has been appointed an orderly at General Birdwood’s headquarters. Pte W. Pederson tramped 15 miles to deliver a parcel from home to him.

Burra Hospital Board, Monday.

Mr Crewes took up the case of the man admitted to hospital on his note and then turned out. He said the man was brought to him by Josiah Thomas and was spitting blood and looked seriously ill. He said Dr Ashton would not admit him to hospital because it was in a state of insolvency. After his discharge Mr Thomas took the man in and on Saturday night as much as a pint of blood and phlegm came away from his lungs.

Cr McBride said that at the Board meeting it was said the reason for not admitting him was that he was not ill enough.

Mr Crewes said he wanted to know if Dr Ashton had said the hospital was insolvent. If the Doctor said the man was not ill enough, that was a different matter.

Cr McBride said Dr Ashton did say so and refused to sign the admission form. Matron said there did not appear to be very much wrong with him.

Mr Crewes said this did not close the matter and he would take other steps.

Josiah Thomas writes outlining the case already put by Mr Crewes above, but going into more detail. He ends by saying he is sending the sick man, Briant, to Adelaide to see a doctor and hopes he will get better treatment there. He thanks the Mayor for his efforts.

The Red Cross Society expresses sympathy to Mrs Tennant on the death of her daughter and to the Davey family on the death of Pte H.E. Davey.

XXXVIII, 34, 23 Aug. 1916, page 3

Burra Show Society met on Friday in the Liberal Union Rooms. For probably the first time a number of ladies attended. Mr Winnall moved to make the decision of the meeting binding on the General Committee with respect to the sales of intoxicants at the 1916 show. He linked a vote of no to the loyalty of the members. This produced uproar and cries of ‘Sit down’ and ‘Wowser’. He alleged that alcohol was as big an enemy to Britain as Germany, which provoked laughter. The vote in favour of a publican’s booth was 123 for and 54 against.

A Girls’ Patriotic Fair was held in the Institute on Friday under the auspices of the Salvation Army, assisted by representatives from other churches and over £46 was raised. The Mayor opened the fair in the absence of Mrs J.M. McBride, who was unable to attend because of Mr McBride’s ill health. Ensign Day had organised the event.

‘Resident’ writes supporting the secretary’s stand on the Black Springs Hall issue.

‘Jimmy’ writes in Cornish dialect offering, along with Johny Trevaskis, to ‘tackle the orspital bord job an we am yung abel bodied felloes’.

‘A True Britisher’ writes expressing disappointment at the result of the Show Society vote.

Henry Elder, storekeeper of Kooringa, takes issue with ‘Shop Assistant’ on the matter of breaches of the Early Closing Act.

Burra Town Council.

The Deputy Postmaster General writes to Senator Foster saying the average number of letters posted between 10.15 p.m. and 9 a.m. was one and therefore keeping the mails open was not justified.

Cr Dane said this was a ridiculous reply. Of course people didn’t post letters then because they wouldn’t be cleared, but people going to Adelaide on the early train were rushed with requests to take letters with them.

The Mayor reports that the railways sent two officers to discuss the obstruction caused by the [Aberdeen Ballast Quarry] bridge, ‘the removing of fence road’ [?] and the building of a waiting room. They agreed that if levels taken showed that if the bed of the creek were made available for water for the full width it would be alright, then it would be done. At the fence they agreed to have rubble unloaded near the fence.

With respect to a waiting room money was short and they didn’t know where to build. However, a spot on the western side was found and the estimated cost was £200. They would do what they could and in the meantime would arrange for a fire in the refreshment room and for it to be made available to passengers.

Two framed photos of the presentation of the ambulances are to be obtained for the Council Chamber.

Burra Cheer-up Society.

On Wednesday 16 August there was a social to farewell Pte Norman Ford and Trooper Reuben McBride.

On Monday 21 August there was a farewell for Ptes Howard West and L. Jesser. Unfortunately Ptes Heinrich, Penns & Griffin were unable to attend. Seaman Harry Vivian was welcomed.

Photos have been received of the four Hill Brothers: Ben, George, Sam & Horace as well as Pte Alan Gebhardt. Sympathy was extended to the Davey family.

Mr J.Q. Hogan was presented with a valuable rug on his retirement after 22 years as the District Clerk and Overseer of Works with the Booborowie District Council on 14 August at the Council Office in Booborowie.

War Poem by Vera Tralaggan: To My Brother in the Trenches.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. Fund at £345-15-0.

WCTU. An afternoon address by Mr Stanton, General Secretary of the SA Alliance, is reported in 1 column: The Hereditary Influence of Alcohol.

[This is as typically extreme in its views as his other address, for example he cites as an instance that in ten drinking families with 52 children, only four were normal.]

XXXVIII, 35, 30 Aug. 1916, page 2

Miss Rena Sara is receiving good reviews as likely to become a leading Australian soprano.

She is a niece of Mr & Mrs J.G. Sara of Aberdeen and daughter of Mr & Mrs Edwin Sara, for many years residents of Burra, but now of Wickefin, WA.

L. Kellaway has been promoted to Sergeant.

Obituary. Mrs E. Sellers of Aberdeen died on 26 August aged 58. She leaves a husband and family of: Mr Tom Sellers (Broken Hill), Mrs F. Gipps (Adelaide), Mrs Kakachke [sic, presumably for Kakoschke] (Aberdeen) and Will Sellers, who is serving in France. [Born Mary Ann Beckwith 27 November 1859 Redruth.]

Obituary. W.A. Rabbich died on 25 August 1916 aged 89. [William Adrian Rabbich born 1827 Devonshire.]

Notice. The Burra Town Council has declared the Young St Ford, known as Gully’s Wharf, dangerous for vehicular traffic and any person crossing will do so at their own risk.

Luke Day has been advised that Pte Jack Steadman has been wounded in the leg.

The Scout Troop under Mr Rigney is flourishing and has increased in 12 months from 18 to 40 and he is doing great work.

The Australia Day Committee met on Thursday and the treasurer said there was c. £1,139 in hand with about £59 outstanding, some large amounts having been forwarded directly to Adelaide, but to be credited to the Burra Committee. It was resolved to send £1,000 to the Central Committee.

Repatriation Fund. There was a meeting in the Council Chamber last Thursday to consider starting a movement to help along the Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Fund.

Mr Crewes said the Federal and State Governments would start the fund off with £500,000. It would be entirely separate from the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund or any other and would be to enable returned soldiers to help themselves. They would be advanced loans without interest to help establish themselves in a farm or business, or acquiring tools of trade etc. He thought there should be country representatives on the Board to encourage country donations. A major effort is planned for the 27 October.

Mr Lane moved the establishment of a Repatriation Fund in Burra. Carried.

Mr Dane was elected Secretary and Mr Milner, Treasurer.

United Memorial & Intercession Service. This was held last Sunday at the Institute and is reported in 3⁄4 column. It was led by the Mayor, Rev. A.J. Finch & Ensign Day. The names of the District Fallen were listed as:

J. Camp H. Skinner C. Kuchenmeister

C.H. James B. Collins F.G. Tralaggan

J. Honan B.W. Pearce R. Woollacott

W. Jones D.H. Killicoat H. Trevilyan

J. Duell Stan Pearce Harry E. Davey

£5 collection will go to the Repatriation Fund.

Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday best shots were: E.A. Riggs 81, N.W.R. Pearce 81, P. Milner 81, and H.E. Riggs 79.

Booborowie School. A site has now been surveyed on the parklands for a new school.

Leighton had a farewell social on Monday last week for Pte Murray Pens.

XXXVIII, 35, 30 Aug. 1916, page 3

H. Jennison writes a letter from somewhere in France dated 26 June and describing the trip to France via the Suez Canal and a 63-hour train journey to the front. He goes on also with something of life at the front.

Leighton School Committee. Last Wednesday Mr I.J. Warnes, Chairman, presented pictures of Lord Kitchener, King George V and Queen Mary to the school. Mr Robinson, the head teacher, accepted the three pictures. Mr McLaren, representing the Burra School Committee, congratulated Mr Warnes on being appointed a JP.

‘Jimmy’ writes in Cornish dialect. He has a go at the situation of the Hospital Board and ‘poore ole Bryan’ and then turns to a reference concerning why the Council has warned people about the ford at Gully’s Wharf, which doesn’t seem to have been reported as news anywhere.

‘Ded i tel e aboute the Meyor getin stucke in that there crake, Counciller dane was with un. Law twas funy, the motter car got in the big ole, by Gullie’s warf. They ded un think their was one, but they foun un rite enuf. You shud ave seen um, they loked quiete skeare, i can tel e, we be goin too ave a bran newe brige, an the foord es too be dun upp al nice an fity like.’

Burra Cheer-up Society. Violet Day was celebrated elsewhere in SA on 25 August, while Burra’s was a few weeks ago. Last Friday on 25 August some of the girls sold some more buttons and badges and raised a further £28-5-6.

Pte A. Brandt was given a welcome at the station last Wednesday night.

Pte L. Fuss has been reported missing since 25 July. [Lyal Fuss.]

Pte Archer Sara, son of Mr Arthur Sara, has been wounded in the head.

Burra Boy Scouts. Report of the 1st Annual Social.

Mr Rigney reported on the year’s work. The troop started with 18 and now numbers 40. They started out with the use of part of the old White Hart Hotel until it burnt down and now they are using a nice large room at the Waterworks, courtesy of Mr Sedgman, who obtained permission from the Commissioner. Camps were held at Aberdeen Oval in November, at Princess Royal at New Year, with permission from Mr Tennant and at The Forest with the permission of Mr Cock.

Other activities are reported.

The Scouts made about 300 sandbags and are now collecting bottles and newspapers for the Soldiers’ Aid Soc. Mr Bartholomaeus presented a grand Australian Flag and Messrs C. & A. Fuss presented a 20-foot flagpole.

XXXVIII, 35, 30 Aug. 1916, page 4

‘One Interested’ writes strongly supporting the Black Springs secretary. Red Cross had free use of the hall for 10 months and then were offered effectively a year’s use for 101⁄2d a meeting. They should realise that the interest on the hall loan has to be paid, war or no war, and they have had a very fair go.

‘A Supporter of the Hall’ writes, putting a similar case very forcefully.

J.H. Dawe, of Mirra Mitta, Way Back, complains of the money paid to those who run the Bush Mails and the conditions imposed upon them. He says they should be allowed to charge more for passengers and large parcels.

‘Justice’ writes about importing goods from Germany and other enemy countries. With Germany subject to an effective blockade, taking goods from her and preventing her importing does more harm than prohibiting the importation of German goods.

A.E. Goodridge writes chiding ‘Wayback’ for supporting a pub at Booborowie.

James Reed of Wandillah writes thanking the Scouts for the ‘beautiful swastika medal presented to me at their first Annual Social held at Jubilee Hall on Thursday night in return for use of rooms at the White Hart.’

The Mayor pointed out he did not see why the troop should not have a room of their own. I think if an appeal were made there would be a ready response. I would be only too pleased to help such a move. Mr Reed enclosed £3-3-0 to help the work of the troop.

‘Householder’ writes agreeing with ‘Assistants’s’ [sic] letter about the Early Closing Act in a recent issue.

XXXVIII, 36, 6 Sep. 1916, page 2

Obituary. George Dixon of Koonoona has died. [Information from ‘Thanks’ Notice.]

[Died 19 August 1916 at Kooringa, residence Hanson aged 82.]

Pte C.A. Brown reported wounded.

Pte Firth reported wounded: he enlisted in Adelaide, but his father is stationed at Burra with the SAR.

Pte Willie Herbert is reported wounded in France. He is the son of John Herbert.

Pte Olive[r] Ockenden has been wounded in the right arm.

Pte Otto Niemann is reported missing in action.

Pte R.J. Nourse has been admitted to hospital with a gunshot wound to his arm.

Burra Town Council has agreed to sign a lease giving Bagot, Shakes & Lewis a 99-year unrestricted right of way to the Burra Creek for 1/- a year. The right of way will be free to all – the lease merely enforces the provision that the creek not be fenced to prevent stock movement.

The dog poisoner has been active again. W.J.C. Ewins has lost his well-known bulldog, ‘Buley’.

Golf. P. Roach won the tournament last Saturday.

Wattle Day last Saturday was not celebrated with any demonstration in Burra. Sprays of wattle were sold and raised £1-17-6 for a patriotic fund.

Wheat. Farmers meeting at Booborowie voted that they considered the time inopportune for the introduction of the bulk handling of wheat.

‘A Resident’ writes about the Black Springs Hall controversy, strongly in support of the secretary and deriding the writers ‘Anzac’, ‘Britisher’ and ‘Fairplay’ and wondering why the good ladies of the Red Cross, daughters and wives of Liberals, rushed off to a Labor supporter’s barn.

‘Fairplay’ of Mongolata writes believing all that Mr Thomas has to say of the Burra Hospital incident and expressing the hope that the Hospital Board will investigate thoroughly and complimenting Mr Crewes on his compassion.

‘Jimmy’ writes in Cornish dialect supporting Billy Hughes on the conscription issue, and supporting the Mayor’s latest vitriolic attack on shirkers and also supporting Christmas boxes for ‘our solgier buoys’.

‘Assistant’ writes about the Early Closing Act again, on the requirements to separate goods that are allowed to be sold from those not allowed.

XXXVIII, 36, 6 Sep. 1916, page 3

Soldiers’ aid Soc. A social by the Girls’ Club raised over £3 for tennis racquets for Auxiliary Hospitals. Produce and knitted goods continue to be donated. The fund stands at £354-19-2.

[Personal interest: Miss D. Fuss gave 2 pairs of knitted socks and Mrs C. Fuss 3 face washers.]

Christmas Boxes for Soldiers. Mr F. Harris has 250 boxes from the League of Loyal Women for packing. He will also pack for out-of-town-people if required. Matches must not be included. 20,000 are to be sent from SA. [On page 2 Mr Harris advised that filled boxes were required back for despatch by 13 September. The boxes themselves cost 7d.]

Burra Rifle Club. Best two shots on Saturday: P. Milner 105 and N.H. Pearse 104.

Burra Cheer-up Soc. On 30 August there was a welcome home social for Trooper August Brandt, who is recovering from wounds. Photos have been received of Ptes A. Isaac, H. Webster & V. Preiss.

Burra Town Council.

The Burra Burra Copper Co. writes claiming rent for the Council Rubbish Dump as it is not on the property recently purchased by A.J. McBride, but on that purchased by Mr Kellock.

[This does not make clear why then the rent goes to the company.]

The Railway Commissioner has decided that the traffic does not justify a waiting room.

Cr Radford moved that Gully’s Wharf [Ford] be attended to and done thoroughly. He was glad the Mayor and Cr Dane got stuck in it, but would have preferred it to have been Cr McWaters, who had opposed the work. (Laughter.) Carried.

Cr Radford moved that the Deputy Postmaster General be asked to buy the late residence of Mr Rabbich for use as a Post Office. Carried.

The Mayor thought the council employees should get an extra 1/- on account of the high cost of living.

Cr Killicoat said another aspect was that they could lose their employees to shearing, which needed men, or to the quarry, which could absorb 40-50 and their replacements might cost 12/6 a day instead of 9/-.

Cr Radford cautioned that it would add £45 a year to costs to increase wages.

Cr Lane and Cr McWaters moved that the wages for permanent hands be raised by 1/- a day. Carried.

Burra Scouts. PL Tom Luke has left the town with his family.

Mr & Mrs Keogh were given a farewell on Saturday. Mr McKeogh goes to Orroroo to take charge of the Pekena [sic] Irrigation Works. He has been in Burra for three years in the Hydraulic Dept. He received a solid leather brief bag and case of pipes and Mrs McKeogh an umbrella. She was also given a dressing case from the ladies of St Joseph’s Church Bazaar Committee on Saturday afternoon.

XXXVIII, 36, 6 Sep. 1916, page 4

W. Howard Turner of Leighton writes arguing strongly and at length that the Black Springs Red Cross (or any other Red Cross group) should not have their funds diverted to the maintenance of a hall in this time of national need.

Australia Day effort at Farrell’s Flat is reported in 1 column. Approximately £230 was raised.

XXXVIII, 37, 13 Sep. 1916, page 2

Advt. At Burra Institute 25 September, Grand Dramatic Evening in aid of Red Cross Funds.

Featuring the visit of five dramatic stars:

Mrs Percy Trevor, Miss Zoe Reid, Miss Bobs Trevor, Miss Ethelwyn Robin & Mr Percy Trevor.

Entre Acte Music by the Institute Orchestral Class.

Advt. Tenders called by John Tennant for cutting posts, carting and erecting the telephone from Princess Royal to Kooringa.

Obituary. Mrs William Dare had died according to a bereavement notice.

[Born Maria Frances Edwards 1861: died 1 September 1916 at Adelaide, residence Mt Bryan.]

Pte Jos. Regan has been wounded. He was the son of W. Regan of Oakbank Station.

Pte H.F. Lomman writes to his parents in Copperhouse dated 27 July from England, telling of the trip there and the camp.

Golf Club. The tournament last Saturday was won by Father Kett with two 57s and a handicap of 30.

Burra Cheer-up Society. On 5 September there was a farewell social for Ptes H. Killicoat, B. Dew [a.k.a. A. Dew] and R. Motherall. Photos of Cpl K. Drew, Pte H. Turner, Trooper J. Turner, Pte L. Harris & Pte H. Harris have been received.

Through the League of Loyal Women we are sending 200 Christmas puddings. 250 boxes, obtained through our society, have been packed with Christmas gifts for the troops.

Burra Show Soc. met last Friday. They resolved that the 1916 show be on Wednesday 25 October. Debentures of £195 have been taken up to cover the new luncheon room cost.

Details of rules etc. are reported in 2 columns. Section Fours were deleted ‘so that young fellows who would not enlist would at least not be allowed to play toy soldiers on the showground.’

W.H. Lloyd moved that ‘German cake’ be struck off the prize list. Carried unanimously.

The President, I.J. Warnes, asked permission to invite the Governor at his own [Warnes’] expense.

‘It was his last year of office and he desired to make it one upon which he could look back with pleasure.’

He was supported by Messrs Winnall, Harcus and Laidlaw and the move was carried by applause.

XXXVIII, 37, 13 Sep. 1916, page 3

Ptes A. Dew & R. Motherall were given a farewell social at Hanson on 4 September.

‘Equity’ writes drawing attention to a long and complex clause 64 of the Licensing Act of 1908 in which it would appear that any organisation ‘of which the members are or may be, of less than twenty-one years of age’ cannot be granted the form of liquor licence required for the show. The Show Society has such members.

‘Billy Shugg’ writes in Cornish dialect. He wonders why the paper reported not a word of the ‘grett hindiggnation meating’. [This appears to be the meeting referred to by ‘Jimmy’ where Mr Crewes berated non-volunteers and from comments it appears to have been on the subject of ‘Billy Ewes’ conscription referendum. Jimmy’s reference suggests the meeting was held on Friday 1 September, but I can see neither any advertisement announcing such a meeting nor any report of it other than the references in this pair of dialect pieces. Even ‘Billy Shugg’s’ complaint elicits no editorial explanation.]

‘Most Indignant’ writes to attack Fairplay’s attack on the Burra Hospital board.

Ray Carter, Secretary of the Black Springs Hall, writes spelling out with great clarity why charges for hall use need to be made and attacking the ‘anonymous’ Leighton writer whom he identifies as living at Black Springs when the hall was built, in the house ‘commonly known as a post office’ and saying he had ‘only about 250 yards to journey to get to the meeting’, but apparently decided not to attend because dances might be held there.

Obituary. L-Cpl Cliff. Oates was killed in action 20 July in France. He was the youngest son of Mrs M. Oates and the late P. Oates of Victoria Park Perth and late of Burra. He departed 18 November after being farewelled by Burra Cheer-up Society in the company of Sgt Luly. He spent some time at the defence of the Suez Canal. He had been employed by Dalgety’s & Co. Ltd in Fremantle WA.

[Clifford Nicholas Oates born 30 October 1893 Farrell’s Flat.]

XXXVIII, 37, 13 Sep. 1916, page 4

Lt R.G. Baynes, youngest son of Mrs Ivey of Kooringa writes from France. He landed at Marseilles on 12 June and went by train to Calais and thence to the front.

‘World’s End’ writes reporting a magpie nest there made entirely of various sorts of wire.

S.N.D. Bettison, the Mail Contractor of Kooringa, writes defending the two stations along the run to Oakbank that charge for meals, but agreeing that the prices paid for bush mails are too low.

XXXVIII, 38, 20 Sep. 1916, page 2

Advt. Burra Institute 21 September. Recruiting Meeting with speakers from Adelaide.

E.W. Crewes, Chairman of Burra Recruiting Committee.

Pte Hartley Harris writes from France. [A 1-paragraph report.]

Gordon Shortridge was falsely reported killed in action on Saturday.

Pte W. Pederson writes dated 31 July 1916 from France. He writes of some very heavy fighting and of having received some very minor wounds on the skin and of going 108 hours without sleep.

Obituary. Mr William West died on 18 September aged 80. He was Mayor of Burra some 26 years ago. [Born 21 November 1836 Kennington, Surrey.]

Lloyd Pearce, son of Mr F. Pearce of Aberdeen is reported wounded.

Horton Jennison, son of Rev. J.C. Jennison is reported wounded.

J. Ridgway, son of Mr George Ridgway of Aberdeen, is reported wounded.

Lt Baynes, son of Mrs Ivey of Kooringa is reported wounded.

Cardigan Jones, son of Mr D. Jones of Kooringa, is reported wounded.

Hedley Bishop, son of Mr Bishop of Hanson, is reported wounded.

Pte Griffin, son of the late Mrs Dare of Mt Bryan East, is reported wounded.

Obituary. Pte Clarrie Bishop, son of Mr A. Bishop of Hanson, was killed in action on 16 August.

[Clarence Bishop born 14 November 1892 Canowie Run: died 16 August 1916 France, residence Hanson.]

Burra Town Council.

Letter from Burra Burra Copper Co. asking whether the rubbish depot was on land owned by Mr McBride or that owned by Mr Kellock. They are to be informed it was on land owned by Mr McBride. [This seems a rather odd report since the last council report has a letter from the same company asserting it was on Mr Kellock’s land and yet asking for the rent to go to them.]

Mr Winnall presented the amended lease for the Burra Creek.

Local Board of Health.

The Health Officer reported an outbreak of measles with 9 cases so far.

A letter from Dr Williams condemns a cottage recently occupied by Mr O’Leary and owned by Mr R.M. McBride, as unfit for human habitation. Mr McBride says he has ordered Mr J. Pearce to put it in order for £150.

Burra Rifle Club. Best shots were P. McBride 101 from J.E. Pearce 96.

Pte S. Pearce. Mr & Mrs Walter Pearce have received letters from Captain Roy Marsden, officer commanding the 8th Brigade Machine Gun Co. concerning the death of Pte S. Pearce. Also from 2nd Lt Maxwell A. Lillicrapp OC No. 4 Section 8th Brigade Machine Gun Co.

W. Howard Turner writes indicating he will reply to the Black Springs Hall Secretary when he has time. [Presumably he is the unnamed person formerly of Black Springs and now of Leighton who was referred to by Mr Carter.]

‘Fairplay’ writes attacking ‘Assistant’.

‘Father of a Light Horse’ writes condemning Mr Warnes for his remarks about the Light Horse competing in the show. ‘Fancy any man – quite fit to go to the war himself – mentioning toy soldiers.’

J.C. Killicoat writes from Cheltenham explaining that the term ‘Drill Order’ meant rifles, side arms, belts, bandoliers etc., which it is now unlawful to possess. He had advised the term ‘riders be in uniform’ would have been alright. He regrets that some members saw fit to cut the event out and hopes they will reconsider.

‘Jimmy’ writes in Cornish dialect, taking up the matter of the ‘indignasum maiten’.

‘Just fance peepul sayen our orspital was mismanaged an a disgrace, an onely fance cutradictan the doctors, aw, tes railey orfall.’

Thomas T. Shortridge confirms that his son has not been killed in action.

XXXVIII, 38, 20 Sep. 1916, page 3

Burra Hospital Board.

So far the doctors have not managed to keep a meeting with representatives of the Board.

There was a letter from J. Halls objecting to pay £13-10-0 for 17 days hospital attention. Though in isolation he could see no reason why a special nurse had been engaged from Adelaide. The ward was unfit for human habitation.

Mr Lane said as they had an agreement with the Local Board of health to treat infectious cases for 30/- a week, how could they charge more?

Mr Winnall moved the bill be reduced to £4-10-0. Carried.

Two other bills were reduced from 30/- a week to 25/- for enteric fever, as this was the ordinary ward charge.

The hospital had a shortage of patients – there were presently 9 – in the last two months the highest number any day had been 14 and the lowest 4.

Mr Winnall felt this had causes other than the level of health in the community and needed to be investigated, as a staff of 13 attending 7 to 8 patients was unsustainable.

Mr Gebhardt moved that the Chief Secretary be informed that under the circumstances the Board could not carry on the management.

Mr Winnall agreed that the Chief Secretary should, if necessary, appoint a new Board.

It has been stated that patients are being sent to private institutions.

Mr Crewes said it was a very serious thing to suggest closing the hospital.

A deputation will wait on the Chief Secretary.

Burra Cheer-up Society. On 13 September there was a farewell social for Gunner E. Wilks and on 18 September one for Pte C. Bruce. On the same occasion Trooper Gordon Hills was welcomed home.

XXXVIII, 38, 20 Sep. 1916, page 4

Dr Steele writes dated 9 July from France to Claudie Pascoe, having left Egypt five weeks before.

Conscription. There is a 3⁄4-column article taking a strongly pro-conscription line by Frank Morton from the Auckland Weekly News.

XXXVIII, 39, 27 Sep. 1916, page 2

Advt. Burra Institute 4 October. Professor Henderson will deliver his famous lecture:

The British Navy and the War. In aid of the Soldier’s Memorial Fund.

Advt. The Great Referendum Campaign. General Meeting at the Burra Institute 27 September.

Weather. T. Pearse of ‘The Gums’ advises that 217 points have fallen in 36 hours and the season is sure.

Obituary. Pte O.O. Abbott, brother of A.C. Abbott of Farrell’s Flat, has been killed in France.

[Oliver Oswald Abbott born 28 December 1881 District of Upper Wakefield: died 20-23 August 1916 France.]

Obituary. Mrs Sleep died 22 September aged 86. She arrived in Burra in 1847. She and her husband were ardent church workers. She was one of the very few who saw the opening of both the old and new Kooringa Methodist Churches. She is survived by two son and two daughters: Mr Will Sleep (Moonta), Mr Fred Sleep (Melbourne), Miss Annie and Miss Mary Sleep (Kooringa).

[Born Emma Maria Mitchell 1830.]

Conscription. The Prime Minister, Mr Hughes, has telegraphed Mr Crewes urging him to take immediate action on a campaign in favour of the conscription referendum.

Red Cross Concert. The concert organised by Miss Kathleen Sandland passed off most successfully on Monday evening at the Institute before a large audience. Mrs Trevor was unable to perform due to illness. The comedy pieces were well performed and much appreciated. The auction of the Red Cross flag signed by Lady Galway raised £30. Nett proceeds for Red Cross should be between £50 and £60.

Obituary. Mr William West JP died at ‘Kennington’, Burra on 18 September. He was the 2nd son of Joshua West, who was connected with the firm of Coutts & Co., Bankers of London. He was born at Kennington in Surrey 21 November 1836. He and his brother arrived at Pt Adelaide on the Orient 23 September 1857. He came to Burra and worked for a few months in the Mine before entering into business for 2-3 years. He then went to Melbourne, returning to SA in 1862 and living at Wallaroo before returning to Burra. He ran a school under the Council of Education, at which he was highly successful. Ill health forced him to give up teaching and in 1873 he became purser’s clerk for SAMA under Mr Furniss. On the latter’s retirement in 1874, West became purser and manager of the Association’s estate. Captain Saunders [Sanders] having control of the mining. He resided at the mine for 46 years and only recently moved to ‘Kennington’. He was associated with Sit Henry Ayers till the latter’s death in 1897. West then became Secretary and General Manager. Illness forced him to relinquish the secretarial post, but he remained General Manager until the Association was wound up. He was Mayor of Burra in 1891 & 1892. In 1885 he was elected Councillor for West Ward. He worked hard to get the railway extended from Roseworthy to Burra and was for some years Chairman of the Burra School Board of Advice. He was connected with the Burra Institute and various sporting clubs and assisted in the resuscitation of the Show Society some 20 years ago. He was a prominent Freemason, a Past Master of the Kooringa Lodge SAC and senior subscribing member and Past Master of the Loyal Aberdeen Lodge MUIOOF, being connected with it for some 56 years. He was a lover of art and music and a fair artist in oils and watercolour and also interested in mineralogy, conchology and taxidermy.

He was twice married. Members of his first family are:

Mrs R.A. Cilento (Hawthorn), Mrs G.B. Fairhead (Gawler), Miss West (Sydney), Mr W.C.L. West (Evandale), Mr Alfred West (Largs Bay), Mr H.E. West (Kent Town), Mr J.J. West (WA).

From the second marriage he leaves three sons and four daughters.

The eldest son is presently in the AMC at Keswick and the second son, Frank West, is at the front in France.

XXXVIII, 39, 27 Sep. 1916, page 3

Pte Bob Burns writes from London County War Hospital. He tells of arriving at the hospital 30 June, unable to speak or hear and almost lifeless. He has only limited use of his right arm and suffers memory loss. Since then he has gradually improved. He had been blown up by a 190 lb shell 4’6” long and 15” wide.

Burra Cheer-up Society. A photo of Pte A. Lihou has been received. Sympathy is extended to the family of Pte C. Bishop.

Burra Sheep Exhibition and Fair was held last week. It was a great success. 170 stud sheep were exhibited – all from SA. The exhibits were collectively valued at a minimum of £13,000 and practically all were from the local district or near to it.

[The exhibits are then listed.]

A stud ram sold on the Bugler system raised £145-19-0 for the YMCA Army Service Fund and Burra Cheer-up Society.

At the luncheon speeches are reported from: I.J. Warnes, J.H. Rogers, J.M. McDonald, Mr Winnall, Mr Van Senden, J. Pick MLA, Mr Hawkes & Mr Henshaw Jackson.

XXXVIII, 39, 27 Sep. 1916, page 4

Mr R.M. McBride writes noting that the house recently condemned as unfit for human habitation is ‘adjacent to the beautiful and very ornate residence recently built by Dr Ashton’. Coincidence?

W. Howard Turner of Leighton, who is evidently the anonymous Leighton writer previously on the subject of the Black Springs Hall, writes on that topic. He attempts to refute the points in the letter by the Honorary Secretary of the hall, item by item and at considerable length. The letter extends for over 1-column.

XXXVIII, 40, 4 Oct. 1916, page 2

Obituary. Clarence Bishop, 3rd son of Mr & Mrs A. Bishop of Hanson was killed in action in France 16 August aged 23. [Clarence Bishop born 14 November 1892 Canowie Run: died 16 August 1916 France, residence Hanson.]

Pte John Turner writes from Egypt saying he is in hospital again with a bad foot.

Pte W.H. Lines writes from Cairo where he is in No. 3 Australian General Hospital because he was wounded in the right thigh with a piece of shrapnel on 4 August. He was nearby when young Duell was killed and young Brown was wounded in the foot.

Donald Hamilton Brooke of the 10th Battalion was reported missing in action in France 19-23 August. He was aged 25 and for some time was with the National Bank in Burra.

Obituary. Mr A. Bartholomaeus of Aberdeen has died aged 84. He was for some years postmaster at Redruth and on 31 January 1899 was appointed Town Clerk, a position he held till May 1909. He leaves a large family. [Johann Heinrich August Ludwig Bartholomæus born 22 December 1831: died 27 September 1916 Redruth.]

Pte W. Pederson has been reported missing in action in France.

Pte Bruce, son of Mr Bruce of World’s End, has been reported missing in action.

Call-up. All unmarried men and widowers without children, in the age range 21-35, have been called up.

Conscription. The Mayor has arranged for the Hon. J. Cook, Leader of the Opposition, to address a meeting in Burra on 18 October.

Obituary. Mrs John Stagg aged 77 was found dying in her home in Taylor St on 28 September. Miss Mary Ann O’Brien who lives opposite found the house locked. She called Mrs Allen [Probably Mrs Minna Allen.] and finding that the back door was also locked they sent for Messrs C. & A. Fuss who forced the back door. Nurse [Greta] Fuss attended till Dr Williams arrived. The deceased died soon after admission to hospital. She seems to have fallen and cut her head on a broken door latch. Death was from loss of blood. [Celia Ann Stagg died Kooringa, residence Aberdeen.]

Fred Gebhardt writes from France describing his introduction to the front and wonders ‘why so many still stop in Australia.’

The Agricultural Bureau trip to North Booborowie Experimental Farm is reported by W.H. Lloyd in over 3⁄4-column.

XXXVIII, 40, 4 Oct. 1916, page 3

Burra Town Council.

Vandalism is reported. The turnstile on the Bridge St West Bridge has been pulled up, thrown into the creek and broken.

The Council has approved the lease of the Burra Creek for Bagot, Shakes & Lewis.

Cr McWaters couldn’t see why the Council needed to buy a typewriter. They hadn’t needed one in the last 20 years! Crs McBride and Lane also opposed the purchase on the grounds of wartime economy and the matter was shelved.

Local Board of Health.

The question of the condemning of the cottage next to Dr Ashton’s was discussed, but little real light was shed on it. Cr McBride said that at the time it was not let, nor was it being offered to let.

Court Unity AOF was visited by two District Officers on Tuesday evening last week and they were entertained at a social at the Institute. The lodge is 57 years old.

Burra Cheer-up Society. Photos have been received of Gunner Norman ford and Pte Lindsey Lafsky. Sgt Harold Hatherly arrived back in SA last Saturday and we sent him a welcoming telegram.

Ray Carter again writes about Black Springs Hall. Nothing much new is revealed in the 3⁄4 column except he challenges the writer from Leighton to volunteer for the front and he will be only too glad to join him in camp.

Burra Show Society General Committee met last Tuesday. The profit from the Sheep Show will probably be about £16. The rest of the 1-column report deals with details of preparations for the show. Following a letter from Lt Killicoat explaining the legal position about Section Fours they were reinstated.

Conscription Referendum. A meeting on 27 September in the Institute formed a committee to work for the carrying of the referendum in favour of conscription. Mr Crewes spoke strongly in favour, supported by Mr McLaren & Mr Winnall. Other participants were: T.H. Woollacott jnr, E.J. Harris, Mr Mundy, Cr Dane, Mr Mitchell, Mr Pledge & Mr G. Herbert. A special ladies meeting is planned.

Pte W.J. Herbert writes a letter dated 22 August from the 3rd General Hospital in England where he is recovering from a wound in the left arm close to the shoulder. He reports seeing Jack Steadman wounded in the knee and that Twist [Oliver] Ockenden is in the same ward as he is with a small piece of shrapnel through the knuckles of his right hand and one finger, but is getting on all right.

Soldiers’ Aid Society. The main effort of late was the provision of luncheon at the Sheep Show, which raised £25-18-5. The fund now stands at £386-16-10.

XXXVIII, 40, 4 Oct. 1916, page 4

The Jubilee of Rechabitism in Burra was celebrated in the Cheer-up Rooms Tuesday of last week with c. 130 present. The 1st meeting 50 years ago was held in the old Baptist Chapel, now the Council Depot. Only two of the foundation members survive: Rev. J.A. Burns & Thomas Parks, both in failing health. The 1st secretary was the late David Wells, followed by David Anderson. C.J. Pearce has been secretary for the last 40 years. Membership is now 149. The strong female tent has 170 members and there is also a juvenile tent. The tent was financially strong.

Pte W. Pederson’s letter dated 16 August is printed. He wrote of the trenches, the deep fortified German trenches and of receiving a small wound in the leg.

[The conclusion of his letter is bitterly ironic, as he had since been reported missing: later confirmed as killed in action.]

‘When we go into the firing line there are three things that can happen to us; if we are lucky we get a trip to another world; others not quite as lucky get wounded and go to Blighty; and there are the unlucky ones, those that get through safely and have to go in again, so it is a bit of a speculation with us as to which of the three is going to happen.’

XXXVIII, 41, 11 Oct. 1916, page 2

Advt. National Service Campaign. Great Public Meeting in Burra Institute 19 October. Speakers are the Rt Hon. Joseph Cook and Senator Newland.

Obituary. Sapper H.F. Morton writes from Perham Camp, England, reporting the death of [J.] Honan on 27 July aged 27. He was buried in the Tedworth Cemetery. Will Rule was also present.

Obituary. William H. [Harrison] Hardy died 9 October. He had long suffered from diabetes and a weak heart. He came to Burra as a young man and took a keen interest in public matters. He was for a considerable time a Town Councillor and Member of the School Board of Advice. He was for many years the Burra Correspondent for the Register and was for a time on the staff of the Record. For much of his life he was a commission agent, but of late has been in charge of the Eastern Telephone Extension Exchange. He was aged 63 and leaves a wife and family of 12, including: Mrs A. Opperman (Burra), Mrs H. Wise (WA), Mrs J. Findlay & Mrs A. Winzer (Adelaide), Mrs J.A. Ryan (Broken Hill), Mr George Hardy (Moonta), with five single daughters and a son at home.

[Registered aged 62.]

Professor Henderson gave a lecture: The British Navy and the War to a small audience at the Institute on Wednesday evening. About £7 was raised for the Soldiers’ Memorial Fund.

Rev. Father Kett, who has been at St Joseph’s for a bit over three years will leave about 1 November for Streaky Bay. He will be followed here by Father Boroski from Carrieton.

L-Cpl H.E. Fuss writes from England dated 17 August, outlining how he got wounded and his movements thereafter.

St Joseph’s Church & School Bazaar last Thursday and Friday at the Institute raised over £100.

Burra Cheer-up Society gave a farewell social last Friday for Pte J. Heinrich. He is to take charge of one of the Burra ambulances. Staff-Sgt Hatherly was cheered on Tuesday last week as his train passed through on its way to Mt Bryan and he was given a welcome home social on 10 October.

The Southern Cross Tobacco Fund exists to send tobacco, cigarettes and matches to men in the trenches. They send packages of 50 cigarettes, 2 oz of tobacco and a supply of matches with a postcard giving the name of the donor. Details in 3⁄4 column.

XXXVIII, 41, 11 Oct. 1916, page 3

Enlistment. About 160 men turned up for medical examination for military service at the Drill Hall last Wednesday. Some had to come back yesterday due to the large number.

Pte N. Tiver was given a farewell from Mt Bryan East on 4 October.

Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday the best shots were H.E. Riggs 91 & J.A. Riggs 89.

XXXVIII, 41, 11 Oct. 1916, page 4

Conscription Referendum. Over 1 column of pro-conscription campaign material is printed.

‘A Worker Victim’ writes pushing the free trade argument.

XXXVIII, 42, 18 Oct. 1916, page 2

Notice: Burra Municipal Elections. Retiring on 1st Saturday in December are:

Mayor: Ernest William Crewes

North Ward John Cave Killicoat

East Ward Thomas McWaters

West Ward Albert James McBride

Auditor William Pearce

Advt. Conscription Referendum Campaign. Special Meeting for Women, 19 October at 3.30 p.m. in the Institute. Speakers: Rt Hon. Joseph Cooke & Mrs Carew Reynell.

8 p.m. a Public Meeting with speakers: Rt Hon. Jos. Cooke, Senator Newland and Mr J. Hague MP.

Obituary. Will Pederson was killed in action at Pozieres, France, on 21 August aged 29. He was the 2nd son of Martin Pederson. Letters to hand from other Burra boys confirm the death and Pte F. Wheatley returned Will’s diary. Pte Pederson was born in Burra 14 August 1887 and educated at Burra Public School. He later entered his father’s business. He enlisted in December 1915*[sic] and left for the front in April 1916 [sic], landing in Egypt in May. He went through the Gallipoli campaign and was among the first batch to land in France. He was very popular. Pte Hartley Harris writes to say that he was killed by a shell.

[*Actually December 1914, which is clearly also indicated by his presence in the Gallipoli campaign.]

[William Pederson born 14 August 1887 Kooringa: died 21 August 1916 Pozieres France.]

WCTU continues to hold monthly meeting at Redruth [in Jubilee Hall].

Hartley Harris & Bob Hawkes have returned to the front.

Burra Cheer-up Society held a welcome home social on 10 October for Sgt Hatherly, who has returned due to ill health. Photos have been received of Sgt L. Kellaway & Pte J. Kellaway. Sympathy is extended to the Pederson family on the death of Pte W. Pederson.

Burra Town Council, Monday. The Deputy Postmaster General wrote to say the revenue of the Aberdeen post office did not warrant the buying or leasing of a building at present.

Continuous telephone operation will be arranged as soon as possible.

Condolences were sent to the West, Hardy and Pederson families on their recent bereavements.

The Mayor indicated he was willing to stand again if that was what the people wanted, but was equally ready to stand aside if another candidate came forward.

Cr McBride did not feel inclined to fight an election, but would stay on if no one else came forward.

Cr McWaters said he felt until recently his health did not permit him to stand again, but it had improved and he would continue if no one else came forward, but would prefer some one else to take the position.

Local Board of Health.

There have been 9 cases of measles locally since the last meeting.

XXXVIII, 42, 18 Oct. 1916, page 3

Sapper Harry S. Blunt of Hanson writes of the exploits of his brother Keith, who was wounded while rescuing a runner and was unconscious in the field for two days before being found. He also refers to Clarrie Bishop’s death and to Hedley and Stan Bishop. [In all c. 2⁄3 column.]

Boy Scouts. The Scouts had a bicycle trip to Riverton, returning by rail.

Leighton School Children’s Concert last Saturday was in aid of school funds. The school has at present about 40 students and c. £4-10-0 was raised.

Burra Hospital. The Chief Secretary is to be advised they were not seeking to nominate members, merely that they might be consulted.

It has not at present proved possible to have a meeting with the Chief Secretary concerning the Doctors.

The meeting was adjourned for a week to devise a way of reducing staff as a consequence of the low usage of the hospital.

At least two probationer nurses desired to leave, as they could not receive their ATNA Certificate under present circumstances.

Black Springs Red Cross Society Report. The interesting sentence is that which reveals that the barn to which they had fled after the hall secretary asked for hall fees was that of Mr W. Turner ‘which has been generously lent for the purpose’.

[From the letter on page 4 W. Turner appears to be the father of W. Howard Turner of Leighton, who had featured in the correspondence.]

Soldiers’ Aid Society is working hard for the luncheon and afternoon tea at the show and Mr E. Cock has procured the cool drink stall for them too.

XXXVIII, 42, 18 Oct. 1916, page 4

The Black Springs Hall saga continues with a short letter from ‘Soldier’s Friend’ against the secretary’s stand and another very long letter from W. Howard Turner of Leighton, which is hardly surprising in view of the secretary’s last letter challenging Turner to join him at the front to establish the patriotic credentials of them both. 11⁄4 columns of print are expended in an effort to clarify the matter.

XXXVIII, 43, 25 Oct. 1916, page 2

Advt. Leighton Hall Annual Strawberry Fete Saturday 11 November.

Advt. Frank Harris has installed a new soda fountain.

Advt. Anti-Conscription Meeting at Burra Institute 26 October will be addressed by Mr Craigie and others. W. Kellaway, Honorary Secretary of Burra Branch AWU.

Obituary. Isaac W. Villis pastoralist of Baldina died on 20 October aged 66. He leaves a wife, five sons and one married daughter, Mrs R. Rogers of Broken Hill, and two single daughters.

[Isaac Walford Bone Villis died at Kooringa, residence Baldina aged 65.]

Cr S.M. Lane has volunteered for service abroad.

‘A Member of 11th Light Horse’ writes a letter dated 21 August recounting heroic stories of the Anzac Landing.

[This letter from an un-named soldier so long after the event and so very apt for the conscription debate and the referendum seems suspiciously like a plant. It reads like a patriotic speech from E.W. Crewes or one of his ilk, rather than a genuine letter from the front, but perhaps it is what it purports to be.]

Burra Cheer-up Society. Pte Voumard arrived home on Thursday evening, unwelcomed due to the very important meeting at the Institute. [The pro-conscription meeting.] We are sorry that he cannot see his way clear to attend a Cheer-up social. A photo of Trooper August Brandt has been received.

Ray Carter writes again inviting the Leighton correspondent to subscribe to the Black Springs Hall for 5/- a year and reporting that he obtained unanimous support at the Hall’s Committee meeting on 7 October.

Ray Carter writes in response to ‘Soldier’s Friend’. He comments on how willing people were to subscribe to sheep dog trials when Cpl George Powell was welcomed home and yet they are now saying we shouldn’t pay for the hall in wartime. ‘If the latest nom-de-plume has £90 to lend free of interest for a term, I will let the hall free of charge to all patriotic affairs for same term providing we can cry off with our present financier.’ The Red Cross ladies have been more helpful and it is only an outside party causing the trouble – and all over a 10d charge.

‘A Resident’ writes pointing out the financial folly of ‘Soldier’s Friend’. He is glad the Hall Committee have re-elected Mr Carter as Secretary.

XXXVIII, 43, 25 Oct. 1916, page 3

Conscription Referendum Campaign.

The addresses by the Rt Hon. Joseph Cooke and Senator Newland to the women are reported at length in over two columns. [But with no reference to Mrs Carew Reynell as advertised.] The evening addresses received another column and another 1⁄2 column reports a similar meeting at Booborowie. The meeting at Burra seems to have been for the proposal: ‘the speakers were listened to patiently and without interruption for nearly three hours.’

At Booborowie things were different in the woolshed. The seats provided were not all filled and there was amply standing room. There was organised opposition and Mr Hague MP was shouted down. M-C Kane ejected four or five and Mr Hague then proceeded amongst countless interruptions and boos. Senator Newland gave as good as he got and received a somewhat better hearing. Two or three eggs were thrown, but to no real effect. Mr McDonald had three of his car tyres slashed with a pen-knife. Rocks and eggs were hurled at the cars of the speakers as they later left the homestead and a gun was fired into the air.

A meeting at Mt Bryan was similar to the Burra meeting.

XXXVIII, 43, 25 Oct. 1916, page 4

Letters from Officers re the death of Pte C. Bishop are dated 18 & 26 August. They also report that Hedley Bishop is missing. A card from Major General Sir H.V. Cox KCMC [check KCMG?] CB CST congratulated Pte C. Bishop on his great bravery between 12 & 14 August 1916.

Hedley Bishop is now reported in a London Hospital, wounded, but recovering well.

XXXVIII, 44, 1 Nov. 1916, page 2

Notice. Representatives of the Defence Dept. will be at Elder, Smith & Co.’s Yards at Aberdeen on 1 November to buy military horses. Cavalry rides are required.

Hon. J. Lewis MLC has presented as ST Gill watercolour of the Burra Mine in 1850 to the Burra Institute.

Rev. W.F. James has published a book on the history of the Bible Christian Church in Australia and the world. It includes a history of the Bible Christian Church in Burra and illustrations of the original Bible Christian Church and manse and also the newer one now in ruins as well as pictures of a number of the ministers well known here, like Rev. James Way and Rev. Joseph Hancock. There is reference too to the great revival when 400 attended weeknight services and 390 converts, including 70 juveniles, were made. Sunday school under Thomas Richard contained over 500 scholars. The church cost £2,217 and seated 600. Proceeds of the sales will aid Adelaide Central Mission and Dr Torr’s Training Home at Brighton.

The Conscription Referendum.

In the Kooringa Division of Wakefield (Stretching from Mt Bryan to Farrell’s Flat)

869 voted YES and 1089 voted NO.

It is reported that in Kooringa itself the YES votes outnumbered NO votes.

Overall, with soldiers’ votes yet to be counted, the majority for NO is running at 85,768.

Trooper H. Hill writes from Moascar (Egypt) dated 27 August. He gives about 2⁄3 column about Egypt.

XXXVIII, 44, 1 Nov. 1916, page 2-3

Burra Show, Wednesday 25 October.

[The introduction to the report cites 1897 as the date of the 1st show, but it was actually 12 September 1877 and they were held annually to 1885 and then not til 1894.]

The weather was perfect and taking were a record £99-6-9, up from £96-12-6 the previous year. With more than double the number of members the crowd was conservatively said to number 2,000. Livestock entries were good. Dairy produce was good in butter, eggs, ham and bacon. Poultry was magnificent with 256 entries. Draft horses were very good, but bloodstock was poor with only three entries in four classes. The ring show was excellent. (Ladies now-a-days ride astride.) The Gawler team won the Section Fours. The 29 entries for cattle were a record. The dog show was good as were vegetables and flowers with over 105 entries – if not quite as good as last year. The President, I.J. Warnes, entertained for lunch the Patron of the Society, Hon. J. Lewis MLC, the President of the Clare Society and the Secretary of the Petersburg Society.

XXXVIII, 44, 1 Nov. 1916, page 3

Burra Cheer-up Society received a cheque for £74 from Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd, being half the proceeds of the sale of a ram presented by the Canowie Pastoral co. Ltd and sold on the Bugler system. A photo of Trooper Dixon Thompson has been received.

‘T.R.W.’ writes castigating Ray Carter and saying Carter made a condition of his gift of £2-2-0 to the Red Cross that the ladies should ‘stop all outside talk’.

Ray Carter writes re-affirming that ‘the father offered a free barn’.

W. Howard Turner offers a further 3⁄4 column resenting the personal turn taken by Ray Carter’s letters, but it adds little to what has gone before and Turner has been just as personal as Carter.

‘One Interested’ seems to attack both sides in the Black Springs Hall matter and suggests that both writers are ‘sturdy young men’ who would be more useful at the front.

Soldiers’ Aid Society was busy on Show Day. The fund stands at £389-10-3.

Burra Rifle Club. The progressive points for ‘The Gums’ Cup are now: E.A. Riggs 26, H.E. Riggs 23, J.A. Riggs 23, N.H. Pearse 21 & N.W.R. Pearce 21.

J. Williamson’s satirical piece on the Referendum Meeting at Booborowie is printed.

[About 15 cm of a column.]

XXXVIII, 44, 1 Nov. 1916, page 4

Burra Show Results are printed.

[Personal interest:

Fresh Butter A. Forrest 2nd

Ham A. Forrest 2nd

Rolled Bacon A. Forrest 2nd

4 Horses and wagon A. Forrest 2nd

Roadster Stock

Saddle pony not >121⁄2 hands A. Forrest’s g.g. ‘Peter’ 2nd

Single harness pony not >121⁄2 hands A. Forrest’s ‘Paul’ 2nd

Dogs

Collie Chin Young 1st

Vegetables (1 prize only)

Cauliflower Chin Young

Rhubarb Chin Young

Celery Chin Young

Leeks Chin Young

Collection of vegetables Chin Young

Collection of herbs Chin Young

Lettuce C.A. Fuss

Flowers

6 cut flowers A. Fuss 1st

Nasturtiums C. Fuss 2nd

Poppies R. Fuss 1st

Pelargoniums Zonales R. Fuss 1st & 2nd

Pelargoniums Regal R. Fuss 1st

Petunias A. Fuss 1st

Verbenas C.A. Fuss 2nd

Fuchsia R. Fuss 1st

3 Pelargoniums R. Fuss 1st & 2nd

1 Pelargonium R. Fuss 2nd

1 Pot Plant for table R. Fuss 2nd

Cooking

Sponge Roll Mrs A. Forrest 2nd]

XXXVIII, 45, 8 Nov. 1916, page 2

Burra Brass Band

The war has broken up the band due to the number of players who have volunteered.

The women have decided to take over this role and the first practice was held last night, 7 November.

We understand Mr J. Bentley will be the instructor.

Military Exemption Court, last Friday.

A military exemption court was held for the first time in Burra at the Redruth Court House.

84 farmers including 3-4 farm labourers were granted 3 months exemption to get in the harvest.

40 applicants were granted as they were the only sons of over half the family had enlisted.

Details of the cases are given without the names in two columns.

XXXVIII, 45, 8 Nov. 1916, page 3

‘A Burra Volunteer’ writes from Belgium dated 3 September, 10 September and 15 September 1916. He is not named, but the details of life at and near the front extend for about 12⁄3 columns.

Burra Boy Scouts have received a letter from Pte Horton Jennison about trench warfare.

Burra School held its speech day last Thursday. The recently formed Fife & Drum Band of some 30 members played. Mr Mundy reported 240 on the primary roll, comprising 122 boys and 118 girls. Whooping cough and measles kept attendances low between July and October. Mr Biddle, Headmaster of the High School said in January there were 38 pupils and 4 had since obtained positions while 4 had left the district and one girl was engaged in domestic duties to leave 29. This was the greatest number in November since the High School was founded in 1913. Attendance was not as regular as was desirable.

Farrell’s Flat Horse Show on 1 November is reported. Some 800 people attended.

Burra Cheer-up Society held a welcome social on 1 November for Sgt C. Bennetts and Pte C. Brown was welcomed home wounded. Photos have been received of Gunner Wilks, Pte L. Jesser and Capt. A. Lott.

W. Howard Turner offers a brief letter on the usual topic and also offered a lengthy one that the editor decided not to print.

Mary Turner writes denying it was she who called out ‘Germans Germans’ to certain of the Red Cross Ladies.

[The Editor seems finally to have decided that enough was enough on this topic.]

XXXVIII, 45, 8 Nov. 1916, page 4

Southern Cross tobacco Fund makes a final call for donations to provide cigarettes and tobacco for those at the front.

XXXVIII, 46, 15 Nov. 1916, page 2

Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. will offer 18,399 sheep for sale on 17 November.

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will offer 15,000 sheep for sale on 1 December.

Advt. St Mary’s Strawberry Fete, 1 November.

The Coal Strike has caused the cancellation of the Saturday night train from Adelaide and the Monday morning train from Adelaide to Petersburg.

Dr Ashton has been appointed an Honorary Captain of the Commonwealth Military Forces.

Cr Lane’s resignation was accepted last night from Council, as he is now in camp.

West Burra Copper Mine has sent 10 tons of 1st class ore to Adelaide this week. Prospects are still excellent.

The dog poisoner is about again. Mr R. Crump had another dog poisoned yesterday.

Sheep are fetching remarkable prices. Dalgety & Co. sold Koonoona ewes 11⁄2 to 41⁄2 years for an average of £2-2-8 a head including c. 150 lambs. About 400 culled for age by W. Hawker of Anama fetched £1-19-8 a head.

Burra Racing Club met on Friday. Last year’s meeting made a loss of c. £30. Total debts have been covered by debentures. Elected were Patron, Hon. J. Lewis; President John Tennant; Secretary, G. Hann.

Pte Arthur P. Harris writes from Salisbury Plain in England dated 27 September. He tells of being a member of the Bands in the great review recently by the King. Among those playing before the King were the Burra boys Allen Gebhardt, Lindsay Lafsky, Billy Bowen and Arthur P. Harris.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. with the addition of £81-4-5 from the luncheon booth at the show and of £12-10-0 from cool drinks, the fund now stands at £486-7-9.

Burra Cheer-up Society held a social on 9 November in honour of Signaller W.J. Lavey and Driver Drury. Lts Queale and Catt were also present. [None of these seem to be locals.] Photos have been received of Driver J. Heinrich, Pte C. Jesser and Seaman Harry Vivian. The girls who have volunteered to work up a band are all Cheer-up girls. Nine cases of goods were sent to Lady Galway’s Club House.

XXXVIII, 46, 15 Nov. 1916, page 3

Municipal Elections.

It seems likely that unless something unexpected occurs the Mayor and Councillors McBride, Killicoat & McWaters will be re-elected unopposed. Former Councillor E.J. Harris has been approached to fill the extraordinary vacancy caused by Cr Lane’s resignation.

Burra Hospital Board. Nurse O’Dea is to transfer to Adelaide to complete her course of training.

Burra Institute Committee.

The Hon. J. Lewis was thanked for a watercolour by T.S. Gill of the Burra Mine in 1853. A plate acknowledging the gift is to be attached to the frame.

War Poetry. ‘Soldiers’ Friend’ produces For Our Soldiers.

It outlines the villainy of the Black Springs Hall Secretary.

Black Springs Hall by ‘Casual Observer’ takes the opposing view.

Also appearing was To a Soger’s Louse by a member of the Royal Scots Regiment. [With apologies to Burns.]

XXXVIII, 46, 15 Nov. 1916, page 4

Soldiers’ Repatriation Fund. The aim is to get a collection box into practically every home via a local committee and then institute a ‘Self-Denial Month’.

XXXVIII, 47, 22 Nov. 1916, page 2

Rt Rev. Bishop Wilson visited Burra last week and gave an address to the Mothers’ Union on the Melanesian Mission. On Sunday he confirmed 25 young people.

Re Pte C. Bishop. Chaplain William McKenzie of the Salvation Army writes that he found and buried the body between Pozieres and Monquet Farm.

Obituary. Lt John R. Sommerville, youngest son of Mrs W. Sommerville of Croydon, was killed in action on 5 November aged 25. He was educated at Hindmarsh Primary School and was employed for about 8 years at Drew & Crewes in Kooringa. He volunteered from Burra as a private and left Australia as QM Sgt in May 1915. He gained his commission at Gallipoli. His brother, Lt A.C. Sommerville was wounded in the initial landing at Gallipoli and is presently engaged in military duties at Keswick Barracks. [John Raymond Sommerville born 29 March 1890 Croydon: died in France.]

West Burra Copper Mine continues to yield good ore at 50’ and there is a nice seam at 140’. A recent parcel of 8 tons 16 cwt brought in £212-16-11.

Burra Town Council, Special Meeting 16 November.

Cr S.M. Lane’s resignation was accepted as he had volunteered. A motion appreciating his work as Councillor was placed on the record. It was decided to ask for a photograph of Cr Lane for the Council Chamber.

Council will constitute itself a local committee of the Australia Day Fund.

Cr McWaters read a report including that two street lamps had been broken during the month.

A reward of £2 is offered for the conviction of offenders.

The lamps are the one near St Mary’s and the one near the Mine Bridge.

The cemetery wall is to be repaired.

The Soldiers’ Repatriation Fund Committee has decided on a special day for the fund on 1 February and to obtain 360 collecting boxes.

XXXVIII, 47, 22 Nov. 1916, page 3

Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday the best shots were W.H. Sandland 101 and N.W.R. Pearce 100.

Burra Cheer-up Society held a farewell social on 20 November for Pte Ray Flower and a welcome for Sgt F. Greenhill. Cheer-up parcels were sent to Ptes Lloyd, Williams, Finch and Villis, who were unfortunately unable to attend. Lt King had arrived by the night train. He had left with the 1st contingent of Burra boys.

Photos have been received of Pte Harry Killicoat, Driver Bob Bartholomaeus, Gunner Andrew Bartholomaeus and Pte Drury. Sympathy was extended to the family of Lt J. Sommerville. We repeat our appeal for instruments for the band – none so far have been forthcoming.

An Un-named Burra Volunteer writes from Belgium dated 24 & 27 September, describing more of life in the trenches.

Municipal Elections. Some 11⁄2 columns are devoted to deputations convincing the Mayor, Cr McBride & Cr McWaters to stand again and to get J.E. Greenwood to stand for the extraordinary vacancy in East Ward.

Leighton farewelled Ptes R.W. Lloyd, R.J.C. Flower & G.A. Williams on Saturday night. I.J. Warnes presided.

Obituary. Trooper John Duell died from wounds [6 August 1916 aged 21.] Letter from an officer, Lt J.T. Bigg of 4th Troop 3rd Light Horse.

XXXVIII, 48, 29 Nov. 1916, page 2

Advt. St Mary’s Church Annual Church Parade in aid of the Burra Hospital, next Sunday 3 p.m.

Advt. Red Cross Christmas Tree at the Burra Institute 15 December. Proceeds to Red Cross.

Municipal Elections.

All officers were elected unopposed.

Mayor Ernest William Crewes

North Ward John Cave Killicoat

East Ward Thomas McWaters

West Ward Albert James McBride

Auditor William Pearce

An election will be held on 2 December for the extraordinary vacancy in East Ward. Nominations:

John Ernest Greenwood Ironworker

Edwin John Harris Storekeeper

Obituary. Charles C. Williams died [at Kooringa] 25 November aged 77. He was the husband of Catherine Williams. [Charles Chichester Williams.]

Pte Darcy Lowe writes that he came across two of the Burra ambulances at Leaford in England.

Obituary. Mrs Angus McGuinness of Quorn died in the train between Mt Bryan and Burra on 23 November on her way to Adelaide in the company of a nurse. She was buried at Kooringa on Friday 24 November. [Born Hilda Coatsworth 9 August 1890 Norwood: died Hilda McInnes 23 November 1916 Mt Bryan, residence Quorn.]

W.B. Martin of Thames New Zealand writes that he was born in Burra in 1848 and went underground there 57 years ago. He seeks a copy of Rev. W.F. James’s book on the Bible Christian Church.

Dr Steele writes from France dated 23 September reporting stiff fighting, but also seven days leave in England.

Burra Show Society. The shed has been paid for. 39 debentures have been issued to cover the society’s costs. A ticket office is required at the gate. Overall the society ended the year with £75 in credit and the Sheep Show had been £20 in credit.

XXXVIII, 48, 29 Nov. 1916, page 3

Burra Cheer-up Society held a social to welcome home for Sgt Fred Harvey and Pte Don Voumard and also to farewell Pte Dick Stasinowsky and Pte Bob Jones. Fred Harvey was among the first to land at Gallipoli. Photos have been received of Ptes Tom, Archie and Harry Dearlove, Trooper Horace Munt and Lt H.J. Copley.

On 4 December the society will hold a gift evening to collect children’s gifts for the League of Loyal Women who aim to give a present to every child whose father is at the war. Appeals for funds for the band have so far elicited only one response.

Obituary. C.C. Williams died on Saturday 25 November. He was born in Brighton, Sussex in 1839 and left England in 1866 on the Amor, but in a storm the ship was driven ashore. The passengers were rescued and returned to London. Six weeks later he again sailed, this time on the Trevillion. He stayed briefly in Adelaide before going to Mt Gambier where he was employed by Charles Aubrey, general storekeeper. After about 31⁄2 years he came to Burra where he worked for several years for Young & Drew before buying the ironmongery business of T. Builder, which he conducted till about two years ago. He was active in civic and church life and was a prime mover in the establishment of the Burra Institute* and was a committee member until recently. He was Town Councillor for 2 years, [Dec. 1899-Nov. 1901] Treasurer and a trustee of the Forester’s Lodge and a trustee of the Kooringa Methodist Church and a Sunday school teacher. On 5 September 1879 he married Miss Catherine Watson, daughter of the late Thomas Watson of Nottingham. He is survived by a widow and 2 daughters: Mrs James Peak and Miss G. Williams.

[* Since he was in England when it was established this presumably refers to the rebuilding of the Institute in 1874.]

Weather. Last Friday there was a severe storm after 5.20. A huge clap of thunder was followed by hail and rain and 35 points fell in 5 minutes. Market Square was flooded. Lightning struck a chimney on Norman Pearce’s in Thames St, but no serious damage was done anywhere in town.

At Mackerode Mr A.G. Gebhardt just managed to get Mrs Sangster Senior, who was visiting, inside before she was blown over. A chimney came down, a tree fell across the verandah and iron flew off sheds in all directions: ‘about 200 out of 400 large trees were torn up or twisted and broken. He reckons his loss in five minutes at c. £1,000. A heavy trolly was blown over and a cultivator moved 150 yards. All shed, stables and outhouses were unroofed and some of the iron travelled 3⁄4 mile. Water in a dam was lifted into the air about 50 feet and the level in the dam dropped two feet. Several windmills were destroyed and telegraph poles on the main road were bent, some westerly, and others easterly. Elsewhere the effects were felt, but less drastically.

[This was clearly a tornado.]

To the east Sturt Vale got 1.4”, Old Koomooloo 0.76”, Caroona 0.49” and Mongolata 0.3”.

Annual Ratepayers’ Meeting, Burra Institute, Monday 27 November.

About 50 attended with Mr Winnall in the chair.

The Mayor’s report was read and adopted.

The Mayor said he had neglected to mention the removal of the railway fence and the straightening of the road near the Bon Accord Hotel. He said he had done his best and thrown his weight behind the patriotic efforts. The Council had worked as a happy family with some differences of opinion, but no bickering. The town was badly lighted, but it could not be improved without raising the rate. Dead Man’s Bridge was an eyesore and a danger and he would like to see the road straightened.

When the candidates were invited to speak J.E. Greenwood said nothing about policies. J.E. Harris thought that decreasing the general rate and increasing the lighting rate might have advantages. Dead Man’s Bridge needed something done and the Pig & Whistle crossing needed a bridge.

All Councillors and candidates favoured doing something at the Pig & Whistle.

There was also an idea of doing something at Gully’s Wharf, but the north end and south end Councillors had different views on that. Cr McWaters would oppose any bridge there and Mr Greenwood agreed with him.

Mr J.E. Pearce expressed dissatisfaction with the amount of tar paving in the main street in Kooringa.

Cr Radford thought that North Ward deserved more than its four lamps – they contributed one third of the rates.

Things were admittedly limited at present, as carbide had doubled in price.

Soldiers’ Aid Society sent £20 last week to a large military hospital in England (with 1,600 beds) where many Australians were being treated. The total fund was now £522-9-11.

XXXVIII, 48, 29 Nov. 1916, page 4

The Mayor’s Report for 1916.

Last season the harvest was very good. The Government commandeered the whole crop and at present farmers received 2/113⁄4 per bushel, but perhaps more may come due to the high prices prevailing in home markets. A good harvest this year also seems assured. The pastoral industry has also been prosperous with feed abundant and wool prices good.

The war continues, but the tide seems to have turned. The effort to support the war has continued very successfully here.

Red Cross

The Button Day and Fair raised £200. Since the branch started 14 cases of goods, each worth over £20 have been sent away and over £550 in cash in addition to donations to other causes, such as £55 to the Ambulance Fund.

Band of the 43rd Battalion

£112 was collected at two open-air concerts to aid trench comforts for soldiers.

Australia Day Celebrations

Held last July by the various patriotic societies, these celebrations raised almost £1,400.

Ambulance Day

The enthusiasm for this cause saw four ambulances handed over to the military authorities. One came from J.M. McBride, one from A.J. & P. McBride and two from money raised locally. The handover took place in September in front of the South African War Memorial in Adelaide, the Governor making the presentation on our behalf.

Anzac Anniversary

On 25 April a memorial service was held in the Institute.

YMCA

In September a visit from representatives of the YMCA sought funds for the Lady Galway Club House at Henley Beach. £150 was raised.

United Memorial and Intercession Service

On 27 August at the Institute the first united service in memory of the fallen and of intercession for those still fighting was held at the Institute.

Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Fund

The first meeting to collect funds for soldiers on their return was held in August. Action was deferred pending the outcome of the referendum.

The All British League

This branch was formed last April and membership is 70 and growing.

Burra Cheer-up Society

This continues to meet weekly and makes useful articles for the boys at the front. A social farewell is tendered every lad on leaving and a presentation of a parcel of serviceable articles is made. A welcome home is accorded every returned soldier. Last year when celebrating Violet Day Burra Cheer-up Society raised £414 and a bunch of violets sold on the bugler system realised £384. This year the special effort on 7 July raised £232-2-0. Since starting nearly £2,000 in cash has been raised.

Soldiers’ Aid Society

This does similar work to the Cheer-up Society and has collected over £580.

The Boys Scouts

Under Mr Rigney they are making great progress and now number 42.

The War Effort

The district has raised and sent away c. £21,000 and nearly 400 have volunteered.

The Supreme Sacrifice has now been made by:

John Camp B.W. Pearce P.D. Killicoat

Stan Pearce J. Duell W. Pederson

H.E. Davey W.L. James R. Woollacott

H. Skinner H. Trevillyan J. Honan

J. Sommerville C. Kuchenmeister B. Collins

B. Jones F. Trallagan C. Bishop

And reported missing or prisoner:

A. Bruce T.W. Dixon L. Fuss

O. Niemann

[Of these, A. Bruce & L. Fuss were POWs while T.W. Dixon was killed 16 Aug. 1916 & O. Niemann was killed 23 July 1916.]

Burra Coronation Band

During the year most members of the band enlisted and it became impossible to carry on. The young ladies of the Cheer-up Society under the leadership of Mr James Bentley have formed a band to do their work. Funds to enable them to do so are solicited.

Fire Brigade

The town at last has a fire-reel, hydrant and hose and a fire bell has been placed in the police yard. A volunteer fire brigade has been formed with W. Truscott as Captain. So far only one use has been made of the service.

[Details of income and expenditure then follow.]

Rates per ward:

North £146-12-3

East £167-12-0

West £154-16-6

Rates assessed £974- 3-6

Rates collected £937-14-4

Arrears £36- 9-2

Parklands

Dead trees were removed and new ones planted. Of the new trees, mainly pines, many have died and others have been wantonly destroyed.

The new garden in Ludgvan St has improved that part of town and a plot reclaimed and fenced near the Mine Bridge will soon be planted.

The account started in debit £47-17-4 and ended in debit £22-4-1.

Cemetery

Mr H. Wilson is curator. The account started in credit £89-9-4 and ended in credit £141-7-4, but impending repairs to the cemetery walls will reduce that considerably.

Main Roads

The grant this year was cut from £430 to £377, but money in the special grant account will allow repairs to the ford at the old White Hart Hotel.

Tar paving both of roads and footpaths continued and will go on next year.

Bridges

The application for funds to replace three bridges washed away by flood last year resulted in funds for only one bridge. The one previously near Lord’s Hotel has been replaced with one opposite the Institute at £210. The Government paid half and the Council will pay the other half over five years at 5% interest. The Government has promised to assist later with the bridges near the White Hart Hotel and the Pig & Whistle.

Local Board of Health

The move to appoint Mr George Lawn scavenger with the Council’s own horse and dray has been very successful. It has proved economical with the dray used elsewhere when not required for scavenging.

Electric Lighting

There have been several approaches about electric lighting, but while the war continues and money markets are difficult we decided to defer any decision. At present there are 20 acetylene lamps in town and the cost of maintaining them amounts to £5-5-0 per lamp and the rates do not allow more lamps without increasing the rate.

Generally the town has made progress with many new and substantial houses erected and roads improved. The telephone system has been greatly extended. With peace we can expect much more progress.

XXXVIII, 49, 6 Dec. 1916, page 2

Advt. Burra Races 20 January 1917. 7 Events. Burra Handicap £45 with 2nd to get 5 sovs & 3rd 2 sovs from the stake.

Dr Steele has been presented with a card congratulating him on his courage and devotion to duty under heavy fire 9-12 August 1916 from Major-General H.V. Cox.

Dr Kenneth Steele, brother of the above, has been moved from Abbrassia Camp Egypt, to Kitchener Hospital, Brighton England.

Theatregraph Pictures will soon show in Burra war films featuring The Big Push or The Battle of the Somme. Lloyd George says: ‘If the exhibition of these films does not stop the war, god help civilisation.’ These are the first official films to be taken under fire.

The writer says: ‘The film does not lacerate the feelings. On the contrary, it uplifts, it searches the soul.’

Clarice Eva Clark was charged in Adelaide with the theft of two gold necklets from Mrs A.G. Gebhardt. She had previously been employed at ‘Mackerode’. She had not tried to sell the property. She was bound over on a surety of £10 to keep the peace for 12 months.

Bob Hawkes has been wounded for the 2nd time.

Pte J. Bailey has been injured.

Pte W. Pohlner of Hallett has been wounded.

New Enlistments are Cyril McBride (of WA) & Lindsay McBride (in Adelaide), both sons of Willie McBride.

St Mary’s Annual Hospital Service on Sunday last was preceded by a procession from the rotunda of Boy Scouts, Foresters and Oddfellows in regalia. The band was missed, but the Cheer-up girls are practising and hope soon to take its place. The congregation was large.

Extraordinary Council Election.

The election to fill Cr Lane’s vacancy resulted in a win for E.J. Harris:

E.J. Harris 75

J.E. Greenwood 66

Pte George Hill writes from Codford, England. Most of his news is of a hectic sight-seeing tour of London.

Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday the best shots were H.E. Riggs 94 and G. Lawn 93.

XXXVIII, 49, 6 Dec. 1916, page 3

Burra Town Council.

Letter from English & Australian Copper Co. saying it intended to dispose of its property in January and asking if the Council wished to purchase any of it. The area included the Smelts. A road starts at Victoria Park and ends at the Company’s property. Councillors considered that the road should go right through. Cr Radford believed the road had been surveyed through.

An arrangement had been made in a similar case at Penfold St [sic], but was not shown on the survey map. A sketch plan of the land to be sold is to be asked for.

[There is no Penfold St, but perhaps Penglawdd St is intended.]

The Railway Commissioner appealed against the assessment of railway cottages. A decision is pending in the Supreme Court.

The White Hart Hotel ford is to be paved.

T. Highett is appointed lamplighter at Kooringa at 1/- per week per lamp for 15 lamps.

J.B. Griffiths applied for the north end of town at 12/- per week for 5 lamps, an increase of 2/- a week. Accepted.

G.A. Ridgway writes attacking Cr McWaters for his gratuitous insults on the women of the North Ward at the ratepayers’ meeting. A bridge at the White Hart would serve a racecourse, showgrounds, sale yards and a quarry and in wet weather the way around involves a steep climb to use the Redruth Bridge. Any argument that it is not required is equally applicable to the bridge just built in Kooringa.

‘Consistency’ writes complaining of infringement of the Early Closing Act – perhaps at Aberdeen, as that was his address.

The Boy Scouts thank Mr Morton for the gift of a small generator for gas lights.

St Mary’s Annual Strawberry Fete was successful despite heavy rain. About 170 lb of fruit was sold at the strawberries and cream stall. £118 was taken.

[Personal interest: Miss D. Fuss on Flower Stall & Miss V. Fuss & Mrs C.A. Fuss on the Fancy Stall.]

Burra Cheer-up Society held a social on 30 November to Pte Elliott Riggs. Pte Riggs was presented with ‘The Gums’ Cup, given by Mr T.H. Pearse, and competed for at the Rifle Club.

Parcels have been sent to Ptes Newton Collins & Lindsay McBride who were unable to attend.

On 4 December Pte Guy Tiddy was farewelled.

The toy evening raised over 100 toys.

Donations are beginning to come in to support the Girls’ Band.

Pte T.H. Parker of the Headquarters Staff 43rd Battalion, writes from Salisbury Plain re the work of the YMCA among the troops.

A photograph appears of the presentation of the Burra & District ambulances in September 1916.

[This is a very rare occurrence, and remained so for decades to come.]

XXXVIII, 50, 13 Dec. 1916, page 2

Advt. Burra Institute, 20 December 1916. A concert will be given by a number of returned ‘Anzacs’.

They were all professional entertainers before being incapacitated for further duty in the firing line.

Sergeant Blake Banjo soloist & comedian

Trooper Symons Tenor

Signaller Morgan Baritone

Corporal Castles Impersonator

Corporal Kennedy Comedian

Private Jacob Bass

Trooper Symons will also lecture on the war – he was 5 months at Gallipoli and 2 months fighting in Egypt.

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures will present on Saturday night at the Burra Institute,

The Big Push or The Battle of the Somme.

Obituary. Ivan Kingsley Lambert died on 8 December aged 121⁄2 months, at Mrs Gray’s Nursing Home, Redruth, of acute dysentery. He was the 4th son of L. & M. Lambert.

[Born 20 November 1915 Redruth.]

Harry James of Thames St is seriously ill after a stroke on Sunday.

Jack Roach has enlisted.

Dr Elliott Brummitt, who has been visiting his seriously ill father Dr Brummitt Sen., is returning to England this week.

Obituary. Miss Kathleen May Giles died last Friday 24 November aged 16. She was the daughter of Mr Charles Giles. [Kathleen May Battley born 19 July 1900: died Kathleen May Battley 9 December 1916 Kooringa, residence Booborowie, mother C.J. Giles.]

XXXVIII, 50, 13 Dec. 1916, page 3

Burra Town Council.

A list of Mayors since 1876 is printed but it is incorrect.

[The major error arose because P.L. Killicoat was elected to serve for 1889, but immediately resigned and did not serve that term.]

Published List Correct List

1876-77 Philip Lane 1876-77 Philip Lane

1878-79 Edward Lipsett 1878-79 Edward Lipsett

1880-81 Philip Lane 1880-81 Philip Lane

1882-83 Edward Catchlove Lockyer 1882-83 Edward Catchlove Lockyer

1884 Robert Brummitt 1884 Robert Brummitt

1885 John Dunstan jnr 1885 John Dunstan jnr

1886 Daniel Spencer Packard 1886 Daniel Spencer Packard

1887 Frederick William Holder 1887 Frederick William Holder

1888-89 Philip Landor Killicoat 1888 Philip Landor Killicoat

1890 Frederick William Holder 1889 Frederick William Holder

1891 Thomas Wesley Wilkinson 1890 Thomas Wesley Wilkinson

1892-93 William West 1891-92 William West

1894 William Thomas Rabbich 1893 William Thomas Rabbich

1895 Philip Landor Killicoat 1894 Philip Landor Killicoat

1896-98 Robert Brummitt 1895-97 Robert Brummitt

1899-90[sic] John Sampson 1898-99 John Sampson jnr

1900-02 Ernest W. Crewes* 1900-1902 Ernest William Crewes*

*Alexander Harris was elected, but died 25 Dec. 1901 & E.W. Crewes was elected 10 Jan. 1902

The list then continues correctly:

1903 John Sampson

1904-05 John Edward Hyde Winnall

1906 John Drew

1907-08 William Charles Leonard West

1909 Dr John Ikin Sangster Jnr

1910 Samuel Burns

1911-13 John McLaren

1914-17 Ernest W. Crewes

[E.W. Crewes continued in office till November 1919.]

Burra Institute. The usual subscription prizes for schoolchildren will be given.

A new flagpole will be purchased.

Soldiers’ aid Society. There was a concert in Jubilee Hall on 6 December.

The fund now stands at £526-18-0.

Burra Cheer-up Society has received a photo of Trooper Reg. Sandland.

War Poem: Killed in Action by Mary Fitzmaurice Gill.

XXXVIII, 51, 20 Dec. 1916, page 2

Advt. Miss Maud Storr, teacher of Music (Piano & Organ) & Elocution. South Booborowie.

Notice. The Returned Soldiers’ Concert has been cancelled on account of the illness of two members of the company.

Obituary. Mr H. Bown died 12 December at Springbank. He was born at Calais, France in 1844 and came to Australia about 1848. The family settled in Gawler and when reaching maturity Mr Bown settled on a farm at Springbank, where he lived the remainder of his life. In 1870 he married Margaret Dennis Edwards of Burra and is survived by his widow, eight children and 14 grandchildren: Mr H. Bown (Unley), Mr A. Bown, Mrs W. Peak, Miss M. Bown (Burra), Mrs W. Gebhardt (Walkerville), Mrs W.H. Harris (Hallett), Mrs A. Hancock & Mrs G. Grossman (Broken Hill). He was a trustee of the Kooringa Methodist Church. [Henry Bown died aged 72.]

L-Cpl A.E. Isaac, son of Mr & Mrs J.H. Isaac, has been admitted to hospital in London with Trench Feet.

Obituary. Mr T. Harvey died on 16 December at Aberdeen. For many years he ran a general store in Aberdeen. [Thomas Harvey died aged 74.]

Obituary. The 14-year-old son of Charles Przibilla of Farrell’s Flat drowned in a dam while trying to retrieve a shot duck. [Thomas Charles Prizibilla/Przibilla born 16 December 1901 Kooringa: died 17 December 1916 near Mintaro Railway, residence near Farrell’s Flat railway.]

Black Springs Red Cross Fete was held on Saturday 9 December at the Black Springs Hall and was opened by Mrs W.G. Hawkes. £63-1-5. [There is no mention of the charge made for hall use!]

Burra Town Council.

J.G. Sara wrote applying for the Aberdeen Post Office to have a half-holiday on Saturdays in line with other post offices.

The rates for 1917 were set: General 1/-, Health 6d (down 1d), Parklands 2d & Lighting 4d (up 1d).

Repairs to the cemetery wall are progressing well.

Cr Harris asked if it was Council’s intention to have a roll of honour.

The Mayor said a motion to that effect had been passed.

The idea most suitable was similar to Mt Bryan’s Roll. The cost was about £20 for the 1st 50 names.

Given the large number two rolls might be needed.

He estimated the cost at £100 to £150.

Cr Dane had seen a diagram for 400 names at £60-£80.

The Mayor counselled delay at this time.

Cr Harris feared the records of some men might be lost.

The location suggested was the Hall or the Public Reading Room.

The proprietor of the Record offered to publish all names available with a view to obtaining others not on the list.

Red Cross Christmas Tree was held last Friday at the Institute. Mr & Mrs Cock brought in the tree from the forest. As well as Father Christmas there were various stalls. Nett proceeds were £86-9-4.

Since October 1914 the local Red Cross has:

Sent to the parent society £374

Sent to No. 1 Hospital £210

Raised on Ambulance Day £15

Total £599

Balance in Bank £139

Total £734

XXXVIII, 51, 20 Dec. 1916, page 3

The Mt Bryan Roll of Honour was unveiled in the District Hall on Sunday last before a capacity crowd. The roll is in copper bronze mounted on oak with each name inscribed on a brass plate. It cost over £20. The committee chairman, Mr Rush, spoke. Mr Crewes represented Burra and other speakers were Rev. H.A. Miller, Mr Winnall, R.C. Winfield (for Salvation Army) & W.J. Wilson.

A collection was taken and I.J. Warnes promised to give 1/- for 1/- up to £25. The collection reached £10 and John Collins made it up to £25 so that the total will reach £50. The balance over the cost of the roll will go to the local Red Cross sewing circle. Mr Warnes then spoke and took away the Union Jack covering the names.

The names inscribed are:

J.E. Hatherly A. Lilly H. Trevilyan†

J. McCullum W.E. Arnold S. Sommerville

A.H. Bishop L.R. Bell W.F. Simpson

P.A. Degidan L.T. Stagbour G.H. Hatherly

R.M. Josephs J. Hall W. Nankivell

F.F.W. Richards B.E. Collins* C.S. Burton

H.N. Tralaggan T. Henderson A.A. Burton

K.R. Crewes W. Bell F. Daenke

G. Foote T.J. Quinn W. Whitty

F.G. Trallaggan‡ M.J. Griffin R.N. Collins

E.C. Collins C. Bishop† H.J.C. Burton

W. Wilks P.R. Beckwith G.R. Thomas

W.S. Pearce† C.S. Bell A. Pryor

C.J. Goodridge

† Killed in Action ‡ Died at Sea * Died in Camp

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. fund now stands at £555-8-6.

Burra Cheer-up Society is seeking 1,000 khaki handkerchiefs for soldiers in France.

Burra Hospital Board

Miss Edith Cave advised she intended to hold the usual Christmas tree on Thursday.

The Chief Secretary wrote that it was not customary to consult Boards of Management of Government Institutions about appointments.

Pte A.J. Bruce, son of R.H. Bruce of Baldina, has been listed as missing. He is now confirmed to have been wounded and is a prisoner in a hospital in Germany.

Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday the best shots were N.W.R. Pearce 87 and J.A. Riggs 85.

E.W. Crewes writes seeking funds for Christmas Cheer for the poor of the town.

Characteristics of the paper in 1916.

Page 1.

Large advertisements usually fill the page, but from early in the year some news items etc. also appear. The advertisements are mostly local.

Page 2.

Dominated by smaller advertisements, public notices, notices of sales and the like. Editorial comment is rare. News begins and there are usually between two and three columns of it.

Page 3.

A couple of large advertisements and then the rest is news. The news was dominated by war issues, especially the activities of local patriotic societies.

Page 4.

Smaller advertisements compete with a widely fluctuating amount of other material which varies generally from 2 to 4 columns, but sometimes vanishes.

Due to the war the quality of the paper is not very good, but the general newsprint is better that that used for the literary supplements, which are worse and by now are very brittle.

Coverage of local news seems to be quite detailed and the editorial position is very strongly behind the patriotic efforts as might be expected. This was also very evident when the matter of the conscription referendum was being debated. The paper strongly urged a YES vote.

Numbering of issues in 1916

The practice of beginning a new volume each year failed.

The year began with Volume XXII Number 1980 on 5 January 1916.

But the very next issue saw a change to Volume XXXIII Number 1981 12 January 1916.

This continued to Volume XXXIII Number 1997 3 May 1916.

For no apparent reason there was then a change to:

Volume XXXVIII Number 19 10 May 1916

And continued to Volume XXXVIII Number 51 on 20 December 1916.

Literary Supplements 19161

1 Only a few of the supplement for 1916 are preserved and most of those only in the hard copy.

2 The dates for these supplements are unclear because the bound hard copies and the microfilm disagree. The problem stems from the first of those above which is dated 29 December 1915, but no paper was issued on that date. It is omitted from the microfilm, but bound with 5 January issue in hard copy.

XXXIX, 1, 3 Jan. 1917, page 1

Advertisements

Ernest F. Marston Printers

Walker & Sons Importers, Drapery, Books & Shoes, Commercial St

N.J. Tiddy Draper & Clothier, Aberdeen

Fred M. Pearce Late G. Bartholomaeus, Carpenter, Builder & Ironmonger, Aberdeen

S. Burns [Blacksmith] Horses carefully shod, Commercial St

Vivian Lewis Ltd Car Sales & Garage, Agent for Saxon Cars, Commercial St

Max Morton The Kooringa Forge, Thames St

W.T. Truscott Butcher and Small Goods Dealer, Market Square

W.J.C. Ewins Draper, Clothier & Outfitter, Commercial St

S.M. Lane Saddler & Ironmonger, Chaff Merchant, Kooringa & Aberdeen

Eyes & Crowle Car Sales & Garage, Tel. 37, Commercial St, Agent for Buick, De Dion, Delage, Fiat, FN, Minerva & Sunbeam

XXXIX, 1, 3 Jan. 1917, page 2

Advertisements

Drew & Crewes Universal Providers, Kooringa

C. Parks Baker, Confectioner, Small Goods, Kooringa

Robt. H. Crump Boring Contractor, Engineer, Kooringa

E.J. Harris Small Goods, Dairy Produce, Fruit & Vegetables, The Corner Store, Kooringa

John Harry Windmills & Pumps, Thames St

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd Auctioneers, Kooringa

[Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd] [Auctioneers – regular advertisers, but not in this issue.]

XXXIX, 1, 3 Jan. 1917, page 3

Advertisements

W.E. Hodge Late with Dalgety & Co. Ltd, Land, Estate & General Agent, Tax Returns, Commercial St

Sara & Co. General Merchants, Aberdeen

Edwin J. Harris General Merchant, The Corner Store, Market Square

XXXIX, 1, 3 Jan. 1917, page 4

Advertisements

Bright & Bright Solicitors, Dalgety’s Building, Burra

D. Jones Painter & Decorator, Mine Bridge, Kooringa

R.D. Pascoe Hairdresser & Fancy Goods, ‘The Emporium’, Kooringa

Luke Day Grocer, Fruiterer & General Dealer

Mrs Emelie Clark Commercial Hotel, Kooringa

George Lord Burra Hotel

Mrs F. Gray Maternity Home, St Dye St, Redruth

Nurse M.A.L. Woollacott Maternity Home, Redruth

John Pearce Carpenter, Builder & Contractor, Corner Thames & Bridge Streets

E.A. Mummery Dentist, visits every Friday, Pearce’s Building

M. Maughan Dentist, Monthly at Lord’s Hotel

XXXIX, 1, 3 Jan. 1917, page 2

Trooper Bob Schuyler has been wounded in Egypt.

Pte E. Wilson, brother of Mesdames F. Gebhardt & C. Morgan of Burra, has been reported missing in France since 25 December.

Pte Albert Bruce has written from Germany saying his nurses are good to him.

Obituary. Mrs Jehu Lomman of Mt Bryan East died 1 January aged 60. She died in a car on the way to the Burra Hospital. [Born Frances Cornfoot 1875: died Mt Bryan.]

Obituary. Mr T. Highett died on 22 December 1916 from senile decay aged 68. He had been lamplighter in Kooringa for some time. [Thomas Henry Highett born 4 September 1847 Black Forest: died 24 December 1917, Kooringa. See extended obituary next issue page 2.]

Copperhouse School held its annual break-up on 22 December. Certificates were handed out. 5 or the 7 who sat for entry to High School were successful: Grace Lloyd, Bernard McCarthy, Robert Forrest, Reca Motley & Rudolph Motley. Miss McCarthy, who has been in charge for 15 months, can be congratulated on her efforts.

Burra Hospital Christmas Tree on 21 December was organised by Miss E. Cave as usual. The grounds were decorated with Japanese lanterns, Union Jacks and red, white and blue muslin. Attendance was large.

The Christmas Holidays passed quietly in Burra.

Last Thursday the Redruth Methodist Sunday School picnic was held at Sod Hut and last Monday the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School went to the same place.

On the same day the Salvation Army children picnicked at Princess Royal.

On Thursday a thunderstorm dumped 210 points in 11⁄2 hours on World’s End. Mt Bryan recorded 158 points in an hour. Burra Creek flowed strongly on Friday.

John Allen has tendered successfully to carry the mails between Kooringa and the Burra Railway Station.

Letter from an officer in France dated 11 November 1916, deploring the result of the recent referendum. [On Conscription.]

Belgian Relief Fund stands at £1,223-5-9.

XXXIX, 1, 3 Jan. 1917, page 3

Leighton Public School Prize Day is reported from 21 December. The head teacher, Mr H.O.J. Robinson, parents & friends assembled on 23 August to see the unveiling of three portraits and two flags. (HM the King, HM the Queen & Lord Kitchener and the Union Flag and the Australian Flag.) They had been presented by I.J. Warnes. At present there were 36 on the roll with an average attendance for 1916 of 27, which is good considering that 70% of the children travel over three miles. The measles epidemic spoiled attendance figures for December with half the enrolment was away. The prizes and awards are then listed. Mrs Warnes presented the prizes for each grade. Other prizes were presented by Mrs Wigley and the teacher.

Burra Rifle Club. On 28 December the best four shots were: O.G. Walker 99, J.E. Pearce 99, G.L. Nutt 99 and N.W.R. Pearce 95

On 30 December O.G. Walker 37 led from N.W.R. Pearce 35.

St Joseph’s School Concert was held on 19 December, but attendance was low in very hot conditions.

A Children’s Concert was held on 14 December in the Methodist Lecture Hall in aid of the Lady Galway Club House at Henley Beach. The weather was unfavourable, but still £8-5-0 was raised to buy an as yet to be decided item for the house.

Burra Cheer-up Soc. Photos have been received of Trooper W.H. Lines, Pte F.A. Lines, Pte R.J. Lloyd, Pte R.W. Lloyd and Ray Flower.

XXXIX, 2, 10 Jan. 1917, page 2

Advt. For Sale at Aberdeen on Wednesday 24 January the Commodious Shop & House in the Estate of Thomas Harvey, deceased. Situated at Best Place: a Dwelling of Seven Rooms, Shop & Underground Tank. Iron Shed 16’ x 9’.

[The description suggests it might be the shop etc. occupied by N.J. Tiddy, but this would have to be checked with assessment records or LTO.]

Advt. Belgian Relief Fund. On Thursday 18 January at the Institute at 8 p.m. Brigadier Robert Wouters will give an Illustrated Address with Slides & Moving Pictures:

With the Belgian Army in Action.

Notice. Tenders called for the approaches to the new footbridge in Kooringa.

Advt. Burra Cheer-up Soc. calls for 2,000 khaki handkerchiefs.

Advt. Public Meeting called for 11 January to consider the Seaside Trip for 1917.

Obituary. Pte Rogers has been killed in France. He was brother to Mrs Walter Pearce.

[Frederick Joseph Rogers born 24 May 1882 Baldina: died 9 December 1916 France.]

Lt N. McBride, son of T. McBride of Redcliffe, has been slightly wounded in the heel.

Pte George Hill, son of R. Hill, has been wounded in France.

Sgt Fred Harvey has been discharged as unfit for further military service. He is said to be about to enter a bank in NSW.

Obituary. Thomas Highett, who died 24 December 1916, [Last week it was 22 December!] was born at Black Forest near Adelaide in 1846 and arrived in Burra when 24. He worked in the Burra Mines for a while and then for Mr J.M. McBride for 27 years. He had a family of 15 children of whom 13 survive: Thomas, Joseph, Mrs Nissen, Mrs Raferty & Miss Ida, all in Adelaide, William (Murray Bridge), Mrs Slade and Miss Annie (Kapunda), George & John at the front, Hilda, Fred & Mrs Cox at Kooringa. There are 26 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

[Thomas Henry Highett born 4 September 1847 Black Forest: died 24 December 1917, Kooringa.]

Surgeon-Captain David McDonald Steele has been awarded the Military Cross for his work in attending the wounded under heavy fire. He left Australia 9 October 1915 and went to Heliopolis in Egypt and was later transferred to France as Regimental Medical Officer to the 16th Battalion. He is the son of Mr T. Steele of Jeffcott St North Adelaide.

XXXIX, 2, 10 Jan. 1917, page 2-3

Burra Institute, Annual Meeting.

The credit balance was over £200. In the year Commercial Classes have been run.

For two years ending in December 1916 the committee has given £44-8-6 worth of hall use to patriotic efforts.

The Library now has 4,658 books. 12 scholarship subscriptions have been again given for 1917. Mainly due to Orchestral Classes becoming members the membership has increased.

In December 1915 single members 99 and double 25 for total of 124

In December 1916 single members 148 and double 25 for total of 173

Orchestral and Choral Classes were limited by the war, especially the Choral Class, due to enlistments.

Commercial Classes began with an attendance of 28, but in the second quarter had fallen to 19 and finally to 16, due only in part to removals.

Plans for enlarging the hall and for a billiard room are on hold for the duration of the war.

Elections: President, Mr Winnall; Vice-president, Mr Harcus; Treasurer T.H. Wilkinson [T.H.?]; Secretary, J. Drew.

Messrs Drew and Crewes were elected to fill trustee vacancies caused by the deaths of Mr A. Bartholomaeus and Mr C.C. Williams.

Mr Crewes moved the billiard room be considered as since 6 o’clock closing young men had no place to enjoy themselves except the hotel billiard rooms.

Mr Dane felt a new piano was a higher priority.

Mr McLaren felt enlarging the hall was the highest priority.

Mr Crewes’ motion to consider the Billiard Room was lost.

XXXIX, 2, 10 Jan. 1917, page 3

Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday the best shots were C.W. Pearce 102 and N.H. Pearse 97.

Sgt Bob Crewes writes from France dated 22 & 28 October concerning his action in Belgium and on a major salient.

Burra High School exam results are published.

Burra Cheer-up Society will hold a khaki handkerchief night on 15 January. They hope to get 1,500 and a minimum of 1,000.

The Girls’ band is in temporary recess due to unplayable instruments. New instruments are needed and those who promised donations need to send them in as soon as possible.

Photos have been received of Signaller W.J. Davey, Driver H. Pearce and the late Trooper B. Pearce.

There is news that Pte J. Steadman is improving in health.

Burra Boy Scouts camped at World’s End from 28 December to 1 January and a report is printed.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. The fund is at £559-14-0.

Burra Town Council.

Mr Pryor has taken over as lamplighter on the death of Mr Highett – for the time being.

The Mayor said the lamps were very dirty and had not been cleaned properly and were being destroyed. They are to be put in order.

[It appears from the discussion that lamps were not lighted on moonlight nights unless clouds made them necessary.]

Cr Radford moved that between September and March lamps not be lit for five nights before and three nights after a full moon. Carried. Cr McBride further moved they be lit at 9 p.m. to the end of March and then at 7.30 p.m.

Sympathy was extended to Mrs Highett.

XXXIX, 2, 10 Jan. 1917, page 4

Aberdeen Sports Day on Boxing Day is reported. This is a humorous report and from the results published it seems to have been for children.

XXXIX, 3, 17 Jan. 1917, page 2

Major Lance Lewis has been wounded in Egypt.

Obituary. George Allen died [at Burra] of pneumonia on 9 January aged 14. He was the son of William Allen of Aberdeen. [George Gilbert Allen born 12 May 1902 Redruth.]

Foxes on Saturday night killed 28 of 33 turkeys of Mr Cock at The Forest.

Obituary. Pte S. Hill has died of pneumonia in the 38th Casualty Clearing Station. He was born at Burra in January 1890, the son of Mr & Mrs R. Hill and educated at Burra Public School. He was employed by the late Dr Sangster for a long time and went with the Doctor to Glenelg. After the doctor’s death he farmed with his cousin T.P.H. Selby at Yongala. He was a member of the Foresters’ Lodge and a prominent footballer. He sailed on 11 April 1916 and was in Egypt for five weeks before going to France where he died. His brother Pte G. Hill is wounded and in England and his brothers Ben and Horace are with the Light Horse in Egypt. [Samuel Hill born 21 January 1890 Kooringa: died 1 January 1917 France.]

The WCTU continues to meet monthly in Jubilee Hall.

The Southern Cross Tobacco Fund managed by the Overseas Club has just forwarded £7 from the lists kept by Mr Harcus at the Bank of Australasia. This will supply 7,000 cigarettes and 480 oz of tobacco for boys in the trenches.

XXXIX, 3, 17 Jan. 1917, page 3

Local Recruiting Committees are also seeking to secure subscribers to the latest war loan. £18,000,000 is sought at 41⁄2% (tax free), maturing in 1925.

[Details are given in an advertisement on page 2.]

The late Pte Hedley Trevilyan writes dated 9 June, the day he was killed by a Whizz-Bang shell.

B. Filsell a friend of Hedley Trevilyan writes. He forwarded a shield made from the brass from a Whizz-Bang shell case.

Obituary. Richard Williams of Farrell’s Flat died 11 January aged 74. He arrived here in 1863 in the Mary Sheppard. He was the youngest son of Thomas Williams, tailor, of Brydgen, Wales and was born in 1843 at Brfncathem, Glamorganshire, Wales. He married Ann Prosser 16 Sept. 1868. He started farming at Jamestown and took up land at Wonna where he experienced severe drought. He then lived at Jamestown and Bundaleer for eight years before giving up his land in the reservoir catchment. He came to Farrell’s Flat in 1899. He leaves a widow and one son, Richard Williams and four daughters: Mrs L.J. Griffiths (Aberdeen), Mrs A.H. Harvey (Wanidannah NSW), Mrs Alf Przibilla (Unley) and Mrs Fred H. Smith (Largs Bay).

Burra Town Council.

J.B. Griffiths resigns as lamplighter for North Ward.

Cr Dane said the sag in the new swing bridge was increasing and he understood this could be rectified and several bolts were wanting in the decking. The bridge will be attended to.

Mr Pryor was appointed lamplighter for Aberdeen.

Woollacott & Wall’s tender for £4-4-6 was accepted for the walls of the approached to the new swing bridge (labour only).

The co-operation of all towns on the line will be sought for the reinstatement of the Saturday night train. Cr McBride thought this train was useless – he had often been the only passenger to get off at Burra.

Burra Cheer-up Society held a handkerchief meeting on Monday and achieved 1,822 khaki handkerchiefs. They will go to the 27th Infantry Battalion and the 3rd & 9th Light Horse. 178 more are required. Mrs McBride of ‘Redcliffe’ collected 380 and Miss Amy Harris has collected 270.

Photos have been received of Pte Reuben McBride and the late Pte Harry Davey.

The contributors and collectors of handkerchiefs are listed.

Parcels have been sent to the prisoners of war, Ptes Albert Bruce and Lisle Fuss [Lyall], via the Prisoners of War Information Bureau.

Sympathy is extended to Mr & Mrs Richard Hill and family on the death in France of Pte Sam Hill.

The Seaside Trip. A meeting on Thursday decided on going to Glenelg this year, though the Mayor favoured Semaphore as quieter. The Glenelg people were prepared to erect two marquees for the ladies and in the event of bad weather to allow the use of the Town Hall. The date will be the 24 February, departing c. 5.30 p.m. and leaving c. 8 p.m. from Glenelg. Adults 6/3, children 3/-.

Burra Hospital Board

S.M Lane resigned on enlisting for active service. W.G. Hawkes has also resigned after 20 years service.

XXXIX, 3, 17 Jan. 1917, page 4

Pte Cyril Griffiths writes from England where they arrived after an eight-week voyage. He writes of running the gauntlet of submarines in the Bay of Biscay.

XXXIX, 4, 24 Jan. 1917, page 2

Advt. Charabanc Excursion to Morgan-on-the-Murray, Saturday 27 January.

Streicher Bros. Charabanc leaves Market Square at 4 p.m. and returns Monday at 8 p.m.

Fares 17/6 return. A trip on the Murray, fishing etc. will be arranged.

Notice. The partnership of Charles James Giles and William Henry Giles, butchers of Booborowie, is dissolved as from 13 March 1916. [Check this date]

Advt. Vivian Lewis Ltd’s Burra Branch is under new management of Mr Arch. Bartholomaeus.

[For the first time the advt. Carries the phone number 32.]

Mr Ogilvie, the postmaster at Kooringa for over 4 years, has been moved to Thebarton. Mr Rutter will be the relieving postmaster for the next two months.

Railway Accident. The Broken Hill train collided with a goods train at Stockport last Friday evening. As at Burra 13 months ago it was turned onto the wrong line. The only Burra passenger hurt was Kenny Gebhardt, son of Fred Gebhardt, who sustained slight facial injuries. (There were some more serious injuries to other passengers.)

Belgian Relief Fund lecture by Brigadier Wouters was held in unfavourable weather and attendance was poor. About £10 was raised.

Lt Macindoe writes of meeting Rev. Durnford in Belgium. He is a step-son of Mr Black, the manager of the Commonwealth Bank and was once working in Burra at the Bank of Australasia.

There is also a brief quote from a recent letter from Rev. Durnford.

The Repatriation Day Committee met on Thursday and rescinded the decision to hold it on 1st Friday in February. It was moved to the 9 March. A procession will be organised and there will be a Bruce Stall. The procession is to leave Jubilee Hall at 10 a.m.

XXXIX, 4, 24 Jan. 1917, page 3

Vester Priess, son of Mrs Priess of Paxton Square, has been wounded in the left arm in Egypt.

Horace Hill is now reported ill in Egypt with a severe affection of the eyes.

Allan Gebhardt, son of Fred Gebhardt, is in hospital in England with pneumonia.

Pte R.M. Josephs, son of Mr Frank Josephs of Mt Bryan, is reported wounded.

Trooper John Seeley, son-in-law of Mr W. March, who was invalided home sick some time ago, has been seriously wounded in Egypt.

Ptes C.A Brown & A. Brandt have recovered and returned to duty.

Lt Essen Rule has sent a German gas mask, a saltbox and the nozzle of an anti-aircraft gun home and they are exhibited in Drew & Crewes’ drapery window.

Burra Cheer-up Society held a farewell social for Pte Frank Carey on 17 January.

We have despatched 2014 khaki handkerchiefs. Mr F. Harris collected 1,000.

Photos have been received of Ptes F.C. Eig, L.J. Eig and ‘Bobby’ Jones.

Burra Races were held last Saturday. The weather was good, but attendance was not. The late season meant harvesting was still in full swing. Results are printed. The main race, The Burra Handicap was won by H.J. Heaslip’s Who’s Who ridden by P. Bennett.

XXXIX, 5, 31 Jan. 1917, page 2

Seaside Excursion. The railways have suggested two trains be run.

The first will leave at 5 a.m. arriving at Glenelg at 8.45 a.m.

The second will leave Burra at 5.30 a.m. and arrive at Glenelg at 9.20 a.m.

The first will depart Glenelg at 7.45 p.m. and reach Burra at 11 .47 p.m.

The second will depart Glenelg at 8.15 p.m. and reach Burra at 12.17 a.m.

St Mary’s Sunday School held its annual gathering last Wednesday for a 6 p.m. tea followed by a concert, after which prizes were distributed. Rev. S.J. Bloyd appealed for parents to take more interest in the school’s activities. Mrs C. Fuss, Misses Vera & Doris Fuss, Miss Carey and himself were glad their efforts were appreciated, but he hoped both for more students and for more mothers and daughters capable of teaching to come forward.

Major Lance Lewis has been very seriously wounded, but is said to be making progress.

Trooper Nicholl, grandson of Mr Radford of Aberdeen, has been wounded in the leg.

Burra Cheer-up Society held a social on 29 January for Gunners S.M Lane and D. Black, Sapper W. Quinn (of World’s End) and Pte F. O’Brien. Rev. Father Prendergast was welcomed at the meeting. The society has received a photo of Elliott Riggs and one from Pte R.H. Jones of the band in which he is a member. Letters have been received from the late Pte Sam Hill to Miss Pearce dated France 18 November 1916.

XXXIX, 5, 31 Jan. 1917, page 3

Obituary – Fatal Accident.

On Friday last William Hawker aged c. 12 and a boy friend were out at Oakbank and on the return journey with Mr T. Newland they were doing some shooting. In the process of shooting a parrot William Hawker accidentally discharged his pea rifle and the shot passed through part of the seat of the car, entered Mr Newland’s back and penetrated his heart. He died within seconds. Mr Claridge was driving and the deceased died in his arms. [Matthew Totham Newland born 5 January 1881 Grange: died 28 January 1917 Oakbank Station, residence Bungaree East.]

Pte G.R. Thomas of Mt Bryan East writes from England where he has been laid up with rheumatism. He writes of visits to London, Glasgow & Edinburgh. He expected to return to France on 23 December.

Cricket. At Burra on Monday Kooringa 228 defeated Terowie 207.

Belgian Relief Fund is now at £1,225-8-9. The nett return on Brigadier Wouter’s lecture was only £2-3-0.

XXXIX, 6, 7 Feb. 1917, page 2

Obituary. Bertie S. Williams died on 24 January aged 13. He was the eldest son of John Williams of Hampton. [Bertie Simon Williams born 5 July 1903 Redruth.]

He was thrown from his horse and landed on his head, but appeared to be largely uninjured. He was not taken ill until a fortnight later and then died within two hours. A blood clot on the brain is believed to have been the cause.

Pte J.J. O’Brien was given a farewell at the Bon Accord Hotel on 31 January.

Cyril Stewart is reported wounded and a prisoner in Germany. His brother Cecil was invalided home wounded.

Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday the best shots were G. Herbert 87 and J.E. Pearce 86.

A Scandalous Proposal.

Parliament has passed an Act demanding the closure of German Schools in SA by 31 December next. Now the Education Dept. intends to hire German teachers provided they are qualified and attest their allegiance. ‘It will be justified calling a public meeting of protest if this latest and most scandalous proposal is allowed to come into force.’

XXXIX, 6, 7 Feb. 1917, page 3

Burra Cheer-up Society held a social on Monday to farewell Pte Jack Roach.

2255 khaki handkerchiefs have now been sent.

A Cheer-up parcel has been sent to Pte Raw who was unable to attend a social.

L-Cpl A.E. Isaac writes from Bristol Hospital, London, where he has been compelled to keep to his bed for several months suffering from trench feet. He came there from the Battle of the Somme.

A.E. Tait, Secretary of the Returned Soldiers’ Assoc. writes explaining the background to a minor dispute with the Hospital Board over the rate of pay for a returned soldier employed as a porter.

Burra Town Council

T. Sandland was granted permission to erect a telephone line along the Adelaide Road within the Corporation.

Approaches to the swing bridge are ready for filling.

Children have been damaging the rotunda fence, had climbed trees in another garden and turned a hose on a passer-by. The offenders are known. Their parents will be written to and the police informed.

Burra Roll of Honour.

A first draft of the roll is printed and additions and corrections are requested.

West Burra Copper Mine. 7th Half-Yearly Meeting.

Work has been continuous and while not particularly profitable the returns have been sufficient to keep the men fully employed. We began the period with £54-10-9 and ore sales brought in £386-15-4. Expenses were £309-3-3, leaving a balance of £132-2-10.

Prospects remain encouraging. Stoping work has been done at the 50, 100 & 146’ levels with most ore coming from the 50’ level. We believe the main body of ore is below the water table and the mine merits much further development.

Obituary. The death of ‘Raspootin’ has been confirmed.

XXXIX, 7, 14 Feb. 1917, page 2

Advt. Repatriation Day, Friday 9 March. There will be a procession, Military Bands, A Grand Sports Carnival, Paddy’s Market, Sideshows, Cheap Jack, Vaudeville & Gymnastic turns, an Auction Sale and a Unique Picture Show.

Advt. Monday 19 February at the Burra Institute, A Grand Camp Concert by Boys of the AIF.

Featuring the first appearance of the Cheer-up Ladies’ band.

Tenders will be called for the exclusive use of the Institute on Saturday nights for pictures.

Recruiting. W. Byles, Kooringa has volunteered. W. Pryor volunteered, but was rejected.

Recruiting Committee. Mr Crewes is to join the Adelaide Speakers at Clare. Hon. E. Lucas will speak at Burra on 21st and Mr Winnall at Riverton on 19th.

L-Cpl E.K. Blunt is dangerously ill in France.

Major Lance Lewis has regained consciousness.

XXXIX, 7, 14 Feb. 1917, page 3

Burra Hospital Board.

A. Gebhardt resigns.

The falling patient numbers due to war conditions will not affect probationer nurses’ certificates.

The Board for the next 12 months is: A.J. McBride JP, J. McLaren, E.W. Crewes JP, J.E.H. Winnall JP, I.J. Warnes JP, C. Bartholomaeus, P.A. McBride, S.M. Lane JP, F.T. Harcus, and T. McWaters JP.

The porter has given notice and will be replaced by Mr Henry Walker.

The Board congratulates Dr Steele on being awarded the Military Cross.

Burra Cheer-up Society is preparing for Repatriation Day when they will run the sweet and cool drink stall. The Cheer-up Ladies’ band will appear for the first time on 19 February at the Grand Camp Concert at the Institute. A parcel was sent to Pte Bell for whom a social could not be arranged.

XXXIX, 8, 21 Feb. 1917, page 2

The Seaside Trip will be run next Saturday and 1,000 tickets have been sold: 650 adults and 350 children.

Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ band & AIF Boys Concert.

As the boys enlisted the Burra Coronation Brass Band numbers fell and at the end only a couple were left and it had to be disbanded. The Cheer-up Girls decided to take its place. Appeals were made for donations and for instruments. When news reached the Exhibition Camp in Adelaide a concert party was organised. The Burra Cheer-up Society had done so much to help the boys and this was a chance to repay something. Lt W.A. Read OC gave permission for a visit to Burra for a concert. The aid of Miss Hilda Felstead and Miss Kitty Sullivan was enlisted. The concert on Monday was packed. The Ladies’ band led off with Templesmore and given the short time for practice the result was impressive. It was a pleasure to listen to and earned the storm of applause it got. The rest of the concert was very good and was rapturously received, especially Miss Kitty Sullivan’s burlesque of The Melodrama and Miss Felstead’s comic songs. The sum raised for the band was £33 including a £5 donation from Mr T.H. Pearse. [Details of the review run to almost 1 column.]

Burra Identities.

Mr Richard Reed

Mr Reed was 80 on 22 January and is the person longest resident in the town*. He was born in Cornwall in 1837 and came to Adelaide aged 10 with his parents. They settled first at Kapunda where Mr Reed’s father was a miner. 12 months later they moved on to Burra. Richard was engaged here in whim driving and other tasks and after a few years turned to plastering. When gold was discovered in Victoria he made three trips to the gold fields in 1853-54. He then returned to Burra and purchased a team of bullocks and engaged in wood carting and carting other requirements of the mine. The men working on top were on tribute, but underground workers had wages. The hours underground were 7 to 3. Aborigines were common in those days and corroborees were a common sight. There were magnificent gum trees on either side of the Burra Creek. Eventually Mr Reed turned to sheep farming and took up the property of ‘Wandillah’. Money then could only be got at 10% and wool prices were low. The droughts of 1863 and 1865 were disastrous and he lost practically everything. Mr Reed retired to Aberdeen about 14 years ago. In 1859 he married Miss Ann Henwood, daughter of Mr John Henwood of Burra and has three sons and three daughters: Richard Reed (Aberdeen), John Reed (Mongolata), James Reed (‘Wandillah’), Mrs George Sara, Mrs C.H. Bartholomaeus (Aberdeen) and Miss Reed who lives with her father. Mrs Reed died about four years ago. He has never taken an active part in public life. He celebrated his 80th birthday by ‘doing’ the Murray trip with Miss Reed.

• While this may have been true, statements of this sort are not to be relied upon.

XXXIX, 8, 21 Feb. 1917, page 2-3

Mr Sampson Montgomery.

He resides with his son-in-law and daughter, Mr & Mrs Henry Tralaggan of Aberdeen. He celebrated his 98th birthday on Thursday. He is active and has never consulted a doctor. He spends much of his time in the garden and is a great smoker. He was born in Cornwall in 1819. His father was in the British Army in the artillery and fought against Napoleon. He came to SA as an employee of Mr George Fife Angas and is believed to be the last survivor of those who came out on the same boat, the Henry Porch [check this], arriving 1 July 1838. He became a gardener for a Mrs August in the vicinity of Walkerville before becoming an engineman and fireman for Mr John Dunn. Mr Montgomery took up land at Dry Creek and after five years moved to the Upper Wakefield District where he stayed until retiring about 25 years ago. He has lived with Mr & Mrs Tralaggan for 24 years. In 1849 he married Mrs Harding, a widow whose husband had drowned in the River Torrens. She died several years ago. The family are: Robert Montgomery (Jamestown), John Montgomery (Brookton WA), James Montgomery (Aberdeen), Thomas Montgomery (Quorn), Mrs H. Tralaggan (Aberdeen), Mrs James McGowan (Aberdeen) and Mrs W. Dunstan (Broken Hill).

XXXIX, 8, 21 Feb. 1917, page 3

Mrs Simpson attained her 93rd year on 31 January. Her first visit to the town was before the mine started. The township of today was then about three houses and one hotel, ‘The Pig & Whistle’. She was born in Forben, England in 1824. He father, Mr Samuel Hawkes being engaged in farming. Her mother died when she was 10. In 1844 she married Mr Richard Simpson, a shepherd. They lived in a hut a good distance from the head station on Booborowie Run, having been engaged by Dr William Browne whilst coming out on the Schacamchen in early 1851. They travelled from Adelaide by bullock wagon, passing only about three houses on the way. Mr Browne once told her husband to engage anyone who came along, but he replied he had not seen anyone looking for work for the previous three years. Aborigines were common and at first very wild, but later became more friendly. Her first visit to Burra was made on foot – about 18 miles from Booborowie. After about 20 years the family took up land at Mintaro, but after 12 months returned to Booborowie and then after a while took land at Mt Bryan. After a hard battle they retired due to Mr Simpson’s ill health and settled in Burra, but her husband died after a short time, in 1889. She recalls the dugouts in Burra Creek, some of which were very comfortable and roomy. In early days Mrs Simpson was an active worker in the Primitive Methodist Church. Until the last year she has been very active and managed her own business affairs in connection with property she owns in the town. She has two sons and a daughter: John Simpson (Belalie North), Richard Simpson (Burra) and Mrs J. Robinson who lives with her mother.

Obituary. Mr D. [David] Radford died at his residence ‘Condellara’ in Aberdeen last Thursday [15 February] aged 80. He was born 4 April 1836 at Exeter, Devonshire. The following year his parents migrated to Australia with their family of six sons and three daughters in the Prestonjee Homanjee [Pestonjee Bomajee] with Lt-Col. George Gawler on board. They arrived at Holdfast Bay 12 October 1838. After four years in Adelaide they went first to Encounter Bay and then to Greenock where they raised sheep. This was successful at first, but later failed due to scab in the sheep. In 1852 Mr Radford and some of his brothers went to the Victorian gold fields. They were successful and returned to SA briefly before a second visit. The second time they returned to SA by means of a boat they built at Swan Hill. A few years later Mr Radford prospected with others for gold in New Zealand, but this was unsuccessful and the party suffered privations. In 1872 he was part of a party led by John Ford to the Northern Territory for the Yam Creek Gold Mining Co. The Hon. John Lewis was also a member. Several members lost their lives in the wreck of the Gothenburg, including Mr Thomas Radford. Mr Radford then turned his attention to farming at Clare and Angaston in partnership with some of his brothers. In 1879 he took up land near Gordon for sheep farming and later continued in this line to the east of Burra, remaining there till retiring to Burra. In 1861 he married Martha Smith, daughter of the late Samuel Smith of Angaston, but she died soon, leaving one son and he remarried in 1865, Jane Roberts of Angaston, daughter of the late George Roberts. He took no part in public life, through a hearing affliction, but he took an interest in the Redruth Methodist Church. He leaves a widow, five sons and a daughter: S.O. Radford (Durban, South Africa), D.H. Radford (Burra), M.A. Radford (Burra), F.W. Radford (Burra), G.L. Radford (Sydney) and Mrs John Bowman (Leighton). Also 13 grandchildren. He was the last of his generation to die.

Pte Tim James writes to his mother in Hanson dated 14 December 1916 saying his health has not been good due to the cold weather. He mentions the death of Fred Bernard from a shell on 15 November, not three yards from him. [Probably Fred Bernhardt.]

Loyal Aberdeen Lodge MUIOOF had a visit from District Officers on Wednesday. Past Grand Bro. C.A. Fuss took the chair. (He is presently Superintendent of the Juvenile Lodge.)

Burra Town Council.

Lamplighter W.S. Pryor applied for 6d more per lamp. [Making an extra 7/6 a week for lighting the 15 lamps in Kooringa.] A decision was deferred.

The Municipal Association wrote asking if the Council was in favour of compelling vehicles to carry a red tail light at night. They were not.

A letter of sympathy was sent to Cr Radford.

Burra Cheer-up Society held a social on Saturday afternoon, 17 February, to welcome the Grand Camp Concert Party.

Pte Bert Sandland was present on his farewell leave.

Ptes C. Bartholomaeus & w. Nankivell were present, but were not on their long leave.

A phot of Pte W.J. Quinn has been received.

Kooringa Magistrate’s Court, last Saturday.

Arnold John Collins, letter carrier, was charged with secreting 61 letters the property of the PMG. The letters were recovered from his boarding house. He also admitted destroying letters to the number of about 200. Remanded to next Saturday.

XXXIX, 8, 21 Feb. 1917, page 4

Newsprint.

There is a report from the Gundagai Independent indicating a very steep increase in the cost of paper. Some NSW papers were having to double subscription rates and the Mercury at Wollongong had cut issues from 2 to 1 per week.

XXXIX, 9, 28 Feb. 1917, page 2

Notice. Burra Show Society calls a meeting of members to alter rule 35 by striking out:

‘No President of the Society shall be eligible to hold office for more than two tears in succession.’

Notice. Frank Streicher denies any blame for the motor accident that occurred on the way to the train for the seaside trip.

Birth. Jack Everett Thomas was born at Nurse Woollacott’s Nursing Home Redruth on 5 February. A son for Mr & Mrs F.E. Thomas.

Birth. Joy Pauline Leibich was born at Nurse Woollacott’s Nursing Home Redruth on 23 February. A daughter for Mr & Mrs W.G. Leibich, farmer of Porter’s Lagoon.

Mr Rutter, acting postmaster at Kooringa, has gone to Gawler and has been replaced by Mr Fisk, also a relieving officer. Mr Marsh has been appointed and has arrived, but will not commence duty till 12 March. He was previously postmaster at Port Darwin for 30 years.

Accident. Mr Thomas Wilks of Mt Bryan East was thrown from his spring cart while crossing a creek on Saturday and broke his thigh.

Redruth Court, Saturday 24 February.

Arnold John Collins was charged with secreting 61 letters. This was withdrawn on a technicality and was replaced with the charge of wilfully detaining an article sent by post, to wit a letter addressed to Mrs W.A. Gebhardt.

A.A. Dale postal assistant had discovered the offence when he went to Collin’s room on 16 February acting on information – they both live in the same boarding house.

Henry John Rutter, acting postmaster, gave evidence of receiving 17 letters from Dale and marking them and then going to the room and finding 44 further letters. The postmarks on the letters were from 20 January to 5 February.

Rosa Pearce, owner of the boarding house, had discovered the letters while cleaning.

The accused admitted destroying other letters and opening some containing cheques, money orders etc. He made a statement saying he wanted to resign in October, but his mother wouldn’t let him. He was 19 on 5 October 1916. He opened about 50 letters and burnt the contents. Over the last six months he had destroyed about 20 letters a week.

He was committed to the Supreme Court for trial.

Burra Cheer-up Society. The Ladies’ band has received three new instruments as a result of the concert. The final nett result of which was £23-12-51⁄2. Mr A.J. McBride has given a new cornet.

Major Lance Lewis is now expected to recover. When wounded he lay conscious for three hours under the bodies of dead comrades before recovering enough to crawl to a dressing tent some distance away.

Advt. Repatriation Day will be held on 9 March.

[1 column of details.]

XXXIX, 9, 28 Feb. 1917, page 3

The Seaside Trip to Glenelg was held last Saturday. The morning was cold in Burra and also in Glenelg. The lack of platforms at Glenelg was somewhat inconvenient, but the railways provided stepladders. Many people went to Adelaide instead of the beach, but others went to the amusements like the merry-go-round, the big wheel, swinging boats and the shooting gallery.

The start from Burra was marred by a crush on the platform and hoodlum-like behaviour by some young men who pushed through regardless of comfort and safety. There were 1,000 people to accommodate and the use of different coloured tickets for the two trains would have helped. The failure of the railways to provide sufficiently powerful engines for the return journey meant the run home was two hours late. The first train arrived at 1.40 a.m. and the second at 2 a.m. But overall, except for the road accident at the start and the late arrival and the slow journey home, most people had a good day’s outing.

Recruiting Meeting, last Wednesday.

Mr Anstey said 95% of our boys will come back and promised preferential treatment for them from a grateful nation. There was a scheme to train returned soldiers for farming. A training farm had been set up at Pompoota and one at Mt Remarkable. Reclaimed land along the Murray would be made available – a house, dairy cattle, pigs and poultry supplied to the value of £500 on a loan with no interest in the 1st year and then 21⁄2% in the second year, 31⁄2% in the third and 41⁄2% in the fourth and then at the current rate. The Repatriation Fund would pay any deficiency in earning and £25 free paid for furniture. The Mt Remarkable training was for mixed farming. Other options were aid in setting up a business and pig and poultry farms at Seaton were another option.

W. Hutley gave a short address. If he could get 30 young men they could stay together as a Burra contingent.

Motor Accident.

On Saturday morning c. 4.30 a.m. Streicher Bros.’ small charabanc was going to the station with passengers with Mr P. Pederson in a Buick just behind. Mr Wicklein in his ford approached from the other direction. Apparently confused by lights and dust Mr Wicklein drove onto the wrong side of the road. Mr Streicher pulled almost onto the footpath and stopped, but the Ford struck the charabanc amidships and turned it over. All escaped unhurt except for Mrs Ambrose Harris who sustained a fractured collarbone. Even she was able to continue her journey and is now progressing well. Mr Pederson only avoided running into the scene by going up a steep bank onto the footpath at the risk of overturning his own vehicle. Prompt action by both drivers averted a potentially serious accident.

‘Horatio Copperhouse’ writes that on the day of the seaside trip he and others decided to picnic at the Recreation Ground, but on arrival found the four iron gates all locked and the sole occupant of the grounds to be ‘the Municipal Horse [which] was fast asleep’.

‘One gentleman who was present recklessly leaned against the gate and the chain, which was about the same age as the horse, gave way at its weakest link and lo, the way was open before us.’

‘We entered the forbidden ground, careful not to disturb the poor old horse, which, considering the present exorbitant price of meat must have been worth at least 3s 9d.’

He considered arrangements for access could be made on future such occasions.

Marriage. Miss Winifred Dew, 2nd daughter of Mr & Mrs Fred Dew of ‘Blue Bells’ was married to Mr H.A. (Art.) Przibilla, 5th son of the late Andrew & Mrs Przibilla, late of Farrell’s Flat, at ‘Blue Bells’ recently. After the honeymoon in Broken Hill the couple will live at ‘Beltimore’, Tothill’s Belt.

XXXIX, 9, 28 Feb. 1917, page 4

The Recruiting Meeting, Wednesday. A further report with in excess of 2 columns of detail.

[The incentives now being offered surely indicate that getting volunteers was growing more difficult.]

‘If two or three friends enlisted and desired to remain together they would be guaranteed one tent and would not be parted.’ If a lad a distance out desired to enlist they would go and get him and fill out papers, arrange the medical and pay him 10/- for the day. He could also have six months leave without pay, which would count as active service. Volunteers could choose which section of the army they entered. For the Commonwealth the requirements were for 3,375 a week and enlistments were 1,368. Men from WA and Victoria had to make up for the SA quota.

Speakers were Lt Robinson, recruiting officer for the Wakefield District, Hon. E. Lucas, Mr Anstey and Mr W. Hutley.

XXXIX, 10, 7 Mar. 1917, page 2

Advt. Theatregraph Picture, 10 March.

Charlie Chaplin in The Count

Florence la Badie in The Saint, the Devil and the Woman

Pearl White in Chapter 1 of the super-serial The Iron Claw.

The Camp Concert Co. gave a performance at the Burra Institute last Wednesday and ‘considering that the performers were returned soldiers the attendance did not reflect credit on this town.’ A very good program was presented.

Obituary. Mr T.A. Gregg of the Bon Accord Hotel died suddenly on 2 March of heart disease.

He was aged 53. [Thomas Andrew Gregg born 1862 London: died in Aberdeen.]

Burra Cheer-up Society gave a farewell social on Monday for Driver S.M. Lane. Driver Lane is in the artillery and leaves for Melbourne and thence for the front this week. He was presented with a pair of field glasses and £13-£14 as the balance of donations received. [3⁄4 column of detail.]

XXXIX, 10, 7 Mar. 1917, page 3

Burra Town Council.

James Pryor sought a pay rise of 7/6 a week to 22/6 for lighting lamps in Kooringa and the right to the proceeds from the sale of carbide holders and a pair of leather gloves.

Cr Harris moved it be granted.

Cr McBride said the carbide lamps were useless and it was time kerosene was substituted. It cost more than the rates brought in ‘to light lamps which were never alight’.

Cr McWaters agreed – some of the lamps had not been alight for weeks.

The matter will be considered.

[The outcome of Cr Harris’s motion is unclear.]

The Main Roads grant is for £400.

It was proposed to tar dress from the post office to Drew & Crewes’ corner and from Dalgety’s corner to across the Black Bridge.

Cr McBride objected – it was nonsense to put tar on a flat road that would not carry it. He wanted the tar dressing postponed till they saw how it was done in the city.

Cr Harris moved that roads already tar dressed be redressed at once. Carried.

Soldiers’ Aid Society is currently responding to a great demand for socks and has just bought £40 worth of wool to be made up. The fund now stands at £586-7-2.

Burra Rifle Club. ‘Target’ deplores the apparent flagging interest in target shooting. Last Saturday best shots were H.E. Riggs 87, and O.G. Walker & G.E. Dane each with 86.

Obituary. Capt. Rev. A. Alexander writes a letter dated 1 January 1917 concerning the death of Pte Sam Hill.

Recruiting. Volunteers last week were D.C. Eig (Leighton) & W.H. Stevenson (Burra).

Pte G.R. Thomas of Mt Bryan East is ill in Tobar Hospital with pneumonia.

Motor Driver J. Heinrich writes from England, telling of a visit to London. He is in camp on Salisbury Plain at Tidworth.

Burra Cheer-up Society has received a photo of the late Lt J. Sommerville and gave a parcel to Pte Charlie Sangster when he paid a farewell visit last week. [The next paper corrected his name to Frank Sangster.]

XXXIX, 11, 14 Mar. 1917, page 2

Notice. Tenders are called for a New Generator with the usual fixings for 30-40 lights for the Hospital. [Presumably an electric system. The hospital had a Delco electric generator before the Burra Electric Supply Co.’s arrival in 1924, but I don’t know when they changed from gas, which had been installed in 1904.]

Notice. Burra Recruiting Committee calls a meeting in Council Chamber on Thursday to make arrangements for a demonstration early in April to be called ‘Win the War Day.’

Obituary. T.A. Gregg died 2 March. He was born in London in 1862 and came to SA in the SS John Elder in 1882. He knocked about various stations for some time and then joined the Railway Dept. at Quorn c. 1885 and stayed with them for 27 years. For 20 years he was a driver, mainly on the Adelaide-Morgan and Adelaide-Terowie lines. He left the Railways in 1912 and took the Bon Accord Hotel. He leaves a wife and one daughter.

Rain. Oakbank Station has recorded 4.44” for February: 4.31” of it in three consecutive days. There was also 2.14” in January and all 29 dams and the swamps are full and in places water tops the fences.

Win the War Day in April will feature speakers, free film of the war and the Mitcham Band.

Pte F. Kelly is reported sick.

Major Lewis is reported to be progressing.

Sister N.B. Lehmann, who has been mentioned in despatches by General Sir Douglas Haig, was born in Kooringa. She is a daughter of Mr G.L. Lehmann, formerly of Kooringa and now of Myrtle Farm near Dandenong. Her sister is also nursing somewhere in France.

Driver S.M. Lane was farewelled by Masonic Brethren on Tuesday last week.

Burra Hospital Board.

The tender of John Pearce was accepted for renovations to the nurses’ room and erecting a fence.

The old portion of the hospital building is to be removed.

The nurses’ bathroom is to be put in order.

Matron (Sister Solly) has resigned.

Mr Stevens, whose car accidentally damaged the hospital fence some time ago has complained strongly about the amount of the account sent to him. It seems some other work was included in the account. A new account will be obtained.

The Matron’s position will be offered to Nurse Mildred and if she declines it will be advertised.

Booborowie Races were held last Saturday in good weather and attracted a good crowd. The results are printed.

Pte F. Gebhardt writes from France dated 25 December 1916. He tells of Christmas at the front and the trouble with mud requiring rubber boots up to the thigh, and of trouble with lice.

Pte Fred Hanley writes to his sister, Mrs W.P. Wade. He tells of a major engagement with the Turks on 23 December in Egypt in which we lost 3 officers and 18 men killed and 7 officers and 118 men wounded. The Turks lost 97 killed and several hundred wounded.

He reported the elder Schuyler boy from Burra was one of those wounded, but he thinks not seriously.

[Bob Schuyler]

Letter correcting an entry under ‘Made the Supreme Sacrifice’ on the Roll of Honour. It should refer to Pte John Oram who was killed in action 12 January 1917 and not Allan Oram who was discharged as under age when he went down last year.

Redruth Court, Wednesday.

J. Lauritsen of Booborowie was charged with making unlawful threats to an elector, L.L. Larwood, schoolteacher of Booborowie to influence his vote in the Referendum of 28 October. The accused and another threatened to dip him in a trough unless he voted NO. Mr Bright got a dismissal for the defendant and £2-2-0 costs for want of proof that (a) Larwood was an elector and (b) a referendum was taken on 28 October. [In both cases typical legalistic nonsense.]

XXXIX, 11, 14 Mar. 1917, page 3

Repatriation Day, 9 March.

The aim was the raise funds so that when the boys came home again there would be money to help them return to civilian life and establish homes, businesses etc. Platforms and booths were erected in Market Square on Thursday night. Allied flags and bunting decorated the place. The sweets and cool drinks booth was run by the Cheer-up Society. There was a huge marquee for luncheons and afternoon tea and large boards to record the votes of the ‘popularity’ competition. There was also a baby competition. A procession was organised by Mr Hann from the Railway Station to Market Square led by M-Cs McCarthy and Kane followed by Jack Hann under a huge cat’s mask. Then came the Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ band comprising: Trix Pearce, Nelly Pearce, Annie Pearce, Hilda Hunt, Edie Harris, Dulcie McWaters, Lily Riggs, Doreen Pressick, Myrtle Isaacs, Lydia Burns, Ethel James, Olive Hopgood, Gladys Lawn. They were followed by two decorated perambulators and the Soldiers’ Aid Society with a beautiful display on Robertson’s motor trolly. Young ladies in white bearing red, white and blue umbrellas were followed by a couple of Red Indians before Britannia in a Golden Chariot, built by August Fuss and drawn by a crowd of little girls. Military Cadets under Lt Phillis were followed by the Adelaide Locomotive Band, which in turn was followed by the Boy Scouts under Scoutmaster Rigney and Lt Robinson and the Recruiting Staff. Next were a quaint lot of little nigger boys in a ramshackle cart and a group in giants’ masks. Following them was Mr [Jack] Allen as John Bull and Mr Hawkes’ decorated car labelled ‘Back to the Land’, which was decorated with primary produce, but framed as a boat. W.H. Sandland’s car was fitted up as an aeroplane and was followed by other cars and traps.

At Market Square speeches were made by Rev. S.J. Bloyd, Mr Winnall, Mr Hawkes, Recruiting Sergeant Stacey and the Mayor.

A Union Jack sold under the Bugler system finally went to H.H. Thomas for 50 guineas, but raised in all £260-12-0.

The Babies Contest was won by Mr P.A. McBride’s boy with £26-4-3.

[Personal interest: Edna Maud Allen raised 17/21⁄2, Dorothy Eileen Allen £3-12-61⁄2 and Ruby Myrtle Bernhardt 16/5.]

A Band Concert in the evening was packed out. The ladies Cheer-up Band played with the Locomotive Band for the overture.

The Mayor estimated the takings for the day would gross c. £2,000. In fact so far the gross takings have come in at £1,999-0-9.

Burra Cheer-up Society. The sweets and cool drinks booth raised £31. A photo of Pte O. Duldig has been received. Correction: last week’s parcel did not go to Pte C. Sangster, but to Gunner Frank Sangster.

XXXIX, 12, 21 Mar. 1917, page 2

Harold Pearse writes a letter [courtesy of N.H. Pearse of ‘Corra Lynn’ Florieton.] from Tidworth in England. He says Joe Heinrich arrived a few days ago with three of the Burra ambulances. He also writes of a visit to London.

Burra Show Society. A special general meeting last Friday changed the rule forbidding the President to serve for more than two years consecutively. The argument was that originally nominations were openly done at a meeting and voting was public, but now nominations are sought ahead of time and voting, if needed, is by secret ballot. Mr Winnall outlined the reasons for desiring a change and Mr McWaters moved the motion, which was 2nd by Mr R.M. McBride. Mr Hawkes supported the change, as did Mr J. McLaren and it was carried unanimously.

Burra Horticulture. Vegetable plots have increased significantly of late and some large items have appeared:

J.P. Kain A 50 lb New Zealand pumpkin

C. Parks 14 oz tomato

A. Fuss 141⁄2 oz tomato

A. Fuss 16 good tomatoes on one stem

M. Pederson 17 cherry tomatoes in one bunch

H. Parks 23 French runner beans on one stem

J.E.H. Winnall 271⁄2 lb cauliflower

O.G. Walker 36 oz onion

O.G. Walker 14 potatoes on one plant totalling 4 lb 11 oz

A.G. Gebhardt 351⁄2 oz onion (At Mackerode)

L. Penrose 141⁄2 lb cabbage

R.D. Pascoe white plume celery head of 13 sticks 36” high

Recruits to 17 March:

G.L. Fletcher, Burra.

J.E. Sawyer, Burra (Rejected)

B. Davis, Mt Bryan

Pte G.R. Thomas of Mt Bryan has been transferred to Norfolk War Hospital.

Obituary. Pte Lindsay Stephens, a Burra boy by birth and son of H.S. Stephens formerly of Mongolata and now of Queensland, was killed in action in France on 23 February. He was for a long time a member of the Burra Rifle Club. He leaves a wife and one child.

[Lindsay Gordon Stephens born 7 April 1888 Mongolata.]

Obituary. Sgt Leslie Latimer has been killed in France. He used to work in Bagot’s office in Burra and was active here in musical circles. [Richard Leslie Latimer born 23 October 1888 Booyoolie Gladstone: died 5 November 1916 France.]

Ross Hayes, a Burra boy, is reported seriously ill with meningitis in London.

Sgt R. Sandland has been promoted to a lieutenancy.

Letter from an unidentified Burra boy in France dated 26 November. He writes of having been very much on the move since leaving Belgium c. 8 October. He spent some time laying light rail tracks to the front. He reports seeing and inspecting some tanks. He has been near Amiens, which he had visited.

Surgeon Major Steele writes from near a large French town, reporting a good Christmas. He comments on the mud of Flanders and can’t understand the referendum result.

Burra Rifle Club. Saturday. G.E. Dane 106 and N.W.R. Pearce 100 & G. Lawn 100 were the best shots.

XXXIX, 12, 21 Mar. 1917, page 3

Burra Town Council.

In reply to a question of Cr McBride’s on notice, the Town Clerk said the cost of tar-paving roads was:

£69-18-1 for 21 chains [c. 1⁄4 mile or 422 metres.]

£60-14-3

To metal a road cost £10-15-1 a chain [or £225-16-9 for 21 chains], which without tar lasted about 3 years.

Cr McBride said this cost only represented repairing and the original cost of tar was c. £8 per chain. There were 61⁄2 miles of main road in Burra and a grant of £400, which represented c. 15/- a chain, so it would not be possible to keep other roads in repair if £3 per chain went in tar dressing.

Someone needs to be sent to Adelaide to see how it is done properly.

Mr McBride and Mr Crewes than had an altercation over whether a Mr Brown had or had not told the Mayor that the Burra tarred roads were a credit to the town. The Mayor said the road from Dalgety’s to the bridge was perfect for tarring and should be done. Cr McBride disagreed.

The motion to tar the road was lost.

Monday.

Cr McBride said the present street lamps were very unsatisfactory. Of the twenty, half were never lit. There were ten days a month they were not lit at all, so effectively they were paying the lamplighter 9/- a day to light 20 lamps.

The Mayor said the present generators were unsatisfactory. To go back to kerosene would be to go back 50 years and in any case lamp glasses had risen in price by 300% and the result would be even worse than the acetylene.

Cr Harris said he had been talking to the lamplighter and all but three lamps were going all right.

The Mayor said there were two or three lamps belonging to the old Band that might be used. The Town Clerk reminded them that they were German and parts were hard to get.

Particulars of the most recent streetlamps are to be obtained.

Cr McWaters moved that the request of the lamplighter for more pay be refused. Carried.

Captain Truscott of the Fire Brigade said that at present the reel was a fowl roost and was rusting and unless some arrangements were made he would refuse to take any further part in the brigade.

Council will inspect the situation.

Burra Cheer-up Society. J.M. McBride and I.J. Warnes have each promised £20 to the Band if the Band can raise £20.

Black Springs Sports were held 17 March. Results are printed.

War Poem: On the Voyage to England by ‘A Mother of a Soldier’, Aberdeen, 5 March 1917.

Letter from an unidentified Burra boy on the Battle of Rafa (Egypt). The letter describes the wounds received by Major Lewis: a bullet entered near his right eye and came out through the back of his neck. He was also hit in the arm. There is 3⁄4 column on the battle.

Soldiers’ Aid Society Fund is now at £601-17-0.

XXXIX, 13, 28 Mar. 1917, page 2

Notice. Tenders are called for the purchase of 172 acres of grassed land at Kooringa, known as O’Leary’s paddock on which is erected a large substantial slaughterhouse, stockyards etc. Splendid well of permanent water. The building has just been put in good repair. Tenders received till 31 March 1917. Ernest W. Crewes & A.J. McBride, Trustees.

Rev. W.F. James’s book the Bible Christian Centenary Souvenir has sold well enough to cover costs. Sales now benefit mission funds.

Attempted Fraud. Some confidence man in Egypt is cabling parents of soldiers asking for money to be sent to Egypt. Be very cautious about remitting funds.

Win the War Day will be held 4 May.

Kooringa Post Office gas lighting has failed and the semi-darkness has returned.

Fire partially destroyed the wash-house at John Drew’s in Kooringa on Monday. The washing had been done and the fire removed. Miss Drew was there for some time an hour later and a man from Drew & Crewes was there subsequently and neither saw or smelt any sign of fire. It was well ablaze when found, but Mr Drew and his son Allen managed to put it out and prevent it spreading to the attached woodshed and coach-house. Clothing and bedding to value of c. £25 was lost.

Mr & Mrs Walter Pearce’s memorial in the Burra Cemetery to their son Stanley who was killed in action 20 July 1916 is the first to a fallen soldier in Burra.

Horticulture in Burra.

H.M. Ford 151⁄4 oz tomato

W. Irlam jnr 161⁄2 oz tomato

Mr Winnall 20” high Chinese cabbage

XXXIX, 13, 28 Mar. 1917, page 3

Miss Amy L. Tomkinson writes urging children to join the Soldier’s Cabbage Patch League and grow vegetables to supply the Cheer-up Hut in Adelaide.

Burra Cheer-up Society. The £20 to be collected before Mr J.M. McBride & Mr I.J. Warnes would each give their £20 has been obtained.

A few days ago the band visited Redruth Girls Reformatory on the occasion of the opening of the new lawn by Rev. W. Jew of Terowie.

Lt R. Robinson writes urging further enlistment.

‘Ratepayer’ writes supporting Cr McBride’s stand against the tar-dressing of roads.

‘Tar-Not’ writes along similar lines and specifically condemning the bumpy tar surfaces from Miss Bentley’s shop to Mr Roach’s house and from Mr Austin’s shop to the Royal Exchange Hotel.

‘B.4.6.’ Aberdeen writes supporting more spending on good metal road maintenance instead of tar to benefit a few shopkeepers with premises adjacent to it.

Red Cross. The local group has sent a further £51 to Central Treasury bringing the total to £650 and £500 worth of goods.

Pte O.R. Duldig, son of F. Duldig of World’s End, is in Australian Hospital in London with a mild gunshot wound in the thigh.

Recruits to 24 March:

L. Moloney, Burra

A.B. Welday, Burra.

Lt Frank Treloar & Pte R. Burns will both be invalided home from England shortly.

Mr & Mrs T.H. Woollacott have received word that the belongings of the late R.H. Woollacott including £30-£40 worth of books, tools and mementos were all lost when the steamer Port Adelaide was torpedoed.

Pte T. Brady, brother of Mrs Pohlner of ‘Touralee’ has been wounded in France.

[See correction next issue.]

Lutheran School must close in SA by the end of December. The Premier, Mr Crawford Vaughan has just dismissed an appeal against this by the Lutheran Church on the grounds of religious freedom.

[c. 1⁄2 column.]

Arnold J. Collins’ case of keeping mail was heard on 21 March in Adelaide. The case was presented that he unlawfully and fraudulently secreted a certain postal article addressed to Miss Nankivell of Kooringa. Mr Paris Nesbit KC appeared for the defendant, who pleaded not guilty. The judge did not believe fraud had been proved and after retiring the jury returned a verdict of not guilty and the accused was released.

‘Burra Boy’ writes from London dated 11 December 1916. He tells about leave in England from France and of visiting London. He outlines his impressions of the major sights and of visits to theatres etc.

WCTU continues to meet monthly in Jubilee Hall.

XXXIX, 14, 4 Apr. 1917, page 2

Advt. Repatriation Day at Farrell’s Flat, 11 April.

Advt. Hallett Sports Meeting, Monday 9 April. In Aid of Red Cross & Belgian Relief Funds.

Advt. Federal Election Meetings in the Institute 5 April for the National Party.

Speakers: The Hon. Crawford Vaughan, Premier and Senator Storey. Mr E.W. Crewes will preside.

Advt. At Burra Institute 10 April: The Royal Follies from St Kilda (Melbourne). Music Mirth & Melody.

Harold Pearse writes to N.H. Pearse of ‘Corra Lynn’ Florieton. He was now at the First Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Harefield, Middlesex. He tells of the life of an ambulance driver in England.

Frank Riggs has come out with a first class diploma at Roseworthy with honours in agriculture, dairying, book-keeping, aviculture and oenology and was awarded the Royal Agricultural Society’s gold medal for the highest aggregate in all diploma subjects, the Old students’ Cup for highest aggregate in agriculture and veterinary science and the Molineux Medal for outstanding work.

Win the War day. The central Recruiting Committee, without any reference to the local committee, has decided on 11 April and not the 4 May for the day. This is characteristic of the Central Committee. The local committee met on Wednesday last and voted to advise the Central Committee that as the State Recruiting Committee had chosen to show the pictures on a day not suitable to the local committee, the whole of the arrangements for the 11 April will be left to the Central Committee.

XXXIX, 14, 4 Apr. 1917, page 3

Fire. An infant daughter of Mrs Gentle of Redruth was badly burnt on an arm and a leg when a spark ignited bedding in her cradle last Friday.

Burra Horticulture.

A. Fuss 18 oz tomato

O. Walker 27 potatoes weighing 5 lb 5 oz from one plant

John Collins of Collinsville 23 oz quince

Thomas Goodridge of Gum Creek 6 Rome Beauty apples weighing 4 lb

Pte T. Brady of Hallett is not wounded as reported, but is in hospital with a fever.

Major Lance Lewis is now reported out of danger.

‘A Burra Boy’ writes from France dated 1 January and 15 January. He reports Christmas in the trenches. The Christmas boxes arrived, but lacked the personal touches of the 1916 billy-cans.

[3⁄4 column of details.]

Burra Town Council, Monday.

It was decided to get a sample of a new acetylene gas generator for streetlamps.

Sara & Co. were given permission to erect a water trough.

Inspection showed that fowls had been roosting on the fire reel, so it was decided to erect a shelter for it in the police yard.

The Town Clerk said the whole of tar-dressing had been charged to main roads account, but all except 24’ would have to be recharged to the wards.

The Mortuary Chapel at the cemetery is to be re-painted.

Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday the best shots were J.E. Pearce 98 & C.W. Pearce 97.

Tennis. Saturday. Aberdeen 9-72 defeated Farrell’s Flat 6-64 at Farrell’s Flat.

Burra Cheer-up Society. The meeting on 31 March decided the band would officially be known as the Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ band, with Mr Jim Bentley as conductor, Miss B.E. Pearce as Secretary and Mr F. Harris as Treasurer. 10 new instruments have now been bought. The Town Council granted use of the Coronation Band instruments and drums, but the band hopes to replace them with new in a few weeks. The instruments will then be the property of the Burra Cheer-up Society.

XXXIX, 14, 4 Apr. 1917, page 4

Burra Show Society. AGM last Friday.

President I.J. Warnes’ report.

The war has continued for the whole year and many of our members have been at the front. We extend sympathy to those parents whose sons have been killed or who are ill or wounded.

The season has again been splendid, with local wheat yields at 18-19 bushels per acre – the best ever. Some paddocks reached 40 bushels per acre. The season was late. The Imperial Government bought the whole crop at 4/9 bushel. The year was poorer for wool with almost no rain till July and therefore poor lambing, but wool prices were high.

Membership has grown by 111 to 275.

A large majority of members voted to retain the publican’s booth for this year.

A luncheon room has been erected and a ticket office jointly with the Racing Club.

This year there was no Government subsidy.

Sheep Dog Trials were held and . . . [The rest of the paragraph was not printed.]

A separate Sheep Show was held in September and was a success.

The annual show was on 27 October and was an unqualified success. For the first time the cattle yards were well filled.

The horse jumping was very good.

We started the year in credit £27-15-10 and end in credit £75-15-0.

The Pastoralists’ Committee of the Royal Agricultural Soc. in Adelaide has now decided on a separate sheep show and this will no doubt be adopted. They have a new shed for sheep exhibits 323’ x 90’ and will challenge Burra’s pre-eminence.

Election: Patron, Hon. John Lewis; President, I.J. Warnes; Vice Presidents, T. McWaters & A. McDonald.

The Syndicate is to be approached about the lease of the grounds. It is believed that the rent will be £3-3-0, but perhaps the new shed would be offset against this. The secretary of the Syndicate will be asked to convene a meeting.

XXXIX, 15, 11 Apr. 1917, page 2

Advt. Sale by Elder, Smith & Co. on the instructions of Mr A. Langford, of the lease of 392 acres of section 71 Hundred of Hanson on which is a two-roomed stone house with two enclosed verandahs and a two-roomed mud and iron house attached. Annual rent £83.

Advt. Mr Stan Gunter is selling allotment 7 adjoining the District Hall on which is erected a three-roomed galvanised iron dwelling. [Check: which District hall?]

Advt. Tenders are called associated with the building of the new hotel at Booborowie c. 100 yards from Mr Finlay’s store. Tenders to be addressed to Mr A.S. Taylor, Opie’s Hotel Aberdeen.

[The tenders were for carting stone, sand and other materials.]

Advt. War Pictures and the ULP tonight in the Institute. The Hon. J. Jelley and Mr Norman Makin will speak from 7 to 8 and then an Illustrated War Lecture will be given.

Redruth Court, Wednesday.

Arnold J. Collins, late postman at Kooringa, was charged with secreting and detaining letters and fined £10. This follows his acquittal of a more serious charge against him in Adelaide.

Mr Frank Riggs, whose success at Roseworthy was recently reported, began his studies there in 1914 on a three-year scholarship after studying at Burra High School. He was the best First Year student in 1914 and [Best] Second [Year] in 1915. In the final year he was dux of the College, gained a First Class Diploma and was first on outside work. He was also captain of the football team. He is the seventh son of Mr & Mrs J.R. Riggs of Burra and is aged 19. Three brothers are serving at the front.

Leighton Ladies’ Guild annual report is printed in c. 1⁄2 column.

Leighton Patriotic Picnic was held adjacent to the Hall on 31 March and though not largely attended raised £44-10-0 for Red Cross and other patriotic funds. Results of the sports are printed.

XXXIX, 15, 11 Apr. 1917, page 3

Visit of the Premier and Senator Senior.

At the Burra Institute last Thursday evening there was a small attendance to hear the speakers explain the object of the National Party. [Actually it was the Nationalist Party.] This was the union of the Liberal and Labour Party on the one platform. The Premier, the Hon. Crawford Vaughan, spoke. The election had been brought about by the actions of certain senators. He made scarcely veiled suggestions impugning the loyalty of his opposition.

[This election followed the split in the Labor Party between Billy Hughes and his followers and the anti-conscription part of the party.]

The Premier’s speech is reported in 12⁄3 columns and Senator Storey’s comes in the next issue.

[Why is he called Senator Senior in the heading and Senator Storey here? In the advertising he was Senator Storey, but he is Senator Senior in the report in the next issue. Was he perhaps the senior senator for SA?]

Burra Horticulture.

Mr Winnall has won the Chinese cabbage growing contest decisively without calling in Mr Luke Day as judge by producing a 24” high plant weighing 3 lb 3 oz, which was grown from seed in 91⁄2 weeks.

I.J. Warnes intends to stock a large dam on his property with perch.

War Savings Certificates. There is a 2⁄3 column article.

‘Burra Boy’ writes from France about bathing, getting clean clothes, lice and of snow and snowball fights etc.

XXXIX, 16, 18 Apr. 1917, page 2

Obituary. Lt E.T.J. Rule was killed in France on 3 April. He was a member of the 10th Battalion and was in the Gallipoli landing. He rose from Corporal to commissioned rank on active service, which shows what a good and gallant soldier he was. He was the son of Mr & Mrs W.J. Rule of Aberdeen.

[Esson/Essen Thomas James Rule born 4 January 1895 Redruth.]

Obituary. Pte Frank Gilbert of Black Springs has been killed in France.

[Francis Finniss Gilbert born 1883? Died 26 March.]

Recruitments to 14 April.

R. Engelhardt, Burra.

The English & Australian Copper Co.’s last transaction in Burra took place on Thursday 12 April when the land near the old Smelting Works was auctioned at the Burra Institute.

Lot 1 Part section 2067 6a 2r 30p £44

Lot 2 Part section 2067 9a 1r 10p £35

Lot 3 Part section 1 3a 2r 25p £15

Lot 4 Part section 1 19a 1r 10p £270

Lot 5 Part section 1 25a 30p £270

Lot 6 Part sections 2067 & 2068 1a 2r 28p £180

Obituary. Frank Motley of Redruth died last week aged 60, leaving a wife and family.

[Francis James Motley died 10 April 1917 at Burra, residence Aberdeen aged 63.]

Mr I.J. Warnes has placed 35 perch in his dam.

Rev. D.B. Bridgwood opened a fete at Jubilee Hall recently, which raised £11 to buy material for the ladies’ sewing meetings in connection with Foreign Missions Women’s Auxiliary, Redruth Branch.

Burra Cheer-up Society. 10 April there was a farewell social for Pte W. Pryor. Photos have been received of Keith, Eric and Jack Roach.

XXXIX, 16, 18 Apr. 1917, page 2-3

Burra Town Council, Monday.

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis have presented an account for 5/- per load of crusted slag taken without permission.

Mr Crewes wanted the matter referred to the solicitor, as he believed the Council could take any road material on payment of a royalty.

Cr Dane said it would amount to c. £3 and moved it be paid.

Cr McWaters 2nd, saying it had been wrong to take it without permission.

Cr Radford moved a letter be written stating the Council thought there would be no objection to taking the slag, that the price was unreasonable and should be reduced.

The Mayor said the tar was hot when the suggestion was made to try the slag. He was not aware it was on Bagot, Shakes & Lewis’s land.

Cr Harris thought it was on the English & Australian Copper Co.’s land.

Cr Killicoat said the firm was simply making a point. The men had made a mistake and took from the wrong end of the heap. The opposite end would have been on English & Australian Copper Co.’s land for which permission had been granted.

The motion was altered to pay for four loads at the rate quoted with a quotation sought for quantity. Carried.

Cr McBride said if the heap was worth 5/- a load it was worth the assessor’s attention!

J.S. Pryor forwarded his resignation as lamplighter for Kooringa unless the pay was increased to 1/6 a lamp per week. The contract for lamp lighting was cancelled and new applications will be sought for Kooringa and Aberdeen.

Ed. Bowen’s quote to paint the Mortuary Chapel was accepted at £10-5-0.

Cr Dane said the continuous telephone service was failing at times when the exchange could not be raised. The postmaster’s attention will be drawn to it.

Members for the District are to be asked if it is intended to restore the Saturday night train and if not then a deputation to the Commissioner will be arranged.

XXXIX, 16, 18 Apr. 1917, page 3

Burra Hospital Board.

T. Roger’s tender for the removal of an old brick building at the rear of the hospital was accepted.

T.O. Stevens wrote saying two masons could have repaired the fence in a day and he would forward a cheque for £3, which was accepted.

Patriotic Films. Why Britain Went to War was shown last Wednesday at the Institute to a crowded house. Mr Sinclair was to have spoken, but was ill and could make only a few brief remarks. He denied the accuracy of the advertisement in the Record that claimed arrangements had been made between him and the ULP, which was meeting in the Institute on the same night.

Obituary. Mrs Thursa Finch died suddenly 15 April after collapsing suddenly at breakfast with heart failure. She was born in Devonshire on 10 March 1833 and married 15 April 1857 to Mr William Finch. In about 1870 Mr Finch came to Australia to try his luck and Mrs Finch followed in 1872 in the City of Adelaide. Her two sons, William and George, came with her. In England Mr Finch was in the trawling business. In Australia he worked for his father who had migrated a few years earlier. After several years they took land at World’s End until retiring to Burra. Mr Finch died about 6 years ago. Sunday was the 60th anniversary of her wedding. Three sons survive: William (Kooringa), George & Samuel (World’s End). The three daughters all died in infancy.

[Born Thurza Tuckermann and died at Kooringa.]

Hallett Sports on Easter Monday are reported.

United Labor Party Meeting, last Wednesday in the Institute.

Hon. J. Jelley and Mr Norman Makin addressed a gathering called for 7 p.m. to avoid clashing with the Patriotic Films. At 7.30 about 30 electors were present and 20 girls from the Reformatory. People then rolled in to fill the hall by the time the pictures were due to start at 8 p.m.

Mr Jelley outlined the 25 years service of the ULP to the people. He was anti-conscription, but pro-recruiting.

Mr Makin, candidate, then spoke similarly on conscription and then on the need to boost Australia’s industrial base.

XXXIX, 16, 18 Apr. 1917, page 4

Frank K. Nieass writes explaining that Mr J.H. Sinclair’s interpretation of the advertisement about the recent Labor Party Meeting was ‘hairsplitting’ and arrangements not to interfere with the Patriotic Films had been made by the ULP speakers and that was all the advertisement referred to.

Norman Makin, ULP candidate writes taking up a question asked at the recent meeting concerning the high cost of shipbuilding in Australia. He basically says the costs of setting up an industry cannot be legitimately all applied to the first item produced.

XXXIX, 17, 25 Apr. 1917, page 2

Advt. Anzac Day Demonstration in Market Square this morning at 9 a.m.

The School children will assemble with the School Fife and Drum Band.

Advt. Memorial & Intercession Service, Burra Institute, Sunday 29 April 3 p.m.

A procession will be headed by the Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ Band and comprising Cadets, Military Units, Boy Scouts, Friendly Societies and the Governing Bodies of the town will leave Market Square at 2.40 p.m. and proceed by way of the principal streets to the Institute.

Advt. Red Cross & Trench Comforts Fete at Burra Institute 1 June 1917.

The Ladies’ Cheer-up Band will play in the evening.

Advt. Election Meeting called for 30 April 8 p.m. to be addressed by The National Win the War Candidate the Hon. R.W. Foster and Senator Newland.

Advt. Annual Meeting of Burra Benevolent Soc. in the Institute 3.30 p.m. Tuesday 1 May.

Advt. Leighton Hall Concert Wednesday 9 May. In Aid of the Leighton District Roll of Honour.

See the First Appearance of the Leighton Buzzers.

Larrikinism is causing annoyance in Burra at present. Mr F. Harris’s shutters were taken down Sunday night and spread around various doors, leaving the fruit in the window exposed to the sun. Spitting on windows and other indecent acts are occurring as well as rude and boorish remarks they think of as wit.

Driver Norman H. Ford has been injured in a railway accident in France.

Pte W. Muller, formerly of Florieton district and who enlisted in Burra, has been missing in France since 2 March.

Major Lance Lewis is leaving for home on the next hospital ship.

Mrs Mayfield, President of the Glenelg branch of the Liberal Union, addressed the Burra Women’s Branch on Friday afternoon. [The report extends for just over 1 column.]

Burra Cheer-up Society.

The Ladies’ Band and others met Sgt Hugh Whitford at the station when he returned to Burra on Thursday. He was severely wounded some time ago. Though not a Burra boy, he was well known here, as he worked in Elder, Smith’s office.

This was the first appearance of the Band at the station to welcome a returning soldier. He was also given a welcome social on Friday evening.

A social was given to Cpl P. Tuit, who was visiting Mrs C.J. Pearce and who was a friend of Ptes Andrew Pearce and Herb. Riggs.

Gifts were recently sent to Ptes H. Sealey, Pratt & Schultz, who were unable to attend a social.

Sympathy was extended to Mr & Mrs W. Rule on the death of Lt E. Rule.

XXXIX, 17, 25 Apr. 1917, page 3

Pte C.J. Goodridge of Booborowie South writes from France dated 4 February.

Pte George Hill writes from Wareham, England dated 31 January of visiting Scotland and having recently seen Twist Ockenden.

Pte G.R. Thomas writes from France just before being sent to the front and continues his letter after arriving there close to the lines.

Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday the final match of the season was fired in which the best results were J.E. Pearce 98 and G. Lawn 88.

‘Target’ has received a letter from Motor-driver H.L. Pearse dated 25 February in England.

Tennis. On Saturday Kia-Ora 6-57 defeated Aberdeen 6-56.

District Council of Burra.

Permission was given for I.J. Warnes to erect a telephone line from Cobb & Co.’s Corner to Wahroonga.

Burra & District Horticulture.

John Collins of Collinsville 231⁄4 oz quince

[The paper says in fact 231⁄4 lb, but that must be a misprint.]

John Riggs 57 lb trombone

XXXIX, 17, 25 Apr. 1917, page 4

A Recruiting article takes up 3⁄4 column.

XXXIX, 18, 2 May 1917, page 2

Advt. For Sale in the Estate of the late James Lord: sections 10, 11, 18, 19, 20, 21, 2057, 2066 & part 2065 in Hundred of Kooringa. (Totalling 738 acres.)

Advt. Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Anniversary Services, 6 & 7 May.

Rev. Gordon Rowe, Chaplain of Mitcham Camp. Tea meeting 7 May.

Advt. Sgt Barrett’s Gallipoli Concert Party in the Burra Institute 8 May.

Concludes with the farce: A Full Dress Rehearsal.

Notice. Local Board of Health. Mice Plague: prevent disease by burning or burying dead mice.

Burra Golf Club. AGM last Wednesday elected: President, E.F. Marston; Secretary, Mr Piercy; Captain, Mr Neagle; Vice-Captain, Mr Harcus.

Enlisted last week: C.G. Attrill, Burra.

The Mice Plague continues unabated.

XXXIX, 18, 2 May 1917, page 2-3

Memorial & Intercession Service, last Sunday afternoon at the Institute.

The hall was filled to capacity. The Mayor regretted the absence of the town’s ministers, who except for Ensign Day had had previous engagements. The Mayor gave an address, which occupies over 1⁄2 column. Mr Hawkes and Mr Winnall also gave speeches. The district’s fallen now number 29.

XXXIX, 18, 2 May 1917, page 3

Cpl J. Field is reported wounded in the ankle in Egypt.

Trooper Cyril Collins, son of R.C. Collins of Mt Bryan is wounded in the arm while fighting in Egypt. This follows severe wounds at Gallipoli in May 1915.

John Turner, son of T. Turner of Aberdeen, is in hospital in Egypt with appendicitis.

Hedley Bishop, brother of the late Clarrie Bishop, has been wounded in the arm and leg in France.

Pte John Edwards, son of H. Edwards of Springbank, is reported wounded in France.

Pte Tim James, son of Mrs James, is reported mildly wounded in the chest and arm in France.

Obituary. Frank Harold (King) Tiver has been killed in action aged 19. He was born and educated in Burra and worked for some time at Drew & Crewes before going with his father as a mason. He left Adelaide on 25 June 1915 headed for Gallipoli, but got only as far as Lemnos before the troops were pulled out. He was among the first Australian troops in action in France.

[Born Francis Harold Tiver 14 July 1897 Redruth: died 2 April 1917 France.]

‘Mouse Hater’ writes from Mt Bryan East warning of dead mice in rainwater tanks.

E.W. Crewes writes asking for people to ensure that the Roll of Honour for the district is corrected and made complete.

Burra Rifle Club. Season’s winners:

Best 4 of 6 shots over 200, 500 & 600 yards: N.H. Pearse 1st, O.G. Walker & N.W.R. Pearce equal 2nd

Best 4 of 6 shots over 300, 500 & 600 yards: Captain Lord, J.A. Riggs & G. Lawn all equal 1st

Best 4 of 6 shots over 300, 600 & 700 yards: J.E. Pearce 1st, J.A. Riggs 2nd

Best 8 of 12 shots over 300 yards: J.A. Riggs 1st, G. Lawn & J.E. Pearce equal 2nd

Best 12 shots off the rifle, taking 4 from each group: H.E. Riggs 1st, N.W.R. Pearce 2nd

Best 12 shots with handicap: J.E. Pearce 1st, O. Walker 2nd

Best 3 shots with handicap: J.E. Pearce 1st, G. Lawn 2nd

Federal Election Meeting, Monday evening, Burra Institute.

The nationalist Candidate, Hon. R.W. Foster and Senator Newland spoke.

Mr Foster’s speech was strong on patriotism and on the evils of the anarchic socialism of the IWW, which had captured the Labor Party. He also attacked the Senate as undermining the war effort and preventing Australia from sending delegates to the Imperial Conference. Australia is not doing enough for the war effort.

Burra Cheer-up Society. The Ladies’ Band and others were at the station on Friday evening to greet Lt Frank Treloar. The train arrived to the trains of Keep the Home Fires Burning and ringing cheers. There was then a welcome by the Mayor and The National Anthem. Lt Treloar went north to visit his people on Saturday and will get a social on his return.

The Band will play in front of the Institute on Tuesday when the Gallipoli Concert Party performs there.

Sympathy is extended to the Tiver family on the death of Pte (King) Tiver.

XXXIX, 18, 2 May 1917, page 4

Mt Bryan Red Cross Sewing Circle Annual Report is printed.

Tennis. Played at Aberdeen. Aberdeen 9-73 defeated Farrell’s Flat 5-61.

XXXIX, 19, 9 May 1917, page 2

Advt. Burra Institute 16 May: Grand Illustrated Lecture by J.N.M. Lawrence of Pt Adelaide in aid of Our Brave Sailors of the Navy and Mercantile Marine.

A comet christened The Peace Comet, when it was discovered in April 1916 can be seen each morning on the eastern horizon just before dawn.

Federal elections were held last Saturday. The turnout was lower this time: hardly 80%. Counting is complicated, but yesterday’s Register was saying the Nationalists 49 and Labor 26. In the seat of Wakefield Foster (Nationalists) 11,554 was leading Makin (Labor) 9,805.

XXXIX, 19, 9 May 1917, page 3

Win the War League.

Under the auspices of the Red Cross there were addresses on Wednesday afternoon by Dr Gertrude Halley of the Public Schools Service and Mrs Christophers, Secretary of the Women’s State Recruiting Council. Their object was the formation of a branch of the Win the War League in Burra. It was now up to the women to get the remaining men to enlist. Those who answered a call of duty or were attracted by military pageantry etc., or who had nothing else to do had already gone. Women needed to point out that the % of men killed was very small and most of the wounded recovered. Australia was prosperous and personal needs in Australia showed little self-denial. Children should give up their sweets and buy war stamps. Interview the womenfolk of eligible men. Women could take on men’s jobs.

Mrs Harcus moved a branch be formed in Burra and Mrs W. McBride 2nd. Mrs Amy Harris was elected secretary. The election of a President was held over, as Mr Crewes was absent on electioneering business.

Burra Boy Scouts. 18 members of the 1st Riverton Troop and DSM Webb visited Burra on Monday. They were met at the station and marched to the troop room. The old mine was visited and a social held on Monday evening.

Enlisted in the last week: W.A. Langford, Burra.

Trooper E.C. Collins, son of R. Collins of Mt Bryan was a member of Burra Light Horse and enlisted at the start of the war, leaving for the front in October 1914 and landed at Gallipoli 12 May 1915. He was severely wounded on 13 May, but returned after six weeks and then stayed another 21⁄2 months before being invalided to Malta and then England. Last September he went to France. Last week news was received he was again wounded and is in hospital in London.

W.R. Hawkes of Koonoona has received a commission in an Australian Machine Gun Corps.

Pte Bob Ford has been wounded in France.

Trooper Frank Schuyler, son of H. Schuyler of Braemar, has been wounded in Egypt.

Pte Len Griffiths, son of L.J. Griffiths, has been wounded in France.

Trooper John Turner who is in hospital in Egypt with appendicitis is the son of J. Turner of Aberdeen and not Mr R. Turner as reported last week.

[Actually in the last issue they said he was the son of T. Turner.]

Burra Cheer-up Society has received a photo of Sgt Charles Bennetts.

XXXIX, 20, 16 May 1917, page 2

Obituary. Pte Leslie H. Carey of the 9th Light Horse and 5th son of Mr & Mrs F.J. Carey was accidentally drowned in Egypt 1 May aged 21. [Leslie Harry Carey born 30 June 1895 Kooringa.]

Sheep Show. The Royal [Agricultural] Society in Adelaide is to run a non-competitive sheep show on the lines of the Burra Sheep Show, having stolen the pattern from Burra and it is doing all it can to stop any more being held in Burra. The question of whether another Burra Sheep Show should be held was held over at a meeting of the local committee that was adjourned till 1 June.

Repatriation Day at Farrell’s Flat on 11 April was held in good weather, but attendance was small. Including proceeds from a concert and dance and 89 bags of wheat donated, the total proceeds were c. £145.

Pte H.N. Tralaggan of Mt Bryan East writes briefly stating his good health.

Lt Frank Treloar returned to Australia with four brass jugs made from 18 pounder shells fired in various battles. They are inscribed 3rd Australian Light Horse and the battles:

Gallipoli (Anzac Cove) May 12 to December 1915.

Romani, August 4 1916

Magdabad December 23 1916

Rafa January 9 1917

They belonged to Major Brooks who sent them along per Lt Treloar for his father Mr T. Brooks of Jamestown.

Sgt Barrett’s Gallipoli Campfire Concert Party played to an overflowing house in Burra last Wednesday. They provided really first class entertainment. In the interval a flag was sold on the Bugler system. Total proceeds of the evening were £45. The money raised was to provide Sgt Molloy & Pte Hammond with cork legs. The Cheer-up Ladies’ Band played selections in front of the hall.

St Mary’s Sunday School Picnic was held in Victoria Park last Saturday.

Recruiting propaganda runs for c. 1⁄2 column.

XXXIX, 20, 16 May 1917, page 3

Pte A.W. Lihou (a twin) has been missing in action since 11 April. His brother Stan is in France. He is a son of Mr & Mrs H.W. Lihou of Solomontown, previously of Burra. He was born in Burra and left it about 16 years ago with his parents. He would have been 22 on 15 April.

[For once the past tense here was premature: he was a POW. See paper of 15 August 1917.]

H. Jennison reported killed in action on 2 April was a cousin of the Rev. J.C. Jennison. He came from Yorkshire. [The paper then adds that Horton Jennison is ‘still going strong’ – though it actually names him ‘Houston’ and a previous reference to him had ‘Houghton’.]

Harry Turner, son of John Turner of Aberdeen, reported missing 11 April.

[Later reported k.i.a. in paper of 18 July and then as having died as a POW on 16 April, in the paper of 28 November 1917.]

Percy Treloar, son of Frank Treloar of Kooringa, is reported missing 11 April. He is the 2nd son of Frank Treloar and for a time worked for Drew & Crewes before joining his brother in a mining venture in WA, but eventually this failed. He then became manager of a department in Brennan Bros. big store in Boulder City, later still becoming their accountant. He then managed a business in Brookton till it changed hands and he shortly after volunteered.

[Finally reported k.i.a. 11 Apr. 1917 in the paper of 6 March 1918.]

Pte Arthur Harris, son of Frank Harris, is in hospital with a skin disease.

Obituary. Pte Leslie H. Carey who accidentally drowned in Egypt was the 5th son of Mr & Mrs F.J. Carey and enlisted in February 1915 and departed for Egypt 26 August 1915. He went to Gallipoli, staying till evacuation on December 21 1915. He would have been 22 on 30 June. His brother Frank is in England and Allan returned home last May. [Leslie Harry Carey born 30 June 1895 Kooringa.]

Obituary. Pte Francis Leslie (Frank) Schuyler, son of Mr & Mrs Harry Schuyler of Braemar, who was killed in action in Egypt, was educated at Burra School and enlisted in the 9th Light Horse. In Egypt he was transferred to a camel corps. His brother Robert Schuyler was recently wounded and is still in Egypt. He has been left with a stiff leg.

[Born 15 November 1894 Redruth: died 20 April 1917.]

Major Gilbert Lewis appears in a fine illustration in the Observer with a group of Indian officers and Mr Ezra in civilian dress. He was sent to London on 14 January to show the officers around. (They were on 9 days leave.) They were received by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham and had over an hour’s interview with the King at Buckingham Palace. Major Lewis served with the Imperial Bushmen under Col. Rowell in the Boer War and Lord Roberts gave him a commission in the Imperial Army. Lord Kitchener transferred him to the Indian Army after the war and he is Major in the King George’s Central Indian Horse.

Pte P.R. Beckwith of Burra has been wounded.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. Some members have been making butter cloth shirts. They have been thoroughly washed and disinfected and sell for 1/- each. More will be ready for sale next meeting. Sales so far have raised £1-0-0. Fund total stands at £616-19-4. [Which was misprinted as £166-19-4.]

Burra Cheer-up Society held a welcome home social for Lt Frank Treloar on Thursday evening. On Monday there was a farewell social for Gunner McCarthy of Redruth. Photos have been received of Ptes Dick Stasinowsky & Williams & Trooper C. Rabbich. Sympathy was extended to the Schuyler & Carey families. The society needs a piano, as the present one is past repair.

Burra Horticulture. There is a good display at present in R.D. Pascoe’s window.

A. Walker bunch of 6 carrots totalling 7 lb – one of them 2 lb 1 oz

C. Parks bunch of 3 carrots totalling 41⁄4 lb

W. Short bunch of 6 carrots totalling 5 lb

A. Walker fine quinces

H. Byles beautiful chrysanthemums from Old Koomooloo

Burra Boy Scouts.

16 of the troop attended the rally in Adelaide. They left Burra on Friday 23rd March and were billeted with metropolitan scouts. The main event was a review held on Montefiore Hill on Saturday afternoon. A procession of 1,800 scouts left Victoria Square at 2.30 p.m. headed by the Naval Band and they were inspected by His Excellency Sir Henry Galway, Chief Scout for SA. On Sunday they met at the Queen’s Statue [in Victoria Square] and marched to St Peter’s Cathedral. On Monday morning they packed like sardines into a special train for a day at Brighton. There was an evening concert in the OBI [Our Boys’ Institute?]. Tuesday was a reception for visiting scouts by Mr Isaac, Mayor of Adelaide, in the Town Hall and in the evening a free entertainment in the Majestic Picture Palace. On Wednesday country scouts went to Port Adelaide by special train and then by steam tugs to Glenelg and back. In the evening there was a free entertainment at the Central Picture Theatre. Thursday brought visits to places of interest with DSM Webb, though this was marred by rain. Lunch was at Covent Gardens and the afternoon visit was to Ellis’s Ice Cream Factory (Peters Ice Cream) and then to the bakery to be bountifully supplied with cakes. Friday was a free day with the return to Burra on Saturday.

Kooringa Homing Club met on 9 May when 7 members were present. Elected: Patron, A.J. McBride & President, J.R. Barker.

Races were arranged from Gumbowie, Orroroo, Carrieton, Wilson [19 km SE Hawker], Wagan [?], Leigh’s Creek, Morgan, Loxton, Pinnaroo, Rainbow [Victoria, north of Dimboola?], Inglewood, Melbourne, Abury [sic for Albury perhaps?]

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Anniversary 6 & 7 May. Rev. Gordon Rowe of Rose Park preached. Heavy rain reduced attendance. The singing of the children was the best for many years and reflected credit on Mr G.E. Dane. Tea on 7th was well attended. The main want of the school is for teachers in Primary and Secondary classes.

Marriage. Tuesday 24 April at Kooringa Methodist Church.

Walter Arnold Gravestocks, 3rd son of J.W. Gravestocks of Snowtown and

Alice Maud Bullen, daughter of the late William Bullen of Kooringa.

XXXIX, 20, 16 May 1917, page 4

Booborowie Red Cross annual report is printed.

Burra Town Council, Wednesday.

The Committee of the Burra Coronation Band asked permission to hand any instruments in good order to the Cheer-up Ladies’ Band and to dispose of the rest. Granted.

A manufacturer has forwarded a specimen of a new acetylene streetlamp for trial – to be placed at the Mine Bridge.

T.A. Lewis writes complaining of the nocturnal depredations of stray cows in Aberdeen.

Cr Radford endorsed the complaint – he had seen two or three lambs actually tethered in one of the gardens there.

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis wrote that Council must not remove further slag without an agreement.

E. Simpson requested a footbridge over the creek in George St. [Pig & Whistle crossing.] The Councillors agreed it was needed, but there were no funds.

W.S. Pryor offered to light 20 lamps in Kooringa and Aberdeen at 2/- each per week. Not accepted. Applications will be called for at 30/- a week.

There was difficulty in getting men to raise [road] metal.

I.J. Warnes was thanked for presenting to the town an oil painting of the Burra Mine.

Condolences were sent to the Rule and Tiver families.

XXXIX, 21, 23 May 1917, page 2

Advt. Red Cross & Trench Comforts Fete in Burra Institute Friday 1 June, to be opened by Mrs J.M. McBride. The Ladies’ Cheer-up Band will play in the evening.

Obituary. Frank Gilbert was killed in action in France 26 March 1917.

[Francis Finniss Gilbert born 1883? Died 26 March.]

Jim Hatherly has been promoted to sergeant.

Mr Bested, assistant returning officer in Kooringa, has been transferred to Adelaide. He has been Superintendent of St Mary’s Sunday School for 21⁄2 years.

M-C Kain has received notice of his transfer to Yunta. He has been in charge at Kooringa for 18 months. M-C North comes to Kooringa from Mintaro.

Mr Harcus Manager of the Bank of Australasia in Kooringa for 11 years has been transferred to Adelaide. For the last two years Mrs Harcus has been local Red Cross secretary and she intends to stay on until the next Red Cross AGM in mid-June.

Sapper Allan Harvey has sent a sample of German sandbag material to his uncle Mr J. McLaren. It looks like cheesecloth, but it is made of a kind of treated paper. Sapper Harvey enlisted in Adelaide.

Theatregraph Pictures have decided to run a matinee on Saturday at 2.30 p.m. The feature is Fate’s Boomerang starring Molly King and others include Tom Mix in Tom’s Stratagem.

Mr P. Milner, after 11 years with Drew & Crewes, has moved to be clerk with A.J. & P.A. McBride. Mr Crewes said they were sorry to see him go, but congratulated him on bettering his position and on behalf of employees presented him with a valuable suitcase.

Mr E.F. Brady, who lived some time in Burra and was a notable footballer here, writes from Perth that four of his sons have enlisted and two have been killed.

Edgar Vernon Brady died at Gallipoli on 7 August 1915 aged 33, in the 10th Light Horse.

He was the son of the 1st marriage to Miss Hetty White who was born in Burra.

Ernest Wood Brady of 28th Battalion was wounded and died 3 March 1917 aged 21.

He was a son of the 2nd marriage to Miss Wood of Terowie.

Leighton Hall Concert on Wednesday 15 May to raise money for a Roll of Honour raised in all c. £40. The concert featured ‘The Buzzers’, a combination of local entertainers recently formed, comprising the Misses Turner, Holmes, H. & M. Morgan, N. Byles, & Williams and Mrs McNeil.

XXXIX, 21, 23 May 1917, page 3

Burra Horticulture.

Mr Pederson brought along a fine specimen of Golden Plume self blanching celery: one plant 29” high with 20 sticks & weighing 3 lb.

Mr Lott had a 301⁄2 oz white turnip.

Mr Short produced 12 potatoes weighing in all 20 lb: the largest 11” long weighed 391⁄2 oz.

They are on show in the Record office window.

Burra Town Council.

J.E.H. Winnall writes that an anonymous donor has offered a roll of honour for those who have fallen and may yet fall in the war. Accepted with thanks.

Mr Thamm appeared protesting that his residence in Young St had been assessed at £20. It had cost £235 and a neighbour’s 5-roomed house was assessed at £8.

Cr Killicoat: ‘Why, isn’t it true that the pro-Germans got all they wanted at the last election.’

Mr Thamm: ‘I don’t want to be called a pro-German.’

After some discussion Cr Killicoat moved to reduce the assessment to £17-10-0, as they had reduced Mr Kellock’s from £26 to £20.

Mr Thamm thanked the council for its ‘careful consideration of the matter and the magnificent result achieved.’ [Mr Thamm’s letter in the next issue, page 3, confirms that the tone here was sarcastic.]

The Mayor reported on the deputation to the Commissioner of Railways re a Saturday night train. The deputation represented towns from Gawler to Petersburg. The response was an unpromising one: to consider the matter.

In the matter of private post boxes at Aberdeen it seems the only way they will be obtained is if the local postmaster buys them and has the revenue from them.

This was left in the hands of North Ward Councillors.

Cr Killicoat declined to accept the responsibility.

A letter of Sympathy was sent to Mr Carey on the loss of a son on active service.

There have been no applications for the lamplighter’s position. Mr Pryor indicated he would take it on at 30/- a week if Council would undertake to give him a few days other work per month when available. Accepted.

A notice will be inserted in the Record forbidding the removal of sand from Burra Creek.

Local Board of Health.

George Lawn & Co. were granted a slaughtering licence for O’Leary’s slaughter yards.

Mrs Bowen applied for a maternity home licence.

There were two cases of diphtheria at the Reformatory.

Burra Rifle Club. AGM at Lord’s Burra Hotel on Saturday night. Only 10 members attended.

The club is in a sound financial position. The secretary tried to show that the club should carry on during the war rather than go into recess. The support of the Pearse family from ‘The Gums’ is much appreciated. [The nature of their contribution is covered in some detail in the report.]

Elected: Captain, G. Lord; Secretary, J.E. Pearce; Treasurer, R.D. Pascoe.

Chaplain Capt. Rev. F.H. Durnford writes from France of the constant moving about and the difficulties of losing young men he has come to know as chaplain.

XXXIX, 22, 30 May 1917, page 2

Notice. District Council of Burra: Retirement of officers by the effluxion of time.

Kooringa Ward Robert Martin McBride

Baldina Ward Thomas McWaters

King Ward Charles Back Warnes

Auditor Frank Treloar

Theatregraph Pictures matinee show was so successful the management has decided to continue them until further notice. Next Saturday: Ethel Clayton in The Hidden Scar.

Two Comedies: She Who Laughs Last and She Won a Prize.

Also an episode of The Iron Claw.

Recruited in the last week: W. McCoy, Burra.

Salvation Army. Ensign Day, who has been in charge here for 18 months, will leave for Broken Hill c. 14 June. Captain and Mrs Triggs from Petersburg will replace him.

N. Hiles Pearse has received an interesting souvenir from his brother, Driver H.L. Pearse in England: a brooch in the shape of a boomerang made from aluminium from a zeppelin brought down in England in 1916.

Redruth Methodist Church, Sunday evening last. It was noted, not for the first time, that a man of German descent in business in Aberdeen, was not singing the National Anthem. A father of a boy killed in action signalled him to do so and he refused. He was then knocked lengthwise into the aisle and forcibly ejected from the church. He has since written an apology and promised to sing it in future at church. [The man was E.E. Thamm.]

[This version of events is challenged by E.E. Thamm in the paper of 13 June, page 3.]

At the Kooringa Church a similar offender being in receipt of a Government pension was threatened with its loss unless he sang the National Anthem. Now he sings louder than the loudest and, of course, means it.

Springbank Estate has been bought by the Government from W.H. Stevenson to be subdivided for closer settlement. It comprises 4,652 acres of 1st class agricultural land. It came on the market because Mr Stevenson’s two sons have enlisted. In the last nine years, which included the 1914 drought, he has averaged over 20 bushels per acre. Two bores produce a splendid supply of water.

Dr Caw writes from HMAS Australia to Mrs Harcus.

St Andrew’s Church, Mt Bryan. On 23 May two new windows made by Messrs Powell & Sons of London were dedicated in the chancel. The service was conducted by Right Reverend Bishop Wilson & Rev. S.J. Bloyd and a large congregation was assembled. On the north side the window represents St Andrew and the lad with five barley loaves and two small fishes with some of the 5,000 on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. It was given by Mrs Hatherly and her children in memory of the late John Hatherly and unveiled by Mr Herbert Hatherly. The southern window shows the child Samuel with a Guardian Angel. It was given by Miss Young of Glenelg in memory of Andrew Barker Hooper, infant son of Mr & Mrs Andrew Hooper, now of Salisbury and Mr Hooper unveiled it.

Burra Cheer-up Society held its AGM last Monday. Elected: Patron, John Pearce; President, E.W. Crewes; Vice-President, J. Drew; Hon. Sec., Miss Trix Pearce; Treasurer, F. Harris; Assistant Secretary, Miss Ethel James; Lady President, Mrs McLaren & Lady Vice-Presidents, Mrs T. McBride, Mrs Lawn & Miss Wilson.

The Trench Comforts Fund held £45 and it was decided to send £30 to be equally divided between soldiers and sailors.

XXXIX, 22, 30 May 1917, page 3

Empire Day was celebrated at the Burra School on Thursday 24 May with The Song of Australia, The national Anthem, saluting the flag and speeches from Mr McLaren, Chairman of the School Committee; Rev. D.B. Bridgwood; Rev. S.J. Bloyd; Mr Winnall & Mr H.H. Thomas.

Burra & District Horticulture.

Mrs Jordan of Kangaroo St has grown a 45 lb New Zealand pumpkin.

On Friday Mr Luke Day will judge a vegetable competition at the Red Cross & Trench Comforts Fete.

L-Cpl H.J. Mills reported wounded in action.

Pte H. Johnson, brother of Mrs (Ensign) Day, has been wounded in France.

Lt Chester Sandland is in London shell shocked and feared to have TB.

Obituary. Pte W. Muller is reported killed in action.

[Johann Frederick William Muller born 9 August 1888 Hd Schomburgk: died 2 March 1917 France.]

Obituary. Pte Theodore Sleep was killed in action 10 May in France aged 16. He was a nephew of Miss Sleep of Kooringa and a former pupil at Burra School.

[Joseph Theodore Sleep born 30 May 1900 Moonta Mines: died 10 May 1917.]

Insect Powder. Annie Wilson of Hindmarsh Red Cross seeks donations to send insect powder to the trenches. They are the only branch getting it mixed and they pack it and send it themselves.

E.E. Thamm writes in rather a bitter humour commenting on his treatment when he appealed his assessment. Cr McWaters reinstated the original £20 after a small reduction [to £17-10-0] had been moved by Cr McBride. He invited Cr Dane to visit and see for himself the value of the property. He offers to provide a plank 16’ x 12” x 11⁄2” to convey Cr Dane from his car across the slush to the verandah steps!

XXXIX, 22, 30 May 1917, page 4

Sapper W.J. Davey writes from England dated 31 March, telling of the problems of changing £A to £Sterling and of the trip from Australia via Cape Town and of travel through England to camp. He also writes of a visit to London.

XXXIX, 23, 6 June 1917, page 2

Note. Eyes & Crowle, Tel. 37 continues to be the only business, other than the paper itself, to cite a telephone number, as they had since at least the start of 1916.

Advt. Violet Day will be held on 6 July.

Advt. Institute Hall Burra 7 June. Phillip Lytton presents the best Australian Comedy ever staged: The Waybacks, adapted from Henry Fletcher’s stories of bush family life.

Notice. Salvation Army Barracks. Welcome for Lt-Col. & Mrs Harris tonight, 6 June. Farewell to Ensign & Mrs Day next Sunday 7 p.m.

Cheer-up Society, Adelaide. 700 wounded soldiers returning to the Eastern States will be entertained at the Adelaide Cheer-up Hut for three days this week. The local branch has sent £30-2-6 towards food costs.

Major Lance Lewis writes from Egypt dated 13 April to I.J. Warnes telling of his gradual recovery.

Pte Beckwith, son of Mrs W. McDonald, has lost his right leg from being wounded in France.

Chaplain Rev. F.H. Durnford has won the Military Cross.

Cpl J.H. Evans has been wounded in France.

Cpl W.R. Evans has been wounded in France.

George Evans is in a London Hospital.

[The three Evans above were brothers and sons of W.J. Evans of Kooringa.]

Recruitment: A.H. McCoy volunteers for service.

Kooringa Post Office. A stone over 1 lb in weight was hurled through the telephone room window at 9 p.m. last Friday. Had the telephonist been seated at the exchange he could have been severely injured or killed.

Salvation Army. Lt-Col. & Mrs Harris arrive today on an inspection tour. The Lt-Col. has recently been appointed in charge of SA & Broken Hill.

Burra Sheep Show. Representatives of the industry met on Friday last and resolved on recommending the holding of a sheep show this year. Mr Warnes and Mr Hawkes were also on the Royal [Show] Society in Adelaide and had there supported an Adelaide Show, but Mr Warnes also supported a Burra Show. The smaller breeders would miss out if only an Adelaide Show were held. Mr E.W. Hawker, Mr W.S. Murray, Mr T. Sandland, Mr W. Duncan & Mr R. Hawker spoke in favour of a local show. Mr M. Radford was equivocal and thought Warnes and Hawkes had sold out. Mr Melrose was for Adelaide.

XXXIX, 23, 6 June 1917, page 3

Soldiers’ Aid Society. AGM. The membership was about 151. The society has provided luncheon and afternoon teas at the Sheep Dog Field Trials, the Stud Sheep Show and the Burra Show. A number of social evenings were held and several concerts. Many garments etc. have been made and despatched. Elections: President, Mrs Bloyd; Vice-Presidents, Mrs C. Bartholomaeus & Mrs Bridgwood; Treasurer, Mrs A. Wallis. Committee: Messrs [C.] Fuss, Radford, Killicoat, Rev. Bridgwood, F.T. Sara, Tiddy, Bartholomaeus & Rev. Bloyd and Mesdames Lowe, J. Sara, R. Reed & F. Pearce.

The Red Cross & Trench Comforts Fund Fete last Friday was opened by Mrs J.M. McBride at the Burra Institute and the profit was £215-9-5. [Details extend for 3⁄4 column.]

XXXIX, 23, 6 June 1917, page 4

Burra Cheer-up Society. Annual Report – details extend for c. 2 columns.

In the year 102 parcels of woollen comforts have been given to departing and visiting soldiers and the society held 28 socials in the Cheer-up Room. We have a good selection of photos of Burra boys in the room and would like more.

Violet Day was held on 7 July and was very successful even if not as big an effort as last year. Christmas cheer was again collected and sent off through the League of Loyal Women. 400 Christmas puddings were despatched and cigarettes for 400 men in the navy. Well-packed Christmas boxes were sent to 50 nurses in Egypt. Mr F. Harris got 250 Christmas boxes from the League of Loyal Women and these were speedily bought and packed by people. Parcels were sent to two prisoners of war, but we don’t know if they arrived. In January we appealed for khaki handkerchiefs and 2,250 were handed in.

The Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ Band was formed to replace the Burra Coronation Band that disappeared with the enlistment of most of its members. The first practice was on 9 November under Mr Jim. Bentley. The Burra Town Council donated the Coronation Band instruments, but most had to be replaced. The band first appeared in public on 19 February 1917 and has appeared on a number of occasions since, including the opening of the Girls’ Reformatory lawn a few weeks ago. The band now has 7 new cornets, 4 new tenor horns, 2 new baritones and I new euphonium with 12 new music stands and 4 acetylene gas lamps.

The list of knitted items in the Record is an acknowledgement of the items donated; those knitted by our own members are sent or given to soldiers privately without acknowledgement in the paper.

XXXIX, 24, 13 June 1917, page 2

Obituary. Pte W.A. O’Callaghan, nephew of H. &. E. Garrard of Emu Downs, was killed in action 4 May. [William Ambrose O’Callaghan born 30 July 1894 Kooringa: died 4 May 1917 France.]

Mrs Harcus was presented with a gold wristlet watch at the conclusion of the Red Cross meeting on Tuesday, as she is leaving the town.

District Council of Burra. Elections. All positions were filled unopposed.

Kooringa Ward R.M. McBride

Baldina Ward T. McWaters

King Ward C.B. Warnes

Auditor Frank Treloar

Lt Donoghue has replaced Lt Robinson as the local recruiting officer.

Federal Election. The results at the declaration of the poll for the Division of Wakefield:

Foster (Nationalist) 13,706

Makin (Labor) 10,663

Informal` 849

Burra Institute. Mr Hodge was elected to replace Mr Harcus as Vice-President and Rev. S.J. Bloyd was elected to the committee.

Masonic Roll of Honour. 16 members’ names are inscribed on a roll of honour donated by W.M. Bro. A.J. McBride & J.W. Bro. P.A. McBride. It is in cedar from the furnishings of the Burra Mine.

Pte Arthur John Garrard has been missing since 11 April. He is a son of Mr & Mrs H. Garrard of Emu Downs.

[In the paper of 1 August he is reported as a wounded POW.]

Pte Norman Garrard has been missing since 11 April. He is a nephew of Mr & Mrs H. Garrard of Emu Downs. [No clear identification of identity or fate.]

Robert Motherall, son of Mr & Mrs Motherall of Hanson has been wounded in France.

Ken Drew has been slightly gassed.

Cranston Beaven is ill in Egypt.

Pte E.S. Williams of Ironmine has been ill in the UK and is now on the way home.

Miss Nellie Lewis, daughter of Hon. John Lewis, has been cooking for troops in England and France. She served 12 months at Endelelhg Palace Hospital and then ran a canteen at the Gare-du-Nord [in Paris]. She was then at Bulford Camp in England.

Major Lance Lewis is on the way home.

Obituary. Gunner Clem Cox, son of E. Cox of Aberdeen was killed at his gun in France aged 34. He was born in Burra and learnt hairdressing with R.D. Pascoe before setting up in business in Adelaide. He enlisted in August 1915 and left for the front in January 1917. Three cousins, the sons of Harry Cox, have been killed in action. He leaves a wife and one child.

[Clement Cox born 13 October 1880 Kooringa: died 6 May 1917 France.]

Burra Town Council, Wednesday.

The Postmaster General is to be asked to forward letterbox fronts to Aberdeen Post Office as promised.

Condolences are extended to the Cox family.

XXXIX, 24, 13 June 1917, page 3

History of the Burra Burra Mine by James Thomas Snr No. 1

Initially problems were not great, but as the workings deepened water became a difficulty and four water whims were kept running day and night to keep the water level down and this led to the ordering of an engine. 40 bullocks dragged the parts of it to the mine. The engine house was built to suit the engine, but it was unfortunately sited. In the first three years they produced 10,000 tons of copper and realised £700,000 and it was equally productive in the next three years to 1851. The first setback was the loss of men to the Victorian goldfields and the works ceased and the engine fell idle, allowing the mine to be flooded.

When they came to restart the pump the building was found to be crushing the shaft out of the perpendicular and twisting it. The house cracked and another shaft and engine were needed. Even then they positioned its replacement on similarly honeycombed ground and this No. 2 engine (Schneider’s) began to show similar signs of collapse. The third attempt was Morphett’s on solid ground. Developmental work was not carried out and any signs of it were stopped by the directors on visits. The proper management of the mine was hampered by these men, who knew nothing of mining or its requirements.

Burra Cheer-up Society farewelled Sister L. McWaters and Pte W. Nankivell on 4 June. Sister Armstrong could not attend.

A farewell social for Pte D. Eig was held on 11 June.

Photos have been received of Drivers T. Carpenter & J. Carpenter, Gunner McCarthy, Ptes D. Eig, J. O’Brien & C. Jones. A parcel was sent to Sgt Marrion.

E.E. Thamm writes concerning the disgraceful scene recently in the Redruth Church.

He denies he was signalled by Mr Tiver to sing, neither was he knocked into the aisle, nor was he forcibly expelled from the church. He admitted to bowing while the National Anthem was sung. He was pushed ‘a little off his equilibrium’ and then joined in the last bar of the anthem. He was leaving with his wife when someone unknown to him suggested he leave – probably fearing an altercation with Brother Tiver.

[Mr Thamm does not actually say why he was not singing the National Anthem in the first place, but does say there was no harm in holding his tongue while an appeal was made to God on behalf of the King, implying less than fulsome agreement with the sentiments expressed. He seems also to agree with the sentiments of one observer that singing the words really signifies little unless you mean them. The letter is interesting because of the marked German accent that comes through in the writing.]

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. Mrs Bridgwood has declined to act as Vice-President and Mrs C. Fuss has been appointed in her place.

XXXIX, 24, 13 June 1917, page 4

Red Cross Annual Report.

Mrs Harcus resigns as Honorary Secretary on account of her leaving the district. There has been a great amount of sewing done to send away a large case of clothing each month. Also they provided luncheon and afternoon tea on Australia Day and served over 1,000 people. Cases of goods were sent to the League of Loyal Women and to nurses at the front. A concert organised by Miss Kathleen Sandland raised £51 in September. A Christmas tree was organised in December and raised £82. Red Cross joined in Repatriation Day supplying luncheon and afternoon tea in Market Square.

The fete in June raised £215. [Further detail fills c. 11⁄2 columns.]

Leighton Hall AGM on Saturday 2 June.

Elected: President, I.J. Warnes; Vice-President, J.Q. Hogan; Treasurer, A.D. McDonald; Secretary, E. Cock.

12 Boys were farewelled to the front this year. As well as collecting hundreds of pounds for patriotic funds we have collected over £50 for the Hall and £35 for a Roll of Honour to be placed in the Hall. Repairs worth £31-16-0 have been carried out. Debt has not been reduced due to free use of the Hall for patriotic purposes. We have joined the Institutes Association.

The Stockowners’ Assoc. annual meeting is reported in 3⁄4 column. I.J. Warnes was re-elected President and M. Radford as Vice-President.

XXXIX, 25, 20 June 1917, page 2

Obituary. Len Jesser, son of Mr Jesser of the Royal Exchange Hotel has been killed in action in France. [Thomas Linthorne/Linthal Jesser born 4 December 1892 Laura: died 12 June 1917 France.]

Burra Cheer-up Society has bought the Theatregraph pictures for next Monday:

William S. Hart in The Devil’s Double, a Western Drama. Also a comedy, Laundry Liz, plus shorts.

Advt. Monday 25 June, Burra Rifle Club Sports in aid of the Cheer-up Piano Fund.

Capt. R.S. Somerville, son of Hugh R. Somerville of Fullarton Estate, has been awarded the DSO. He was previously awarded the MC on 1 June 1916. He was wounded in action in April, but is progressing. He is aged 23.

Theatregraph Pictures, Saturday afternoon & evening.

Cockatoo Island Dockyard Shipbuilding.

Charlie Chaplin in Easy Street.

Main feature starring Alice Joyce: Courage of Silence

In the evening an episode of The Iron Claw.

Bob Crewes has been promoted to Lieutenant.

Pte Arthur Harris is in hospital in England with trench fever.

Redruth Methodist Church Anniversary on 10 & 11 June. Rev. John Watts, President of Conference, preached.

Salvation Army. Farewelled Ensign & Mrs Day on Tuesday evening and Mr Crewes presented a purse of sovereigns.

Burra Town Council.

It was rumoured that carbide would soon be unobtainable. As it was the price would make it impossible to keep streetlamps alight. Council will buy what is possible and keep lamps going until their money runs out.

Local Board of Health.

Cr Harris said that in Chapel St and Thames St ‘there was an accumulation of refuse which was somewhat too odoriferous’. It will be removed.

Burra Boy Scouts have received a letter from their late troop leader Pte Horton Jennison who has been in hospital with measles. They also have a letter from Fred Fuller who is on HMAS Psyche.

XXXIX, 25, 20 June 1917, page 3

Mr & Mrs Harcus were given a farewell social at the Institute on Wednesday evening last. They had been in Burra for about 12 years.

Rev. S.J. Bloyd spoke for the Church of England.

J.E.H. Winnall for the Hospital Board.

Mr McLaren for the Institute, of which Mr Harcus had been Vice-President.

Mr W.G. Hawkes had driven 500 miles to be present.

Mr Treloar spoke for the Show Society.

Mr Pederson endorsed the above.

Mr Crewes (Mayor) spoke of the work of Mr Harcus and Mrs Harcus in patriotic activities and then presented Mr Harcus with a gold watch and Mrs Harcus with a purse of sovereigns.

He then welcomed Mr & Mrs Ruthven who replace them at the Bank of Australasia.

Mr Harcus responded.

Pte R. Burns then arrived from the front to the National Anthem and God Bless Our Men played by the Cheer-up Band, which continued with patriotic airs.

The paper then publishes, at the request of C.G. Tiver, a letter from E.E. Thamm JP to J.E.H. Winnall dated 11 June in which he denies that he had charged Mr Tiver with using bad language in church and adding that nothing would have been heard from him (Thamm) had not ‘a stupid and untruthful report appeared in the press’.

A second letter dated 18 May is also published.

[This date is puzzling because the original press report appeared on 30 May and refers to an incident that occurred ‘last Sunday’, which would thus have been 27 May and even if it had been a week earlier it would have occurred on 20 May.]

In this letter E.E. Thamm accepts an apology from C. Tiver for an incident in church. He says he has talked with Rev. Bridgwood over the matter. He has never thought lightly when the National Anthem was being sung and was deeply moved for the boys at the front, having close relations in the fighting line. He says that on reflection he will sing the National Anthem in the future and expresses sympathy for one who has lost a son in the conflict.

C. Tiver writes that on receiving the above he would have let the matter drop, but for Mr Thamm’s outburst following the paper report [on 30 May] where Mr Thamm says Tiver’s language ‘might have caused the King to blush’, which surely is an accusation of the use of bad language and a reference to ‘whitewash’ and ‘bulged eyes’ – but he assumes Thamm’s supply of ink will eventually run out as Thamm uses it ‘not only on me, but on several other well respected men of our town’.

[This is presumably a reference to Thamm’s recent altercations with Council members, but there may have been other unpublished matters as well.]

Burra Rifle Club. At the match on 16 June the best shots were O.G. Walker 101 and J.E. Pearce & A.B. Riggs both on 99.

Trooper N. Ford writes from France saying he was injured in a railway accident in which six men died and eleven were injured.

Burra Cheer-up Society. The Cheer-up Band met Pte Bob Burns at the station on Wednesday and a welcome home social was given him on Tuesday evening.

Burra & District Horticulture.

C. Lott has grown a turnip of 311⁄2 oz, but W.G. Hawkes brought three down from Morden Station, beyond Broken Hill, and the three weighed 14 lb 5 oz. The largest weighed 5 lb 9 oz [89 oz].

[The paper says it was 26” round and 20” across, but that doesn’t make sense.]

XXXIX, 25, 20 June 1917, page 4

History of the Burra Burra Mine by James Thomas Snr, No. 2

With Morphett’s engine set up it could scarcely keep pace with the water. Another engine was needed. An excavation in solid ground was needed. The engine house was erected, but the engine was never installed. The shaft to raise the water was excavated and said to have cost £160 per fathom. Why work stopped when it did was never revealed, just when they could have been made useful. Some said the company was chicken-hearted. They closed the mine and left it idle for a quarter of a century with a caretaker in charge. Many expected it to start again with higher copper prices because well-defined fissure lodes had been encountered at the bottom levels, suggesting to mining men proof of its permanency as a mine. Its closure seemed cruel to shareholders, miners and tradespeople in Kooringa and Redruth and it was also a shock to the Patent Copper Co. [Actually to the English & Australian Copper Co.] In full working order the mine employed 1,110 hands. The surface men earned 21/- a week with 1/- withheld for the doctor and club. The lived in the creek bank, which was then 10-12’ deeper than today from Aberdeen to the cemetery. The prices of necessities were about as they were before the war except meat which was 1-11⁄2 lb. The miners supposedly got 30/- a week, but were generally paid by results, so much a fathom for tutwork, or on tribute at a % of value of ore raised. If they cut a rich lode they could be very well paid. There was nothing in the way of labour troubles so water was the only real difficulty. The water could easily have been kept down had they kept Roach’s engine and used it with Morphett’s – but they sold it to Karkulta Mine. They succumbed to a phase of hydrophobia.

Nurse McWaters was farewelled at Leighton on Thursday 7th instant.

XXXIX, 26, 27 June 1917, page 2

Obituary. The ‘Thanks’ notice reveals the death of Rosey Isabel, daughter of Mr & Mrs W.G. Lines of Ayers St. [Born Isabell Rosena Lines 18 October 1916 Kooringa: died Rosina Isabel Lines 23 June 1917 Kooringa.]

W.G. Hawkes’ brother writes from France on the extreme coldness of the winter there.

Obituary. Mrs Lucy Robinson died in Melbourne on 19 June aged 88. She was a former long time resident of Burra.

Rabbits. 2,500 were despatched to Adelaide from Burra Station in 52 crates on Friday. At 1/1 a pair this represents c. £70. Trappers here are finding rabbits in fine condition and are earning from £5 to £9 a week.

Football. Last Monday at Victoria Park Aberdeen Juniors tied with Riverton Juniors 8.4 each.

Kooringa Juniors defeated Jamestown Juniors by 1.3

Money to Soldiers. A charge of 12/- is now being made for cabling money to soldiers, whether wounded or not.

Burra Cheer-up Society gave a welcome social to Pte Bob Burns last Tuesday. The death of Pte L. Jesser was reported.

Lt Donaghue was welcomed as district recruiting officer.

Pte Bert Griffiths was farewelled on Thursday at a social.

Bob Crewes was reported to have won the Military Cross.

Pte H. Trevilyan’s photo has been received.

Burra Hospital Board, Thursday.

Miss M.V. Macallie appointed charge-nurse.

Miss W.C. Parkinson and Miss E.W. Herman appointed probationer-nurses.

Mr Harcus resigned from the Board.

The Government Grant for the year was £1,000. Patients and subscribers paid £760 and the Board had therefore used only £861 of the grant despite considerable expenses in repairs.

XXXIX, 26, 27 June 1917, page 3

Second Lt J. Statton has a fractured right thigh.

Military Crosses have been awarded to Lt Bob Crewes, Surgeon-Major Steele, Capt. Chaplain Durnford and Capt. R. Somerville DSO.

Obituary. Pte Robert Hoffmann, brother of Mrs G. Hann of Aberdeen, previously reported missing, was killed in action 3 September 1916. [Born c. 1873 in Victoria.]

Pte F. Lines has been wounded in France.

Pte R.A. Ford has been wounded and is reported a POW in Soltau, Germany in a letter to the Red Cross dated 23 May.

Obituary. Details are given of the drowning of Pte Leslie Carey in Egypt.

Lt W. Harry gives thanks for his Christmas Box and says he once lived in Burra.

Burra Rifle Club. The sports day and picture show raised c. £20 for the Cheer-up Society piano fund. At the rifle match M.A. Radford 104 led from A.L. Killicoat & A. Bartholomaeus each on 103.

In the married ladies match Mrs H.W. Kellock 25 beat Mrs A.L. Kellock 24.

Of the Band Girls Miss L. Riggs 24 beat Miss D. Harris 23.

In the single ladies match Miss H. Hunt was first and Miss Riggs second.

In the Ladies Allcomers Mrs O.G. Walker, Miss March, Mrs Milner & Miss D. Harris each scored 23.

In a shoot-off the prize went to Mrs Walker from Miss Harris.

YMCA Army Dept. Burra Branch was formed on 14 June at a meeting in the Council Chamber where Capt. Shoebridge explained the work of the Department and sought to stimulate interest in the formation of a local branch committee. The YMCA provided secretaries and equipment on each troop ship and provided stationery etc. at the front and elsewhere. They organised trips and entertainment at places en route like Colombo and sold items to the boys to add to their comfort, which had cut the cost to the men by 50%. A committee was formed comprising: E.W. Crewes, P. Milner, G. Lawn, J. Drew, N.G. Burns, F. Harris, G. Horner, Rev. A.J. Finch, Mr James, G. Dane, H.H. Thomas and E.J. Harris.

History of the Burra Burra Mine by James Thomas Snr, No. 3.

The copper deposits at Burra were different from elsewhere in that down to 40 fathoms the ore was a jumble of patches of rich copper ore in irregular and often unexpected places. It was easily worked with little blasting required, but the miners all expected ‘she would make down’.

The Bon Accord Mine was sunk to 50 fathoms where they cut a proper fissure lode. John Nickles of Copperhouse worked on it and it embraced the width of the engine shaft and its depth and direction suggested it was a continuation of the Burra lode.

As for Princess Royal, Mr John Nickle and F. Harris, father of the esteemed present townsman, worked there too. They found good malachite a few feet down. In all probability there is a connection between the two mines, but companies would have to be prepared to go deeper than the Burra Co. that only scratched the surface. I lived on the Burra Mine in the 40s and early 50s and as a whim boy hauled hundreds of tons of rich ore from every level and nearly every shaft. Mt father was the timberman who inspected the mine daily to see timber was secure. Much rich ore was washed into the Burra Creek in periodic summer thunderstorms and no doubt lies buried under silt brought down from the Mt Bryan watershed. The bed of the creek now being some ten feet higher than originally.

XXXIX, 27, 4 July 1917, page 2

Advt. Burra Institute, Thursday 12 July. Address: A Call to All True Patriots.

A Temperance Lecture by World-Renowned Mrs Helen Barton.

Cornelius Lynch was fined £1 + 20/- costs for using insulting language to M-C North on Friday last at Elder’s refreshment rooms.

Mr W. March has successfully tendered for the Eastern Mail Run.

Pte J.E. Hogan has been wounded in France.

L-Cpl Stanley Charles Bishop, aged 18, has been awarded the Military Medal. He enlisted in Kooringa in July 1915 when he was 17 and sailed on 2 July. [Something is clearly wrong here! He was farewelled in December 1915 so it may have been 2 January 1916 rather than 2 July 1915.] After some time in Egypt he was posted to France about 12 months ago. Two other brothers enlisted, Hedley and Clarrie. Clarrie was killed 14 August 1916. [Officially 16 August 1916.]

[Hedley was Andrew Hedley.]

Obituary. William Holmes of Ironmine died in the Burra Hospital 21 June aged 85. He was born in Kilburn, England 25 November 1831 and came to Australia aged 16 and to Ironmine about 34 years ago. He has since been engaged in farming. He had previously spent time in NSW and Victoria and in SA had lived at Waterloo, Springbank & Yarcowie. He was active in Sunday school work. He married Catherine, widow of the late W. Sheerlock of Little Para. His wife died several years ago. He is survived by a son, J.S. Holmes (Ironmine); a stepson, W. Sheerlock (Cockburn); a stepdaughter, Mrs S. Harvey (Yacka); five grandchildren and 18 step grandchildren.

[Born 25 November 1831 Kilburn, England death registered as 22 June aged 86.]

Burra Town Council.

The restoration of the Saturday night train to Petersburg will be reconsidered when coal supplies improve.

A decision to get all road metal from the Council quarry was rescinded.

Local Board of Health.

A dangerous shaft on the Church of England ground will be filled in with rubbish.

XXXIX, 27, 4 July 1917, page 3

Burra Cheer-up Society.

Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ Band was invited to Adelaide to play at Violet Day there and arouse public interest. The Military Band greeted them at the station and they proceeded to the Cheer-up Hut where they were welcomed by the Naval Band. After a cup of tea the Ladies’ Band then marched along Adelaide streets led by the Bandmaster of the Locomotive Band, (which had also lent the use of its drums). On entering King William Street the girls played Templemore. They turned into Rundle St where they attracted large crowds before taking Gawler Place to Grenfell St and thence via King William St to the GPO where they paused for another selection. They then returned to North Terrace for the Memorial Service where the Military Band played the Recessional and a bugler played Last Post with all traffic halted. The Ladies’ Band then played the National Anthem. The Governor and Lady Galway congratulated the girls on their achievement and they were asked to appear for the Wondergraph operator for moving pictures.

The President of the Cheer-up Society entertained them for lunch where speeches from those assembled praised Mr Bentley’s and their achievements and that of Burra and District in patriotic causes. In the afternoon they again marched through the streets followed by half a dozen Light Horsemen leading a horse with an empty saddle. The crowd was enthusiastic. In the evening they appeared at the concert at the Exhibition Building where their first item was The Trail that Leads Home, followed by Little Lad in Khaki – the latter to great applause.

Burra Town Council.

The mayor reported on the visit of the Ladies’ Band to Adelaide and its great success. Sir Henry and Lady Galway had had their photo taken with the band and he thought the Council should obtain a copy for its chamber. The Councillors agreed to subscribe for it.

Cr Dane congratulated the Mayor on his son’s winning the Military Cross and a motion to that effect was 2nd by Cr Killicoat and carried.

Congratulatory letters are to be sent to Surgeon-Major Steele MC, Chaplain-Capt. Durnford MC, Capt. Somerville DSO MC, Lt Crewes MC & L-Cpl Bishop MM and a letter of condolence to the Jesser family on the death of Pte Len Jesser.

Pte G.R. Thomas writes from France and England. He tells of the extreme cold in France and of getting pneumonia and being sent to England to recuperate. He writes of life in hospital and of later being on leave at Weston-Super-Mare.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. had a Girls’ Frolic (in fancy dress) on Wednesday and raised c. £4.

XXXIX, 28, 11 July 1917, page 2

Advt. Boy Scouts’ Concert in aid of Scouts and Australia Day Funds, 17 July in Burra Institute.

Songs and Humorous Sketches etc. and the two-act drama On the Track of the Spies.

Advt. Burra Sporting and Athletic Club. Local Wounded Soldiers’ Fund Social.

Oddfellows Hall, Aberdeen, 18 July.

A.C. Spencer has been appointed manager of the Bank of Australasia in Kooringa. He comes from Riverton. [The paper says he was manager of the National Bank there.]

Mr Lees has been relieving here for some months.

Obituary. Carl Jonsson of Booborowie died on Monday.

[Carl Petter Jansen died 10 July 1917 Booborowie aged 72.]

Kooringa Homing Club held an 88-mile race from Carrieton on 23 June. Results are printed.

Reginald Hopcraft has been promoted to Lance Corporal.

Arthur Hopcraft has been promoted to Lance Corporal.

Obituary. Pte R. [Reg.] Johnson of the 9th Light Horse was killed in Egypt 27 June. He was the son of the late Mr & Mrs W.H. Johnson of the Kooringa Hotel, Burra. He was educated at St Joseph’s Convent and at Marist Brothers College Largs Bay. He worked with Bagot, Shakes & Lewis at Burra & Gladstone before going to live with his uncle, Mr P.J. Walsh, Royal Hotel, Balaklava.

[Reginald John James Johnson born 15 May 1890 Pt Wakefield.]

Jack Highett has been wounded in France.

[Herbert?] Horner, brother of G. Horner, is a POW in Germany, having been listed as missing for three months.

Obituary. Gilbert Berryman, son of W. Berryman late of Sod Hut Farm, has been killed in France aged 22. [Born 13 April 1894 Hd Yongala: died 27 June 1917 France.]

Violet Day in Burra. The gross takings were £356. It was celebrated last Friday in very adverse weather. The rotunda was decorated in memory of the fallen with a wreath for each of the fallen and also Ptes Lindsay Stephens and Reg. Johnson who enlisted elsewhere.

Just as preparations were complete steady rain set in for the rest of the day and evening. Despite this the Ladies’ Band marched up Commercial St and played a number of selections. John Drew gave a moving address followed by Mr Winnall and the Mayor. Lt Donaghue appealed for recruits. A bunch of violets sold on the Bugler system raised £185. Postcards of the Ladies’ Band and Sir Henry & Lady Galway sold well (18 dozen).

The ceremony at the rotunda had to be abandoned on account of the wind and rain and the speakers stood in the rain so the public listening could shelter under the Market Square verandahs. Despite this the response was good. The produce market had to be moved into Henderson’s Buildings (courtesy of Harris Scarfe & Co.) and thanks went to the many shops that dressed their windows in purple and white in memory of the fallen.

XXXIX, 28, 11 July 1917, page 3

Burra Sporting & Athletic Club – Local Wounded Soldiers’ Fund.

At the meeting on Friday in John Allen’s office the President, J. Gallagher, reminded them that the fund was intended to offer immediate help to local returned wounded men. The intention was to make a donation without asking what the recipient was going to do with it. The Burra boys were by no means all in the same position. Some parents were living on their son’s military pay, while others were banking it for their son.

The executives would try to allot gifts according to the club’s funds and the individual’s needs, but all would get some sort of gift regardless of their financial position. Mr E. Weymouth who had two sons at the front spoke in support of Mr Gallagher. Donations will be sought widely from the community. Funds in hand were £61-5-4 plus some collected in the past week, making £79-16-1 in all. It was decided to present Messrs R. Ockenden, Syd Williams and Cardigan Jones with a wallet at a social evening on 18 July at the Oddfellows Hall, Aberdeen.

Burra Hospital Board, meeting last Thursday.

[It is clear from the report that there had been certain unspecified difficulties between Dr Ashton and the hospital staff.]

Mr Winnall reported that the Secretary had written to Dr Ashton asking him to put in writing his general instructions to staff. Mr Winnall referred to a number of other incidents as well. Dr Ashton had not responded and Mr Warnes then moved to terminate Dr Ashton’s appointment as a medical officer of the hospital at 31 July 1917.

Mr Crewes sought to have Dr Ashton given the opportunity to carry out the instructions before further action was taken, but the motion passed.

Pte F. Gebhardt writes from France of better conditions and of the front having advanced c. 10 miles and of the surrender of numbers of dispirited Germans.

Pte Norman Ford writes from France of a visit to the Battalion where his brother was serving before he was taken prisoner and of heavy fighting. He makes reference to various other Burra boys.

Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday the 2nd match was fired for Mrs N.H. Pearse’s Trophy. John Kellock 105 led from C.W. Pearse [?] 99.

Obituary. Details of the death of Trooper F.L. Schuyler come from Rev. C. Scott Little and Trooper G. Thom[son]. The latter says he had been twice mentioned in despatches for bravery.

History of the Burra Burra Mine, by James Thomas Snr, No. 4.

Was it a golden time and a time to accumulate wealth?

Surface workers got £1 and underground workers £1-10-0 a week, but wet weather could reduce the pay. There was no rent to pay on dugouts. These were dark and not well ventilated and their position made the getting of the necessities of life to them strenuous. Fuel and water etc. had to come down rough steps. Butchers, bakers and grocers shouted down chimneys to summon women up to be served. Finding a place for a woodheap, clothesline, water barrel and other outside matters called for ingenuity. The view from the door was creek bed and distant hills. Sunday was a bright spot in the week. Furniture was little and crude and home made and light came from a slush lamp or tallow candle. Camp ovens were a necessity. Many kept the Sabbath, but others desecrated it. One set regularly went out kangarooing, but more often returned with a bandicoot or wildcat. There were many colours and nationalities, including a few Negroes. Some fancied cockfighting or dog fighting. Mr Paxton built four hotels and a square of houses: i.e. the Burra Hotel (now the hospital), Lord’s Hotel [then the Miners’ Arms], the Pig & Whistle in Kooringa and in Aberdeen there was a little hotel called the Southampton Arms, which had to be strangled to give him a monopoly, so he built Opie’s Hotel on the north boundary of the mine, ‘just across the chain road from the Southampton Arms’. Soon the peace-loving, law-abiding community was converted ‘to a drunken, wife-beating rabble’. The first publican I remember was Mr Wren of the Burra Hotel and Messrs Cowper kept the other two. The shops were then:

General Stores: Boord Bros.

Thomas & Kekwick

Marks & Gollin

Thomas Bath

Samuel Drew

Warren Bros.

Doctor Moore

Chemist: Mr Greenwood

Saddle & Harness P. Lane

Henry Dawson

The SM was Mr Lange

Clerk of the Court was Mr Powell.

[Up to 1851.]

XXXIX, 28, 11 July 1917, page 4

District Council of Burra. Cr McWaters was re-elected Chairmen.

XXXIX, 29, 18 July 1917, page 2

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will sell on the order of Mr A.E. McWaters, who is relinquishing farming, Farm Implements & Livestock at Leighton Post Office on 9 August.

36 Horses, 1,100 Sheep, 8 Cattle (including 2 heifers) and Farming Plant.

Advt. Men’s Frolic in Burra Institute 26 July in aid of the Soldiers’ Aid Society.

Pte L. Griffiths is now well and back with his Battalion.

Mr G. Hann has been made a JP.

Mr V. Mazzarol, formerly in charge at Copperhouse School and lately at Grace Plains, is now in charge at Langhorne Creek. [Grace Plains: 8 km north of Mallala.]

Film. Burra Institute 7 August. Where Are My Children?

Obituary. A.S. Lee previously reported missing is now reported killed. [Albert Stanley Lee born 24 December 1896 World’s End Creek: killed 16 August 1916 aged 19.]

Obituary. O. Niemann previously reported missing is now reported killed. [Cristian Otto Niemann, born 10 July 1891 Copperhouse: killed 23 July 1916 aged 25.]

Obituary. T.W. Dixon previously reported missing is now reported killed. [Thomas William Dixon born 16 November 1895 Hanson: killed 16 August 1916 aged 20.]

Obituary. Harry Turner previously reported missing is now reported killed. [Henry Hoskin Turner born 29 August 1893 near Ironmine: killed 16 April 1917 aged 23.]

Film next Saturday: Alia Brady in Hungry Heart with various shorts and the last chapter of The Iron Claw.

Roy McDonald is recovering from wounds in England, having lost a leg.

Burra Athletic Club’s Local Wounded Soldiers’ Fund Social will now be held on Thursday at Jubilee Hall and not as previously advised.

Kooringa Homing Club: the results of the race from Morgan on 14 July are printed.

Accident. William Jefferys sustained a broken thigh on Thursday evening when the pole of his buggy broke and he was pulled along the ground by the horses.

Obituary. Further details of the death of F.L. Schuyler from an officer.

XXXIX, 29, 18 July 1917, page 3

Burra Cheer-up Society. Special thanks are sent to pensioner Mr Crowley for the tinware he made for sale on Violet Day. Congratulations sent to Pte S. Bishop on his Military Medal.

Obituary. Essen Rule. Letters of sympathy on his death came from QMS A.E. Beard in England and Sgt L. Stidston of Port Augusta.

History of the Burra Burra Mine by James Thomas Snr, No. 5.

The Strike of Miners & Labourers in 1847.

They wanted higher wages, were refused, and struck. A few continued working and were then rounded up by the strikers, wheeled about in barrows and branded as blacklegs. But they lacked unity or organisation and slowly drifted back to work and the only outcome was a handful of ringleaders got the sack.

The gold rush to California saw a few depart. In Burra nothing in the way of schools had been attempted except for an old lady or two with an infant school in a private room. From the age of 8 or 9 boys were employed horse driving or picking over the ore.

Black Thursday.

The Blacks had set fire to the grass in many places to secure new shoots for emus and kangaroos, when the wind from the north blew a hurricane and this added to a normal ‘brickfielder’. The air was full of ash, grit and dust. The temperature I should judge was about 140°F [At 60°C probably an exaggeration!] with a wind at 90-100 m.p.h. blowing gravel as large as peas as well as dust and sand. It was hard to breathe. I was 13. The day was dark and candles had to be lit indoors and even then a tallow candle only appeared as a blue speck on the table. The fires had depleted the oxygen and increased the carbonic acid gas in the atmosphere. Many thought it the end of the world; others sought refuge in the hotels and drink. The creek was even then silting up and observant people saw the dangers of flooding and the wise were building houses. A flood followed Black Thursday.

Burra Town Council.

The lamp near Dr Ashton’s has been blown down and broken. It will be repaired and a new local generator will be tried.

Letters of condolence will be sent to the families of Trooper Johnson & Ptes Dixon, Niemann, Lee, Turner & Muller.

XXXIX, 29, 18 July 1917, page 4

Burra Cheer-up Society welcomed R. Statton, Ptes C. Jones, S. Williams & Dowd at the station on 3 July. On 9 July a social was held for Ptes C. Jones & S. Williams. (Pte Dowd was unable to attend.)

[Check whether Dow or Dowd] Pte Bootes was a visitor.

Photos have been received of Sister L. McWaters, & Ptes Beard, Motherall, & Hedley Trevilyan.

Mr F. Harris has new stocks of the cards with the photo of the Ladies’ Band with the Governor & Lady Galway.

Hunting. An outing at World’s End at the invitation of Mr Hedley McWaters, Messrs C. & A. Duell, W. Heinrich & F. Duldig, saw a party of sportsmen bag 587 rabbits, 8 hares and 1 fox. (32 guns were used in doing the business last Saturday.)

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. The fund now stands at £714-1-8.

XXXIX, 30, 25 July 1917, page 2

Burra Athletic & Sports Club social at Jubilee Hall last Thursday saw wallets presented to Ptes Ockenden, Jones and Williams.

Red Cross benefited by £12-9-6 as a result of a spinning demonstration by Miss Chambers and Miss Bullock at Burra Institute last Friday afternoon when wool was spun and carded.

Advt. Mr Edward Branscombe’s The Dandies will appear at the Institute 31 July in a program of revues, comedy scenes, burlesques & musical sketches.

Mr R. Wilkinson, son of T.W. Wilkinson of Burra has enlisted at Port Pirie.

Ken Drew is reported to be progressing from his gassing.

Repatriation Fund. A cheque for £1,870 has been sent to the State War Council. This is the largest donation received in SA from a local committee.

Burra Rifle Club. Best shots on Saturday were L. Neagle 97 and A.L. Kellock 88.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. Sewers are now making mufflers and sleeping caps and donations of 5/- for Christmas boxes are sought. A letter can be sent and it will be enclosed in a box, which will be packed and sent from Adelaide. The fund stands at £722-14-0.

XXXIX, 30, 25 July 1917, page 3

WCTU continues to meet monthly at Jubilee Hall.

The Recruiting Campaign continues and owners of cars are asked to donate a day’s use of them next week to take organisers out to men who do not reside in the town.

Burra & District Poultry & Kennel Club.

The local Show Soc. did not do much to encourage locals. Outsiders generally took most of their prizes and the formation of a local club was indicated. Elected: President, Clem Sampson; Vice-President, C. Fuss; & Secretary, John Allen. Some changes to the prize list at the Burra show will be sought.

Burra Cheer-up Society gave a social on 19 July to John Pearce in thanks for the use of his building etc. A telegram was sent to Pte William C. Davey welcoming him home.

Mrs Helen Barton, the well-known temperance lecturer spoke for two hours at the Institute on 12 July. She is reported in c. 2⁄3 column.

Burra Boy Scouts held their Annual Concert on Tuesday last week. It was well attended and would have been even better attended, but for the rain.

Australia Day Meeting. The meeting last Monday was large and adjourned from the Council Chamber to the Hall. After discussion it was decided to hold it on 1 September. E.W. Crewes was re-elected President and Mr Dane Hon. Sec., with P. Milner re-elected as Treasurer.

XXXIX, 30, 25 July 1917, page 4

History of the Burra Burra Mine, by James Thomas Snr, No. 6.

The heavy rain took some time to send the floodwaters as far as Burra. They arrived in the early morning and the evacuation of property began. As it was summer it was not cold, but the piles of furniture etc. by the flour barrel chimneys were pitiable enough. The men went to arrange shelter and every available building was soon occupied – churches, schoolrooms, engine houses and sheds of all sorts. Nearly all of the huts caved in.

Soon after news of the Victorian gold discoveries arrived. People sold everything they could to finance a trip to the gold fields. Many went by ship, but some walked. Within a month virtually every able-bodied man had gone. They aimed to get enough to return, but when they got £200 or £300 most could not resist a rest, which generally meant a spree. A few did manage to retire, but most returned after four months or so and returned with money to squander. Some repeated the journey and the folly several times. But by the second or third time their ground had been taken by others and the alluvial gold was mostly gone and capital was needed for mining the reefs. All in all a few did well and saved their money, many did well and spent it and a few did not return.

XXXIX, 31, 1 Aug. 1917, page 2

Obituary. Pte W.G. Bruhn, brother of Mrs James McDonald of Willalo and late of Kooringa, died at the Weymouth Military Hospital 31 March 1917. A letter is printed detailing the death of W.G. Bruhn from pleurisy. [Walter Gustavo Bruhn born 13 May 1890 Hd Lindley.]

Arthur Garrard, son of Mr & Mrs H. Garrard of Emu Downs, has been wounded and is a POW in Munster, Germany.

Major Lott, son of Mr C.A. Lott, is severely wounded and is in hospital in the UK.

Pte Fred Wheatley writes that he hopes one day to hear the Girls’ Band – he was at one time the bandmaster of the Burra Coronation Band.

Capt. R.G. Baynes has been wounded for the 2nd time.

Trooper Cecil Lord is in hospital in Egypt.

Drew & Crewes will pay a dividend of 5% for the year ended in March 1916 and 5% for the year ended March 1917.

Burra Cheer-up Society has resolved to send every nurse in the First Australian General Hospital in France a Christmas Box and will send £20 to the SA Auxiliary Tobacco Fund and 100 Christmas Boxes will go to soldiers at the front through the League of Loyal Women.

Photos have been received of the Killicoat brothers (Arthur, Darby, Dave, Harry & Myles) and of Bert Dew.

XXXIX, 31, 1 Aug. 1917, page 3

Burra Show Society.

The Sports Syndicate has offered a 21-year lease for £3-3-0 per annum. Mr Winnall thought they should have it on easier terms considering the amount of money they had spent on the luncheon booth. The President also thought it high as they had spent £250 in the last two years and £200 before that. The President suggested asking for a reduction to £1-1-0. Mr Winnall thought it didn’t really matter much as the Syndicate spent the money on improvements. The lease was accepted.

The President of the Burra Poultry & Kennel Club waited on them with requests about the prize list for the Burra Show.

The President said poultry was already well treated with about £23 in prizes and anyway it was too late to make alterations for this year.

Mr Winnall said the aim was to encourage the breeding of use rather than fancy breeds. No action.

The Ring Committee recommended striking out section fours, ladies section fours and military horse.

Pte Charles Pohlner writes of his journey to the UK via Colombo, Mauritius, Cape Town & Sierra Leone to Plymouth.

Leighton Roll of Honour was unveiled at Leighton School on 25 July.

The Men’s Frolic in aid of the Local Wounded Soldiers’ Fund in connection with the Burra Athletic and Sports Club was held last Wednesday. The frolickers in disguise entered at 8 p.m. There was a contest to guess the identities with the most correct winning. The characters are listed. The nett results of the evening were £12-9-0.

XXXIX, 31, 1 Aug. 1917, page 4

West Burra Copper Mining Co. The Eighth Half-Yearly Meeting was held 26 July.

Mr G. Lord presided. Work has been discontinued for most of this period. After getting the report of the Chief Inspector of Mines it was decided to sink the new shaft a further 50’, but the wet weather has made his impossible and it will be resumed when fine weather returns. The financial position is not strong. The last parcel of ore returned £72 nett for 2 tons 17 cwt. The credit balance is now £118-13-5, but after the present contract this will be £80-13-5. The expenditure has been in developmental work. We hope soon to have discovered a payable ore body.

History of the Burra Burra Mine, by James Thomas Snr, No. 7.

In the early years of the colony the Sa Colonization Assoc. got a grant of the colony to sell at not less than 12/- per acre with the revenue so obtained going to an emigration fund. Control of the company’s affairs vested in a body of commissioners and a Governor nominated by the Crown. In 1838 Governor Hindmarsh was recalled after acrimonious dissension between the Governor and Commissioner over the allocation of choice blocks in Adelaide. Colonel Gawler took his place and was also Resident Commissioner. He had a scheme of public works which was not approved and he too was recalled to be replaced by Governor Grey who had a policy of retrenchment. Eventually a constitution for self-government was framed in 1856 and an election of members took place in 1857. Voting in Burra took place in the original Burra Hotel. Voting then was open, with no secret ballot. The candidates were G.S. Kingston and Henry Mildred. Beer flowed freely and men shouted for either candidate and waved green or blue ribbons. Members did little for Burra for many years. By this time two or three fairly good schools had opened. Rev. Ibbetson, the Anglican minister was a chief mover in getting the Institute built and in securing a library.

[Thomas then goes on to talk of SA history generally and of the colony’s acquisition of the Northern Territory, rather than of matters of local concern.]

Girls’ Frolic on Tuesday evening raised c. £6 for the Burra cheer-up Society’s piano fund. Participants are identified.

XXXIX, 32, 8 Aug. 1917, page 2

Sapper A.J. Fitzgerald, brother of Mrs G. Herbert is reported missing since 10 July.

[Oddly he is next reported to be a POW in the paper of 7 November 1917 and then to have been killed in action in November 1916 in the paper of 9 July 1919, but Army records more convincingly say he was killed in action 10 July 1917.]

Accident. Mr Michael McInerny of Leighton, his wife and two children were lucky to escape with a severe shaking when a train frightened their horses, which bolted and crashed into a fence.

Miss Stribling transfers from Burra School to Clare School after four years here.

The War. The third anniversary of the war last Saturday saw a large gathering in Market Square on Sunday afternoon with allied flags much in evidence. The Ladies’ Band played a number of hymns. Speeches were made by the Mayor, Mr Crewes, by Mr Winnall, Mr W.G. Hawkes, Rev. Father Prendergast, Capt. Trigg of the Salvation Army and H.J. Penno of Adelaide.

XXXIX, 32, 8 Aug. 1917, page 3

Burra Town Council.

The Postmaster General says there are no private boxes suitable for Aberdeen due to the war.

Nurse Woollacott presented Council with a portrait of her father Mr J.R. Gray, one time Health Inspector.

John Tennant wrote drawing attention to the bad state of the bridge opposite the slaughter yards.

J. Allen, Hon. Sec. of the Burra Poultry & Kennel Club asked for use of Victoria Park for a show in November. Granted free use for the first show, but this is not to be taken as a precedent.

Local Board of Health.

D. Kemble, scavenger, gives one month’s notice. The position will be advertised. [Wages 10/- a day.]

George Hann, Convenor of Australia Day in Burra, writes calling on all for a concerted effort to make a great procession and a fun day.

Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday the best shots were L. Neagle 103 and C.W. Pearce 102.

XXXIX, 32, 8 Aug. 1917, page 4

Pte G.R. Thomas writes from England about his holidays in England.

XXXIX, 33, 15 Aug. 1917, page 2

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Kooringa Juniors 3.8 defeated Aberdeen Juniors 1.12

Trooper E.H. Morgan writes from Egypt.

Michael Murphy, an old age pensioner of Paxton Square has been found living in extreme poverty despite having £90 in the bank. He was sent to the Mental Hospital in Adelaide.

Win the War League. A public meeting is called for 21 August to form a local branch of the league. In towns where it is active the lady members have done much good work in helping recruiting.

The MPs for Burra have waited on the Minister of Education and pointed out the bad state of the Farrell’s Flat schoolhouse and the need for a schoolhouse at Booborowie, where the Department is renting a small building.

Surgeon Capt. Sydney Ernest Holder, who has been mentioned in despatches, is the third son of the late Sir F.W. Holder and was born in Burra 27 years ago. He was educated at Prince Alfred’s College and the University of Adelaide and has been serving with the 3rd Light Horse in Asia Minor. He married Miss Godley of St Peters last September.

World’s End will run a special produce stall at Australia Day in Burra.

Pte A.W. Lihou is reported to be a POW in Limberg, Germany, having been reported missing from 11 April.

Cpt. R.G. Baynes has been seriously wounded in the head, chest and stomach.

Pte Robert Brewster has died from wounds. He was a nephew of John McLaren.

[Died 31 July 1917 aged 30]

Advt. The Fisk Jubilee Singers will appear at the Institute 16 August.

The World’s Greatest Harmony and Melody Makers.

[Page 3 adds ‘Their repertoire includes choruses, glees, quartets, plantation melodies, coon songs, and ragtime ditties.’]

XXXIX, 33, 15 Aug. 1917, page 3

Burra Hospital Board. Dr Ashton has been appointed Hon. Surgeon on the same basis as those at the Adelaide Hospital.

Attempted Murder at Copperhouse.

On Wednesday Mrs H. Fisher’s two small daughters found a parcel wrapped in brown paper and addressed to their mother. When she opened it there was an explosion. A pistol had been concealed in the box in a position likely to shoot someone standing up when they lifted the lid. Fortunately Mrs Fisher was seated with her young baby in her arms and the powder from the shot blackened her arm and the baby’s face. So far the police have made no progress.

Burra Rifle Club. Points gained for Mrs N.H. Pearse’s Trophy to date: L. Neagle 10, A.L. Kellock 9, John Kellock 9 & C.W. Pearce 8.

Burra Cheer-up Society held a Girls’ Frolic on Monday, which raised money for the Australia Day sweets stall.

Farrell’s Flat Sheep Dog Trials were held on the 27 & 28 July and are reported.

XXXIX, 33, 15 Aug. 1917, page 4

E.A. Riggs, [who is only identified as the writer in the next issue] writes from the UK about a visit to London in 11⁄2 columns.

XXXIX, 34, 22 Aug. 1917, page 2

Obituary. James Haworth of Yongala died on 20 August aged 87. He was born at Bury, Lancashire in 1830 and began work in a cotton factory at the age of 7. He became a stonecutter and migrated with his wife and family to Pt Adelaide arriving 20 August 1856. He obtained work at the Burra Mines, but also tried briefly for gold at Omeo in Victoria. He left Burra again for the Ballarat diggings, but returned to the Burra Mines and also worked at well sinking to the north before taking land at Yongala in 1875. His wife died in 1878 and he remarried in 1890. He was one of the first members of the District Council and among the first to take shares in the Farmers’ Union. He was a trustee of the Methodist Church at Yongala. He is survived by his second wife and five sons and three daughters: Richard (Gumbowie), George & Joseph (Yongala), John & William S. (Williamstown), Mrs C. Thomas (Yongala), Mrs James Fletcher (Murray Bridge), Mrs C. Jennings (Torrensville), 32 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. [Death registered as 13 August at Yongala.]

Snow fell early on Tuesday and during the morning there was a further heavy fall. The young had snowball fights. It had largely melted by midday, but remained on the distant hills.

M-C North has been appointed shopping inspector for Burra, Mt Bryan and Hanson.

C.W. Pearce cut the top off his thumb at Barker’s Woolshed at Baldina last Wednesday. He found the piece and Dr Ashton sewed it back again.

Australia Day at Booborowie was celebrated on 26 July and the total raised is expected to be £190-£200.

XXXIX, 34, 22 Aug. 1917, page 3

Burra Institute Committee has received a letter from G.A.J Webb concerning a picture of Sir F.W. Holder, but the offer was not entertained.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. The fund stands at £733-7-10.

Kooringa Court, 13 August.

Jonathon Goldsworthy was charged with the theft of one tarpaulin and a billycan and was sent for trial in Adelaide.

15 August.

Thomas Hawkins was fined £5 + 15/- costs for indecent exposure.

XXXIX, 35, 29 Aug. 1917, page 2

Theatregraph Pictures, 1 September.

The Haunting Shadow

The Scarlet Runner No. 5

The Master Key, Chapter 5

Comedies: Speed and Suspicion and Luke Wins a Lady Fair.

Obituary. Eli Goodridge of Hinton Farm, Gum Creek, died 26 August.

[Born 1828 Hinton Martell, Dorset. See extended obituary XXXIX, 37, 12 Sep. 1917, page 3.]

Children’s Patriotic Fund. Children subscribing to this fund can win a medal (The War Service Medal) for subscribing 10/- and they can then gain bars to the medal for subscribing further similar amounts. Medals have gone to Gilbert Gillett, George Sampson and Pearl Gebhardt. Medal and bar to Jessie, Henry, Robert and Thomas Winnall.

Australia Day will benefit from a Stock Route March with donated stock to be sold at the Burra Market.

Copperhouse School Arbor Day was held 24 August. 20-30 trees were planted and speeches made by A. Forrest and T. Lomman. After a good lunch there was a half-day holiday.

Burra Cheer-up Society. Last Saturday the Ladies’ Band went to Mt Bryan for Australia Day celebrations there and played several selections.

Belgian Relief Fund now stands at £1,244-9-7.

‘Sunny Jim’ writes suggesting it was about time the nonsense at the local hospital was cleared up. While the ‘Heads’ squabbled it was the patients and public who pay the bills, but are mere pawns in the game.

Enlistments.

In 1914 the average (for 5 months) was 10,400 per month

1915 13,825 per month

1916 10,362 per month

1917 (January to May) 4,740 per month

1917 (June & July) 4,124 per month

The cause will be aided by the recruiting film A Soldier’s Life in the AIF and a series Why Britain Went to War has been effective in the past.

XXXIX, 35, 29 Aug. 1917, page 3

Australia Day at Mt Bryan on 25 August raised in total about £350.

Burra Town Council.

An application to build was lodged by James Reed of Aberdeen. Granted. [Wandillah]

Permission was granted for the unveiling of the Roll of Honour, ‘which has been anonomously [sic] donated’ in Market Square at 1.30 on Australia Day.

The Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ Band was presented on Monday with a Drum Major’s staff. It was the gift of W.J. Thorne Esq., the renowned bandmaster of the Adelaide Locomotive Band and was presented by G.E. Dane. It is made of polished rosewood mounted with sterling silver with the crest of the donor and inscribed:

Presented to the Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ Band by W.J. Thorne Esq. 27-8-17.

Girls’ Frolic at Mrs Litchfield’s, Aberdeen, raised funds for the Girls’ Club. (Associated with the Soldiers’ Aid Society.)

XXXIX, 36, 5 Sep. 1917, page 2

Obituary. Eli Goodridge died 26 August at ‘Hinton Farm’, Gum Creek aged 89.

[Born 1828 Hinton Martell, Dorset. See extended obituary XXXIX, 37, 12 Sep. 1917, page 3.]

Pte C. Goodridge, son of I.J. Goodridge of Booborowie, has been wounded and is in hospital in England.

A.J. & P.A. McBride have paddocked 256 horses for the army free of charge for 20 weeks on their property at Braemar.

Obituary. Pte F.J. Rogers was killed in action 9 December 1916. Details of his death have been provided to his sister, Mrs E. Oates of Leighton, by S.Cpl W. Thurlow writing on 9 December and by Lt L. Dadson writing on 4 May. The death took place near Flers.

[Frederick Joseph Rogers born 24 May 1882 Baldina.]

Second Lt Keith Raymond Crewes (Bob). Details of the award of the Military Cross.

Frank West is reported to be a POW in Germany.

War Poem by ‘Old Coralinga’, who has his four sons serving in the forces abroad.

The Call Coming Over the Waters.

Marriage. Ironmine Methodist Church, 28 July.

Ivy M. Flower, 2nd daughter of Mr & Mrs James Flower of ‘Flowerville’ and

William H. Lloyd, eldest son of J. Lloyd of ‘Road View’.

Burra Cheer-up Society. The Ladies’ Band went to Clare for Australia Day there on 29 August. They went by train to Farrell’s Flat where they were picked up by car and reached Clare c. 7.15 a.m. They were then free till lunch at 11.30. Then they led the procession and played several times. The weather then deteriorated, but the band played from Mr Bentley’s balcony. They then returned to Farrell’s Flat where they played at a lecture in aid of Red Cross funds.

Burra Town Council.

Council decided to buy a horse, harness and dray – the present one being fully occupied in scavenging.

Water is to be laid on to a new garden near the Black Bridge in Kooringa.

Local Board of Health.

The Municipal Assoc. advises that a maternity home cannot take in other patients and a private hospital needs a licence from the Local Board of Health.

The Inspector opposed granting further permits to keep pigs. There were about 50 in the corporation area and only one sty complied with the Act. Cr Radford moved that keepers of pigs be given a fortnight’s notice to comply with the Act. Carried.

Cr Radford thought pigs in the town were becoming altogether too popular to be pleasant.

Leighton. The local correspondent reports on the Leighton School Concert of 25 August and on Leighton students and the Children’s Patriotic Fund.

XXXIX, 36, 5 Sep. 1917, page 3

Australia Day in Burra, 1 September 1917.

The approximate takings were £1,851. By 11 a.m. the sun was out. Market Square was decorated and the procession was assembled to depart from Fuss’s corner in Aberdeen. The Cheer-up Ladies’ band was followed by ‘Admiral Toovey’, the Mayor & Lt-Col. Beevor. Then the mice plague was caricatured by a ‘fou fou’ band playing weird tunes and a group of fantastically costumed small boys. Then came the Aberdeen Girls’ Concert Party on Robertson’s motor lorry, embowered in Wattle Blossom. Messrs R. Fuss, C. Burns & E. Isaac rode on a ‘Joe Frord 1801’: a vehicle with a horse pushing from behind. [Was R. Fuss, Russell Fuss?] They were followed by ‘Mike, a broken down sport’ and his girl, before a concert party of Pierrots and Pierrettes, Hann’s Piccaninny Fairies, some Red Indians, tiny tots dressed as Red Cross Nurses, the Basket Ball Club by Burra School children and Leighton School children. Copperhouse School children produced a Japanese rickshaw. Then came the whole Dam family in a car with a trailer, George Thorpe with a decorated 6-cylinder Buick. Very impressive was a car rigged up as a tank, which belched fire and smoke and had been made by Messrs Glenister & Sams and P. Pederson. Then came the Burra Boys Scouts Band and decorated cars and traps.

A gold button was auctioned on the Bugler system for £978, ending up with J.M. McBride for £225. Buttons of various designs were sold, including one with a portrait of Mr McBride. There was a souvenir stall and a Cheap Jack stall. There were guessing competitions, concerts parties and various other stalls. In the ugliest man competition, Mr Frank Harris was elected, while Miss Hilda Hunt was Most Silent Lady. The Fun Parlour with distorting mirrors was popular.

The Honour Roll of fallen heroes was unveiled on Australia Day. It had been presented by Mr & Mrs C.J. Pearce. The Mayor introduced Lt-Col. Beevor to unveil the roll. After his speech Scout Patrol-Leader Tiddy sounded The Last Post. The board is in blackwood with a deeply recessed, moulded arched pediment. There are 36 names in gold on a dark blue ground.

XXXIX, 37, 12 Sep. 1917, page 2

Films. 15 September The Chattel

24 September The Libertine

[At the Institute.]

Nurse Dorothy Roach has been farewelled for England.

Pte Cranston Beaven is in hospital with dilation of the heart.

Pte Noel Beaven is in hospital.

Wilfred Nankivell has been wounded in the chest.

Wesley Nankivell has arrived in England OK.

Pte G.R. Thomas writes from England.

The Road to Adelaide is virtually impassable by car. It is so bad between Saddleworth and Riverton that Mr George Thorpe completed his trip by rail.

James Gregg aged c. 16 was seriously injured by a bull at Mt Bryan East and brought into Burra Hospital yesterday.

XXXIX, 37, 12 Sep. 1917, page 3

Burra Cheer-up Society has sent a fountain pen to Sister Dorothy Roach.

News has come from Ptes Lyall Fuss & A. Bruce that they are to receive a Red Cross parcel in Germany.

We have received a photo of Bert Griffiths.

Alick Stacey, the son of Sgt Stacey the Burra recruiting officer, writes from England. He has been wounded and writes of the battle in which he was wounded.

Obituary. Eli Goodridge was born at Hinton Martell in Dorset in 1828 as the eldest son of James Goodridge. He was qualified as a teacher, but his health forced him to come to Australia by the Sir John Lawrence in 1863. He was employed by Hon. W.W. Duffield who had a mill at Gawler, but moved to the station of Duffield and Porter: ‘Koonoona’. After three years he moved to G.A. Gebhardt’s ‘Mt Cone’ and later took up butchering at Redruth. In 1873 he started farming for himself at Ironmine and c. 1878 he moved to Gum Creek. He was associated with the Ironmine Methodist Church and was a District Councillor for several years. In 1849 he married Maria Maidment, daughter of Isaac Maidment of Monckton in Dorset. Two of three sons survive: T.P. Goodridge of Gum Creek and I.J. Goodridge of Booborowie. There are 14 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

Sapper Lloyd Pearce, son of F. Pearce of Aberdeen, has been awarded the Military Medal.

XXXIX, 38, 19 Sep. 1917, page 2

‘Thanks’. I should like to thank the so-called ladies and gentlemen of Hanson who took part in damaging my house and its contents on Saturday night. (Mrs) J.A. Dixon.

[The incident refers to a tinkettling. See later in the papers of 26 September, 3 October & 10 October.]

Accident. A team on the way to Braemar to get wool for A.J. & P.A. McBride bolted on a steep hill near Douglas Church. One horse fell and was killed when the wagon passed over it. One broke a leg and had to be destroyed and another was badly injured. The driver, J. Kuchenmeister, was unhurt.

Obituary. Joseph H. Evans, youngest son of Mr & Mrs W.J. Evans of Paxton Square, died of consumption on Sunday morning 16 September. Three brothers are on active service.

[Joseph Henry Evans born 10 June 1902 Petersburg: died 15 September 1917 Kooringa.]

The Burra Sheep Show was cancelled for 1917. Heavy rains on Monday made it inadvisable to hold it yesterday. The sheep dog trials went ahead and will conclude today.

Obituary. A.H. Forder died at his daughter’s at Laura. He was the first organist at Kooringa Methodist Church, being succeeded by John Pearce. When he moved to Redruth he took a prominent role in the church there as choirmaster and organist. Some years ago he took up dairying at Thackaringa. He was prominent here in musical circles and was clerk of the local court for many years. He was twice married, but both wives predeceased him. An adult family of sons and daughters survives. [Augustus Highmoor Forder died 15 September 1917 aged 87 at Laura.]

Weather. Last Sunday a violent electrical storm occurred and on Sunday heavy rain fell in the afternoon, after gale force winds c. 3 p.m. Heavy showers continued till midday Monday, by which time 2.45” had fallen. Over an inch was also recorded in the East.

W. Ford has been wounded in Egypt. He had been invalided home in 1916, but recovered.

Major L.A. Lewis was expected to reach Adelaide yesterday.

Obituary. Michael Kelly of Booborowie died 17 September aged 81.

Burra Institute.

Mr Wilkinson moved the Librarian’s salary be £132 p.a., including bonus and allowances and the caretaker to pay for all extra labour required.

Burra Corporation asks leave to place the Roll of Honour in the Public Reading Room. Granted.

An architect is to be engaged concerning the best means of enlarging the hall.

Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday in the competition for Mrs Pearse’s Trophy best shots were A.B. Riggs 96, P.A. McBride & J.E. Pearce each 93.

Burra Cheer-up Society. £20 was sent to the Adelaide Cheer-up Hut, as hundreds of returned men are expected there this week.

The Burra Ladies’ Band will play at Red Triangle Day at Petersburg on 27 September, at Farrell’s Flat for Australia Day on 29 September and in Adelaide on 27 October for Commercial Travellers’ Day, but have had to decline an invitation for Clare on 8-Hours Day.

A photo of Pte ‘King’ Tiver has been received as well as photos of Sister Dorothy Roach and Trooper Vernon Nicholls.

XXXIX, 38, 19 Sep. 1917, page 3

Burra Sporting & Athletic Club.

A wallet has been sent to Pte Clarrie Brown of Hampton who has been invalided home.

A Ragged Ball will be held on 3 October in the Skating Rink for Club funds. It is a ball to herald in the spring.

Gunner A.J. Dunning writes from France about a more relaxing time back from the firing line.

‘Admirer of the Band’ writes praising the band highly, but slating those employers of the girls who are proving less enthusiastic when it comes to granting leave to play on patriotic occasions.

Local Board of Health.

Houses near Gully’s Wharf, Chamber’s Estate, were in a terrible state and were still inhabited. The agent, Mr Winnall, had been notified in July that they had to be renovated. They were given 14 days final notice or Council will demolish them at the owner’s expense.

XXXIX, 39, 26 Sep. 1917, page 2

Major L.A. Lewis is home.

Lt Norman McBride & Lt Malcolm Stevenson have been in Egypt.

Reg. & Bert Sandland have been in Egypt.

L-Cpl A. Isaac is in camp on Salisbury Plain.

Pte Andrew Pearce is doing light transport work in UK.

Arthur Harris is on furlough in Scotland.

Allen Gebhardt is recovering in hospital.

Pte Jack Steadman is convalescent.

Cpl Jack Ford is in hospital in Cairo.

Pte Will Bowen is due to leave soon for France.

Pte O. Ockenden is about to return to France.

Len Gordon, late of Bagot, Shakes & Lewis, has just received his commission.

Pte C.M. Humphrys is recovering from an injury.

Pte F.A. West writes from Kreigslager Wahn [POW Camp] Germany dated 10 May 1917.

Obituary. Pte T.L. Jesser, who was wounded in the left leg on 7 June at the Battle of Messines, died on 12 June. [Thomas Linthorne/Linthal Jesser born 4 December 1892 Laura: died 12 June 1917 France.]

Medals are to be issued to every wife and mother, or other nearest relative of a soldier who left Australia in the AIF since 4 August 1914 for active service.

The Roll of Honour given by Mr & Mrs C.J. Pearce has been hung in the Reading Room of the Institute.

Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday the 6th match for Mrs N.H. Pearse’s Trophy saw H.E. Riggs 91 ahead of P. Milner 88.

Burra Cheer-up Society.

The Ladies’ Band played at the Sheep Dog Trials last week.

A cable was sent to congratulate Pte Lloyd Pearce on winning the Military Medal.

Some soldiers only received their Christmas boxes in June and are still sending thank you notes.

XXXIX, 39, 26 Sep. 1917, page 3

National Party, 18 September.

There is a proposed organic union of the National Labor Party and the Liberal Union. Burra was visited by MPs Messrs Crawford Vaughan, Peter Reidy and J. Pick .

The Mayor entertained the visitors at dinner at the Burra Hotel after which a well-attended public meeting was held at the Institute. The report runs through three columns, concluding on page 4.

Burra Show Society. The Sheep Dog Trials at the Showgrounds in Aberdeen, 18-20 September were a great success. Winners:

The Novice was won by Mr Thomas Eustice’s Pat.

The Puppy Stakes went to Mt Thomas White’s Wampey.

Open Class was won by Lt K.L. Duffield’s Bantry Jack.

[In the report the owner is said to be R. Laidlaw, but in the summary to be Lt K.L. Duffield. It seems that Mr Laidlaw was working all of Lt Duffield’s dogs.]

The SA Champion was won by Mr Collins’s Frisk, worked by Mr White.

‘Residents of Hanson’ write claiming they thought the house described by Mrs Dixon in her letter of 12 September belonged to R.A. Carpenter and adding that ‘the ladies and gentlemen have proved themselves to be so. This of course, is more than can be said of everyone who takes up residence in this district.’

Obituary. Mr Michael Kelly of Booborowie who died 16 September was born in County Clare, Ireland in 1836 and arrived in SA in July 1857. He worked at the Kapunda Copper Mine before taking land at Manoora. He was a Saddleworth District Councillor for several years and a member of the Foresters’ Lodge for over 50 years. In 1864 he married Elizabeth, youngest daughter of the late Timothy Murphy, who died six years ago. In 1895 he moved to take up dairying at Booborowie. He was a devoted Roman Catholic and was prominent in building the churches at Kapunda, Manoora and Booborowie. The family comprises 11 sons and 1 daughter: T. & W. (Booborowie), Michael (Black Springs), J., A. & S. (Broken Hill), Cpl D.I. & Ptes E. & J. (France), Trooper T. (3rd Light Horse, Egypt) and Mrs F.F. Hogan (Booborowie). (One son is dead.) There are 12 grandchildren.

XXXIX, 40, 3 Oct. 1917, page 2

Notice. To the Hanson tinkettlers.

Mrs Dixon is not aware she stated that she was a private property owner. As you say you are ladies and gents, I wonder you did not act as such when you came to visit Mr Carpenter’s house. Surely a person can come and live in your ‘city’ without receiving such a disgraceful welcome from a few country folks. I never knew gentlemen used such language as I heard used here. Mrs J.A. Dixon.

Mr & Mrs Richard Hill have erected a memorial stone in the cemetery to Pte Samuel Hill who died in France on 1 January 1916 of pneumonia.

Accident. Clifford Lott got caught in some machinery at S.M. Lane’s saddlery shop and needed 12 stitches in his right hand.

Obituary. Mrs Elizabeth [Mary] Pearce, relict of the late T.W. Pearce, died at her residence ‘Burleigh’ on 26 September. She was born in Kent on 17 March 1838 and came to SA aged 3 months with her parents, Mr & Mrs John Brewer. Mr Brewer was the first baker at Port Adelaide. They came to Burra and lived a few days in a dugout until a house could be secured. Later the family went farming in the Wakefield District before going to Adelaide. She married Thomas W. Pearce, eldest son of James Pearce of Burra. Her husband died c. 12 years ago. She leaves one son, Mr E.A. Pearce, inspector of Metropolitan Abattoirs and three daughters: Mrs G. Newman (Chain of Ponds), Miss S. & Miss R. Pearce (Kooringa).

Obituary. Mr T. Doherty died last week aged 83. He was a resident of Braefoot who arrived in SA in 1860 and took up residence in Clare. Then he moved to Mannanarie and then Erskine, before going to barefoot. His wife died about 5 years ago. He leaves two sons and three daughters: Messrs J. & L. Doherty (Braefoot), Mrs J. Hodley & Mrs A.F. Daly (Belalie North), Mrs J. Dowd (Spalding) & 18 grandchildren. [Thomas Doherty died 25 September 1917 at Braefoot.]

Accident. W. T. Truscott chopped off the top of the third finger of his left hand whilst chopping meat on Saturday. Dr Ashton sewed it back.

Major A.D. Lott is recovering in hospital where he met Lt Ian Macindoe who is also recovering from being badly wounded. Both are old Rambler football captains.

Trooper Horace Hill has met Sisters McWaters & Armstrong in a Cairo Hospital.

Driver Norman Ford is improving.

Stan Ockenden who was wounded is improving.

Pte Rub Scott is convalescing.

R.A. Cock has been promoted to SS Master.

Sgt Killicoat has been promoted to SQM.

Pte Will Henderson now has two stripes and is about to apply to transfer from the AAMC to the Royal Flying Corps in France.

Lt Joe Statton is returning to Australia. He was severely wounded in almost his first battle on arrival in France.

XXXIX, 40, 3 Oct. 1917, page 3

Burra Cheer-up Society.

On 27 September the Ladies’ Band went to Petersburg to assist in Red Triangle Day there. They were pressed to perform at Terowie and produced a rousing march on the platform. At 3 p.m. they assembled at the Town Hall and after two selections were rushed to the sale yards to gather money during a 15-minute session there. Then there was afternoon tea at the Town Hall before further selections outside. Time did not permit a parade. At the evening entertainment they contributed four selections.

On the following Saturday they were at the Market Square Rotunda to welcome Major Lance Lewis home and in the afternoon went to Farrell’s Flat for Australia Day there. Mr I.J. Warnes has allowed two more cornets to be got for the band by donating the extra £20 needed. Last week we reported he gave a drum valued at £12. There has been a farewell social for Pte P. Byles and a parcel was sent to Pte Williams.

Burra Town Council.

Council has bought a dray for £20, but a horse has proved more difficult. Cr McBride will lend an old, but good one in the meantime.

Local Board of Health.

Nurse Woollacott’s maternity home licence was renewed.

Mrs Young applied to admit women and children with other than maternity cases. Referred to the Central Board of health for advice.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. Numbers were not as good as expected at the Sheep Dog Trials, but still luncheons etc. raised £40-14-7 and the sale of buttons for Red Cross & Soldiers’ Aid raised £32-11-0.

Major Lewis arrived home by midday train Saturday last after three years with the Light Horse in Egypt where he was seriously wounded last December. He was met at the station by the Mayor and many other friends. He is the guest of Mr I.J. Warnes who drove him to the Rotunda where the Ladies’ Band welcomed him and a large crowd was assembled. Speeches followed by Mr Crewes, Rev. D.B. Bridgwood, Mr Winnall, Mr J. Drew representing the Cheer-up Soc. and Mr J. McLaren. Major Lewis responded briefly.

XXXIX, 40, 3 Oct. 1917, page 4

Sheep Dog Trials. Further details of the SA Championship stage of the trials are published.

XXXIX, 41, 10 Oct. 1917, page 2

Advt. Children’s Patriotic Fancy Dress Carnival for Burra Red Cross at the Institute 30 October.

Advt. YMCA Day Burra Friday 12 October. The Big Candle – tickets 6d.

The total burning time will be posted in Messrs Drew & Crewes’ window as early as possible after the candle has burnt out.

Advt. St Joseph’s Church & School Bazaar at the Institute 18 & 19 October.

Advt. Poonunda Station at Mongolata will be offered for sale by Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Friday 2 November. Situated in the Hd Mongolata 16 miles Northeast of Burra. 274 acres freehold, 21,095 acres Government leases with annual rent £62-2-6. Good homestead, several dams and permanent water at Newikie Creek. In several sheep-proof paddocks.

Signaller John Oram. A presentation was made to Mr & Mrs Oram of Emu Downs in memory of the late John Oram and they will keep it as an heirloom.

Burra Institute Committee. Mr Quinton Bruce, architect, has been engaged on the best way to enlarge the hall.

For the Children’s Patriotic fund children are selling bottles, lead, tin, etc. Medals have been earned by Doreen Kellock, Ronald Bloyd, Gertie Sellars, Alex Bevan, Amy Lord, Louise Carey, Gwendoline Humphrys (a bar), Arnold Lord, Maude Seaford, Gladys Riggs (High School), Jean McLaren (High School) and Gordon Frost (High School) (medal and two bars).

Fire. On Friday fire broke out in the laundry at the Bank of Australasia. It was soon put out with damage estimated at c. £15.

‘Country Folk’ write denying bad language at the Hanson tinkettling.

[The editor relegates any further comment to paid advertising.]

Lt K. Duffield has been promoted to Captain.

Cpl Cyril McBride has an additional stripe.

Lel Kellaway & Pte Guy Tiddy are OK and have been visiting relatives in Cornwall.

Pte Brown, who visited Burra with the 43rd Battalion Band was wounded and was transported in a Burra ambulance.

XXXIX, 41, 10 Oct. 1917, page 3

The Revellers, a newly formed local amateur company gave their first performance at the Institute on Monday to a large and well-pleased audience. They are about 1 month old under the conductorship of Mr Leo S. Rice. The very favourable review extends c. 1⁄3 column,

Burra Cheer-up Society has a large photo of the late Trooper Frank Schuyler, who died 20 April 1917. There is also one of S. M. Lane.

Cpl B. Bartholomaeus has been sent a farewell parcel. T. Kenyon has been promoted to Captain.

Burra Rifle Club. Best shots on Saturday were P. Milner 100 and A.L. Kellock 98.

Boy Scouts. It is reported there is a move in town to move the half-holiday from Saturday to Wednesday. This would mean the end of Scouting and the Scouts ask friends and supporters not to sign the petition.

Sig. W.J. Davey writes from England of the work of a signaller. Since joining up he has been a navvy, painter, plumber, clerk, washerwoman, needlewoman, barber, typist, musketry marker, mess orderly, cook’s assistant, carpenter, etc.

Supreme Court of SA. A complicated property dispute case is reported involving the property formerly known as Flagstaff and now as Koonawarra. The plaintiff was R.J.M. McBride and the defendant Mrs J.C. Sandland, daughter of the plaintiff.

Ptes F.C. Williams, P.B. Byles & A. Wilkinson (Booborowie) were farewelled at Leighton where I.J. Warnes presided.

‘The Ragged Ball’, run by the Burra sporting and Athletic Club on Wednesday night at the Skating Rink, went off very well.

XXXIX, 41, 10 Oct. 1917, page 4

Mt Bryan Sheep Dog Trials were held on 21 & 22 September and were a brilliant success. The report extends for 1 column.

Salvation Army. The Floral Fair at the Institute on 5 October was opened by Mrs J.M. McBride.

Major Rowley gave an account of the Salvation Army’s work in providing aid for the war – in providing refreshment huts in Great Britain, France and Belgium and other fighting fronts. They also provided hostels for accommodating up to 4,000 men. They had also provided ambulance and social evenings etc. for the families of men at the front.

XXXIX, 42, 17 Oct. 1917, page 2

Advt. Burra Patriotic Dramatic Soc. will stage Our Boys in aid of Cheer-up and Soldiers’ Aid Societies at the Institute 22 October.

Advt. Burra Cheer-up Society, Special Button Day, 30 November.

Advt. Hodge & Ross Adamson, Stock & Share brokers, 5 Alma Chambers adjacent to the Stock Exchange – Successors to John Roach.

Obituary. L-Cpl Horace Harris [aged 26] was killed in action in France 21 September 1917.

[Horace Harris born 4 May 1891 Kooringa died 20 September 1917 France.]

Obituary. Charlie Gray, son of Mrs J.R. Gray, fell from a ladder while attempting to get a bird’s nest. He fractured his skull and despite medical help died about four hours later. His brother Pte John Gray is at the front. [Charles Allen/Allan Gray born 10 March 1903 Redruth: died 12 October 1917 Redruth.]

Cpl Charles Bartholomaeus was farewelled at Jubilee Hall on Monday 8 October and received parcels from the Burra Cheer-up Society and Soldiers’ Aid Society. His brothers Robert and Andrew, sons of C.H. Bartholomaeus, are at the front.

XXXIX, 42, 17 Oct. 1917, page 3

Kooringa Methodist Church Anniversary was celebrated last Sunday and Monday. Ref. F. Lake MA of North Adelaide officiated. A member has promised to match the £54 collection £ for £, which is very gratifying.

YMCA Day. Today is the last day for the candle guessing competition.

Burra Town Council.

Officers retiring in November:

Mayor E.W. Crewes

Councillors Radford, Harris & Dane

Auditor Frank Treloar

The wheel guards on the Bon Accord Bridge have pulled out and the logs will be renewed.

Cr McWaters has bought a harness, saddle & britchen for the Council and a young horse on trial at a rather expensive £40.

Cr Radford said it had been hard to find a good horse and although dear this was a good animal.

Sympathy has been extended to the families of W. Harris and F. Duldig on the loss of their sons at the front.

Local Board of Health

Mrs Young to be advised she needs to apply for a combined private hospital & maternity home licence.

The condemned buildings at Gully’s wharf are apparently to be sold.

Cr Radford said that would not solve anything. The Inspector is to report.

Lt K.R. (Bob) Crewes is reported wounded.

Pte George Williams, second son of Mr & Mrs D. Williams of Ironmine, has been dangerously wounded. Their third son is also in France and one has returned and been discharged, while another is about to depart for the war.

Courtney Pearce, son of Mr & Mrs C.J. Pearce of Kooringa, has been wounded in France. Another son, Andrew, has been in England for some months suffering from pneumonia and shell shock.

Bernard Lowe, son of Mr & Mrs C. Lowe of Redruth, has been accidentally wounded.

Lt H.J. Copley has been promoted to Captain.

Pte Jack Hogan of Leighton is convalescent in England.

Gunner Harry Killicoat has been slightly wounded.

Lt Vernon Riggs has been wounded.

Sgt Leslie Kellaway has been wounded.

Obituary. Pte O.R. Duldig, son of Mr & Mrs F. Duldig of World’s End, was killed in action on 20 September aged 23. He was born at World’s End and educated at the local school. He enlisted 4 May 1916 and left in August 1916. He was wounded on 2 March 1917, but recovered and rejoined his regiment. [Oeswald/Oswald Rudolph Duldig born 2 November 1893 Baldina.]

Obituary. L-Cpl Horace Harris aged 26 was killed in action in France. He was the third son of Mr & Mrs William Harris of Kooringa. He was educated at Burra School and worked at Broken Hill and on Mulyungarie Station. His brother, L-Cpl Leslie Harris is attached to a Lewis Machine Gun Corps.

[Horace Harris born 4 May 1891 Kooringa died 20 September 1917 France.]

War Poem. Our Beloved Dead, by E.A. Ward.

‘Taxpayer’ writes annoyed that at a time when economy needs to be practised a hospital with a £1,000 subsidy from the Government is under-utilised due to ‘a “tiff” between the Hospital Board and Dr Ashton.’

The writer refers to the increased dangers in cases being sent to Jamestown or Adelaide instead of being handled locally. He calls for a public meeting to resolve the situation.

Burra Cheer-up Society farewelled Pte Charlie Ockenden on Friday and has received a photo of Pte W.G. Bruhn. The society has at last acquired a good piano.

An unidentified Officer writes to J.M. McBride calling for more volunteers and recounting the horrors of artillery and gas attacks in a contest he describes as ‘Armageddon’.

XXXIX, 42, 17 Oct. 1917, page 4

Black Springs Red Cross AGM is reported. This suggests they are still meeting in Turner’s Barn since they thank Mr & Mrs William Turner for the use of the room and for hot water and the Misses Turner for keeping it clean.

XXXIX, 43, 24 Oct. 1917, page 2

Advt. Burra & District Navy Day, Friday 2 November. The Naval Band will visit.

Advt. Autocars Ltd. – formerly Murray Aunger Ltd.

Mr Murray Aunger is no longer connected with the company.

Charles H. Winnall, Managing Director.

Notice. To Mrs J.A. Dixon, Hanson.

Do you refer to bad language on the Monday night, if so we give this an absolute denial. It was your own husband when he ordered us off the place. We are prepared to take this further if you wish. You were very very glad to come into the country and join hands with one of those little country folks. Ask your little country folk (husband) about stuffing up chimneys when young married couples were absent from home.

We are Harold Humphrys, James White, Reuben Rogers, Stan Winders & Thos. McNamara.

Advt. Burra & District Poultry & Kennel Club. First Annual Show, Saturday 24 November.

Victoria Park. J. Allen, Secretary.

XXXIX, 43, 24 Oct. 1917, page 3

Obituary. Charles Alan Gray died 12 October as a result of an accident. He was the son of Mrs F.E. Gray and brother of Pte John Gray and of Nurse Woollacott. [Charles Allen/Allan Gray born 10 March 1903 Redruth: died 12 October 1917 Redruth.]

Obituary. Sgt A.H. Lackman [aged 32] was killed in action in France. Before the war he was manager for Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd in Burra. [Augustus Henry Lackmann died 20 September 1917.]

Obituary. Cpl Clarrie Humphrys, son of Mr & Mrs Thorne Humphrys of Hanson, has been killed in action in France. [Clarence Melven Humphrys born 10 August 1893 Redruth: died 6 October 1917 Rouen, France.]

Obituary. Pte Arthur Price, a nephew of Mrs J.M. McBride of Kooringa, was killed in action in France on 28 September. [Arthur Wakefield Price born 13 August 1897 Jamestown.]

Eric Roach is OK and has been promoted to Lieutenant.

Lt Frank Treloar is returning to the war after coming home in May.

Nurse Dorothy Roach is in Colombo.

George Seigert, son of Mr & Mrs Seigert of Hallett, is reported wounded.

Lance Tiver has been wounded.

St Joseph’s Church Bazaar was held on 18 & 19 October in very bad weather with heavy thunderstorms both days. The Institute was beautifully decorated in a patriotic theme.

Railways. The Hanson –North Booborowie railway was referred back to the Railways Standing Committee for further consideration on the move of Hon. J. Lewis in the Legislative Council last Thursday.

Redruth Court, 17 October.

Martha Gentle [a daughter of Lucy Gully] was charged with assaulting a pensioner, Mr Henry R. Bartsch. Gentle did washing for him and he accused her children of breaking his door and stealing his sugar. This led up to the alleged incident, which had resulted in his spending 31⁄2 days in hospital. The evidence was conflicting with Gentle’s defence supported by Lucy Gully and Hetty Williams [presumably the Mrs Williams elsewhere described as the informant’s sister.] The case was dismissed.

John G. Sara writes suggesting the Kooringa Branch of the YMCA become the Burra Branch in view of the widespread appeal being made in its name.

L.A. Morrison writes on the Burra Hospital situation in support of the call for action. The Board members can presumably get a doctor from anywhere they wish or go anywhere for treatment – money is no object to a good many of them, but it is to the majority. Recently my child was seriously ill and required an operation and had to be taken to town: ‘it is no thanks to the Board that I was in time or that she never died on the way there. I know of several cases that have been sent away from here and the Burra Hospital is standing almost idle.’ It is time for action.

Aberdeen Girls’ Club Concert was held in Jubilee Hall 17 October. This was the first ‘Lady Minstrel Show’ [i.e. in black face]. The first half was Vaudeville turns, but the second half ‘exposed some of the sweetest white-black niggers seen on any stage.’

Burra Patriotic Dramatic Society presented the three-act comedy Our Boy in the Institute on Monday to raise money for the Cheer-up & Soldiers’ aid Societies. The ladies’ Band supported them with an overture and selection between the 2nd & 3rd acts.

The review is most favourable.

Burra Cheer-up Society.

The Ladies’ band welcomed home Pte Will Davey at the station. On Wednesday evening they welcomed home Seaman Fred Fuller of the RAN who is home on leave.

Pte Cyril Collins arrived in Adelaide on Saturday, seriously wounded.

Captain Kenyon has sent the society two Turkish bugles from the Battle of Magdalah.

W.J. Thorne, bandmaster of the Adelaide Locomotive Band, came to Burra on Saturday to assist in practices for the Band’s visit to Adelaide next Saturday. The band paraded the main street on Monday morning in practice. They have had to refuse invitations to perform at Gawler and Spalding.

Gum Creek School Bazaar on 13 October, in aid of the Children’s Patriotic Fund, raised £6-13-8.

XXXIX, 43, 24 Oct. 1917, page 4

Burra Public School Visiting Day is reported at length. It was a very wet day. Mr C. Munday the Headmaster had few parents to greet. The students were addressed by Mr Winnall, Mr Crewes and Rev. A.J. Finch. The Inspector (Mr Harry) visited last week and was pleased. Those who earned War Service Medals and bars are listed. The Primary School had 125 boys and 117 girls with an average attendance of 206.4. The High School started the year with 27 on the roll and there were now 23. (Last year’s enrolment was 29.) The exam results for 1916 are printed.

XXXIX, 44, 31 Oct. 1917, page 2

Notice. A requisition signed by E.J. Harris, S. Kellaway, E.J. Davey and 30 other ratepayers call for a public meeting on the Burra Burra Hospital situation. E.W. Crewes as Mayor therefore calls a public meeting for 1 November at 8 p.m.

Burra Municipal Elections. Retiring are:

Mayor: E.W. Crewes

North Ward: Maurice Radford

East Ward: Edwin John Harris

West Ward: George Edwin Dane

Auditor: Frank Treloar

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will offer for sale on 2 November, in the Estate of James Chambers, Allotment 42, Young St, Aberdeen with the old buildings thereon. [Gully’s Wharf buildings.]

Advt. Dalgety’s & Co. Ltd will offer for sale on 16 November, in the Estate of William Develaing

Part Allotment 290 (Mitchell’s Flat) 40’ x 230’ with 4-roomed stone & brick house occupied by Mrs Develaing.

Allotment 296 Thames St (Known as Frederick’s) on which is erected three 4-roomed stone and brick houses, attached and occupied by H. Harry, Mrs Bell & T. Parks.

Allotment 288 (Known as Newman’s) corner of Mitchell’

75.2 x 122.9

43.7 58.8 180.2 ft

On which is a 4-roomed stone and brick house occupied by Mrs Wilmot.

Advt. Peel’s Exhibition, Commercial St. Samples of French Pen Painting.

Photographs – have your portrait taken.

Notice. St Mary’s Church 4 November: The Bishop of Adelaide will preach at 11 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Holy Communion 8 a.m. & 11 a.m. The Bishop will preach at Mt Bryan at 3 p.m.

Obituary. Pte Clarence Melvin Humphrys died 6 October at the General Hospital Rouen, France, from wounds received 29 July. Aged 23. He was the second son of E.T. & May Humphrys.

[Clarence Melven Humphrys born 10 August 1893 Redruth: died 6 October 1917 Rouen, France.]

Obituary. L-Cpl Alfred Jeffery was killed in action in France 29 September 1917.

[Born 2 April 1881 Anlaby Station.]

Cheer-up Ladies’ Band. E.W. Crewes presented the conductor, Mr James Bentley, with a gold mounted ebony baton as a token of the esteem in which he is held by the band girls. The presentation was made at the railway station on Saturday.

Lt Donoghue, who has been in charge of recruiting for the District of Wakefield has enlisted as a private for the front and has been replaced by Warrant Officer P.W. Bampton.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. raised £100 on Show Day from luncheons etc.

Thomas Byrne, employed by Radford Bros. of Canegrass, was brought in suffering from serious injuries when a horse rolled on him. Dr Ashton attended and sent him to Adelaide.

Mr T.F. Robertson of Aberdeen lost a finger and had two others badly crushed when machinery being unloaded from a motor lorry slipped on Tuesday.

XXXIX, 44, 31 Oct. 1917, page 3

Burra Show was held 24 October and was a great success. The weather was perfect. Gate takings:

£96 (then a record)

£99

£105

The Cheer-up Ladies’ Band played during the day. The Soldiers’ Aid Soc. provided lunch.

There were heavy entries in poultry, but lack of coops prevented their being shown to best advantage.

In horses roadsters and hunters were well represented.

Cattle and pig numbers were low.

Flowers and vegetables were fewer due to the very wet winter, but what was there were of good quality.

[Personal interest:

Ham, not < 10 lb A. Forrest 2nd

Flitch of rolled bacon A. Forrest 1st

Flitch of rolled bacon M. Pederson 2nd

Saddle pony 121⁄2-131⁄2 hands A. Forrest 2nd

Single harness pony not >121⁄2 hands A. Forrest 2nd

Collie dog, rough coated Chin Young 1st

Vegetables:

3 cabbages Chin Young 1st

3 cauliflowers Chin Young 1st

6 rhubarb Chin Young 2nd

6 red beet Chin Young 2nd

Bunch of leeks Chin Young 2nd

Collection of vegetables Chin Young 1st

Collection of herbs Chin Young 1st

2 marrows Chin Young 1st

Flowers:

6 cut flowers C. Fuss 1st R. Fuss 2nd

Anemones R. Fuss 1st

3 Nasturtiums C. Fuss 1st

3 Poppies R. Fuss 2nd

3 Pansies R. Fuss 1st

6 Pansies R. Fuss 1st

Phlox Drummondii C. Fuss 2nd

Pelargoniums R. Fuss 1st A. Fuss 2nd

Pelargoniums Regal R. Fuss 1st

Petunias R. Fuss 1st

1 Rose R. Fuss 2nd

3 Verbenas C. Fuss 1st

3 Pelargoniums R. Fuss 1st & 2nd

1 Pelargonium R. Fuss 2nd]

Obituary. Pte Harold Ockenden has been killed in action in France aged 25. He was the fifth son of the late Mr & Mrs R. Ockenden of Kooringa. He was previously farming with his brother Charles at Streaky Bay. His sister is Mrs Ralph Hill. [Born 9 February 1891 Kooringa: died 7 October 1917 France.]

Obituary. Pte Hurtle Leighton has been killed in action in France. He was the son of Mr & Mrs E. Leighton of Booborowie. [Alfred Hurtle Gordon Leighton born 20 April 1894 Booborowie: died 4 October 1917 France.]

Obituary. L-Cpl Eric Dawes, son of Mr & Mrs James Dawes, late of Princes Royal, has been killed in action in France. [Eric Cecil Dawes born 27 June 1890 Princess Royal Station: died 28 November 1917 Belgium.]

Obituary. Driver Charles Needham, son of the late Mr & Mrs R.J. Needham late of Burra, has been killed in action in France on 4 October. [Francis Charles Albert Needham born 12 February 1898 Nelson Hills, Burra: died 4 October 1917 France.]

Obituary. Pte Elisha Harvey died of wounds in France. Before the war he had been in the National Bank in Clare and was the nephew of Mr J. McLaren. [Born 6 February 1889 Kapunda: died 19 October 1917 France.]

Obituary. L-Cpl A. Jeffery MM was killed in action 29 September 1917. He had enlisted in July 1916 and sailed on 28 August. He won the MM for rescuing an officer under heavy shellfire and was awarded a bar to the medal. Before the war he was farming at Porter’s Lagoon.

[Born 2 April 1881 Anlaby Station.]

Pte Rig [?] Blott has been wounded in France.

L-Cpl Fred Hanley has recovered and is with the Signalling Corps.

Pte A.C. Collins has been wounded in France.

Driver A.T. Winders has been wounded in France.

L-Cpl Reg. Hopcraft has been wounded in France.

Pte Cyril Collins of Hallett was wounded at Gallipoli. He recovered in England and was then severely wounded in France. He has now been invalided home, arriving in Adelaide 20 October.

Pte Courtney Pearce has been wounded.

Pte Charles Pohlner is in hospital in Birmingham with severe gunshot wounds to his shoulder.

Pte M.S. Pens is convalescing at Hurdcott in England.

Sons & Grandsons of the Late John Morgan of Baldina, who have enlisted:

Pte Eddie Morgan (son) in Imperial Camel Corps

Pte George Morgan (son) in Imperial Camel Corps

Grandsons:

Pte Sid Williams (returned)

Pte George Williams, severely wounded

Pte Fred Williams, to depart soon

Pte Jack Williams, in France

(Above are all the sons of Mr & Mrs D. Williams of Ironmine.)

Pte Philip Byles, son of Mr & Mrs W. Byles of Ironmine, recently gone to the war.

Pte Bob Motherall, son of Mr & Mrs H. Motherall of Hanson, wounded in France.

Burra Boy Scouts welcomed Seaman Fred Fuller at a social on Thursday evening. He was a founding member of the troop.

A.J. McBride writes as Chairman of the hospital Board in response to the letter of L.A. Morrison’s suggestion that the Board was well off and therefore indifferent to the sufferings of the poor. He says the first consideration has always been for the poor. There is nothing to prevent either of the doctors from admitting any patients they like to the hospital and attending to them as far as the Board is concerned. Burra people like Mr Morrison who take their sick to Adelaide or Jamestown etc. are helping those who want to see our hospital kept idle.

The YMCA at Burra

[There is a series of confusing letters about the name of the YMCA in Burra and the title of the recently unveiled Honour Roll.]

Ernest W. Crewes writes assuring J.G. Sara that the steps needed to change ‘Kooringa District’ to ‘Burra & District’ on the Honour Roll are in hand.

[That seems straightforward except that the paper at the time of the unveiling the report says it was headed the ‘Burra District Honour Roll’.]

Then ‘Disgusted’ writes suggesting that Mr Sara should go to France and stop nitpicking over the title of the Honour Board.

[Even when I re-read the letter of J.G. Sara published the previous week I still got the impression he was asking for a change in the name of the local YMCA Branch and that the changing of the name on the roll was cited as a parallel, but with both Crewes and ‘Disgusted’ drawing very different conclusions the situation must have looked different at the time.]

Hon. Sec. G. Horner of the local YMCA writes saying that the official name of the local branch was chosen when it was formed two years earlier and was ‘Burra Auxiliary Committee YMCA Army Department’.

[The cause of the dispute was either the inappropriate narrowing of the scope of the Honour Roll which was expected to serve a larger area than the title apparently implied at first, or (perhaps ‘and’?) the inappropriateness of the narrow title of the Burra YMCA, when they were currently making a special appeal across the wider district.

In any case this was indicative of attitudes that can be seen emerging elsewhere indicating a feeling in the wider community that the town of Burra liked to bath in the glory of patriotic efforts that drew their strength from a much wider area that the name ‘Burra’ by itself seemed to imply. Mr Crewes later got into other difficulties over this and I.J. Warnes was outspoken on it as well. It probably is most prominent in the heated debate over the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial that was yet to come.]

XXXIX, 44, 31 Oct. 1917, Supplement

Smaller single sided sheet.

Burra & District Poultry & Kennel Club

First Annual Show Saturday 24 November

A listing of the 416 sections for entries in six categories:

‘A’ Poultry 1-228 ‘B’ Canaries 229-233 ‘C’ Pigeons 234-316

‘D’ Vegetables 317-338 ‘E’ Fruit 339-345 ‘F’ Flowers 346-416

XXXIX, 45, 7 Nov. 1917, page 2

Leighton School. The children have raised £22-10-0 since June for the Children’s Patriotic Fund: Eunice Oates (2 bars), Emily Flower, Melva Longbottom, Edith Longbottom, Joyce Edwards, Joseph Parker (bar), Frank Heinrich (bar), James Williams (2 bars), Rex Warnes (2 bars), Walter Byles, Leslie Edwards, Bernard Ford (bar), Elwyn Longbottom, Clement Scholz, Alfred Morgan & Keith Edwards. With over 50% of the school wearing medals the school got a certificate of honour.

Obituary. William P. [Peter] Blott died 4 November at Burra Hospital. He was the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs W. Blott of Kooringa. He was born in England 23 November 1853 and arrived in SA as a child with his parents. He was a member of the Oddfellows Lodge for 43 years. He leaves a widow, four sons and two daughters: Pte W.R. Blott (France), Leonard, Frank & Eric (Kooringa), Mrs Whitehorn (Adelaide) & Mrs T. Parks jnr (Kooringa). There are two brothers: Sam. (Adelaide) & Josh. (WA) and two sisters: Mrs Frank Smith & Mrs Willington (Adelaide).

Obituary. John Bowman died last Thursday at the Burra Hospital aged 56. He was the son of the late W.M. Bowman of One-Tree Hill and was born at Kanyaka Station near Gordon. [Flinders Ranges] He was for a few years manager of Mannanarie Station for W. Marchant and later in charge of Burnside Estate near Strathalbyn. For many years he managed Sir John Duncan’s Gum Creek Station, until it was subdivided, when he bought a portion and lived there till his death. He married first Miss Dora Norris and they had three children: Herbert (with 3rd Light Horse in Egypt), Miss Vera Bowman (South Africa) & Miss Amy Bowman (at home). In 1903 he married Miss Jessie Radford and there are two children: John & May. He was a keen sportsman.

[Born 26 February 1861 Kanyaka Station: died 1 November 1917 Kooringa, residence Leighton.]

Burra Town Council.

Members of Council expressed their general view that they did not really approve of long terms of office for the mayoralty, but under the circumstances of war and with Mr Crewes’ tremendous energy and self-sacrifice they thought he should be supported for another year. [At least thus for Crs Dane, McWaters & Radford. Cr Harris hoped Mr Crewes would be returned and the views of Crs McBride and J.C. Killicoat are not reported – the latter being absent.]

Mr Crewes said he would willingly stand aside if another candidate would come forward, but one man approached had declined.

Burra Hospital Public Meeting Thursday 1 November.

The Institute was 75% full. The Mayor took the chair and he with Crs Dane and McWaters were the only Hospital Board members present.

W.G. Hawkes wrote from Koonoona dated 31 October that he had an important prior engagement. He thought the present management needed drastic alteration and was glad there was a meeting of the people. ‘As matters stand at present, the once noble institution is a wreck and no other result could have been expected from the reckless and indecent quarrelling with the medical profession that has signalised the Board for some time past.’

Thomas B. Ashton wrote a long letter.

He considered the present situation bad for the town and those of moderate means, but that it would not have occurred had he been treated fairly. He felt his presence could only lead to his adversaries accusing him of fomenting trouble. This would not help while the Chief Secretary was considering the matter of his exclusion from the Hospital. He was prepared, if asked, to explain any points arising. He was being careful of what he said for fear of litigation. He felt the Board had shown no genuine desire for information from the medical officers.

‘It is my duty to insist that patients in my care receive the treatment required as ordered . . . and I was not prepared to work in an institution which permits that principle to be invaded.’

‘I wrote for an explanation of the Board’s action in excluding me from the Hospital. Mt letter was not acknowledged, and consequently I stayed away from the Hospital under protest, in writing and without prejudice, notifying the Board to this effect, until I have heard whether the Chief Secretary endorses their action or otherwise.’

On 11 August 1917 the Board appointed Dr Ashton honorary surgeon without any application from him, which he said ‘demonstrates that their action in excluding me from the Hospital was unwarranted and unjust’. He points out that the patient, Mrs Morrison’s child, referred to last week in Mr McBride’s letter to the paper, was Dr Williams’ patient.

Mr G. Hann then moved for the resignation of the entire Board, their management not being in the best interests of the people and that they be replaced by an elected and representative Board.

He lists five reasons for this:

Large numbers of sick people, many not fit to travel, are seeking hospital treatment elsewhere.

Refusal of one doctor to work at the hospital under the present conditions.

Complaints re fees charged and the character of the accommodation.

Incomplete and unsatisfactory reports of Board meetings.

The Hospital is not keeping up its standard of a 20-bed hospital as registered in the Australian Trained Nurses Assoc. Or even the minimum recognised 10-bed standard.

E.J. Davey 2nd – not he said as Town Clerk, but as a ratepayer and secretary of the Foresters’ Lodge.

XXXIX, 45, 7 Nov. 1917, page 3

When the Corporation bought the Hospital from SAMA in 1877 the people subscribed £500 and a condition of transfer was it was to be used as a hospital: a condition hardly being met.

The real purpose of the hospital was to treat the poor, which was why there was a Government grant. If Dr Ashton’s services had been dispensed with why had he been appointed Hon. Surgeon a few days later? Has the Board approached Dr Ashton with a view to a settlement?

Mr P. Roach: Wasn’t Dr Ashton invited to attend Board meetings?

Mr Davey: Board members had told him there was no hope of a reconciliation. When put to Dr Ashton he had said that because the Board had backed the nursing staff he would decline to enter the institution whilst the present Board controlled it.

A letter in the paper had said there was nothing to prevent either doctor practising at the hospital. It was strange that in the past month there had been one week when it was without any medical man at all. It was time the Chief Secretary took the matter in hand. The Board had to retire or be told by the Government to go. Ratepayers should see proper men were nominated and they should not allow the present Board to renominate themselves.

J.G. Sara moved a lengthy amendment asking the Chief Secretary to take such steps as he may deem necessary to get the hospital functioning properly.

H.H. Thomas 2nd and spoke in support and favoured leaving the resolution with the Chief Secretary. He did not believe either party had been guilty of any serious misdemeanour. The whole thing was trumpery and above all needed speedy resolution.

Cr Radford said the whole thing was a disgrace to someone. He supported the amendment, believing the original motion went too far. He believed the whole thing went back years. They had heard Dr Ashton’s defence, but there were always two sides. He thought the Board had some right to an enquiry. The old practice of the Board had run up expenses and the Chief Secretary had called for economy. And this had caused trouble in cutting expenses. The matter wanted thorough sifting. The Board had taken a stand which reacted on the members.

Mr P. Roach asked: ‘Why did the Board dispense with Dr Ashton’s services?’

Mr Crewes said he privately had no objection to telling ratepayers the reason.

If ratepayers subscribed £1,000 p.a. they could elect their own Board.

Mrs Ashton said Dr Ashton had never been given a reason for his dismissal.

Mr Lawn asked Mr Davey if anyone had been refused admission since the trouble began.

Mr Davey believed not, but a number would not seek it.

The Mayor explained that under present arrangements the Board was appointed by the Government and on the expiry of their term they signified to the Chief Secretary if they were willing to continue and were appointed as a matter of course. He did not know who sent along nominations when a vacancy occurred.

The amendment was lost with only eight supporting it and the motion carried overwhelmingly.

T.H. Woollacott asked if it were true the military authorities had cabled for Dr Steele’s return. Mr Crewes said he didn’t know. A delegation was elected to take the decision to the Chief Secretary.

Navy Day in Burra on 2 November was very successful. The effort was in aid of the Navy and Port Adelaide Seamen’s Mission. The street was decorated and the Rotunda decked in red, white and blue with placards around it calling on people to remember Jutland, Heligoland & the Cocos Islands. The Naval Band from Adelaide under Lt Argent attended. Mr J.N. Laurence represented the Seamen’s mission. The band arrived by the midday train and marched to Best Place where they played several selections before marching to Kooringa for a welcome lunch at the Burra Hotel. In the afternoon the various stalls in Market Square came to life selling souvenirs, buttons, cool drinks, flowers, lollies, luncheon and afternoon tea.

At 2.45 p.m. the Naval Band played unde Bandmaster Duffield and the Cheer-up Band played the National Anthem at 3 p.m. to introduce speeches by the Mayor, Lt Argent and Staff Surgeon Morris, interspersed with selections from both bands. At the end the bands united in selections before marching to the Cheer-up Hall for afternoon tea.

A union Jack from Mr J.M. McBride was sold on the Bugler system by Mr J.R. Wilkinson and raised £186-13-6 and a lifebuoy raised £39-6-0. J.M. McBride donated his gold button from Australia Day which raised a further £110. J. Gallagher ended up with it and he in turn donated it to Seaman Fuller’s father by whom it will be much valued. There was a grand concert in the evening at the Institute at which a floral anchor was auctioned and raised £141-1-0. It went to W.G. Hawkes who had bid £100.

The sum raised on the day was c. £700. J.M. McBride made a donation of £100 in the afternoon.

Obituary. Lt Reg. Sandland, son of Mrs J.C. Sandland of ‘Koonawarra’ Burra, was killed in action in Egypt. [Morton Reginald Sandland born 22 June 1889 Koonoona: died 31 October Egypt.]

Obituary. Pte H.E. Abbott of the Army Medical Corps was killed in action 12 October in France. He was the youngest son of Mr & Mrs A. Abbott, late of Gum Creek. [Henry Edgar Abbott born 29 August 1888 Hoyleton: died 12 October 1917 France.]

Capt. Roy Baynes, who left Australia in October 1914, was wounded in July and has lost an eye and was severely wounded in hip and knee. He is returning to Australia.

Sgt Leslie Kellaway was wounded in the leg and is recovering in Egypt.

Bernard Lowe has had his right foot amputated and is in a serious condition. This is the second occasion he has been wounded.

Pte C.J. Williams has been wounded in France and there is no further news of his seriously wounded brother, George.

Cpl Kenneth Drew is returning after being gassed.

Pte George Evans has been wounded.

Cpl Jack Field has sent home the 11⁄2” long bullet removed from his ankle.

Pte Newton Collins has been transferred to the Flying Corps.

L-Cpl Gilbert L. Collins has been wounded.

Pte Andrew Pearce is on the way back to Australia.

Sapper A.J. Fitzgerald, who was born in Burra and is the brother of Mrs George Herbert, has been missing in action since July and is now reported a POW at Wahn in Germany.

Pte W.J. Herbert (Bob) is in hospital with nephritis.

Pte S. James is returning to Australia.

XXXIX, 45, 7 Nov. 1917, page 4

Burra Cheer-up Society held a welcome home social on 23 October for Pte Will Davey and Seaman Fuller and also farewelled Lt Donoghue, who has gone to camp after three months in Burra on recruiting work.

Sympathy has been extended to the families of Ptes H. Ockenden, A. Jeffries [i.e. Jeffery], C. Humphrys, E. Dawes & C. Needham.

Pte Cyril Collins was welcomed home at the showgrounds.

XXXIX, 46, 14 Nov. 1917, page 2

Advt. Boy Scouts Entertainment at Jubilee Hall 21 November. In aid of Soldiers’ Aid Society.

Notice. The Railways Standing Committee will visit the district to consider the proposed Hanson-North Booborowie railway. A meeting is called at the District Council Office in Booborowie on 15 November to prepare additional evidence to be presented to the committee.

Advt. Tenders are called for the erection of a bridge to carry 4 tons over the Burra Creek at Princess Royal.

Obituary. Stapleton James of Kooringa aged 84 died at the Burra Hospital on 12 November.

[Born 16 September 1833 Somerset.]

XXXIX, 46, 14 Nov. 1917, page 2-3

Editorial. A call to exercise rigid economy, to buy war savings certificates, to do everything to finance the cost of the war, which was running at £7,000,000 per month.

XXXIX, 46, 14 Nov. 1917, page 3

Hedley Bishop has been wounded for the third time.

George Williams, who was dangerously wounded, is progressing and has been moved from France to England.

Leslie Harris is reported gassed.

Staff Nurse Lily McWaters is in Salonika.

Pte G.R. Thomas is missing in action from 12 October.

Lt Vernon Riggs is convalescent.

Timothy James has arrived back in Fremantle.

Pte J.C. Dempsey is reported missing in action.

Obituary. Lt W.R. Hawkes was killed in action in France 29 October. He was the second son of Mr W.G. & Mrs I. Hawkes of Koonoona and was born 18 November 1894. He was educated at Queen’s School North Adelaide. At the outbreak of war he was on Morden Station NSW. He was rejected at first, but soon accepted and attached to Machine Gun Section of 9th Light Horse. He left for Egypt in December 1914 and reached Gallipoli in May 1915. He was severely wounded in August and spent five months at Malta and London recovering. He went back to Egypt briefly before being sent to France. He was again wounded at the Battle of Flers on the Somme on 18 November 1916 and after a time in England returned to duty in January 1917 and was commissioned in March. He took command of an Australian Machine Gun Depot Co. and fought until his death a few days short of his 23rd birthday. He was a member of the Burra Light Horse and the Burra Polo Club. His last letter was dated 12 September. He cabled he was safe on 16 October.

[Waldemar Robert Hawkes born 18 November 1894 near Burra.]

Obituary. Cpl Horace Munt aged 30, of the 48th Battalion has been killed in France. He was the brother to Mrs Gilbert Horner and 4th son of Mrs E. & the late Arthur Munt and was born at Kingscote. The family later went to Pt Broughton. He was educated at Stanley Grammar School, Watervale and was subsequently employed by Sir John Duncan at Gum Creek Station near Burra and at Glen Thompson Estate in Victoria. When Gum Creek was cut up he took up farming on part of it. When he enlisted his wife and three children went to live with her parents in Victoria and the farm was sold. Several years ago he was prominent in cricket and football in Burra.

[Born 30 November 1886 Queenscliffe: died 12 October 1917 France.]

Obituary. Lt M. Reginald Sandland, whose death was reported last week, was the third son of the late John C. & Mrs C. Sandland of Koonoowarra [sic] [Koonawarra] and was born at Koonoona Station 22 June 1890. He was educated at Burra School and St Peter’s College. He was prominent in polo, cricket and football. He left Burra in august 1914 and was the first Burra boy to enlist. He was attached to the 3rd Light Horse Regiment and left Australia 22 October 1914. He saw action in Egypt and Gallipoli, where he stayed till within three weeks of its evacuation, being withdrawn with enteric fever. He was invalided home in February 1916 and after recovering left Australia again 22 June 1916. He won his commission at Rafa in Egypt and received his second star a few weeks ago. He was killed in action at Beersheba on 31 October. His brother Bert is in the same regiment and company. [Morton Reginald Sandland.]

Obituary. Pte S.C.R. (Dick) Stasinowsky was killed in action 16 October. He was the only son of Mrs A. Stasinowsky of Kooringa and was born at Baldina 12 February 1896 and was educated at Baldina School and Pt Pass College. He was a keen footballer and before enlisting has worked on Manunda Station. He enlisted 23 November 1916 and left Australia 16 December. His 21st birthday was three days out from England. [Samuel Carl Richard Stasinowsky.]

Obituary. Willie Nash was killed in action in France 26 September. He was a nephew of Mrs J. McLaren and the 2nd son of Mrs G. Nash of WA, a former resident of Burra. [Born c. 1898.]

Obituary. Stapleton James, who died 12 November at Burra hospital aged 84, was born in Somerset 16 September 1933 and migrated to SA as a youth. He worked in the Mine before going to the Victorian gold rush. On his return he took up land near Burra. Mrs James died c. 20 years ago. The family comprises: Messrs H. James (Kooringa), W. James (Baldina) the late P.B. James (Hanson), the late Mrs Foulds (WA), Mrs Sanderson (Gum Creek), Mrs A. Mills (Kooringa) & 23 grandchildren.

Burra Cheer-up Society has welcomed home Capt. R. Sommerville MC DSO, Lt J. Statton, Pte Beckwith & Pte Vial. The Ladies’ Band met Lt Statton at the station on Friday evening.

Sympathy is extended to the relatives of Lt R. Sandland, W.R. Hawkes, Pte Stasinowsky & Pte Munt.

Marriage. At Copperhouse Church 27 October.

Jack Pens of Burra married Vida Ethel Parker, eldest daughter of Mr George Parker of Copperhouse.

Welcome Home social at Leighton on Tuesday last for Sgt Aldridge, Pte J. Lockett & Pte S. Williams. Sympathy was extended to the family of Hurtle Leighton.

R.D. Pascoe’s window has had a fine collection of locally grown roses. [Details extend for 1⁄3 column.]

Soldiers’ aid Soc. Fund now stands at £978-12-4.

Pte G. Thomas writes from France dated 26 August. He has been missing in action since 12 October.

E.A. Goodridge writes via Bourne Vale Private Mail Bag, south Booborowie. He is concerned about very careless handling of the mail coming through the Kooringa Post Office. He blames the excessive use of young lads, who lark about, and by implication, lax supervision.

XXXIX, 46, 14 Nov. 1917, page 4

Burra Cheer-up Society. The Ladies’ Band went to Adelaide on 27 October to take part in Commercial Travellers’ Day in aid of Army Nurses. They were met and entertained for breakfast at the Cheer-up Hut. The Mayor thanked Mrs Seager and assistants for their work and after 11 o’clock they were welcomed to the Commercial Travellers’ club. They then dispersed till 1.30 p.m. when they played a selection in front of the Cheer-up Hut and then marched to Adelaide Oval to assist in the program there. A street march was cancelled on account of the wet weather. The band had the honour of leading a parade of returned heroes and boys in camp around the oval and then played at various times in the afternoon. On Thursday a welcome home social was given Pte Cyril Collins and Sister Hatherly was farewelled for the front. Lt J. Statton’s photo has been received. Pte H. Miller was welcomed by telegram on his arrival in Adelaide.

Farrell’s Flat 2nd Annual Horse Show was held on 31 October and was a great success. Details occupy about 1⁄2 column.

XXXIX, 47, 21 Nov. 1917, page 2

Advt. Friday 7 December, Mt Bryan Minstrels Costume Co. will give a Refined Entertainment at the Mt Bryan Institute.

Advt. Morgan on the Murray.

The Great Flood is higher than ever: all previous records are broken.

Come and see the Nile of Australia, Saturday 1 December per C. & F. Streicher’s Charabanc.

River Steamer for sightseers arranged. Phone 36.

Advt. Burra Institute, 3 & 4 December: Dr H. Clark-Nikola, Hypnotism.

A perfect cyclone of Mirth and Merriment.

Advt. Leighton Hall Strawberry Fete, 1 December.

Advt. To let: the premises now occupied as offices by Dalgety & Co. Ltd. Possession from 1 December.

Obituary. Pte Harold (Balger) Ockenden of 27th Battalion, fifth son of the late R.J. & I.M. Ockenden, killed in action in France 7 October 1917 aged 26. [Born 9 February 1891 Kooringa.]

Grasshoppers are in plague proportions between Ucolta and Petersburg and trains are being halted due to slippery tracks. Reports from the east indicate great destruction of feed on the stations of Bendigo and Pulpara.

Sabbath Breaking! The editor reports that a farmer at Booborowie was seen mowing on a Sunday.

‘Surely the labor shortage is not so grave as all that.’

Robbery. Thieves broke in to Mr Luke Day’s shop on Sunday night and stole 500 cigarettes, lollies and some fruit, suggesting it to be the work of youths.

Pte J. Villis is reported to be wounded. He left Burra with the late Ptes Finch and Dick Stasinowsky, who were reported killed in action on 6 October.

Signaller Will Davey is reported wounded in France.

Pte Clem Tiver, son of Mr & Mrs Thomas Tiver, has been reported wounded and gassed.

Pte Albert Bruce has sent a letter from Holland where he is in camp as a POW.

Pte L.S. McGowan is reported wounded in France.

Obituary. Pte Wilfred Roy Hammer died of gunshot wounds 1 November. He was the eldest son of the late John & Mrs Amelia Hammer of Kooringa. He was born 21 August 1890 [at Kooringa] and educated at Burra School. After leaving school he worked for Mr W. West and later at Olary and Herrgott Springs, from where he enlisted in March 1916. He leaves one brother, Norman, who enlisted at the same time, and two sisters, Bessie at Woonona NSW and Rosalie in Adelaide.

Obituary. Gunner Charles S. Burton was killed in action on 14 October in France. He was the son of Mr & Mrs J.F. Burton of Mt Bryan. He was born 28 October 1885 [at Kooringa] and had been a farmer at Mt Bryan. He left SA in 1916 with the 43rd Battalion. His brother, Gunner Herbert Burton, is returning to Australia, having lost a leg. Pte Alick Burton [another brother] is still in France. [Charles Stanley Burton.]

Obituary. Trooper Frank W. Kelly was killed in action at Beersheba 31 October. He was the youngest son of the late Michael & E. Kelly of Booborowie. He was born in [28 January] 1888 at Manoora and was educated at Booborowie School and afterwards at the School of Mines in Adelaide as a wool classer. He was a great worker for charitable entertainments and a noted athlete. He was a prominent footballer and also for many years organist at Booborowie Roman Catholic Church. He enlisted in January 1916 and sailed from Melbourne in May. He leaves one sister, Mrs J.F. Hogan and eight brothers, of whom three are in France: Ptes H., D. & J. Kelly.

Obituary. Pte William G. [George] Finch was reported killed in action on 6 October in France. He was the eldest son of Mr & Mrs W. Finch of Kooringa. He was born 29 December 1890 [at Kooringa] and until enlisting pursued farming pursuits with his father. He left Australia 16 December 1916. He leaves three brothers and four sisters.

Burra Hospital Board, Friday 16 November. The Premier, Hon. A.H. Peake, presided.

Present were: Messrs C. Bartholomaeus, J. McLaren*, I.J. Warnes*, Thomas McWaters, P.A. McBride, G.E. Dane, E.W. Crewes*, J.E.H. Winnall*, Secretary Frank Treloar and Doctors Ashton, Williams and Morris. [The paper manages to get the initials of those marked * wrong.]

(The Chairman, Mr McBride, was detained in Adelaide.)

The Premier expressed the hope that the meeting would restore harmony between the doctors and the Board. He desired to hear all sides and hoped that after all was aired differences might be reconciled.

Mr Winnall, Vice-Chairman:

He said he was to present the Board’s case. They felt they were on trial to some extent and he suggested they hear Dr Ashton first so the Board could answer the charges brought against them.

The Premier then read the resolution passed at the public meeting.

Mr McLaren said he was obliged to leave at noon and asked that any questions to be addressed to him be put before then.

Mr Winnall then put the case for the Board. He said the statements made by the deputation were not entirely accurate.

XXXIX, 47, 21 Nov. 1917, page 3

With reference to Mr Hawkes, who says he has been a Board member for 15 years and resigned last January on account of the manner in which the Board conducted the affairs of the Hospital: he was not one of the most regular attenders. In his last year he attended 12 meetings, but in the previous year only 3. He was re-appointed last time only after advising the Chief Secretary he would attend. Mr Hawkes blamed the change in the Board on ‘a new element’ that came in about 5 years ago.

Mr Winnall then cited patient’s payments and free gifts since 1909 to show what the ‘new element’ had achieved in a financial sense. (In 1909 £371 and in 1917 £702.)

Mr Hawkes claimed the humiliation of the doctors resulted in a complete debacle because doctors will not now come to the hospital. This surprises the Board because on 26 March 1916 a letter was sent by the Board to the Chief Secretary. A committee of Mr McBride, Mr Hawkes and myself produced the letter, which was drafted by Mr Hawkes. It is hard to reconcile that letter with his statements at the deputation.

The letter drew the attention of the Chief Secretary to a serious difficulty that had arisen between the Board and Doctors Ashton and Williams. The difficulties have spread over a considerable period and have now reached such a critical stage that the Board feels the hospital is seriously imperilled. The Board sought assistance and direction. The essentials of the trouble are cited in the letter as:

The Board believed the Doctors were abusing the legitimate uses of the hospital to their personal gain at Government expense.

Despite repeated requests the doctors have refused to attend the usual meetings of the Board.

With reference to (1) above the Board believed that doctors had been sending cases to hospital that could reasonably have been treated at home, using hospital staff, the operating theatre, instruments and dressings. These patients are charged full fees by the Doctors and while the hospital is a convenience and concentrating point for the Doctors, these actions considerably increase the cost of its upkeep. Recently a single woman employed at 10/- a week and which the hospital regarded as a non-paying patient received a threatening letter from Dr Ashton’s solicitor demanding payment of £17 odd for medical attendance. This the Board strongly condemns. Under the rules the Board can refuse admission, but this is a grave responsibility and the Board must rely on the good faith of the Doctors as to proper cases for admission.

As regards (2) the refusal of the medical officers to attend monthly meetings of the Hospital Board and their determined attitude to evade any personal contact with it and their curt acknowledgement or total ignoring of communications with it, brought about the situation that is incompatible with the proper management of the hospital.

As well as the issues raised above their absence from meetings precludes the Board from professional advice on constantly occurring issues arising in the running of the institution.

Dr Ashton has recently said he would not attend a meeting with the Board until a certain resolution had been expunged from the Board’s minutes. The resolution is: ‘That the action of Dr Ashton in making a complaint against the nursing staff of the neglect of the enteric patient Riese is very unfair’. This took place at the board meeting on 15 August 1913. Dr Ashton was present and attended a subsequent meeting and apologised for not attending another.

On 8 January 1914 he resigned from the staff and left the district and on returning in 1915 accepted appointment as a medical officer of the hospital on 12 August 1915. He at no stage complained of the resolution in question. This suggests to the Board that the pretext for refusing to meet the Board is flimsy and has no relation to the situation.

Dr Williams is acting as locum tenens for Dr Steele, who is with the AIF and previous to last October he [Williams] had no knowledge of the hospital’s affairs.

The Board is fully aware of the gravity of the situation and has always sought to avoid aggravating the situation. The situation is now so deadlocked that an appeal to the Chief Secretary was seen as the only course available.

Dr Williams had instructions from Dr Steele to attend Board meetings and has done so.

This letter, drafted by Mr Hawkes, makes it difficult to see how he can later say in the deputation that the treatment of the Doctors by the Board is the cause of why they will not meet us.

Mr Hawkes said further at the deputation that an instance of the Board’s arbitrary management involved the treatment of a nurse. The Matron with 17 years’ experience applied for 9 months leave of absence without pay to take up obstetrics in Sydney. The Matron, he said, was ruthlessly turned down and as a result resigned. This is not true in substance or in fact. Nurse Morney [Mosey] started as a probationer and worked her way up to be Matron. No one can say a word against her. Her training however, was confined to this hospital and she had no experience in obstetrics, so she applied to a Sydney hospital to take a course there. When she approached me I said it would be hard to replace her for just that period and I thought it would be best if she resigned and when she returned she would have the best claim for first vacancy. Just before a Board meeting she saw Mr Hawkes and changed her views. At that meeting in June 1912 she asked for 12-months leave without pay. The Board considered they could not grant it as she was going for her own advantage to acquire qualifications we could not use and we could not replace her for 8 months. [sic] [12?]

After she put in her resignation her mother fell ill and she asked to be allowed to withdraw it. We agreed. Later in November she resigned and left under the best conditions with a social send-off and presentation.

It is not true Dr Steele was annoyed with the Board. Before he left he appointed me his attorney, so there can’t have been much wrong with my relations with him. Dr Steele was in sympathy with the Board (for which I can produce documents) and instructed his locum tenens to attend Board meetings.

Mr Hawkes asserts that the Board became obsessed with a grudge against Dr Ashton, who is the only man capable of conducting operations in Burra. I say that Dr Williams holds the same qualifications as Dr Ashton. There is no grudge against Dr Ashton.

Mr Hawkes also says that in his last fortnight on the Board a vacancy occurred and young Mr McBride was appointed. This is not true. Mr McBride was appointed in July and Mr Hawkes resigned in the following January. He goes on to comment on Mr McBride’s youth and lack of mature judgement.

XXXIX, 47, 21 Nov. 1917, Supplement.

But this was a Government decision and nothing to do with the Board. Mr Hawkes says that when I asked the then Chief Secretary (Mr A.W. Styles) about the appointment he replied that a letter from Mr George Lawn had suggested Mr McBride as suitable. Mr Lawn is the town scavenger. He then says we (the Board?) feel the appointment should not have been made in this way. The Board knows of nothing that influenced the appointment. Mr Lawn is a strong Labor supporter and a letter to a Labor Government would have some weight, perhaps. Previous to the Verran Labor Government, when a vacancy occurred we would suggest a replacement. The Verran Government said we had no power to suggest or to nominate.

Mr Hawkes also says ‘the rude, rough, and ruthless treatment of the medical men by the Hospital Board has been the whole cause of the trouble.’ After writing the letter to the Chief Secretary already cited, this statement is inconceivable.

Mr Winnall then referred to the curt reply to the Board on 15 March 1916: ‘Your note of the 16th received. Yours T.B. Ashton and a. Evan Williams.’

Dr Ashton also said to Mr Warnes he should ‘come over into a quiet corner over the bridge and settle the matter’. If the board has been asked to resign we have no knowledge of it. Mr Winnall had been a Board member over 20 years.

Mr Winnall then turned to Mr Davey, who said he represented all the Friendly Societies. Mr Winnall disputed this. He was appointed a delegate at an ordinary meeting of the lodge for which no notice was given of the business.

Mr Davey asserts that surgical operations cannot be performed in Burra, but Dr Williams has an equal degree. When we appointed Dr Ashton an Honorary surgeon there were some who asked if he would co-operate with Dr Williams. Dr Ashton recently did refuse to consult with Dr Williams unless his instructions were carried out. Dr Ashton then said ‘It is no use my giving advice if it is not carried out.’

Mr Davey questions whether men appointed to the Board because they held high financial positions, were the best for that position. Mr Winnall said these men represent all classes.

[This seems a specious argument at best. They may have been representatives of the town, but they were certainly not drawn from all classes.]

Mr Winnall claims not to have a high financial position.

[Such matters are, of course, relative, but he was a solicitor and clearly at least comfortably off.]

He claimed the Board was as representative as possible – given that conflict of interest would preclude including any businessman likely to tender for hospital supplies.

Dr Ashton interjected to ask whether the Board ever called for a report.

Mr Winnall said that the Board always believed that Doctors were there to advise the Board on any matters and they do not have time to send for a report. What the Board asked was for the Doctors to attend meetings to see what is needed and enable the Board to deal with matters.

The Board has never interfered in substance or in fact between the Doctors and their patients in the legitimate workings of the institution.

Had the public had as full a knowledge of the facts as the Board, then the representation to the Government would have been very different. There are many more inaccuracies floating around the town. The resolution of the meeting is asking a good deal in demanding the Board resign without a hearing and that Dr Ashton be reinstated without hearing the facts. The reasons which actuated their resolution are puerile.

It is also asserted that the reports of Board meetings are incomplete and unsatisfactory.

The trouble began in August 1913 and on the 13 April 1916 there is a minute that the press be admitted to meetings. Until then they had not attended and the secretary gave them a report. The reports since 13 April 1916 are in the hands of the press and nothing to do with the Board.

As for training nurses. The Board wrote to the Australian Trained Nurses’ Association and they told us to carry on as usual.

Mr Winnall then returned to the cases in 1913 that seem to have initiated the trouble with Dr Ashton.

He read from a Board minute of 15 August 1913.

Matron reported that a patient (Terry) had left the hospital and returned under the influence of drink. Dr Ashton reported that while he was out Terry had called on him and complained that the nurses had neglected treating his leg. Matron and Nurse Dorrington were examined with the result that the charge of Terry being intoxicated was sustained and the charge of neglect against the nurses lapsed.

Mr Winnall continued, saying that Dr Ashton said Terry was not drunk when he called on him. We called on Terry, who admitted that he was drunk on his return and he said he had no complaints of neglect to make. This was the first conflict with Dr Ashton.

Dr Ashton interrupted to claim that Terry was browbeaten.

Mr Winnall reverted to the minute of 15 August 1913.

Dr Ashton complained that an enteric patient of his had been allowed to get up during the night and he asked if the nursing staff could be considered satisfactory if that happened. The Matron explained that the patient had sat up in bed during the absence of the nurse who was busy with a patient in an adjoining ward. She had left a convalescent patient on watch and he reported to the nurse as quickly as possible. The resolution was passed ‘That the action of Dr Ashton in making a complaint against the nursing staff of neglect of the enteric patient is very unfair.’

[This case was that of Mr Riese who was a delirious typhoid patient who died suddenly when sitting up in bed.]

Mr Winnall continued. The patient was a ward patient with no special nurse and the nurse in charge had to treat him with other patients. Dr Ashton says in his letter that the Board minute says he had been cruelly unfair to nursing staff, but I did not say that. At the next meeting there was an apology for his absence and then he left the district, coming back after two years.

[Earlier in the statement this time interval was said to be from January 1914 to August 1915.]

When he returned he accepted an appointment as a medical officer of the hospital and remained so until he said he would not come to meetings whilst that resolution remained on the books.

Dr Ashton again interrupted: ‘History repeated itself. It occurred again.’

Mr Winnall continued. Dr Ashton wrote that certain enteric patients needed special attention, which the Matron said was impossible with the present staff. In view of the Riese case Dr Ashton asked for steps to be taken to remedy this. Mr McBride went out at 10 p.m. to obtain another nurse.

Dr Ashton interjected that it only happened because he said if a death occurred he would not sign the certificate and would write to the coroner.

Mr Winnall resumed. Mr McBride did it: he went and got Nurse Fuss at 10 o’clock at night.

Mr Winnall then turned to orders for surgical instruments, which he said amounted to £15 worth, which were ordered without any Board knowledge or approval, after the Doctors had just submitted a list for £2 worth.

Dr Ashton returned in August 1915 and there is a resolution of the Board that he be appointed medical officer in place of Dr Sangster and in October 1915 a resolution of the Board asked the Doctors to attend meetings of the Board. On 9 March Dr Ashton was written to drawing his attention to the closing portion of his letter of the 16 February and asking him to explain it. He did not reply.

On 30 March 1916 Dr Morris, Inspector of Hospitals, attended a special meeting of the Board and Dr Ashton was asked to attend to thrash matters out, but he did not. On 13 April a letter to Dr Ashton asked for a reply to the Board’s letter of 11 March.

Dr Ashton’s reply of 27 April was then read.

[This letter went back to revisit the Riese case and on that basis said conferences with the Board had proved unsatisfactory. In reporting the incident to the Board Dr Ashton said he recommended that further nursing staff be obtained and this, he said, was interpreted as an attack on the nursing staff and the resolution ‘That Dr Ashton had been grossly unfair to the nursing staff’ was passed. The letter went on to say that this was an improper way to receive suggestions from the medical officers. It continued:]

It was in view of this that Dr Ashton’s letter was written in the last epidemic, when again there were delirious typhoid patients and the additional necessary nursing staff were not forthcoming. In regard to the resolution of the Board that medical officers get permission of the Local Board of Health before sending infectious cases to the hospital we submit that cases are recommended by us as fit cases for treatment in hospital in a medical sense in our capacity as private medical practitioners and the Board has no power to dictate the conduct of our private practice, but can refuse patients admission at their own discretion. Hence the terse acknowledgement. We feel we should not be implicated with the financial side of the institution and the Board should make its own arrangements with the Local Board of Health for the responsibility of payment for infectious cases. The lack of such arrangements complicates the conduct of private work in the town. The resolution of the Board placing obstacles in the way of admitting children of tender years is especially prejudicial to the interests of children suffering from diphtheria and other acute diseases requiring constant skilled nursing. We have no desire to interfere with the Board’s legitimate powers, but draw attention to the fact that the hospital has only two fully qualified nurses plus the Matron who has many administrative duties.

Signed Thomas B. Ashton

Signed A. Evan Williams

Mr Winnall then said the Mayor knows we have no claim against the local authorities in infectious disease cases unless they are admitted by the medical officer of the district or town. As they come from many districts we suggested that the consent of the Local Board be obtained so we might collect the fees from the Local Board of Health concerned. The Adelaide Hospital has consent without getting it in every case. We have an agreement with the Burra Town Council. It would be an easy matter to get into communication with the town or district clerk for the necessary consent.

Dr Ashton interjected to dispute the ease of doing this.

The discussion then moved to the issue of the admission of babes in arms. Dr Ashton saying it was a question of saving lives. There was nowhere else to send them. To which Mr Winnall’s reply was that the hospital did not have the staff to deal with babes in arms and could not accept them. They (the Board) have had to complain to Dr Ashton for doing it. He then said the nurses were not getting the lectures required.

On 16 April 1916 there was a resolution passed asking for a conference with the Doctors. The Doctors refused and sent the letter cited of 27 April 1916.

A further special request to attend was sent on 18 May, with no action from the Doctors.

Dr Ashton then conveyed through Mr Hawkes that he would not attend until the resolution of 15 August 1913 was rescinded.

It was then that the matter was referred to the Chief Secretary, through a letter drafted by Mr Hawkes as already outlined.

A further effort to meet with the Doctors was made in July 1916, but nothing eventuated and on 14 December Mr Crewes reported that the committee had still been unable to arrange a meeting.

The matter was again referred to the Chief Secretary on 14 September 1916, saying a meeting with the Doctors had not been possible and the Board could not carry on the management under the present circumstances.

The Board had then let matters drift.

A full explanation was made through the Inspector General of Public Hospitals.

After we discharged Dr Ashton as a medical officer me did all he could to hamper us. He sent a telegram to the Chief Secretary about patients not being admitted and to the Inspector General that we would not admit an indigent patient requiring observation. When I rang him Dr Ashton said the patient’s name was Harrison and I knew Harrison was earning £7 or £8 per week and we could not admit such as an indigent patient.

Dr Ashton’s Dismissal.

The hospital was short staffed and a series of appendicitis cases were coming in. The staff was overworked and having a difficult time. The Matron asked if operations could be arranged for early morning or late afternoon to ease staffing arrangements. Dr Ashton refused to be accommodating. He would arrange an operation for 10, turn up at 11.45 and run through the dinner hour. When Matron remonstrated with him he told her she was ‘Too damned tired.’

Nurse Fuss said ‘I won’t stop if Cr Ashton is going to contradict his orders the way he does.’

Mr Winnall said despite advertising it was impossible to get nurses and if the Matron were to leave they would have to close. There was a cancer case and Dr Ashton said he would operate in the morning, but in the morning he changed his mind. Winnall then took the decision to admit no more until staffing improved. He wrote to Dr Ashton asking that he put his instruction to nurses in writing – the nurses had been frightened after the Riese case. Dr Ashton refused to write instructions and we decided he had to go. There have been cases where Dr Ashton has operated in an emergency. We appointed him honorary surgeon so he could come in and give the anaesthetic or carry out the operation if necessary.

Dr Ashton asked: ‘You did not seriously expect me to treat wealthy people without any fees?’

Dr Morris said that he thought there had been a misunderstanding.

There was then a discussion about who paid fees and who did not.

In the Adelaide Hospital there were no private patients, so it was different.

The Chairman pointed out that there were clearly some misunderstandings and the doctor’s position with regards to private patients in the hospital needs to be made clear.

Mr Winnall then referred to a letter of Dr Ashton’s quoted by Mr Davey in his letter about lodges. Dr Ashton says in it: ‘I am not disposed to undertake any operations until a proper guarantee is obtained that my instructions concerning the treatment of a patient will be carried out without alterations.’

We know of no occasion when this has not been done and the Matron says she knows of none either.

Dr Ashton continues [in the letter] ‘it is positively criminal to the patients to allow the whims of irresponsible persons to endanger the patients’ lives.’

We are charitable enough to assume that was directed at the Board rather than the nursing staff, where the accusation would be much more serious. But this imputation must be wiped out before any reconciliation can be considered. We have had difficulties since 1913 with Dr Ashton and he has refused to talk things over. Now when the Matron and the nurses would leave us we were compelled to dispense with Dr Ashton’s services.

If you ask me to resign I am willing to go. If my colleagues think there should be an enquiry, then there should be one. With respect to the deputation, will you ask us to resign without an enquiry?

We ask for a proper investigation into the affair and that we not be asked to resign without a much fuller investigation than has been possible today.

Mr Warnes then spoke of Dr Ashton’s offer to settle the matter on a plot by the bridge, but was mostly concerned with expressing his disappointment with Mr Hawkes’ contribution to the debate after he resigned from the Board. He adds little of substance to the story, but reminds us that Dr Ashton’s dismissal was carried with only Mr Crewes dissenting.

Dr Ashton contended that his whole dispute with the Board had been over his insistence that his patients should be properly cared for. Lives depended on it. He also referred to the incident with Mr Warnes in a rather ambiguous way: seeming to assert it both was and was not a proper challenge.

Dr Morris questioned Winnall on the refusal to admit patients.

Winnall said: Yes, only emergency cases, as Nurse Fuss had signalled her intention of leaving and the present staff would have been unable to cope with more patients at that time.

The Chairman (The Premier) considered they ought to be able to get together and talk and let the past go by. The hospital is struggling and we must consider the interests of the patients. A little forbearance and a strong desire to get the institution on a firm footing and you should be able to come to an understanding.

Mr Crewes said if the amendment at the public meeting had prevailed it would have covered that ground. Mr Crewes had suggested at the next meeting that in lieu of Dr Ashton being discharged a letter should be sent to the doctor seeking a conference for the express purpose of putting the past behind them. Dr Ashton to be reinstated and a guarantee that the rules of the institution should be carried out with respect to nurses and all other matters.

The Chairman said he was happy to give them a fortnight to settle matters themselves before taking further action. If you cannot settle it ‘you will communicate with me and I will know what steps to take’.

Dr Morris said there were only two points of difference.

The Chairman said it was largely a question of temper:

‘I am not a judge in this case. I have no power to give a verdict; I can only form my own opinion.’

XXXIX, 47, 21 Nov. 1917, page 4

R.D. Pascoe’s window continues with its unofficial flower show, now extending beyond roses.

Details of exhibits and the exhibitors are given.

XXXIX, 48, 28 Nov. 1917, page 2

Advt. St Mary’s Strawberry Fete, 7 December.

Advt. Leighton Hall Strawberry Fete, 1 December.

Advt. Peels are visiting Burra for one week. Xmas Photo Offer for 14/6.

1 beautifully finished enlargement or

1 Peel Panel Portrait framed in oak, 6 bromide cabinets, 6 bromide postcards.

Studio open 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. near the Record Office. Entrance at the back of Miss Snell’s.

[A cabinet photo was c. 6” x 4” or 15 x 10 cm]

Advt. Cheer-up Society Birthday Button & Gift Day, 30 November.

In aid of entertaining returned soldiers at the Cheer-up Hut.

Advt. War Savings Groups for Burra & District

Demonstration at the Rotunda 3 p.m. 30 November. Public Meeting in the Institute 8 p.m.

Speaker, George Brookman, Chairman of the SA War Savings Committee.

Lyric Soprano, Miss Blanch Johnson-James. Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ Band.

Municipal Elections.

Mayor: Ernest William Crewes elected unopposed

North Ward Maurice Arnold Radford elected unopposed

West Ward George Edwin Dane elected unopposed

East Ward John Ernest Greenwood

Edwin John Harris

Auditor Frank Treloar elected unopposed

Poll for East Ward to be held 1 December.

Obituary. William G. Finch was killed in action in France 6 October 1917 aged 27. He was the eldest son of William and E. Finch of Kooringa.

[William George Finch born 29 December 1890 Kooringa.]

Obituary. Pte S.C. Richard Stasinowsky was killed in action 16 October 1917. He was the son of Mrs W.A. Stasinowsky of Kooringa.

[Samuel Carl Richard Stasinowsky born 12 February 1896 Baldina.]

Obituary. Harry Turner died 16 April while a POW in Germany. [Aged 23] No other details to hand. [Henry Hoskin Turner born 29 August 1893 Ironmine: died 14 April 1917 Germany.]

Burra Cadets were recently inspected by Lt S. Pollard accompanied by Captain H.W. Brown, Brigade Major of 20 Brigade Training Area.

Burra Sporting and Athletic Club has forwarded letters of welcome home and a ‘wallet’ to Pte Andrew Pearce and Major Lance Lewis.

Captain H.J. Copley, (late of Bagot, Shakes & Lewis) has been wounded in France.

Pte Bert Dew is reported wounded in France.

L-Cpl Reginald Hopcraft is reported wounded on 19 October.

Cpl Arthur T. Winders, reported wounded, is progressing satisfactorily.

Sgt Leslie Kellaway who was seriously wounded in September is progressing, but will be in hospital at least six months.

Sgt Tom Quinn is wounded.

Pte Colin Bruce is reported to be OK in France.

Pte Albert Bruce, POW, reports receiving letters and parcels.

Cpl Cyril McBride is in hospital with a mild case of trench fever.

A. Wahlert has been promoted to Sergeant.

Sgt Graham Colelough has won the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He is a fiancé of George Harris’s daughter. (From Victoria)

Cpl Kenneth Drew is expected home soon.

Rev. F.H. Durnford has been wounded.

Pte Jack Williams is returning to Australia.

Sgt Major Will Ford is returning to Australia.

Horace Hill is in hospital in Egypt with bad eyes.

Pte W.R. Blott is reported wounded.

Pte G.R. Thomas is a POW in Germany.

Obituary. Gunner Andrew James Prior died 2 November of wounds and gas poisoning. He was the 3rd son of Mr & the late Mrs W.H. Prior of World’s End. He was born in 1886 and educated at world’s End School. Before enlisting he was farming. He went to camp 15 November 1915 and left Australia 16 March 1916 for service in Egypt. He leaves a father and three brothers and two sisters: John & Arthur (Broken Hill), Tom (World’s End), Mrs S. Finch (World’s End) & Mrs W. Stewart (Burra). [Born 25 August 1886 Baldina.]

Burra Hospital Board decided on Saturday to resolve the present trouble on the basis of Dr Ashton agreeing to attend Board Meetings to advise the Board and such other meetings as required and if Dr Ashton will agree he will be reinstated as a medical officer.

Burra Town Council, 19 November.

Cr Harris moved a vote of thanks to Mr & Mrs C.J. Pearce for the Roll of Honour of those who have died in the war. Condolences were sent to the families of those killed at the front: R. Sandland, F. Kelly, R. Hawkes, W. Finch, C. Burton, R. Hammer, H. Munt and R. Stasinowsky.

Local Board of Health

Mrs Annie Young applied for a licence for a combined private hospital and maternity home.

XXXIX, 48, 28 Nov. 1917, page 2-3

E.J. Davey wrote concerning the Burra Hospital Meeting with the Premier.

He writes in response to Mr Winnall.

[Whose approach was quite legalistic and sounded like a defence presented in court.]

Mr Winnall said the public meeting decision was a result of misconception and lack of knowledge. The Board at no time placed the facts before the public. The public was fully convinced that the situation was intolerable. The resolution passed almost unanimously and the petition received 400-500 signatures and as many more could have been easily obtained after that. My letter was not a Foresters’ letter. On 26 September a letter was sent to all Friendly Societies saying that on 25th a meeting of Court Unity discussed the hospital situation and the opinion of the Court was that something must be done to clear the atmosphere. Enclosed are copies of the letters sent to Dr Ashton and received from him. I ask that your Board of Management meet the Members of my Board in the Lodge Room at the Institute 2 October to discuss the matter with a view of laying something before a combined meeting of Lodges.

This conference was duly held with three delegates from each of the Friendly Societies and it was resolved to send a letter to the Chief Secretary pointing out the serious position in which the Lodges were placed by the disagreement between Dr Ashton and the Hospital Board. The letter was written and signed by the Chairman & Secretary of each Lodge.

Mr Winnall is wrong in asserting it did not come from the whole of the Lodges. ‘I grant Mr Winnall that he is a member of the Foresters’ Lodge and also a trustee, but I do not think he is as fully interested as he might be, otherwise we should see him at the meetings more often than once in six years. When a full reply is received from the Chief Secretary a further combined meeting of all members concerned will be held.

Mr Winnall asserts the Hospital board is fully representative, but public opinion is otherwise. If the Board would not accept the advice of the medical men, the Board are surely at fault.

The public feel that the only solution is for the Board to resign. Having now had the facts placed before them from the inquiry of the 16th instant, I believe the public opinion is unchanged.

As for the letter drafted by Mr Hawkes: I believe he drafted it at the request of the Board, never having the intention of signing it himself and it expresses the views of the Board, not his own. As for the appointment of Mr McBride: it was not Mr Hawkes who first objected. The Record of 9 July 1916 shows it was Mr McLaren who suggested the Board respectfully protest the appointment and Mr Warnes 2nd.

XXXIX, 48, 28 Nov. 1917, page 3

W.G. Hawkes writes re the hospital crisis.

He says he sympathises with Mr Winnall in his difficult position.

‘His legal vampings must be viewed with tolerance, but I am afraid he has not improved the dire situation.’

‘I ask you to allow me to traverse some of his remarkably elastic liberties and deductions.’

I am a Board member of some 20 not 15 years. My attendance was never very regular, but I was always in keen touch with the affairs of the hospital. Things went smoothly for years until a ‘new element’ came in with a policy of management.

‘Part of this policy was to use an axe where a pen knife would have answered the purpose.’

He then takes on the issue of Matron Mosey’s requested leave of absence and takes the view she was treated very badly for one with 17 year’s service. He denies seeing her before the Board meeting. When she left she did indeed have a social, a presentation and well-wishers, but where were the Board? Where were the appropriate speeches from Board members? As far as most of them were concerned ‘it was a dull soulless gathering’.

While denying that Dr Steele was told to mind his own business over this matter Mr Winnall does attempt to gloss it over by saying ‘although some such expression was on one occasion used by Mr Bartholomaeus to Dr Steele.’

Would ‘such an expression, or anything approaching it have been allowed under the old Board.’

Mr Winnall says: ‘That in all our dealings with the doctors we have tried to be gentlemen.’

They have been the reverse, not only in concrete cases, but also in distrust, suspicion and indirect thrusts more difficult to pin down.

One specific case – they gave notice to the doctors severely restricting their rights to admit patients and handing that prerogative largely to members of the Board. This was a clumsy and stupid departure that had to be rescinded. The humiliating motion against Dr Ashton that he had been unfair to nursing staff was not conducive to discipline and obedience. As for offering the Doctor the position of honorary surgeon: this amounts to saying ‘You are discharged for bad conduct, but we expect you to come and help us when we are in extremis and the blame is on you if you don’t.’

‘I believe this motion was made by that courageous and youthful expedient Mr P.A. McBride. The letter I drafted was but an embodiment of the Board’s views, not all my own views by any means. It was the Chairman’s letter.

Mr Winnall endeavours to involve me in an attack upon Mr George Lawn’s occupation, but I honour every man’s legitimate calling equally as much as either of these two gentlemen. [Winnall & Warnes]

To suggest that the work of the Board was hung up because of a question over my reappointment was simply nonsense. How many vacancies are there at present – and why have they not been filled?

‘Mr Winnall’s plaintive appeal on behalf of his Board, and his shedding of crocodile tears, has not helped the position.’

‘I understand that the Board’s hope is in the return of Dr Steele, a hope we all most cordially endorse.’

‘Their experience may protrude upon their minds the fact that a hospital might be run without a Board, but never without doctors and nurses.’

Ratepayers’ Annual Meeting, Monday.

Only about 25 persons attended. Rev. A.J. Finch took the chair.

Cr Harris said a fair amount of kerbing had been done in East Ward and a garden established at the Black Bridge.

Cr Dane reported on a series of relatively minor or mundane achievements for West Ward.

Cr Radford did the same for North Ward, though he did report the installation of private letterboxes (finally) at the Aberdeen Post Office. They were trying to get a pillar or two for Aberdeen, as people were charged extra for mailing letters at the station.

There was concern at the lower rate income in North Ward with its large number of roads to service. Lighting was a major problem. It was impossible to carry on with the present rate and yet not justifiable to increase it. More trees were required. Gums were dying and the pines had not been very successful.

Mr Greenwood had little to say in support of his candidacy for East Ward.

The mayor thanked all for his re-election unopposed. He believed that but for the war they would have had a worthy lighting scheme by now.

E.J. Harris had little to add.

Mr Kellaway questioned the paying of the curator 8 weeks full time while he was sick in May 1916, but Mr Crewes and other Councillors backed the proceeding, which they said had not been concealed, but overlooked. All Councillors were in favour of a bridge at the Pig & Whistle when possible.

XXXIX, 48, 28 Nov. 1917, page 4

The Mayor’s Report for 1917.

The last wheat/hay harvest was exceptionally good, but the mice plague and the damp winter have led to severe losses in storage. The Government commandeered the crop and so far has paid 3/- a bushel. The coming harvest looks like also being a good one. The pastoral industry has been prosperous and lambing has been encouraging.

The war continues and the revolution in Russia and setbacks for the Italians have made it more difficult for the Allies. Burra & District have continued their strong support for all patriotic efforts.

The seaside trip on 24 February was a great success and over 1.000 adults and children went to Glenelg.

Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ Band

The Burra Coronation Band did creditable work, but as more and more boys enlisted it finally collapsed with only one or two players left. The idea of a Ladies’ Band emerged and Mr James Bentley was approached to do the tutoring. The old instruments, which were cheap to start with, were found to be mostly useless, but the girls set about raising money and were soon practising. Much of this effort was due to Cr McWaters. Since the foundation of the band Mr I.J. Warnes has proved a strong supporter, together with others on various occasions. The band has provided valuable assistance at all local patriotic occasions and has also visited Adelaide and other towns and been enthusiastically received by the public.

Anzac Day on 25 April saw a public demonstration in Market Square with a march of school children and speeches at the Rotunda.

A Memorial and Intercession Service was held in the Institute on 29 April and the hall was crowded. Addresses were given by the Mayor and Mr J.E.H. Winnall.

Repatriation Day on 9 March was held to provide funds to help our boys on their return. There was a procession headed by the Ladies’ Band and the Adelaide Locomotive Band visited. There were patriotic speeches by the Mayor and Messrs Hawkes, Winnall and Rev. S.J. Bloyd. A Union Jack was auctioned under the Bugler system and various stalls did brisk business. The Locomotive Band gave a concert in the Institute in the evening. A little over £2,000 was raised.

Red Cross Day on 1 June took the form of a fete in aid of Red Cross and Trench Comforts Funds with the sale of gifts in the Institute. About £225 was raised.

Violet Day on 6 July was held in appalling weather and the auction of a bunch of violets under the Bugler system raised £185 and the total for the day was £356, which under the circumstances was encouraging.

The Anniversary of the War on 5 August saw a large gathering in Market Square. The Ladies’ Band attended and speeches were delivered by the Mayor & Messrs W.G. Hawkes, J.E.H. Winnall, Rev. Father Prendergast, Captain Trigg & Mr H.J. Penno.

Australia Day was held on 1 September. The Ladies’ band again headed a procession. A gold button auctioned under the Bugler system realised £978 and became the property of R.J.M. McBride for £225. (The second highest bid was £200 by A.J. & P.A. McBride and the third £100 by Messrs Hawkes & Daskein.) The town’s patriotic societies took part – the Cheer-up Society, Soldiers’ Aid Soc., & Red Cross. A picture show in the evening raised £40-16-0 and the total for the day was c. £2,000. World’s End Friends contributed c. £30 and the Burra School Fife & Drum Band and the Boy Scouts gave valued assistance.

Navy Day on 2 November again saw a visiting band – The Naval Band from Adelaide. They and the Ladies’ Band contributed to the success. £700 was raised for the men of the Navy and Mercantile Marine. Speeches were made by the Mayor, Lt Argent, Staff-Surgeon Morris and Mr Lawrence. There was a concert in the evening at the Institute.

YMCA Red Triangle Day on 12 October saw the sale of buttons and a burning candle guessing competition raise c. £50.

Burra Cheer-up Society continues its good work with regular weekly meetings and farewell socials and a parcel for departing boys. Soldiers and sailors returning are met at the station by the Ladies’ Band and a welcome home social is given later. In January 2,250 khaki handkerchiefs were despatched, 400 Christmas puddings were also despatched and £20 provided for cigarettes and tobacco. Christmas Boxes for 50 nurses at No. 14 Hospital in Egypt were also provided. Much valuable help has also been given the Adelaide Society. Many grateful notes have been received from recipients of these gifts.

Soldiers’ Aid Society is doing many of the things that the Cheer-up Society does, especially making comfortable and useful clothing for the troops.

Patriotism. We believe the district has raised about £45,000 for the war effort and about 500 local young men have volunteered.

The Boy Scouts under Scoutmaster Rigney are doing splendid work in the town and for the patriotic efforts.

The Supreme Sacrifice has now been made by about 54 local men and many others have been severely wounded.

On Australia Day a handsome Honour Roll was presented to the town by Mr & Mrs C.J. Pearce, containing the names of Burra & District Boys who have fallen in the war. Lt-Col. Beevor unveiled it and Scout Patrol Leader Tiddy sounded The Last Post. It is now fixed at the public reading room of the Institute.

[A detailed statement of income and expenditure then follows.]

Rates collected for the year amounted to £945-13-0.

North Ward £142-11-0

East Ward £171-0-0

West Ward £152-11-0

All wards ended the year in credit: North & East with about £21 each and West about £42.

Parklands. Dead trees have been removed and replaced and hundreds of trees added. Wanton destruction of trees continues to be a problem. A garden has been planted by the Black Bridge in Kooringa. The account began in debit £23 and ended in debit £3-5-8.

The Cemetery. The main expenditure has been in repairing the walls for £28-8-6 and in painting for £10-5-0. The year opened in credit £140 and ends in credit £113.

The main roads grant was £430.

Tar paved roads previously done have been attended to. We look forward to tar paving all the main thoroughfares.

Local Board of Health. Started the year in credit £101-11-0 and ended in credit £47-13-6.

Lighting. This account opened in credit £3-1-8 and closes in debit £6-18-4. Carbide was very dear this year and greatest care had to be exercised. The town has 20 lights and each one costs over £7-10-0 to maintain and yet the results are far from satisfactory. Improvement to a more up-to-date system is needed, but will have to await the end of the war.

Carbide costs for the year £71-7-7

Lighting [Lamplighters] £70-1-0

The Corporation owns 2 horses, 2 drays, 1 water-cart, 1 road-roller, 1 hand-roller, 1 sanitary cart, 1 tar sprinkler plus tools etc.

In general the town has made satisfactory progress considering the war raging. Many new and substantial houses have been erected. Roads have been reclaimed and new gardens formed. The appearance of the town has improved. The telephone system has been extended. With stock, wool and produce prices high only the return of peace is a hindrance to prosperity.

[Check this last statement, which surely is the opposite of what was said!]

I thank citizens for conferring on me the honour of filling this important position. I had intended to retire ‘for I feel that . . . in normal times two years should be the longest period a person should hold the position.’

XXXIX, 49, 5 Dec. 1917, page 2

Advt. For Sale: The Farm Stock of Mr John Berryman of Spring Bank, who has sold his property to the SA Government. [For closer settlement.]

By Bagot, Shakes & Lewis on 13 December at the farm, 5 miles southwest of Burra.

Advt. Mr Joseph Flowers is selling Blocks 61, 62 & 63 Aberdeen, containing 151⁄2 acres in three paddocks, house with 4 stone rooms and verandah, kitchen, 2 detached rooms, bore, windmill & 2,000 gallon tank. Friday 7 December.

Advt. Burra Hotel has been lit by Delco-Light Electric Lighting Plant.

Advt. Children’s Patriotic Fund Bazaar at Burra School 14 December.

Advt. Reinforcements Referendum. Monster Public Meeting in Burra Institute 11 December.

Hon. R.P. Blundell, Minister of Industry, Mr P. Reidy MP. Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ Band.

Obituary. Pte Hurtle Leighton was killed in France 4 October 1917. [Alfred Hurtle Gordon Leighton born 20 April 1894 Booborowie.]

Obituary. George Hill, son of Richard & Mary Hill died 19 November of wounds aged 25 years 9 months. [Born 23 February 1892 Kooringa.]

Municipal Election.

East Ward J. Greenwood 84 elected

E.J. Harris 74

Informal 2

This turnout was remarkable. There were 240 names on the roll and 177 possible voters allowing for absences etc. 160 of 177 possible electors voted, or a turnout of c. 90%.

Fire. A large fire has been raging for several days out east. The Mutooroo Pastoral Co. has lost 500-600 square miles of feed, but no loss of stock and the fire is under control as a result of successful firebreaks.

On Quondong J.H. Gallagher has lost c. 100 square miles of bush and grass and miles of fencing. Loss of stock is unknown. It is believed to have started from lightning.

Thomas B. Ashton writes concerning the settlement offered by the Hospital Board as already reported. A reply by Wednesday is requested.

Dr Ashton wrote on 28 November that he had to submit his reply to his solicitor before sending it, as the trouble is mixed with pending litigation.

The requirement to attend Board meetings when required cannot be met with an unqualified undertaking, due to the nature of a doctor’s calling.

I am unable to acquiesce in the implied suggestion that my dismissal was not the consequence of my non-compliance with the instruction to give instructions to the Matron and charge-nurses in writing.

‘The intimation did not contain the words ‘general instructions’ and was not given by the secretary, but by Mr Winnall himself, in a letter written on his professional letter paper, containing reference to the resignation of Nurse Fuss.’

‘Dr Williams . . . was not favoured with a similar intimation to give direction to nurses in writing, though he did receive similar intimation re Nurse Fuss.’

For my comments on the foregoing and the Board’s letter to me of 11 August 1917 appointing me Honorary Surgeon Mr Winnall has launched an action for libel against me. The writ was served after I left the meeting, which I attended on the invitation of the Chief Secretary.

He then goes on to discuss mention of ‘cupidity’ against ‘one of the Medical Officers’ and the case mentioned before where it was alleged he unreasonably sought payment from a servant. He denies any improper or inappropriate actions.

‘I regret that until the subsequent development of the libel action is disposed of, bygones cannot be bygones nor do I think that matters offensive to me, where they touch the feeling of a gentleman, should be treated as bygones until the Board show by their readiness to extinguish all offensive significance (if any) about such matters, that they are also prepared to treat them as bygones.’

War Savings Groups.

The movement to form groups in Burra got off to a good start on Friday when Mr George Brookman spoke in Market Square and in the evening at the Institute. A canvas of the hall resulted in promises to purchase £2,253 worth of war certificates.

XXXIX, 49, 5 Dec. 1917, page 3

Pte C.A. Sangster has been wounded and is in hospital in Brighton, England.

Pte Lyall Fuss is OK and a POW in Germany.

Cpl Les Hogg, late of the Bank of Australasia here, is a POW at Limburg in Germany.

Surgeon-Major D.M. Steele dressed Courtney Pearce’s shoulder when he was wounded.

Obituary. Frank T.J. Kilmartin was killed in action on [8] June. He had worked on several stations around Burra and was aged 31. Three of his brothers are in action in France. [Probably Francis Thomas Joseph Kilmartin.]

Obituary. Pte George A. Williams was reported wounded 29 September in France and died 21 November. He was the second son of Mr & Mrs Dan Williams of Ironmine. There are two other sons on active service: Ptes C. & J. Williams. George Williams enlisted 16 August 1916, having previously been farming with his father. He was aged 26 and leaves a widow.

[George Albert Williams born 18 March 1891 Ironmine.]

Obituary. Pte Clarence Melvin Humphrys was wounded 29 July and died 6 October. He was the second son of Mr & Mrs E.T. Humphrys of Hanson and was born in Burra 10 October 1893. He was educated at Hanson School and then worked with his father and brothers on the farm before enlisting in February 1916, arriving in England in September 1916. He sprained an ankle badly after some time and was in hospital for a month, returning to the trenches to fight till 29 July when he cut his foot badly on a barbed wire spike. He had been convalescent before he died. He was a member of the Hanson Methodist Church and of the choir. He was also Sabbath School Librarian, Assistant Librarian and a local preacher, a member of the Rechabites and of the Farrell’s Flat Rifle Club. He was a grandson of the late Luke Tiddy of Burra and of the late Jessy [Jesse] Humphrys of Hanson.

Obituary. Pte George Hill died of wounds at 53 Casualty Clearing Station on 19 November. He was the third son of Mr & Mrs R. Hill of Kooringa and was born 23 Feb 1892 at Kooringa. He was educated at Burra School and then worked in the Record office, and then for Dr Sangster Senior and Mr T. Sandland on Koo-owie & Belah Stations for 2 years before going to Mulyungarie Station on the Mutooroo Country, from where he enlisted in March 1916. He left Australia in June 1916 and after being some time in camp on Salisbury Plain he left for France in November 1916. He was severely wounded 9 December in the left thigh, only to return to the firing line in October 1917. He had many friends on the sporting field. The Hill brothers were well known sprinters and he was a footballer. Sam, who died in France on 1 January 1917, was his brother. Two other brothers are in Egypt: Ben in the Camel Corps and Horace in the 9th Light Horse. A younger brother, Charlie, is in Kooringa and a sister, Mrs T. Quinn, is at World’s End.

Burra Boy Scouts gave a concert last Wednesday in Jubilee Hall in aid of the Sailors’ Aid Society. [Sic: though it said Soldiers’ Aid Society in the advertising for the event and there was a Soldiers’ Aid Society in Burra.] It proved a success.

Burra Poultry & Kennel Club First Annual Show was held on Saturday and was very successful. In all 444 entries were received across all classes. Mr John Allen, Secretary, the President, Clem Simpson and the committee are to be congratulated. The results are printed in 11⁄2 columns.

Burra Cheer-up Society.

On 20 November the Ladies’ Band was at the station to welcome home Pte Andrew Pearce. On Thursday the Band went to Mt Bryan to welcome Timothy James. Photos have been received of the two Schuyler boys. [Frank & Bob]

There was a welcome social last week for Ptes Andrew Pearce & Timothy James. Sgt Dick Gully was greeted at the station the same night. Sgt Gully had previously distinguished himself in the Transvaal Campaign.

On Wednesday 28 November the Band went to Robertstown to assist in raising money there for the Cheer-up Hut in Adelaide. A Continental had been arranged at the railway station.

Sympathy is extended to friends and family of Ptes G. Hill, Prior & Williams.

XXXIX, 50, 12 Dec. 1917, page 2

Advt. The Royal Standard Aerated Waters & Cordial Factory has opened in Commercial St Kooringa, next to the Savings Bank. Smith & Wilson.

Advt. Strawberry Fete 18 December at the Farrell’s Flat Institute in aid of the Children’s Patriotic Fund and Red Cross Circle.

Notice. The Burra Burra Hospital Board of Enquiry will take evidence at the Redruth Court House on 19 December.

Notice. J.H. Gallagher, proprietor of Quondong, thanks all who helped extinguish the fire on the station last week.

Burra Burra Hospital Enquiry.

The first meeting of the Board was held on Monday afternoon. Present were: Chairman, Mr S.J. Mitchell SM, Dr Ramsay Smith and W.G. Coombs. W.C. Calder has been appointed Secretary. The enquiry will be public and parties are not to be represented by counsel. Evidence will be taken 19 December and following days if necessary at Redruth Court House.

Burra Hospital Board, Saturday.

A copy of the Board’s letter to Dr Ashton has been forwarded to the Chief Secretary and also a copy of Dr Ashton’s reply.

A letter from the Chief Secretary informs the Board that a Board of Enquiry has been appointed to look into the dispute between the Board and Dr Ashton.

Burra Red Cross, Half-Yearly Meeting.

Mrs C.J. Pearce reported. We regret the departure of Mrs Harcus, the late secretary who left the district. The half-year has been rather quiet as far as making garments. There are lots of goods on hand, but a glut on the market and no shipping facilities. A spinning display raised over £14 on 17 July. On 26 July the Red Cross helped the Cheer-up Society on Violet Day. We also participated in Australia Day. The buttons we sold raised c. £120.

The Children’s Fancy Dress Carnival was a success and raised £25. We assisted other patriotic societies on Navy Day.

XXXIX, 50, 12 Dec. 1917, page 3

Burra Scout Troop will have a 5-day camp at Christmas from 28 December to 1 January.

Trooper W.H. Lines was wounded on 8 November.

Walter Klaffus has been promoted to sergeant.

L-Cpl Kenneth Drew arrived in Adelaide on Tuesday.

Obituary. Pte Roy Kemble, reported missing on 11 April, is now reported killed in action. He was a nephew of Mrs M.A. Kellock of Kooringa and a son of J. Kemble of Katanning WA. [Aged 22]

[Born 15 December 1894 Baldina: died 11 April 1917.]

Obituary. Pte Victor Wyatt was killed in action in France. He was a nephew of Mrs W.H. Field and a former Rambler footballer. One brother, Roy, is wounded and another, Percy, is still in France. [Aged 28] [Victor Wyatt born 1 September 1889 Thebarton: died 13 October 1917.]

Burra Institute Committee

12 Juvenile Scholarships will be offered to the Burra State School for 1918.

Commercial Classes will close at the end of the present term with a view to making fresh arrangements.

Lt G.A.F. Young takes up charge of the Burra & Petersburg District. [Presumably for recruiting.]

The Price of Wheat: a 1-column article.

Pte Ralph Thomas writes a letter. He is now a POW.

St Mary’s Strawberry Fete last Friday was a marked success.

Burra Rifle Club, 8 December, best shots were: R.O. Robinson 80 & J.A. Riggs 66.

XXXIX, 50, 12 Dec. 1917, page 4

Leighton Strawberry Fete on 1 December was a pronounced success. This year nett proceeds will aid the Navy & Army Nurses Fund. Takings were slightly over £200. The report extends for 11⁄2 columns.

Burra Cheer-up Society Birthday Gift & Button Day.

This was held on 30 November to aid the Cheer-up Hut in Adelaide.

The Rotunda was decorated and stalls were set up. Energetic button sellers were at work. Afternoon tea was provided in Henderson’s Buildings. A special attraction was the sale of an enlarged photo of the Ladies’ Band taken in Government House Grounds. Mrs I.J. Warnes bought it and handed it back to be sold again. It was sold again at the public meeting in the Institute re the War Loan and this time Mr I.J. Warnes bought it for £21-0-0 and again returned it.

Mr George Brookman was the highest bidder the next time and he presented it to Mr Bentley to be hung in the Burra Cheer-up Hall as the property of the Band.

[The financial result is not cited.]

Burra Town Council. First meeting of the new Council.

Cr McBride thought it might have been better if someone else had come forward as Mayor. He did not believe in a man occupying the Mayoral chair all his life.

The Postmaster General has agreed to correct the phone book re continuous service at Burra.

Cr McBride moved that no tar be purchased this year. Not 2nd.

Crs Radford & Dane moved they get 1,500 gallons.

Local Board of Health.

The Health Officer reported Mrs Young’s premises were suitable for a private hospital and nursing home. Legal opinion is to be got as to whether a licence should be granted excepting for infectious diseases.

XXXIX, 51, 19 Dec. 1917, page 2

Advt. Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Picnic is postponed from 1 January 1918 to 28 January 1918.

Notice. Burra Town Council Rates for 1918: General 1/-, Health 6d, Lighting 4d & Parkland 2d.

Weather. A thunderstorm on Tuesday afternoon was the fiercest for many years. Heavy rain and very vivid lightning was accompanied by the continuous roar of thunder. Many who were outside were thrown to the ground by the concussion of one bolt. Messrs George Lawn & Rose received the full force of it on Mr McBride’s farm and were considerably dazed. Another even louder noise and more intense flash occurred as people made their way to the Referendum Meeting. George March’s cab horses bolted and crashed into trees opposite C.J. Pearce’s shop, damaging the cab and smashing the pole. In one afternoon shower 88 points fell and in all 1.27” was recorded. T.J. Hams lost a horse struck by lightning at Ironmine. Dollard Brothers lost 90 tons of hay burnt by a lightning strike at Leighton. Another stack at P. Reddin’s Booborowie was also ignited, but saved. Many smaller fires were started throughout the district.

Mr McBride has given the Mayor £3-3-0 for groceries for the poor at Christmas – though he doesn’t think those who go to the pictures each week deserve so much as others.

Mr A. Litchfield, Burra Stationmaster for five years, has been moved to Riverton. Mr & Mrs Litchfield will be missed at St Mary’s Church where they have been great workers and in all things patriotic too. Their two daughters have worked in the Soldiers’ Aid Society and its associated Girls’ Club. Mrs Litchfield has been its President and Miss Marjorie its Treasurer. A presentation was made to farewell them. On Monday Mrs Litchfield was farewelled at ‘Gatley’ by Mesdames Winnall & Bloyd.

Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ band.

After practice last week the Mayor presented, on behalf of the girls, Mr J. Bentley with a beautifully framed enlarged photo of the Band taken at Adelaide some time ago with the Governor and Lady Galway.

Mr C.J.W. Mundy, headmaster of the Burra School for the last two years, has been transferred to Petersburg for 1918. He has been a most conscientious and staunch supporter of patriotic efforts. Under his guidance the school has raised £200 for patriotic purposes. His successor will be Mr Hitchcock from Willunga.

Booborowie School. The Hon. L. O’Loughlin & Mr W. Miller, accompanied by Mr P. Goodridge of Booborowie waited on the Minister of Education, Hon. A.W. Styles, on Wednesday and urged the use of the block originally chosen for the Booborowie School and that the erection of the school proceed at once, as the only available accommodation was the Methodist Church, which was too small for the number of children ready to go to school.

A Memorial Service for Pte G.A. Williams was conducted at Ironmine Church last Sunday 16 December. The building was crowded to excess.

Children’s Patriotic Fund Bazaar was held last Friday at the Burra School and was opened by Mrs John McLaren. The report of about 1 column names many of the students.

Nett takings were £51-18-10.

XXXIX, 51, 19 Dec. 1917, page 3

Referendum Meeting. Burra Institute on Tuesday 11 December.

Hon. R.P. Blundell, Minister for Industry and Mr Peter Reidy MP spoke to a fairly large audience (reduced no doubt by the downpour just before the start). They supported the YES vote at the referendum on conscription. [Referred to as the Reinforcements Referendum: it was to bridge the gap between numbers required and volunteers coming forward.]

Mr Winnall presided, as Mr Crewes was stormbound in Clare on his way back from Adelaide by road. The Cheer-up Ladies’ Band began the night’s proceedings.

The speeches are reported in 12⁄3 columns.

Electric Lighting Scheme Revived.

At Burra Town Council on Monday Messrs Christie & Gardiner, consultant engineers of Melbourne, offered to draw up a report and give an estimate of the cost of lighting Burra with electricity. The report is to be gratis. The cost of the plant would be £5,000 to £5,400. The engineers had inspected the town at the Mayor’s invitation. They considered a scheme would pay and suggest a powerhouse site between Kooringa and Aberdeen. The railways would be a customer. They showed balance sheets from various plants they had installed with the cost to consumers, and each was very payable. The mayor though something needed to be done at once if at all since several residents were on the point of installing private schemes. Mr Lord had already done so. Mr Crewes had just had time to cancel an order for his firm and Mr Clark was holding off on a Council decision.

Cr Radford moved the offer be accepted.

‘The present lighting scheme would be a disgrace to a wayside pub.’

The Mayor said £5,000 at 6% would cost £300 and at present they paid £150 per year for 20 miserable lights, which often would not burn.

Capt. H.J. Copley has been promoted to Major and he has been slightly wounded.

Capt. Chaplain F.H. Durnford writes reporting a very slight wound on his left hand.

W.C.F. Rule reported to be OK.

Sgt J.R. Butterworth, a nephew of Miss Cave, has been awarded the Military Medal. He is 25 and with the 4th Field Ambulance.

Sgt Roy McBride is reported wounded and gassed 6 December.

Hartley Harris has been promoted to L-Cpl. He says he helped to bury Will Finch, who he reports as being killed instantly.

Cpl Cyril McBride has been promoted to 2nd Lieutenant.

Pte Courtney Pearce, when wounded had his wound dressed by Dr Steele and was sent to England where he was placed in one of the ‘Burra’ ambulances driven by Wally Lee and at the hospital his ward orderly was ‘Pincher’ Harris [Arthur]. He is reported to be well.

Pte Arthur Harris is to stay in England for a further six months. He was very ill with trench fever some time ago.

Pte Les Ferguson, late of the Savings Bank in Kooringa, is leaving soon for Australia.

Augie Pohlner has been marked C2 for Home Service in Australia and is awaiting embarkation at Weymouth Hospital.

Charles Pohlner is convalescent in hospital in Birmingham.

L-Cpl Will Herbert expects to be sent home, as does Jack Stedman.

Trooper C.H. Beaven & Sgt Major W. Ford are expected home this week.

Larrikinism.

Burra’s hoodlums have recently used a diamond to cut across a ‘YES’ placard on Drew & Crewes’ window. Damage was £15.

Other acts include urinating on shop fronts. Respected citizens are continually being insulted. The Mayor has spoken to M-C North about it. Cr Killicoat said there was little of it in Aberdeen. Council decided to appoint two special constables for the holidays.

The overseer reported the recently repaired stone wall at Victoria Park had been broken down again.

Burra Cheer-up Society. On Tuesday 11 November the Band was at the station to welcome Capt. R. Baynes home. On Monday 17 November there was a welcome home social for Capt. Baynes, L-Cpl Drew & Pte Oakley (the last named was not present).

A photo of Pte Phil Byles has been received.

John G. Sara writes invoking Biblical texts via John Ruskin to urge a ‘YES’ vote at the referendum.

XXXIX, 51, 19 Dec. 1917, page 4

Burra Cheer-up Society has received photos of Trooper G. burns and Rifleman Bob Burns.

XXXIX, 52, 26 Dec. 1917, page 2

Advt. Wirth Brothers Circus is coming by Two Special Trains. In Aberdeen Thursday 3 January.

One night only, next to F. Pearce’s shop.

Obituary. Wilhelmine Maria Hentschke died in the Jamestown Hospital 29 November aged 60 [residence Burra.]. She was the wife of Johan Christian Hentschke of Aberdeen. She leaves a husband, four children and 16 grandchildren. [Born Wilhelmina Maria Elizabeth Behrens.]

Obituary. Mrs Laidlaw died at Renmark on 17 December aged 75. She was the mother of Mr Robert Laidlaw of Mt Bryan and of Mr James Laidlaw of Rockhampton. [Jane Armstrong Laidlaw.]

Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ Band presented I.J. Warnes with a large framed photo of the Band taken on a recent visit to Adelaide.

Civil Court [Supreme Court SA]

After almost a month’s litigation the case of the land dispute between R.J.M. McBride of Burra and his daughter Mrs Caroline Sandland for possession of Flagstaff was settled on Saturday morning. His Honour gave a verdict in favour of the defendant. He judged the original agreement of 22 August 1895 valid and the defendant had the right to purchase the land after the plaintiff’s death for £4,167, the cost price. In the meantime she was entitled to retain possession on paying the rent of £208-7-0. The plaintiff to pay costs.

[But note: XXXX, 24, 19 June 1918, page 2. Robert James McBride has just won his case against his daughter, Mrs Caroline Sandland, on appeal to the Full High Court in Melbourne. This overturns the order of Mr Justice Buchanan in the SA Supreme Court previously given in favour of the daughter.]

Miss E. Cave again organised the Christmas tree for patients at the Burra Hospital. The Ladies’ Band also attended the event last Saturday.

The WEA will attempt to establish more classes in 1918. In 1917 classes were established at Petersburg and Gawler.

Mr Leo Rice, who has been with the Electoral Dept. in Burra for some months has enlisted and been accepted. He left Burra on Christmas morning. He was born in Burra and lived here till three years old.

Sgt David Killicoat has been promoted to Lieutenant. He left Australia 20 October 1914 with the 3rd Light Horse.

Obituary. Frank Kelly was killed in action at Beersheba on 31 October.

Further details of his death are sent by Trooper George Sheerlock and Trooper Will Wade.

Obituary. Lt Norman McBride writes with details of the death of his cousin Lt M.R. Sandland.

Lance Tiver has been slightly wounded.

Obituary. Stan Lihou writes with details of ‘King’ Tiver’s death.

Cpl Din Kelly has been promoted to Sergeant.

Burra Cheer-up Society. On Thursday the Ladies’ Band was at the station to welcome Sgt Major W. Ford and Cpl Przibilla.

Miss Joan McLaren has won a John Cresswell Scholarship for five years free course at Adelaide University for a Diploma in Commerce.

Qualifying Certificates. A list of Burra School students is printed.

Melva Burns Elsie Carpenter Ivy Gebhardt

Jack Greenwood John Finch Jack Herbert

Robert Taylor Gilbert Gillett Eddie Moore

Edward Morgan Alwin Pearce Freda Kemble

James Seal Horace Kuchenmeister Murray Oppermann

Rexville Truscott Winifred Bowen Grace Williams

Ellen West Eileen Jordan Amy Lord

Dorothy Davey Ruth Fegan Elizabeth Woollacott

Louise Carey

Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday the 2nd match for J.A. Riggs’ Trophy was fired and the best shots were A.L. Kellock 98, J.E. Pearce 88 & R.O. Robinson 75. Mr Robinson won the trophy on aggregate with 155.

XXXIX, 52, 26 Dec. 1917, page 3

Burra Hospital Enquiry.

Mr Morris, Inspector General of Hospitals gave some purely formal evidence.

Mr E.J. Davey (Town Clerk) gave evidence as representative of the Foresters’ Lodge. He thought the enquiry was more to do with the Hospital Board and Dr Ashton. Two Lodge patients required operations for appendicitis, but owing to the disagreement Dr Ashton refused to act and one was sent to Adelaide and the other to Jamestown. He had refused to treat any Lodge patients in the hospital. Many other cases had been sent away and he thought it a disgrace and a position to be altered at any cost to the Board.

There was some legalistic sort of quibbling from the Board about what the Lodge’s complaint was and what Mr Davey expected of the Hospital and what area the patients should be admitted from.

Dr Smith elicited information that the Local Board of Health agreement with the Board concerning the payment for infectious cases had not been signed due to laxness on both sides and that the Government subsidy had in part been used to pay for cases for which the Local Board of Health should have been responsible.

Frank Treloar had been hospital secretary for c. 17 years. He produced figures to show average daily occupancy of patients in his early years had been 28, 30, 29. It then fell to c. 20 until 1916 when it was 15. In the months so far for 1917 they figures were: 9, 10, 10, 13, 14, 12, 10, 9, 6, 6, 7. The Hospital had 35 beds plus private rooms. (The latter at 10/- a day and the ward beds at 5/- a day.)

District Councils subscribed £5-5-0 each, but of recent times the Town Council had not.

Dr Smith wondered why Board Members did not recommend patients.

Mr Treloar said it was allowed under Rule 18, but the Medical Officers objected when it was tried.

There was no agreement with the Lodges over patients. Such patients’ payment was decided on their ability to do so. He believed the cause of the trouble was the Medical Officers’ refusal to attend Board meetings. Dr Williams had done so recently.

Dr Williams said he came to Burra on 2 October 1915 as locum tenens for Dr Steele. He did not think there was any seniority as to the Medical Officers at the Hospital. He had treated Lodge patients at the Hospital, sending them in without enquiring as to payment. At present staff were sufficient and he had no complaint about the attendance given. Dr Ashton had assisted at operations, but not recently and about two months before had refused to administer an anaesthetic. On another occasion he had refused to have a consultation, as it would have been Dr Williams’s orders that were carried out. Doctors reserved the right to charge patients, except Lodge patients, apart from Hospital fees. He attended some Board meetings and did not think it unreasonable and had no complaints about the Board. He had no similar experiences elsewhere. In Victor Harbor Lodge Patients were looked after at home: facilities for them in Burra were much greater. In country hospital with only one doctor the Matron or someone else administers the anaesthetic.

W.G. Hawkes said he had been a member of the Board for 20 years until January 1917, when he did not accept reappointment. Of recent years the Board had not worked amicably. He cited the Sister Mosey incident and Mr Bartholomaeus telling Dr Steele to ‘mind his own business’. Mr Hawkes thought that improper and said so at the next meeting. When it was proposed to allow Board members only to admit patients the doctors continued on the old way and he felt members could not have the responsibility. He then repeated his motion where Dr Ashton was said to have been unfair to a nurse. He was not then present, but considered such a motion to make good working conditions impossible and it could have been handled in a different way. But above all it was the demeanour of the Board that had created distrust between doctors and the Board. Had he been on the Board he would have opposed the dismissal of Dr Ashton.

Mr Mitchell asked if the Board was offensive in renouncing their right to admit patients – practically a rule in all hospitals. He asked if it had occurred to Mr Hawkes that the doctors might have intended to injure the Board.

Mr Hawkes thought Dr Ashton had been goaded, but he could not defend him entirely.

Mr Mitchell then asked a question containing a double negative re the offensive motion: apparently suggesting the matter should have been raised on Dr Ashton’s return and reappointment.

When Mr Mitchell was looking for support for the antagonism in the minutes Mr Hawkes said it was not there.

Dr Smith asked if the Board was really out of line in refusing Nurse Mosey’s request and Mr Hawkes conceded that they had a right to decide. When Dr Smith tried to elicit who would benefit by her studies Hawkes equivocated.

Dr Smith: ‘If an employer [sic] refused to do his duty until you withdrew insulting words, what would you do?

I would dismiss him but I would not put him on again.’

[The context needs ‘employee’ rather than ‘employer’.]

Asked if the Hospital could continue with one doctor Mr Hawkes was sure it could not.

Dr Smith pointed out to George Hann that if you went to a public hospital you could not expect to choose your own doctor unless you paid 10/- for private accommodation and then if your own doctor doesn’t attend it is his fault.

Mr Treloar was recalled and said he had notified Dr Ashton of his appointment as an honorary Surgeon with the same status as at the Adelaide Hospital – Dr Ashton had not accepted the position.

Sister Mildred, Matron since March 1917 and previously charge sister since November 1915 (except for 6 months sick leave) said she had no complaints about Dr Williams or the Board and was not aware Dr Ashton had made any complaints about her to the Board. On one occasion he wanted to operate at 11 a.m. and she had said it was very inconvenient, as they were short handed and she requested any time after 6 a.m. or 4 p.m., so she might have the aid of the night nurses. He had said ‘Be damned to you, it is none of your business, you want to manage my business. If you don’t do as I say, I will report you to the Inspector-General of Hospitals.’

The doctor’s desired arrangement was a practical impossibility. The charge nurse was away on examination, there was only one junior nurse, a probationer, on day duty, the ward could not be left and the witness required help in the theatre. The operation was postponed.

Dr Ashton’s preferred time for operations was to start about 8 p.m., which meant the nurses who had worked all day were up till 1 and 2 a.m., as there was no one to relieve them. So far as the matron could judge some of the operations were not urgent. Some cases had been in the hospital a fortnight and other arrangements could easily have been made. She had reported the matter concerning the patient whose case had initiated the trouble to the Board.

One day Dr Ashton came to the hospital at 11.40 and asked a nurse if she had the patient in the theatre at 11 a.m. The nurse said she knew nothing about it. Dr Ashton asked the Matron if she had not received an order from the night nurse to prepare the patient. She had not. He said he had instructed Nurse Fuss to do so for 11 o’clock. Nurse Fuss subsequently said she had received no such orders. Dr Ashton told the witness the staff was not sufficient and Matron said by the Board’s orders she had tried to get help and could not. Dr Ashton said that was not his affair whether the staff was sufficient or not, if anything happened he would refuse to give a death certificate and would report the matter to the coroner.

It would be an advantage to hospital administration if all orders for operations were given to me. There were not always consultations before operations. In most hospitals certain days and hours are recognised for operations: in Burra the hour was determined by the operator’s convenience except in emergencies, and not by the necessity of the patient, or the convenience of the staff. It would be easier if there were a recognised rule and the lack of such caused all the friction so far as I am concerned. The doctors used to make it a point to visit daily at meal hours. She asked the doctor not to go into the ward at meal times and the reply was ‘it suited him and he would do so’.

Mr A.J. McBride, Chairman of the Board, submitted the minutes and other documents and said he believed the trouble was largely due to the Board’s desire to control admissions. Mr Hawkes was the first to object to their having sole control and the regulation fell into disuse. As far as memory served the alleged discourtesy to Dr Steele occurred 12-18 months after the Nurse Mosey case. In the context of the occasion Mr Warnes had appealed to the Chairman re the doctor’s power to intervene and the Chairman had said to the doctor ‘You mind your own business.’ But it had been neither intended nor taken as an insult.

Dr Ashton had been given the reason ‘disregarding instructions’ as the reason for his dismissal.

He was appointed Honorary Surgeon because a father of a boy patient wanted him to operate on the boy. Dr Ashton still had the power of sending anyone to the hospital. He had not acknowledged the letter appointing him Honorary Surgeon.

In operations he thought the interests of patients and staff should be considered before the convenience of the operator. The causes of the trouble were: the hours of operating, the method of giving instructions, the refusal to attend Board meetings and the method of admitting patients. Many patients treated as ‘poor’ by the hospital and not made to pay, had been charged by the doctors. A man named Honeychurch, a poor farmer of Baldina, was charge 25/- per week for 11 weeks’ nursing medicine etc. (£25-5-0) and Dr Ashton charged him £34 for the operation. Under the rules as Dr Ashton was a paid officer he thought the hospital could have charged the patient a fair thing for the operation, but that was not contemplated.

[Two other examples of Dr Ashton’s charging poor patients are cited.]

Dr Smith queried whether Dr Ashton could legally claim such fees when he was an employee of the hospital. Mr McBride thought he could not.

Matron Mildred was recalled and further questioned re the 11 a.m. operation called when staff were unavailable. It was postponed for about two days. ‘I did not go into the theatre because of friction between myself and Dr Ashton’. She was questioned on appendix cases and the need to disinfect the theatre after septic appendix cases.

Mr Mitchell found the evidence amazing: ‘it looked as though the doctor wanted to operate on another patient before the theatre had been disinfected after a septic case.’

Mr Crewes. Dr Smith asked Mr Crewes: ‘You think that the doctor should have the power to do as he likes in regard to hours, upset the meal times of the nurses and the arrangements of the hospital generally?’ Crewes said: Yes for cases of urgency.

Mr Crewes considered his position of Mayor and member of the Board produced a conflict of interest and he wished to say as little as possible. He did consider that in the case of Dr Ashton alleging he could not get his orders carried out no finality could be arrived at in the enquiry because Dr Ashton refused to attend any meeting.

‘In my opinion he was very foolish not to attend.’

Dr Smith asked that if all the trouble results from Dr Ashton’s foolishness what should be done.

Mr Crewes was not passing judgement, but if the Board had lost the confidence of the people it should resign.

Dr Smith asked: On the other hand if a paid employee of a Board refuses to do his duty, whose duty is it to resign?

Crewes: There is only one thing to do, pass him out.

Dr Smith: Did you satisfy yourself that Dr Ashton had refused to carry out the written instructions of the Board?

Crewes: I felt the time was inopportune for dismissal and fought unsuccessfully for deferral until another letter had been written asking him to attend.

Mr Mitchell: Several letters had been written by the Board and Dr Ashton had been interviewed and he would not do as requested. How long do you think the patience of an employer should hang out?

Dr Smith: Do you know that the ex-officio appointment of the Mayor of Burra as a member of the Board is illegal under the Act?

Mr Crewes: No.

Nurse Fuss said she was temporarily acting as night nurse on the occasion when Dr Ashton alleged he had given orders for a patient to be prepared for an operation at 11 a.m. Dr Ashton had given her no such order.

Mr I.J. Warnes said he had brought the account sent by Dr Ashton to Miss Store to the notice of the Board. It had been said he obtained the lawyer’s letter demanding payment by unfair means. It had been handed to him by another member whom he understood to have got it by fair means.

Subsequent statements by Dr Ashton had shed a different light upon the case.

The enquiry was adjourned.

Pte W. Clarke of Mt Bryan East writes from France.

XXXIX, 52, 26 Dec. 1917, page 4

Burra Hospital Board, 13 December.

Nurse Hermann was allowed to withdraw her resignation.

Problems of floodwaters around the hospital are to be handled by the house committee.

The price of electric light installation was received from Messrs Parsons & Robertson Ltd.

Consideration was held over.

Burra Town Council, 17 December.

The Local Government Dept. has forwarded a grant of £350. [Apparently representing a reduced amount for main roads.]

An appeal for a full grant is to be made, as otherwise roads will deteriorate.

The rates were fixed as for 1917.

Cr Radford reported that boys were pulling down a portion of the just repaired wall at Victoria Park.

Local Board of Health.

Mrs Young was granted a licence for £2-2-0 for a private hospital and maternity home – but she would have to make special proper isolation provision if accepting infectious cases.

Characteristics of the 1917 paper.

Page 1.

Large advertisements: mostly local.

Page 2.

A few larger advertisements in columns 1-2, then notices, small advertisements, classifieds and the beginning of news. Rarely any editorial.

Page 3.

The news continues with a few larger local advertisements.

War news, mainly about ‘Our Boys’ and patriotic efforts at home dominate the paper.

The Town & District Roll of Honour is printed most weeks.

Page 4.

A mixture of smaller advertisements for local businesses, patent medicines etc.

Several columns of news and articles. The latter are of a more general, as opposed to local, interest. Often they relate to patriotic matters, the recruiting drive and pro-conscription propaganda.

Letters from the front or from those on leave or in hospital were common on pages 3 and 4.

This year there was little sporting activity to report for obvious reasons, and not much reporting of the little that did take place. Patriotic activities dominated all else.

Paper was hard to get and there were few supplements as a result.

Paper quality was not good, but better than might be expected and the paper itself is not as brittle as the literary supplement for 1916. Only two of the literary supplements for 1917 are preserved in the hard copy.

Numbering of issues in 1917

There appeared to be another attempt to get the numbering of volumes and issues on a more rational basis with a new volume and new series for the issues at the start of 1917.

The year began with Volume XXXIX Number 1 on 3 January 1917.

And continued to Volume XXXIX Number 52 on 26 December 1917.

XXXX, 1, 9 Jan. 1918

Advertisements

Page 1

Walker & Sons Travelware

W.J.C. Ewins Draper, Clothier & Outfitter, Commercial St

C. J. Pearce & Son Agent for W. Darby & Son Memorials.

[Vivian Lewis Ltd Saxon & Pulman Cars, Adelaide]

Glenister & Sams Burra Motor Garage, Commercial St

Agents for Ford & Dodge & Delco-Light Electric Lighting

Ernest F. Marston Printing

Eyes & Crowle Ltd Motor & Electrical Engineers

Agents for Buick & Leading European Cars

W.T. Truscott Butcher & Small Goods Dealer, Market Square

R.D. Pascoe Hairdresser & Fancy Goods, ‘The Emporium’, Kooringa

George Lord Burra Hotel

Mrs Emilie Clark Commercial Hotel

Fred M. Pearce (Late G. Bartholomaeus) Carpenter, Builder & Ironmonger, Aberdeen

S. Burns Horses Carefully Shod, Commercial St

N.J. Tiddy Draper & Clothier, Aberdeen

Page 2

Drew & Crewes Pty Ltd Universal Providers

Smith & Wilson The Royal Standard Aerated Waters & Cordial Factory, next to the Savings Bank, Commercial St

Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd Auctioneers

Harry Roach & Son Wheat Agents, Burra Station

H. Wilson Agent for F.A. Cleveland & Sons, Monumental Masons of Adelaide

John Harry Windmills & Pumps, Thames St

Page 3

Sara & Co. General Merchants, Aberdeen

Edwin J. Harris General Merchant, The Corner Store, Kooringa

Page 4

G. Lawn & Co Wholesale Butchers, Kooringa

Mrs F. Gray Maternity Home, St Dye St, Redruth

Nurse M.A.L. Woollacott Maternity Home, Redruth

E.A. Mummery Dentist, Pearce’s Building, every Friday

Luke Day Grocer, Fruiterer & General Dealer

D. Jones Painter & Decorator, The Mine Bridge, Kooringa

Bright & Bright Solicitors, Dalgety’s Building

C.J. Pearce & Son Furniture Showrooms

W.E. Hodge Land, Estate & General Agent, Commercial St

M. Maughan Dentist, Monthly at Lord’s Hotel [Burra Hotel]

S.M. Lane Saddler & Ironmonger, Kooringa

R.H. Crump Well Boring, Phone 58, Kooringa

Max Morton The Kooringa Forge, Thames St

John Pearce Carpenter, Builder & Contractor, Corner of Thames & Bridge Sts

XXXX, 1, 9 Jan. 1918, page 2

Obituary. Pte George Williams, son of Mr & Mrs D.E. Williams of Ironmine died of wounds in France 21 November 1917. [George Albert Williams born 18 March 1891 Ironmine.]

Obituary. James Seal, husband of Annie Seal aged 53 died at North Adelaide 17 December 1917 aged 53, leaving three sons and two daughters. [James Seal born 8 May 1864 Tamboreen Gully.]

Obituary. Mrs Steward McWaters died at her residence ‘Myola’, Leighton on 3 January. She was born in Tasmania 8 March 1840 and arrived in SA with her parents, Mr & Mrs Knevitt in 1845. Miss E. Knevitt married Mr S. McWaters at Penwortham in 1859 and lived at Burra, then Mintaro and Kadina before settling at Leighton in 1865. Mr McWaters died some years ago. Four sons and three daughters survive: Messrs W. (Petersburg), James (Pinnaroo), Albert (Leighton), Alfred (Mt Bryan), Mesdames Edson (Pt Victoria), A. Hill (Petersburg), & Miss L. McWaters (Leighton). There are 11 grandchildren, two on active service: Staff-Nurse Lily McWaters (Salonika) & Alick McWaters.

[Born Eliza Knevitt.]

Birth. To Mr & Mrs A.C. Heinrich of Emu Downs on 3 January at Nurse Woollacott’s a son, Lawrence Albert.

Birth. To Mr & Mrs J. Dunning of Hampton on 23 December 1917 at Nurse Woollacott’s a daughter, Mabel Jean.

John McLaren headed the list of prize winners at the Kapunda School 50 years ago. His youngest daughter Jean headed the list of prize winners at Burra High School.

The Christmas Holidays passed quietly with picnics at World’s End, especially on New Year’s Day. Redruth Methodist Sunday School had their annual picnic at Sod Hut on 29 December.

In town hoodlums removed shutters from shops and several were later found in the Burra Creek.

Leighton Fete. Money raised at the recent fete will be distributed: £60 to the Army Nurses Fund, £60 to the Navy Sailors Fund & £7-7-0 to Trench Coffee Stalls.

Mr Dunstan, a former Mayor, is on a visit to Burra and attended the Council meeting on Monday evening as a spectator.

W.B. Propsting, a former assistant at Burra Model School, has recently been knighted. On leaving the Education Department he studied law, went to Tasmania and entered politics. He later became Premier and Attorney-General. Lady Propsting is a daughter of the late Sir Jenkin & Lady Coles of Kapunda. [William Propsting was in Burra in 1879 and was a member of the committee that wrote the constitution of the Burra Mutual Improvement Assoc. in that year. See Burra Record I. 36. 7 March 1879 Page 2. He was only fairly briefly Premier of Tasmania from April 1903 to July 1904.]

Pte G.R. Thomas of Mt Bryan has been wounded in the leg and is a prisoner of war. He writes from Soltan in Germany that he is getting on well.

Arthur Lihou, brother of Mrs J. Allen of Kooringa, writes from a POW camp in Germany. He was taken prisoner 2 April 1917. Frank West is in the same camp, having been captured in July.

L-Cpl Les Harris writes of gassing experiences at the front.

Signaller W. Davey is reported gassed.

Pte P.N. Collins, of the Flying Corps, has been transferred from England to Cairo.

Pte H.L. Riggs has been awarded the Military Medal.

Obituary. Lieut. Norman Harold McBride, eldest son of Mr & Mrs T. McBride of Redcliffe Station and grandson of Mr J.M. McBride of Kooringa was killed in action in Palestine 11 December 1917. He was born at Broken Hill 15 February 1894 and educated at Glenelg Grammar School, winning a number of first prizes. He then worked on Redcliffe Station. He was a member of the 23rd Light Horse, Burra and received his commission in August 1915 and enlisted for service with the 3rd Light Horse. He was popular, brave and fearless. Trooper Reuben McBride, his brother, is also in the 3rd Light Horse.

Obituary. Pte George Albert Williams of the 32nd Battalion died on 21 November of wounds received in action 29 September 1917. He was the second son of Mr & Mrs D.E. Williams of Ironmine and was aged 26. He was educated at Leighton School and then went onto the farm with his father. He enlisted 16 August 1916, but deferred on account of rheumatism, enlisting again 5 October 1916 and reached England in February 1917. He went to France in July 1917. After being wounded he was unconscious for 16 days, but then wrote home that he was getting on fine and was out of danger. He was a member of the Ironmine Methodist Church and the Aberdeen Football Club, the Ironmine Tennis Club & the Leighton Rifle Club. Two other brothers are on active service, Pte F.C. Williams & C.J. Williams. Another brother, Pte E.S. Williams has returned and a younger brother is at home. There is one sister. His widow lives in Norwood. [Born 18 March 1891 Ironmine.]

Burra Town Council

Mr Mulconray offers to rent the dead end of Linkson St for 5/- p.a. North Ward Councillors to report.

Condolences to Mr & Mrs Thomas McBride on the death of Lieut. McBride.

Following 6 o’clock closing the assessments for the hotels had been reduced 10%. Notice of Appeal has been given and Mr Winnall suggested offering a further 10% as has been done in Adelaide.

Assessments were: Burra £200, Commercial £156 [check], Bon Accord £100. To be left to the Mayor and solicitor to resolve.

Local Board of Health

The agreement between the Hospital Board and the Local Board of Health has been passed to the former for signature.

Cr Killicoat gave notice he would require the Town Clerk to explain his evidence at the Hospital enquiry, claiming the delay to signature was partly the fault of the Burra Board of Health and partly the Burra Hospital’s.

Burra Boy Scouts 3rd annual camp was again held at the Gorge. 25 attended for five days and they ‘had a ripping good time’. Details in 2⁄3 column.

Sister E. Mosey, former matron at Burra Hospital, has been decorated for service. She is the daughter of W. Mosey of Robertstown.

XXXX, 1, 9 Jan. 1918, page 3

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. continues to send off parcels of socks and knee pads. The fund stands at £1,026-1-3.

Burra Sporting & Athletic Club continues to send wallets to returned men & most recently to Pte James of Hanson & Pte Nankivell of Kooringa.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

On Thursday 27 December there was a welcome home social for S-M W. Ford & Cpl Przibilla, but the former could not attend.

Tpr Beaven returned unannounced on Christmas Eve and Pte Nankivell during the holidays when the Ladies’ band was unavailable, for which they were very sorry.

On Wednesday 3 January the Band welcomed Pte Burton on his way through to Mt Bryan.

On 7 January there was a social for L-Cpl Burton, Pte Nankivell & Pte Honan.

Pte Herb. Riggs is congratulated on his MM.

[Burton is presumably H.J.C. (Herb.) Burton and later in the year is again referred to as a L-Cpl.]

Children’s Patriotic Fund at Copperhouse held a bazaar on 21 December, which netted £24 – very good for a school of c. 20 children. £4 will be retained to get frames for photos of former scholars now on active service.

McBride v. Sandland. The judgement over the disputed Flagstaff property is printed.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mr Bert Radford of ‘Canegrass’ A 22 oz tomato that beats A. Fuss’s record of 181⁄2 oz last season

H. Wilson Six onions weighing 51⁄2 lb

XXXX, 1, 9 Jan. 1918, page 4

Pte W.J. Quinn writes of camp in England and of a visit to Ireland.

XXXX, 2, 16 Jan. 1918, page 2

Notice. Burra Cab Fares:

Cab stand to the station or any place on direct route, 6d.

Station to any place off stand in Aberdeen, Grahamtown or to the eastern boundary of Redruth, 6d.

To or from the railway station to any place in Millerton, Reformatory, Roachtown or Kooringa off stand, 1/-.

To Hampton 1/6.

(Prices per passenger in each case.)

Obituary. Eliza McWaters, relict of the late Steward McWaters, died on 3 January at ‘Myola’ Leighton aged 78. [Born Eliza Knevitt 8 March 1840 Muddly Plains Launceston, Tasmania.]

Obituary. David Rogers died on Friday 11 January at Burra Hospital aged 86, grandfather of Mrs Philip Lane of Gawler.

Mr Rogers was for 61 years a member of MUIOOF. He was married twice and both wives predeceased him. His only known relatives in Australia are two granddaughters.

[Born 24 April 1831 Redruth, Cornwall.]

Recent visitors to Burra:

Mr & Mrs Maurice Rabbich from WA.

Mr Ben Harris from Kalgoorlie, son of Mrs Ambrose Harris.

Mr John Dunstan, former Mayor.

Mrs Scanlan, sister of Miss Flo. Snell.

Tpr Reuben McBride is ill with malaria.

Pte A.E. Elliott is returning to Australia.

Pte Andrew Pearce has been discharged.

Cpl Kenneth Drew has been discharged.

Redruth Court, 10 January.

Bridget Smyth of Burra Railway Station Refreshment Rooms was charged with unlawfully selling liquor after hours on 20 January 1917 [Check this date!] After conflicting evidence [of some 3⁄4 column] the information was dismissed and costs allowed of £2-2-0.

15 January.

Edward Wall (151⁄2) & Alfred Jones (12) and Harold Arthur Harrison (14 yr 9 months) were charged with maliciously damaging property at Burra Showgrounds on 13 January to the value of £1. Jones and Harrison were also charged with writing an indecent word on the grandstand, totalizator room & refreshment room.

George Hann, Secretary of the Burra Racing Club reported it. The words were fortunately in whitewash and relatively easily removed.

M-C McCarthy said these three were merely imitating the actions of older lads of whom he was on the track.

Mrs Jones pleaded she was the mother of 14 and this was the first offender and he would promise not to re-offend. She had one son at the front and one had given his life.

Mr Harrison also undertook to closely supervise his son in future – he had been working for his father for six months.

Mr W. Carpenter spoke for Wall whose mother was a widow.

Mr Crewes imposed a fine of £1 each, damages of £1 each plus costs.

On the second charge Harrison & Jones were fined 5/- each plus costs.

They would face the reformatory on default or if they re-offend.

XXXX, 2, 16 Jan. 1918, page 3

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band went to Morgan last Saturday. Provided by I.J. Warnes and organised by G.E. Dane, seven cars left Burra at 9.30 a.m. and reached Morgan about 1 p.m. after a refreshment stop before the town. They marched in to a crowd at the Terminus Hotel where they played selections and had lunch before joining the PS Decoy where they played for the railway men. They were taken past homes inundated by the floodwaters and windmills and trees. They played again and returned to Morgan about 6 p.m. for dinner at the Terminus Hotel. Mr Warnes was thanked with cheers and applause as was Mr Dane for his organisation. Mr Crewes thanked the Gem Navigation Co. for supplying the boat and trip free. [Details in 11⁄3 columns.]

Burra Hospital Board.

It was decided to postpone signing the agreement re infectious patients with the Local Board of Health till the report on the enquiry is in.

The question of the legality of the Mayor’s position was raised, but nothing was resolved.

The subsidy position was serious. £800 of the £1,000 has been spent with five months to go.

Seaside Trip 1918.

Mr Hiscock [sic: Hitchcox], the new headmaster of the public school in place of Mr Mundy, was welcomed at the meeting. The committee had a balance of 11/3. It was resolved to go to Semaphore if possible and failing that to Henley Beach on Saturday 23 February. The train will be asked to pick up at Hanson and Farrell’s Flat. The train will depart Burra at 5 a.m. and Semaphore at 8 p.m.

The Ladies’ band will be invited to attend.

Mr Lawn hoped for better arrangements at the platform in the morning.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mr A. Fuss 6 brown onions 6 lb 12 oz

Mr O.G. Walker 1 white onion 29 oz [1 lb 13 oz]

Mr C.A. Fuss 6 apricots 14 oz

Burra Institute, AGM, Monday.

The year ended in credit £205.

T.W. Wilkinson, treasurer for over 40 years retired. [This was corrected in the next issue to 17 years, since 1901, but he had been elected to the committee in 1875.]

Mr J. Drew retired after 20 years as secretary. [This was also corrected in the next issue to 8 years, having been elected to the committee in 1899.]

Mr McLaren dropped out of the committee after more than 22 years. [Confirmed as 23 years in the next issue.]

Mr Hodge, Vice-President, was not seeking re-election as he now lives too far away. Elected were

President Mr Crewes

Vice-President Rev. S.J. Bloyd

Treasurer C.D. Wilkinson

Secretary E.J. Harris

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

Photos have been received of Pte G. Morgan, Pte E. Morgan & Bert Parker.

Leighton Christmas Tree was given by Mr & Mrs I.J. Warnes at the hall on 17 December. The school report is printed. Patriotic efforts saw the children raise c. £32 in the year. Enrolment was the same as in 1916, with attendance up to an av. 29.7 compared with 1916’s average of 26.8. Frank Heinrich scored best at the terminal examinations. The prize list is printed.

[The whole report runs to 1 column.]

XXXX, 3, 23 Jan. 1918, page 2

Advt. Sergeant Barrett’s New Gallipoli Comedy Co. Camp Fire Concert, Burra Institute 31 January.

Concludes with a Screaming Revue. Dance to follow.

Burra Institute Committee

T.W. Wilkinson who retired recently was elected a member of committee in 1875 and has been treasurer for the 17 years since 1901 inclusive. Mr Drew joined the committee in 1899 and has been Hon. Sec. for eight years since then. Mr McLaren was a member of the committee since 1895 (23 years).

Navy Day 1917. The Secretary of the Navy League (Adelaide) writes to say that the Burra Effort topped the country districts. Money raised will aid widows and dependents.

John McLaren has been appointed a JP.

New Burra School Headmaster is Mr Richard Hitchcox. [Not Hiscock as reported last issue.]

Hampton Court – Redruth Reformatory

Last Saturday invited guests and the Cheer-up Ladies’ band attended the opening of the new tennis court. This has been prepared entirely by the girls and staff in their leisure time. The court is protected by a row of gums. It was declared open by Rev. S.J. Bloyd and his remarks were supported by Rev. D.B. Bridgwood and Rev. A.J. Finch. Miss Bubb thanked them for their remarks. Four of the girls – Misses Lily Robertson, Pretoria O’Brien, Jessie Harvey and Violet Benson, played the first set, which was won by the latter pair 5-2. The second set was played by Rev. A.J. Finch & Miss Trix Pearce v. Norman Pearce & Miss Delcie McWaters and was won by the first pair 6-2. Miss Gert Pearce & Pretoria O’Brien then defeated Miss Gert Williams & Violet Benson 6-3. Hampton Court had been the Band’s first performance when the croquet lawn was opened 10 March 1916 and Miss Bubb thanked them for their return. Mr J. Bentley responded.

Redruth Court, 16 January.

William Hedley McWaters, Inspector of Vermin, Burra DC v. R.M. & E.W. Hawker for failing to destroy rabbits at Baldina. He gave evidence about rabbits on the property.

Ernest Hugo Hammerling whose land is across the road also gave evidence of high rabbit numbers (on sections 63 & 64).

Carl H. Mann who had a crop on section 95 also complained of damage from Hawker’s land – though rather oddly he also said – ‘Don’t think I would have got more had there been no rabbits.’

Peter B. Armstrong, manager of Baldina Downs, said trapping had been undertaken and rabbits were thick on the stock road. The problem was that trappers were virtually impossible to get and poison carts were unobtainable in SA.

Henry Hemp was employed to keep rabbits down and supplied the number of skins etc. Fine of £2-10-0 plus costs with a stay of proceedings to allow an appeal.

XXXX, 3, 23 Jan. 1918, page 3

Fire.

On Monday a large grass fire started on A.G. Gebhardt’s property at Mt Bryan in the paddock known as Develaing’s to the east of the railway on part of Boolcunda Station. The origin is unknown. Help soon rushed to the site and fighters were helped by the lack of wind. The fire ran through both A.G. & L.W. Gebhardt’s and into Mt Cone – O.R. Robinson’s and thence towards James Reed’s Wandillah. 500 acres of this was burnt to check the oncoming flames. After midday the wind rose, but by 4 p.m. the fire fighters had it contained to the edges of a creek when a whirlwind spread it to another 4,000 acres of splendid feed. Control was established about 8 p.m. It was about 6 miles east of Burra and every available man had gone. Miss Clarice Reed worked tirelessly on horseback moving sheep from the line of fire and wasn’t out of the saddle till 10 p.m. except to change horses. A.G. Gebhardt has lost almost all feed on the run and with W.L. Gebhardt has seen about 6,500 acres of feed burnt. Mr R.O. Robinson’s [sic] Mt Cone loss is c. 800 acres and Mr R.M. Hawker’s c. 50 & James Reed c. 1,000. It is believed not more than 12 sheep were lost and the fire moved too rapidly to burn fences.

Fire. On Saturday a small fire burnt c. 30 acres near the Booborowie Homestead.

Tpr W. Cock is returning to Australia.

Stan Ockenden & Arthur Ockenden are both in hospital: the latter shell-shocked.

Courtney Pearce is also back in hospital.

Pte C.C. Stewart was in a recent exchange of POWs.

Surgeon Captain D.M. Steele has won a bar to his MC.

Pte Albert William Gallagher & Pte [Percy] Treloar are both officially missing in action 11 April 1917 and presumed dead. [Both later reported k.i.a.]

Obituary. Pte [H.H. (Harry)] Turner died 16 April 1917 while a POW.

[Henry Hosking Turner born 29 August 1893.]

Burra Town Council, Monday.

Miss cave complained of lack of water. It was very poor in the morning and entirely lacking after 8 p.m. till late at night.

Cr McWaters said there were widespread complaints. The attention of the Hydraulic Engineer will be drawn to the situation.

There was a discussion with T.P. Halls on cab fares.

Matron Bubb objected to paying Mr Halls 11/6 ‘for taking an officer and little girl to and the officer back to the station’. [Check this quote, as it seems not to make sense.] Consideration deferred.

Hotels have accepted the further 10% cut in their assessment.

Burra Rifle Club. Best results on Saturday: R.O. Robinson 98 & A.L. Kellock 95.

Burra Horticulture. Present features:

John Barker of Baldina 6 apricots 161⁄2 oz

Os. Walker 6 onions 8 lb 51⁄2 oz

Best exhibits so far:

E. Truscott 28 lb cabbage

Bert Radford 22 oz tomato

O.G. Walker 29 oz onion

XXXX, 3, 23 Jan. 1918, page 4

Redruth Court.

Hedley McWaters v. J.C. Killicoat for failure to destroy rabbits on sections 140 & 155 Hundred of Kooringa.

William J. McBride complained of the rabbits there.

Harold A. Allen gave evidence of being employed as a trapper from April to Christmas.

J.C. Killicoat gave evidence of his efforts to poison rabbits and his employment of Allen.

Case dismissed without costs.

Burra Institute Annual Report.

Changes in the year saw Mr Harcus depart as Vice-President, having been moved to Broken Hill. He joined the committee in 1905. W.E. Hodge replaced him and Rev. Bloyd joined the committee. Free use of the hall for patriotic use was the equivalent of a £23-14-6 donation.

The library now had 4,772 books.

Membership: 1916 double 25 single 148 total 173

1917 double 22 single 202 total 224

This was mainly due to the Choral and Orchestral Classes memberships.

Commercial classes continued another year, but membership is disappointing with 16-12 in the different quarters.

An architect will report on enlarging the hall in the New Year.

XXXX, 4, 30 Jan. 1918, page 2

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held its picnic at Sod Hut last Monday. I.J. Warnes lent a motor lorry and trailers and with two hired lorries the group went to Sod Hut, lent by Mrs J.C. Sandland of ‘Koonawarra’. Rain came towards the end, but town was reached before the travellers got very wet.

Recruiting. An article of 2⁄3 column reveals that in seven days to 19 January SA got just 10 recruits from 24 country volunteers and 16 from 41 city volunteers.

Tpr W. Cock has reached WA.

XXXX, 4, 30 Jan. 1918, page 3

Dr Ashton’s response to the Board of Enquiry runs to almost three columns.

He blames the ‘new element’ on the Board for the trouble and brands the Enquiry a whitewash of the Board. To say he is the cause is to confuse cause and effect. He draws attention to the way hospital finances improved after he arrived towards the end of 1910.

Income from subscriptions and free gifts 1909 £371

£242

£376

£660

£645

£726

£388

(In 1915 an accounting change meant this figure was for six months only.)

£702

Dr Ashton was excluded from 5 August 1917 and the present unsatisfactory state of finances hardly indicates the brilliance of the ‘new element’.

Dr Ashton gave no evidence to the enquiry because on the day the Premier heard the Board’s side of the story he was served with a writ and so he declined to attend.

Ashton’s response to allegation (a) is confused, or at least confusing.

To allegation (b) he says he personally heard the offensive remark to Dr Steele who expressed his disgust.

Of allegation (c) re written instructions to staff he says the findings are irrelevant and merely camouflage hostility and discrimination to Dr Ashton.

On allegation (d), that the Hospital Board refused to admit cases, the finding flies in the face of facts and is inconsistent. In the time of the Riese case there were 30 patients, some delirious, and five nurses and there was a refusal to get more staff. In the later situation with only 11 cases and those chronic and convalescent, admission to all but emergency cases was denied. The hospital contains 35 beds.

With respect to the allegation (e) concerning the hours of operations, Ashton essentially denied the allegation and claimed operations were at reasonable hours.

Allegation (f) was covered under (c).

Allegation (g), that he requested an operation before the theatre was fumigated, was a fabrication.

As for allegation (h) alleging personal animosity, that is clear from his being excluded from the hospital and then offered Honorary Surgeon’s rights. Honorary Surgeons are not allowed to charge fees.

In allegation (i) the Board disregarded long established custom at the hospital allowing private fees to be charged: a custom followed by the other practitioner and acknowledged by the Inspector-General.

Allegation (j) accused Ashton of overcharging Miss Stone & Mr Honeychurch. Ashton includes a letter from Mr P. Honeychurch disclaiming any complaint about charges and similarly from E.J. Villis and another disclaimer to which no name is attached, but the sum involved suggests Miss Stone.

Allegation (l) suggested he left the hospital without a medical man to conduct operations, but the resolution of the Hospital Board reported in the Record of 17 October 1917 refutes the finding.

With respect to allegation (o): if there was no need for patients to go elsewhere why have patients other than Ashton’s chosen to do so?

As for the allegation concerning the instruction to Nurse Fuss – Ashton says he has a witness who heard him give the intimation first over the phone to the probationer and later on, the order to the nurse.

‘I certainly hold the view “that the Hospital should exist for the convenience of all sorts of sick people” and fail to see why I should be censured for maintaining that view against recent innovation.’

Essentially Ashton shows that he held the view that he had been victimised and singled out unfairly and treated very unprofessionally.

State Elections

The Burra Members, Hon. L. O’Loughlin & Messrs Miller & Pick MPs have announced they will be standing at the election as Liberal candidates, but the local branch has not voted on candidates yet and still intends to do so.

XXXX, 4, 30 Jan. 1918, Supplement

Burra Hospital Board of Enquiry.

[As explained in Dr Ashton’s letter, the enquiry reached its conclusions without hearing from him.]

[The conclusions of the Board were very strongly against Dr Ashton, but it also found that the Hospital Board was at fault in allowing the situation to develop and in not acting firmly early. Practices that had developed over many years were inappropriate and the Board should have known that and acted. A thorough revision of hospital rules was required.]

Findings on allegations against the Hospital Board

The Board was justified in passing a resolution on 15 August 1915 declaring Dr Ashton’s accusation of neglect by nursing staff in the Riese case unfair.

The Board was justified in not granting leave of absence to Nurse Mosey, as the course she wished to take could be of no benefit to the hospital. The insult alleged to have been made to Dr Steele was in circumstances now unclear and if it occurred does not seem intentional and did not appear to make him specially aggrieved.

Under the circumstances of the time the Board was justified in asking Dr Ashton for written instructions, if that was taken to apply to orders concerning operations. [Though the enquiry admitted that the definition of ‘instructions’ was not clear.]

Concerning advising Dr Ashton on 16 June 1917 that only emergencies were to be admitted, that was also justified in the circumstances.

In supporting the desire of the hospital matron to have hours for operations fixed, the Board was not unreasonable.

The resolution of 5 July 1917 terminating Dr Ashton’s appointment as a medical officer ‘was proper in the circumstances’.

There was no evidence that a nurse revised or countermanded a surgeon’s instructions about an operation. [They added that to have carried out the operation at the time requested would have been unsafe.]

There is no evidence of personal animosity to Dr Ashton, or of a desire to strip him of remuneration.

The Board did not find ‘in the constitution of the hospital or in any agreement with the medical officer of the hospital that Dr Ashton possessed any right to charge for operations on his own patients at the hospital, such patients paying the ordinary hospital charges’.

[While this finding is no doubt true in a legalistic sense, this finding would certainly appear to fly in the face of long established custom and certainly it was not only Dr Ashton who was involved. Dr Ashton says in his letter that he was told when he came to the town in 1910, by the Chairman of the Hospital Board ‘doctors could charge private patients fees just as if they were in their own homes.]

The evidence shows that Dr Ashton charged a non-fee paying patient for attendance on her while she was a patient at the hospital.

[The statement by the patient included in Dr Ashton’s letter, while not making things quite clear on this, does raise doubts about this allegation. She says the £17 was ‘for private and hospital attendance together’. She was never told the £17 was for hospital attendance alone. She further says she was never asked to pay the bill after explaining the circumstances.]

There is no evidence of the Board seeking to humiliate medical officers.

Evidence shows the hospital was never left without a medical man to conduct operations.

There is no evidence to show that the appointment of Mr P.A. McBride to the Board was unsuitable. [The objections by some at the time had been on the grounds that he was rather young and that his appointment gave the McBride family too many connections on the Board either by blood or marriage.]

There is no evidence that the Board did anything to discourage subscriptions.

There was no need for patients to be sent out of town for treatment as a result of the way the Board treated Dr Ashton.

The Board was not responsible for people travelling elsewhere for treatment (often in unfit conditions for travel).

There is no evidence the Board charged excessive fees. The Board is not responsible for Dr Ashton’s refusal to work at the hospital.

Meetings of the Board are open to the public.

The Board is not responsible for gathering sufficient patients to satisfy standards set for training probationers.

Findings on allegations made by the Hospital Board

See general conclusions. [Essentially confirming that it is doing its duties.]

[That legitimate uses of the hospital are being abused by medical officers.] See general conclusions.

The assertion that contributions fees and gifts have risen since 1909 is true only if the amount subscribed for equipment is taken into account.

Dr Ashton did refuse to attend Board meetings and Dr Williams attended sometimes and apparently is now regular in his attendance.

The resolution of the Board concerning the complaints about the treatment of the enteric patient Riese was justified and Dr Ashton made no complaint about it for over two years and then it was not a bona fide objection.

See b) above.

Dr Williams is a gentleman of equal standing with Dr Ashton.

Dr Ashton was not considerate to the staff regarding times of operations and visiting hours and was disrespectful to the matron.

Nurse Mosey’s application for leave was dealt with properly.

The hospital has always been available for patients.

There are at least 35 beds available.

The Board has no reason to doubt the evidence of Nurse Fuss that she received no orders for preparations to be made for an operation on a patient named Rogers.

[Nurse Fuss was B.M. Fuss.]

General Conclusions

The Hospital Board and nursing staff have done their duty under difficult circumstances: ‘had it not been for certain actions of Dr Ashton, the circumstances which necessitated the holding of this enquiry could not have arisen.

The trouble has originated and came to a crisis in connection with.

admission of patients

attendance of Medical Officers at Board Meetings

the Board’s desire, conveyed to Dr Ashton re giving orders

hours of Medical Officers’ visits

arrangements regarding operations

The hospital was established as a public hospital for the purpose of

treating the sick poor

emergency cases

cases which for special reasons needed hospital treatment

Sources of income are:

Government Subsidy

voluntary contributions

payments made by patients for maintenance and treatment

Over time all sorts of people were admitted irrespective of social and financial circumstances on the medical practitioners’ orders – Members of Friendly Societies, persons with infectious diseases and well-to-do patients were admitted irrespective of provisions that existed for treatment and expense of such patients under friendly society rules, provisions of the Health Act or individual financial ability. ‘The view of the Medical Officers seems to have been that the hospital existed for the convenience of all sorts of sick people.’

These views led to abuses which became more complicated with the possibility of personal gain on the part of doctors. For instance Dr Ashton was MO for certain friendly societies as well as MO at the hospital and drew pay in each capacity by sending to hospital patients to whom he was obliged to give medical attendance and medicines at their homes. There is also evidence that poor patients in hospital, judged unable to pay, have still been charged for medical attendance by the MO.

About 5 years ago the Board believed Mos were admitting patients improperly and that if Mos admitted patients they were paid to attend at the patient’s home there was a way of transferring cost to the hospital. On 12 December 1912 the Board passed a resolution regarding hospital admissions which worked for some months. Had they found out the actual state of affairs and dealt with it this Board of Enquiry believes there would have been no further trouble.

Some Board members saw this as a want of confidence in the doctors and a personal slight on them and an attempt to lessen their powers. Private matters and personal feelings may have obscured the real issue.

Misunderstandings followed re the Board’s aims and attitude and this seems to have influenced Dr Ashton in the way he carried out or refused to carry out his duties. He refused to attend Board meetings, took exception to a request to place his instructions in writing, he fixed operations times that gave maximum disturbance to hospital routines and made visits commonly at meal times. He was removed from office as MO, on the grounds that he disregarded the Board’s instructions, on 5 July 1917.

Recommendations

Hospital rules should be revised to:

bring them within the terms of the Act of Parliament

regulate the admission of patients

establish a proper routine of hours for ward visits, operations and other necessary matters

Admission of members of friendly societies and those with infectious diseases should be made only under arrangements with the societies and Local Boards of Health respectively.

Only persons unable to pay for attendance should be admitted free of charge – except for emergencies and accidents where the Board should consider each patient’s circumstances.

The duties and responsibilities of the Inspector-General of Hospitals need proper definition.

The Government should consider appointing a medical practitioner as Government MO at the hospital at a reasonable salary with the right of private practice.

S.J. Mitchell, Chairman

W. Ramsay Smith

W.G. Coombs Adelaide 22 January 1918.

XXXX, 5, 6 Feb. 1918, page 2

Advt. Leighton Hall, 11 February. Lecture by Captain R. Baynes The War.

Proceeds to Patriotic Funds.

Advt. Elder Smith & Co. give Preliminary Notice that on Instructions from Thomas Sandland there will be a Genuine Clearing sale at the house ‘Heathmont’ about the end of February.

Also Block 15A & Allotment 53, 150’ x 325’

Mrs R. Berryman, aged 96 in August next, fell and fractured a small bone in her hip a few days ago.

Liberal Union Candidates. Two names only have been submitted for plebiscite: P.M. Dickson of Peterborough & G.F. Jenkin of Whyte-Yarcowie.

It is rumoured the present members intend to run as independents.

[This is the first usage of Peterborough in place of Petersburg that I have noted. It and other changes to German place names seem to have passed without comment.]

J.V. Lord writes from Oakvale Station re the huge fire then raging. He understands the fire extends from near Wentworth right through the north to Buckalow and Netley boundary and from Popalta Station to Oakvale – an area about 70 miles wide by 100 miles long. So far we have kept the fire off Oakvale, but it fronts the whole eastern boundary (about 20 miles long) – in places quite close and in others distant. Wind is the real threat. We have had a fire on the southern boundary 28 miles long, which was held with great difficulty. Postmark Station lost much grass. This fire is now going south towards Morgan vale & part of Pine Valley, but we expect to hold it at the Morgan vale boundary. 13 points of rain last night have checked, but nor extinguished it.

League of Loyal Women. A meeting in the Institute on Tuesday resolved to form a branch. There is a call to assist the Trench Comforts Fund. Mrs W.G. Hawkes of Koonoona was elected President and Miss D.L. Hawkes is the Secretary & Treasurer.

Reg. QMS Bob Cock has been made a Lieutenant.

Cpl Jack Field has been made a sergeant.

Obituary. Pte Victor Wyett, nephew of Mr & Mrs W. Field, has been killed in action.

[Victor Leopold Wyett born 1 September 1889 Thebarton: died 13 October 1917.]

Sydney Field Wyett, brother of Victor, has won the Military Medal.

Mrs Wyett was formerly Alice Field of Burra.

Burra Rifle Club. Best results on Saturday: H.E. Riggs 89 & J. Kellock 82.

XXXX, 5, 6 Feb. 1918, page 3

AOF Roll of Honour was unveiled on Tuesday evening by District Chief Bro. Bushell. The roll is on a copper foundation with brass plates and is mounted on blackwood. The unveiling was followed by a short musical program and then supper. Bro. C. Fuss represented the Aberdeen Lodge [MUIOOF]. Bro. C.J. Pearce represented the two Rechabite Tents and Bro. F. Treloar represented the MUIOOF [Kooringa]. Special mention was made of two Past Chief Rangers, Rule and Will Finch who had made the supreme sacrifice.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. The Girls Club Social on 23 January raised £2-5-0 and the fund total stands at £1,032-18-9.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band attended at the station to welcome QM Sgt W. Cock.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Maurice Collins has sent in from Mallett fine examples of peaches, duchess pears, nectarines, apples, blood-Jap, greengage & Jap plums.

Obituary. George Hill. Letters to Mrs Richard Hill convey details of George Hill’s death.

Burra Town Council, Monday.

Cr Killicoat reported that another pump had been installed at the pumping station and the supply was now better, but still unsatisfactory. He felt the mains needed to be larger: 6” instead of 4”.

The Matron of the Reformatory corrected the information re cab fares recently complained of. There were three passengers including a young child and two of them went back. The overcharge amounted to 5/-.

Mr Hall[s] said the Reformatory management showed him little or no consideration, often not intimating he was required until the last moment, requiring him to gallop. The charge would be less if he were notified earlier.

J.S. Pryor resigned as lamp-lighter, citing insufficient pay (30/- a week). He could not continue for less than £2 a week.

Christie & Gardiner forwarded plans for electric lighting at an estimated cost of £4,800. They considered it would be profitable at 8d per unit for lighting and 4d for power.

Information will be sought on the War Precautions Act and whether it would hinder raising a loan.

The road from Dalgety’s Corner across the Black Bridge is to be tar dressed.

Retarring will be carried out on parts of Chapel St, Queen St, Kangaroo St and near the post office.

The Postmaster General will be written to re the extra charge for posting letters at the station – it is not charged in Victoria.

XXXX, 5, 6 Feb. 1918, page 4

Sapper W.J. Davey writes from hospital in France. He tells of the effects of mustard gas and of the occasion on which he was gassed – in details extending for about 2 columns.

XXXX, 6, 13 Feb. 1918, page 2

Advt. Details are given of Thomas Sandland’s sale at ‘Heathmont’, which included an 8 h.p. Renault Car.

Advt. Details are given of a clearing sale at J.M. McDonald’s at Leighton.

St Mary’s held Thanksgiving Services on 3 February.

John & William Pearce today celebrate the 69th anniversary of their arrival in Burra. They have been here ever since. John is 77 in June and William is 70.

Pte Harry T. Sara has volunteered for the third time and has now been accepted and will soon leave for Egypt.

Lieut. Stanley J. Tiver will soon leave for France.

Mr Montgomery, who lives with his daughter Mrs H. Tralaggan, will be 99 next Friday.

Burra Races were held on Saturday 9 February in good weather. Tote takings were up slightly at £1,097 compared with £1,054 last year. Gate taking were up to average at £76-11-2 and the club is expected to pay its way this year, which is good since the last two meetings were in deficit. The main event, the Burra Handicap over 11⁄4 miles, was won by Mr J. Lewis’s Wee Spec ridden by Florence.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

On Tuesday 5 February there was a welcome home social for QMS W. Cock, Cpl Tolhurst & Trooper D. Thompson, but Cpl Tolhurst had been recalled to Keswick.

Advt. Boz Pearce has taken over the Red Store in Kooringa.

XXXX, 6, 13 Feb. 1918, page 3

Charlie Tiver writes a letter from France.

Burra Jubilee Benevolent Soc., 5 February.

Mr Winnall resigned as Treasurer and Mrs Sandland resigned from the committee, both having been founding members since 1897. In the last year 46 orders for relief have been given, mostly for firewood and small Christmas gift went to 48 aged or sick people. The trustees of the Mackerode Estate handed over £22-10-0, the interest on the amount donated by the late G.A. Gebhardt. Elected:

President: Rev. S.J. Bloyd

Vice-President T.W. Wilkinson

Treasurer E.J. Davey

Hon. Sec. Miss G.M. Williams

The Liberal Union has replied to its previous members taking the initiative and declaring themselves candidates by nominating two new candidates: G.F. Jenkins of Whyte-Yarcowie and S.W. Dickson of Peterborough, for the House of Assembly and Hon. W. Morrow and J.E.H. Winnall for the Northern District of the Legislative Council. For the 3rd House of Assembly seat the Union will support National Party candidate Mr E.J. Pearce of Whyte-Yarcowie.

Jack Stedman is waiting to be sent home.

R.S. Edwards is ill in Cairo with neurasthenia.

W.H. Bell is ill in Egypt after Jerusalem fell on 9 December.

Tpr P.R. Allen writes a letter, apparently from action in Palestine.

Bernard Lowe has lost a foot, but is convalescent.

Tpr Cran Beaven was at Burra Races after returning from Egypt and expects soon to be discharged.

Tpr Herbert Bowman is expected back soon.

Staff-Nurse S. Hatherly is well in India.

‘Anonymous stretcher-bearer’ writes from Palestine about the battle around Jerusalem.

XXXX, 7, 20 Feb. 1918, page 2

Advt. The Cheer-up Concert Party at Burra Institute 26 February features a Company of Returned Soldiers and Rejects in aid of the Cheer-up Hut. Burra Ladies Cheer-up Band will assist.

The whole of Market Square is to be tar-paved if the tar is donated privately. So far businessmen have agreed to donate 17 barrels at 30/- each – about half the amount required.

The editor thought it was a work for which the whole town should shoulder the responsibility, though it is in East Ward. West Ward at least should share in it. The square is used by the whole town. There ought also to be a beautiful green sward three or four times the present area.

Accident. E.W. Crewes, managing director of Drew & Crewes, went to tighten the top screw nut on the governor of the chaff-mill engine on Monday when it flew off and struck him over the right eye. He was stunned for some time and the wound bled profusely.

Martindale Races results for 13 February are reported.

XXXX, 7, 20 Feb. 1918, page 3

Chester Sandland is returning to Australia.

Hartley Williams is being invalided home, having had nine severe wounds.

Jack Turner writes from Cairo describing Christmas in Egypt.

Tom Quinn writes from Portsmouth Hospital after being severely wounded and describes wartime shortages in England and stock sales there.

Staff-Nurse D. Roach writes from Egypt.

Norman T. Lane, an Englishman with the 3rd Light Horse in Palestine, writes of receiving a Burra Red Cross Christmas parcel. This is the first intimation that they are getting through.

L-Cpl Arthur Hopcraft writes from Palestine.

Augie Brandt is not well and has been assigned light duties after five strenuous months at the firing line.

Tpr W.H. Bell writes twice from Egypt about a stay at rest camps near Cairo.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The society has received a letter from Sister Dorothy Roach in Egypt.

The Ladies’ band will go to Adelaide at the request of Lieut. Col. Russell next Saturday afternoon to entertain at some of the Military Hospitals and will assist at the Cheer-up Concert Party performance next Tuesday.

Burra Rifle Club. Best performance on Saturday: G.L. Nutt 96, G. Lord 93 & C.W. Pearce 93.

Burra Town Council.

Advice from the Hon. Foster is that the permission of the Federal Treasurer is needed to get a loan for an electricity scheme. This is unlikely unless it can be raised locally. The Municipal Assoc. gave contrary advice.

Peterborough advised that the cost of their scheme was £10,000 and charge 10d a unit for light and 6d a unit for power. Strathalbyn’s plant cost £5,500 including batteries. Light is charged at 8d a unit and powers at 6d. There are 102 consumers. Both schemes are said to be satisfactory.

Miss Bubb replied to Mr Halls’ recent allegations. She denies letting him know at the last minute – he is not on the phone and the Reformatory is distant. The Exchange Hotel is phoned in the morning and a message is left for him on his return from the morning train, or an officer intercepts him on a trip to or from the earlier train.

E. Schutze applies to be lamplighter at 9/- a day.

Tar-dressing of Market Square was discussed as outlined above.

The Electric Light Scheme:

The Mayor said the scheme suggested had no accumulators. The firm alleged the batteries would cost £1,400 and last only 7 years.

Cr McBride said the estimates were absurd. Fuel was estimated at £60 p.a. – the engine at the Burra Mine cost 30/- a day to run. Salaries at £180 p.a. were also much too low as was the cost of the dynamo at £150.

Cr Radford said they had allowed for only a few hours running in the evening.

It was resolved to write to the firm for an explanation of their fuel price (given that wood in £1 a ton) and of the wages and oil costs. They would also say that the Council would not entertain a scheme that did not include a battery.

Cr McBride will get an engineer’s evaluation.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Pearse & Sons of ‘The Gums’ have sent in 5 red Shanghai peaches 2 lb 10 oz and 5 Bartlett pears 4 lb 4 oz.

XXXX, 8, 27 Feb. 1918, page 2

Advt. Booborowie Patriotic Races will be held 14 March in aid of the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund.

Advt. An Entertainment promoted by Driver J.R. Darmody & Returned Boys from Adelaide,

Burra Institute 14 March, Assisted by the Cheer-up Ladies’ band.

In aid of the Burra Branch of the Red Cross.

Burra Hospital Board. A new Board was appointed on Thursday – it is the same as the old Board plus Messrs M.A. Radford & H.H. Thomas.

Advt. St. Mary’s: Rev. G.E. Downton will preach 3 March at 11 a.m. & 7 p.m.

And at St Andrew’s, Mt Bryan at 3 p.m.

Lecture with Lantern Slides at Leighton Hall 2 March & Black Springs Hall 4 March.

In Aid of Foreign Missions.

Seaside Trip to Semaphore. Last Saturday 1,100 people went on two trains in perfect weather.

[The times were cited in the previous issue:

Depart Burra 5.30 a.m. and 5.55 a.m.

Arrive Semaphore 9.01 a.m. & 9.34 a.m.

Depart Semaphore 7.50 p.m. & 8.10 p.m.

Arrive Burra 11.45 p.m. & 12.15 a.m.

The second train only to stop at Farrell’s Flat on return.]

The Foresters Lodge boys had a gulf cruise arranged.

Those that went up to Adelaide enjoyed the River Fete in aid of the Trench Comforts Funds.

Arrangements went well and thanks are due to the secretary Mr R. Hitchcox, but many would perhaps like to see a return start an hour earlier.

XXXX, 8, 27 Feb. 1918, page 3

Captain Baynes’s recent lecture at Leighton hall is reported. He spoke to an appreciative audience about the Gallipoli Campaign.

Surgeon Captain F. Drew (brother of J. Drew of Kooringa) has been mentioned in despatches by Sir Douglas Haig. He was born in Burra. He left Adelaide in March 1915 and joined the RAMC in England. He is attached to the Coldstream Guards.

Bert Griffiths has been wounded in France.

Sapper W.J. Davey is now convalescent in France, having been gassed.

Tom Dearlove & Bob Motherall recently escaped with a shaking and bruises from a serious railway accident in France.

Fred Gebhardt writes from France of having had a rather poor Christmas.

Alan Gebhardt, brother of Fred, also in France, writes he had a great Christmas with turkey and pudding.

Mr & Mrs J.M. McDonald were farewelled at Leighton Hall on Tuesday last week. Mr McDonald had been President of the Burra District Liberal Union for some years. He was presented with a gold watch and chain and Mrs McDonald with an inscribed dressing case.

Mrs T. Sandland & Miss Elsie Sandland were farewelled at the Cheer-up room on Wednesday afternoon. Mrs Sandland was presented with a handsome aquamarine pendant and Miss Sandland with a silver handbag. Mrs Sandland could not leave Burra after 27 years without many regrets. She will be much missed by the Women’s Branch of the Liberal Union, of which she was the President. She was also active in the Red Cross and the Benevolent Soc.

J. C. Williamson & the O’Connor Opera Co. will present the comic opera So Long Letty at the Institute on 4 March.

Burra Cheer-up Soc. Ladies’ band in Adelaide.

The Band accompanied the excursion to Semaphore last Saturday for a three-day city visit. They played at Gawler on the way and in front of the Town Hall at Semaphore on arrival, before going to Adelaide for breakfast at the Cheer-up Hut where they were entertained by Mrs Seager. The Vice-President Mr G. McEwin entertained them for dinner at 1 p.m. They gave a band concert at Semaphore at 3.30 p.m. after which the Semaphore Cheer-up Soc. gave them afternoon tea.

On Sunday at 2 p.m. Lieut. Col Russell, Chief Medical Officer at Keswick, arranged a charabanc from the GPO to Keswick Hospital where the Band entertained wounded soldiers, followed by afternoon tea and a tour of the hospital.

On Monday at noon the Mayoress of Adelaide Mrs C. Glover entertained the Band and Messrs Crewes & F. & E.J. Harris at morning tea at the Town Hall, after which they played a selection or two for the Mayoress in the Hall. At 12.45 they marched to the recruiting meeting in front of Bowman’s Arcade, where they played several selections. They were then entertained at the Cheer-up Hut before catching the train to Burra.

The Ladies’ band etc. welcomed Tpr H. Bowman & Pte Elliott at the Burra Station.

Cheer-up parcels have been given to Pte N. Keynes, who could not attend a social.

Sapper W.J. Davey writes from France, telling of a very enjoyable Christmas celebrated at No. 5 Convalescent Depot.

XXXX, 9, 6 Mar. 1918, page 2

Advt. Sale by the Estate of the late R. Williams of:

772 acres Hundred of Hanson comprising sections 824, 825, 826, 849, 851, 852, 853, 854, 252, 253, 254, 282 & 283.

495 acres lease ROP comprising sections 478, 480 & 481.

Election Advt. The Farmers & Settlers’ Association: J.E. Pick, W. Miller, L. O’Loughlin –

your old Liberal Members.

Election Advt. Liberal Union: J.F. Jenkins, S.W. Dickson, E.J. Pearce.

Fire. A grass fire broke out on Wandillah on Wednesday, but was confined to 40-50 acres of grass.

Accident. Charles Duell of World’s End was thrown from the top of a load of hay when the horses bolted on Friday. He suffered spinal injuries as well as lacerations to head and face and his condition is serious.

An Earthquake was felt at 11.30 p.m. last Wednesday with an aftershock at 3.30 a.m. Thursday morning and a weaker one at 12.30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon (yesterday).

XXXX, 9, 6 Mar. 1918, page 3

The Cheer-up Concert Party assisted by the Cheer-up Ladies’ band presented a first class program at the Institute on Tuesday 26 February.

Mr Josiah Thomas has had eight sheets of corrugated iron stolen from his house at Mt Bryan East. He is offering a reward for information leading to a conviction.

Miss Alice May Harrison had her leg amputated after a tram accident in Adelaide on Saturday. She is the granddaughter of Mrs A. Allen Sen. of Aberdeen and was born in Burra and lived here for many years.

Tpr Norman Keynes was farewelled at Leighton last Wednesday.

Welcome Home Social at Leighton last Thursday evening for Cpl Drew, QMS W. Cock & Tpr H. Bowman.

Obituary. Pte Bert Gallagher (previously reported missing) is now reported k.i.a. on 11 April 1917 at Bullicourt. He was the son of Mr & Mrs J.H. Gallagher. [William Bertie Gallagher born 28 November 1895 Copperhouse.]

Obituary. Pte Percy C. Treloar (previously reported missing) is now reported k.i.a. on 11 April 1917 at Bullicourt. [Percival Charles Treloar born 26 July 1875 Hoyleton.]

L-Cpl Arthur Hopcraft reported wounded in Palestine.

R.J. Lloyd has been promoted to Lance-Corporal.

Cpl Arthur T. Winders has been awarded the Military Medal.

Labor Candidates addressed about 60 people in the Institute on Friday.

Mr O’Halloran said the party was against property qualifications for the Legislative Council and was for that chamber’s abolition. They were in favour of reducing the House of Assembly to seven electorates with three members each – a reduction of over 50%. Farmers and labourers were not receiving true value for their labour. There had been profiteering on kerosene in the war years. The party believed in equal opportunity, education for all and equal wages for men and women.

Mr Buxton was an anticonscriptionist. The prosperity of farmers and labour was intertwined. Exploitative middlemen were the bane of farmers and workers.

Mr Willcott spoke for the 1⁄2d tax on land on unimproved values and in favour of the bulk handling of wheat. He was in favour of irrigated land for returned soldiers and the party aimed to raise £22 million for repatriation purposes.

The League of Loyal Women raised £60 on its Button Day, which it forwarded to the Trench Comforts Fund.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

There has been a visit from Colonel S. Price Weir.

Photos have been received from Pte Gray of Kooringa, H.N. Tralaggan of Mt Bryan East & Pte C. Ockenden.

Sympathy is extended to the families of Ptes P. Treloar & Bert Gallagher.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

E.J. Harris has emerged as the ‘Dahlia King’ & Mr L.S. Penrose also has fine examples.

[Various other people are listed as growing good flowers and fine examples of cucumbers.]

Burra Town Council.

Christie & Gardner wrote explaining why storage batteries are not desirable and lasted only about 41⁄2 to 7 years.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. has resolved to send every Burra Boy a small parcel.

XXXX, 9, 6 Mar. 1918, page 4

Burra Hospital Board.

A.J. McBride was re-elected as Chairman.

Dr Steele sent a letter from France.

There was some discussion on accounts for patients and on unsatisfactory egg supplies from Drew & Crewes.

It was decided to wait for instructions from the Government before taking any actions as a result of the Board of Enquiry. For the same reasons the signing of the agreement with the Local Board of Health was deferred.

With four months to go the hospital had spent £940-6-1 of its £1,000 annual grant.

Burra Rifle Club. Best results on Saturday: J.E. Pearce 98 & G.L. Nutt 92.

XXXX, 10, 13 Mar. 1918, page 2

Advt. Sale of Ford Motor Car, Furniture & Effects etc. for Mr F. Thomas, who is leaving the district – Lodge House, Aberdeen.

Nurse Woollacott advises she will be absent from her nursing home from 8 March to 8 April.

Phone 50.

Obituary. Charles Duell died at his residence at World’s End on 8 March from the effects of the accident sustained on 1 March, without regaining consciousness. He was born at Beaumont, Adelaide and later took up farming and grazing with his parents at Kapunda, Eudunda and finally at World’s End, where he has resided since 1871. His death removes one of the World End’s district’s best farmers. He was an active member of the World’s End Methodist Church and was church steward. He is survived by a widow, two sons and three daughters: T.C. Duel, Clem Duell, Messrs R. Baynes (World’s End) & O. Baynes (Booborowie) & Miss M. Duell. His 2nd son, Jock [John] was k.i.a. in Egypt in 1916. [He was 66.]

XXXX, 10, 13 Mar. 1918, page 3

Rev. H. Wilkinson, nephew of T.W. Wilkinson, visited Burra and preached at the Kooringa Methodist Church on Sunday evening. He left Burra 33 years ago.

Women’s Christian Temperance Union continues monthly meetings in Jubilee Hall.

21 Springbank Estate blocks have been allotted to returned soldiers and many have taken possession already. They are organising a concert to aid Red Cross in thanks for its service to them and other soldiers at the Institute on 21 March, promoted by Driver J.R. Darmody and assisted by the Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ band. 2/- & 1/- with reserved seats from 5/-.

Obituary. Patrick O’Brien, a farmer of Emu Downs, died this week. [Died 4 March aged 62 at Adelaide, residence Emu Downs.]

L-Cpl Fred Hanley writes from Egypt about the campaign in Palestine.

Burra Boy Scouts. I.J. Warnes visited the troop on Saturday and was thanked for his assistance at the Christmas Camp. He donated £50 towards a larger scout room and hoped it would inspire others to contribute. Two other gentlemen have promised to help and any other donations would be thankfully acknowledged.

Obituary. Pte Harry Turner [reported missing in May 1917] is now reported to have died at the Reserve Lazarette, Venden Germany, while a POW as a result of a grenade wound to the right leg below the knee. [Henry Hosking Turner born 29 August 1893 Ironmine: died 16 April 1917 Verden Germany.]

Obituary. Pte Arthur Davey, [who had enlisted from Terowie] formerly reported missing is now reported to have been k.i.a. 9 October 1917. [Probably born 26 April 1887 Terowie.]

Pte H.C. Webster of Ironmine writes from France about Christmas and a night attack that went wrong.

Pte C.J. Goodridge has been mentioned in despatches. He was wounded while acting as a runner.

G.R. Thomas, formerly a POW, has been transferred to England. He has lost his right leg.

Pte Thomas Brady is returning to Australia.

Election Matters. A.D. McDonald writes explaining and defending the Liberal Union’s decision not to condone the actions of its former members in taking it upon themselves to stand for election and in putting up its own properly selected candidates. He regrets that this has resulted in a three way contest, but insists an important principle is at stake.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

On Monday 11 March there was a welcome social for Tpr H. Bowman and Pte W.A. Pohlner. Welcomed also were returned soldiers who have taken up land at Springbank: Messrs Clark, Ninnis, Roberts & Kelleough.

The Society has purchased a horse for a returned man, Mr Robertson, who badly needed one to continue his journey out east.

A photo of the late Pte Leighton has been received.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

A. Lomman of Wahroonga 2 lb 9 oz cucumber

N.W.R. Pearce 3 lb 13 oz cucumber

A. Lomman then replied with 3 lb 3 oz cucumber

XXXX, 11, 20 Mar. 1918, page 2

Obituary. Charles Duell died 8 March at his residence at World’s End as a result of an accident aged 66. He was the husband of A.H. Duell.

Obituary. Eliza Simpson, relict of the late Richard Simpson, died 14 March at her residence in Kooringa aged 94 leaving two sons and a daughter. [Born Eliza Hawkes at Forben England.]

Obituary. Mrs D. Jones Sen. Died at her residence at Hallett on Sunday. [Born Mary Ann Doyle 1857: died 17 March 1918 at Hallett.]

W.G. Kemble broke a leg on Tuesday when the horses started while he was lifting a plough.

R.M. Hawker’s appeal against his fine of £2 with £4-2-0 costs for failure to destroy rabbits was not contested when it came on for hearing. The judge in the Supreme Court ordered the conviction quashed with £10-10-0 costs to the appellant.

Fire. A disastrous grass fire broke out on Mr Gardner’s block at Springbank Estate on Monday. Fully 1,100 acres of splendid grass was lost and a quantity of fencing. It flared again in the evening, but was soon stopped at that time.

Obituary. Mrs Thomas Bewley died at her residence ‘Hill-view Farm’ on Monday aged 69 leaving a husband and adult family of sons. [Fanny Bewley died 18 March 1918.]

Mr A.W. Piper, President of the Liberal Union, writes a 1⁄2 column response to the attack of Mr Pick on allegedly inappropriate actions within the Liberal Union.

Burra Rifle Club. Best results on Saturday: A. Sugars 100 & G.L. Nutt 97.

XXXX, 11, 20 Mar. 1918, page 3

Obituary. Eliza Simpson who died on Friday aged 94 was born in Forben, England and migrated to Australia in 1851. She and her husband worked for 20 years for Dr Brown on Booborowie Estate before going farming at Mintaro & Mt Bryan, finally moving to Burra. Mr Simpson died 29 years ago. She leaves two sons and one daughter: John (Belalie North), Richard (Burra) & Mrs J. Robinson. [Died 14 March.]

Burra Horticulture. Present Features:

The display of produce in R.D. Pascoe’s window continues:

Hedley Stockman A 1 lb 6 oz onion & a 26 lb watermelon

O.G. Walker A 29 oz (1 lb 13 oz) onion

Horace Collins of Pulpara Fine apples and peaches

E.J. Harris Dahlias

Maurice Collins Fine pears from Mallett [though the paper says ‘pairs’]

N.W.R. Pearce A 3 lb 12 oz cucumber

State Election. An anti-Labor Party column is printed, but with no acknowledgement whether it is a paid advertisement or reflects editorial opinion.

[Though editorial opinion was strongly pro-conscription and for the Liberal-Nationalist Coalition.]

Re-opening of the Leighton School. I.J. Warnes re-opened the school on Tuesday 11 March. E.W. Crewes also attended with J.Q. Hogan, Chairman of the Booborowie School Board and M.A. Radford as a representative of the Burra School Board. The school building has been enlarged and lighting and ventilation improved.

Mr Warnes said the first school had been held in the old Wesleyan Chapel and in 1878 the first school had been built. During the alterations school had carried on in Leighton Hall. Wartime problems with labour and materials had delayed the project, which had begun in November 1917. The 40 pupils certainly deserved better than the old cramped, badly lit and poorly ventilated room. There had been a move to build a new school at Blacksmith’s Corner and a second one by the creek, but this was no time to be building new schools – perhaps in better times.

A.D. McDonald then explained that the Government had contributed £75 and expected the rest to be found by parents, but in fact Mr Warnes had taken over the balance himself.

Messrs J.Q. Hogan, E. Cock, M.A. Radford, E.W. Crewes and Robinson (the head teacher), all spoke. Mr Warnes was warmly thanked.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. has begun assembling parcels for Burra Boys overseas – each to contain one pair of socks, one tin of tobacco or butterscotch & one khaki handkerchief. 12 parcels were packed and sewn up for despatch on Thursday.

Burra Boy Scouts. Mr James Reed has presented with a piece of land on which to build a troop room and will help in other ways as well.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band has had to refuse requests to play at Hallett on Easter Monday, Adelaide on 10 April and Burra on 13 April due to members being on holiday.

Photos have been received from H. & L. Fuss. [Probably Hasel & Lyall.]

XXXX, 11, 20 Mar. 1918, page 4

State Election. Report in 31⁄2 columns of the Farmers & Settlers’ Candidates in Burra.

Mr Pick spent his speech outlining his split from the Liberal Union and in running down the latter, though not without interruptions from time to time from Mr McDonald.

Mr O’Loughlin spoke in favour of the Todd River Scheme on Eyre Peninsula, attacked the Vaughan Government, opposed proposals for a deep water port at Pt Victor and strongly supported the Repurchase Act of 1897 to see large estates cut up for farming. He did not believe in fewer MPs.

Mr Mills spoke passionately about the problems of new settlers faced with land tax and with hordes of rabbits from Crown Land. The Farmers & Settlers’ Assoc. had stopped bulk handling from being introduced – it would have cost millions and taken 10 years to complete. Instead they had gone for shelter sheds for grain – though the Government had been slow to erect them. He was for better educational facilities in country areas and a whole list of other measures to assist farmers. He was for the developmental railways on Eyre Peninsula and for the Todd River Scheme – it would be necessary to provide land for returning soldiers.

XXXX, 12, 27 Mar. 1918, page 2

Weather. On Sunday afternoon an intense willy-willy struck Kooringa unroofing a shed at the rear of T.W. Wilkinson’s and, making a roar that could be heard in Redruth. It smashed the skylights in C.J. Pearce’s and ended in Miss Geake’s yard.

Recent Additions to R.D. Pascoe’s Sheep Photographs

‘Lord Kitchener’, Koonoona special stud ram 31⁄2 years by ‘Rajah’: cut 33 lb wool & bred on the property.

‘Paris’ by ‘Rajah’, the leading sire on ‘The Gums’ station, bought from and bred by Koonoona Proprietor’s by T.H. Pearse & Son for 250 gns, cut 34 lb wool.

5 one-year-old stud Mokota merinos bred by and the property of Mr L.W. Gebhardt, Mt Bryan.

‘Cappeedee’, 5-year-old stud merino, the property of Mr Walter S. Murray of ‘Cappeedee’ Hallett.

The Burra Patriotic Amateur Dramatic Club was formed at a meeting in the Burra Cheer-up Soc. Hall on 16 March. Lieut. A. Young explained its objects. Mr E.W. Crewes was elected President with Mr A. Evans as Secretary and Mr B.T. Moran as Treasurer.

R.J. Redden writes on the State Election deploring the nature of the split in the Liberal forces caused by the emergence of the Farmers & Settlers’ Assoc. candidates, which look like reducing the Liberal Union to an irrelevance in this electorate. He advocates sticking to the old members.

David J. Gordon, Leader of the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council, writes urging that dissention over the House of Assembly seats not be allowed to obscure the importance of a vote for the Liberal candidates in the Legislative Council.

Marriage. At Ironmine Methodist Church on 20 March.

Mr S.N.D. Bettison married Miss Mary Anne Byles.

Marriage. At Hallett on 16 March.

Mr C.E. Thomas married Miss C.M. Nutt.

XXXX, 12, 27 Mar. 1918, page 3

Sgt Walter Klaffus is studying for his commission at Reading College.

Driver G.P.T. Turner has been awarded a Military Medal.

Pte J. Nelson (of Baldina) has been wounded in France.

Cpl Hartley Harris writes from France of Christmas there and of leave spent in Paris.

Harry Blunt has passed exams for a commission.

Tpr Ben Hill writes from the campaign in Palestine.

Lieut. Vernon Riggs writes from Belgium.

Pte Elliott Riggs also writes from Belgium.

Lieut. David Killicoat has been awarded the DCM.

Pte W.A. (Augie) Pohlner has been welcomed home at the Hallett Station and then with a social at Mt Bryan East. He was the first to go from Mt Bryan East and is the first to return. He was wounded in the foot at Flers. He was presented with a gold medal by Mr C.W. Gare, Secretary of the local Red Cross as a token of their esteem.

Burra Town Council, 18 March.

Letter of thanks received from Surgeon-Major Steele upon congratulations for his MC.

It is proposed to enlarge the grassed area around the Rotunda and to plant some shrubs and make it a fit place for the addition later of a soldiers’ memorial.

Cr McWaters was somewhat concerned that he had got money from business people around the Square for having it tarred and now the proposal seemed to be changing.

Cr Greenwood would like to see the reserve area fenced and the road between the Burra Hotel and the Rotunda closed to motor traffic because of the dangerous corner.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

W. Carpenter A fine collection of dahlias

Frank Harris ‘a lovely spray of Status’ [sic]

O.G. Walker 12 good specimens of white Maman Cochet roses

M.A. Radford A Vicar of Wingfield pear of 161⁄4 oz

(Mr Collins’s 161⁄2 oz pear was a Duchess.)

Concert by Returned Soldiers on Thursday in the Institute in aid of Red Cross & assisted by the Ladies’ band. Details take 1⁄2 column.

XXXX, 12, 27 Mar. 1918, page 4

State Election Addresses by Messrs Jenkins, Dickson & Pearce were given at the Institute on Thursday 18 March for the Liberal Union. The report runs to about 3 columns.

XXXX, 13, 3 Apr. 1918, page 2

N.H. Pearse writes complaining of motor cyclists leaving gates open when traversing ‘The Gums’ station.

Frank Tudor, Leader of the Official Labor Party addressed about 100 at the Burra Institute on Tuesday evening. He spoke about the Labor split over conscription, the problem of war profiteering and on Federal politics.

XXXX, 13, 3 Apr. 1918, page 3

The Women’s Christian Temperance Union, Central District Annual Convention was held in Jubilee Hall. Its speakers are reported in 2 columns.

The RSL held a meeting in the Institute on Tuesday 26 March, but only a few attended. E.W. Crewes presided and Lieut. Cain described their aims – building a home for returned servicemen. He spoke stirringly of the character of the Australian Soldier. He went on to describe how the returned man will never be the man who went away. It is when they return that the League will step in. They aimed to have a club in every town. Mr Crewes thanked the speaker. Mr H.G. James moved a committee for the RSA League be formed in Burra, 2nd E.J. Harris and passed. Mr Dane was appointed Secretary. Short notice and holidays produced the small attendance said Mr Crewes. Adjourned to 8 April.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

E.J. Harris & W. Carpenter continue their rivalry with dahlias.

O.G. Walker has a Chinese radish of 23 oz.

Mr Biddle has a 4 lb 11 oz beetroot.

James Reed has a 171⁄2 oz Duchess pear.

XXXX, 13, 3 Apr. 1918, page 4

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

Lieut. L. Gordon was welcomed at the railway station by the Ladies’ band on Tuesday evening.

There was a social on Wednesday evening for Lieut. L. Gordon & Driver Elliott – Pte G. Torr was on leave from camp.

‘One of the Burra Boys’ writes describing the journey from Australia to Taranto in Italy and thence by rail through France to England.

Kooringa Homing Club.

The general meeting was held on 2 March. Elected were

Patron A.J. McBride

President J.R. Barker

Secretary J.B. Parks

Burra Boy Scouts attended the annual sports for scouts at Jubilee Oval in Adelaide. Pack Leader Norman Fuss won the Senior Scout Championship SA, winning the 100 yds senior scout, 220 yds senior scout and coming 2nd in the half mile. Pack Leader George Sara came 2nd in the King’s Scout Championship. G. Sara & N. Fuss won the three-legged race.

XXXX, 14, 10 Apr. 1918, page 2

Advt. Children’s Patriotic Fund: Children’s Demonstration, Victoria Park, 13 April.

Basket Ball Match

Procession of Children’s Pets

Demonstration by Boy Scouts

4.00 Physical Drill, Marches & Games

4.50 Football Match in Fancy Costume

Advt. Anzac Day Demonstration in Market Square, Thursday 25 April

Ladies Cheer-up Band & School Fife and Drum Band.

Advt. Memorial and Intercession Service, Burra Institute, Sunday 28 April, 3 p.m.

Advt. Sale of Blacksmith & Wheelwright’s Plant and Stock at Burra – Estate of the late S. Burns.

24 April.

Advt. At the farm, 2 miles south of Booborowie, Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd will sell on 23 April:

All Farm Stock etc. for E.W. Crewes Jun. (The land having been sold.)

Advt. To Let: Dalgety’s late office, Kooringa. [Corner of Chapel & Commercial Streets.]

Marriage. On 20 March at Ironmine Methodist Church.

Stephen N.D. Bettison, eldest son of Mr & Mrs T. Bettison of Mt Mary married

Mary A. Byles, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Byles of Ironmine.

Obituary. Frederick John Carey died 7 April 1918 at Kooringa aged 57. He was the husband of M.A. Carey.

Mr Carey was the only son of the late John Carey, chaff merchant, and was born 21 December 1860 and lived for some time with his parents at Booborowie before returning to Kooringa. For a ling time he was agent for John Darling and Son. He was a valued member of St Mary’s Church and a long-standing member of the AOF. He married Martha Snell, daughter of the late Richard Snell of Kooringa, who survives. Three sons have enlisted: Pte Alan Carey has returned, Pte Leslie Carey made the supreme sacrifice and Pte F.B. Carey is still overseas. Mr H.E. & Master S.R. Carey live in Kooringa, Messrs P. Carey at Booborowie & L.J. Carey at McLaren Vale. There are also three daughters: the Misses Olive, Annie and Louie Carey of Kooringa.

[Registration of birth gives Edward John Carey 20 December 1860 at Booborowie.]

Rev. S.J. & Mrs Bloyd are to leave Burra for Clare. Rev. Bloyd has been in charge of St Mary’s for 11 years.

L-Cpl A.M. Hopcraft has been wounded in the jaw and is in hospital in Egypt.

Obituary. Lieut. Percy West is reported dead from Bombay. He was the son of Alfred West, late of Burra and a grandson of the late William West of Burra Mines. [Born 10 August 1894 Largs Bay: died 24 March 1918 at Deolali India, residence Largs Bay.]

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. At the last meeting 23 parcels were packed for the front.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

James Reed of Wandillah 4 pears totalling 4 lb 3 oz & the largest 171⁄2 oz

Mrs E. Williams of Paxton Square 3 peaches 26 oz & the heaviest 9 oz

Frank Harris has in his shop a pumpkin for a 6d guessing competition for Red Cross.

The highest guess so far is over 200 lb.

XXXX, 14, 10 Apr. 1918, page 3

The Leighton Roll of Honour.

The roll was unveiled at the Hall on 7 April in memory of all who have enlisted. Mr I.J. Warnes was supported by E.W. Crewes, Rev. D.B. Bridgwood (Methodist), Mr J.E.H. Winnall (Anglican), Captain Trigg (Salvation Army) & Mr A.D. McDonald. 40 names were on the roll with others to be added, and 4 of them had been killed. Each of the above named gave a stirring speech and Mr Warnes called upon Mrs D.E. Williams to unveil the Roll of Honour. She had sent four sons to the front: one had been killed, one had returned, one was on his way home and one was still at the front. The roll is in the form of a beautiful bronze tablet about 4’ x 21⁄2’ surmounted by the Union Jack and the Australian Flag painted in and it is embellished on either side with weapons and at the foot the sign of the Golden Fleece. The names are on brass plates. [The names are listed at the end of the article, though only 39 rather than the 40 suggested above.]

State Election. Counting has been completed except for absentees and overall a Liberal victory seems likely. For this district:

Labour Liberal-Nationalist Farmers & Settlers’

Buxton 2476 Jenkins 2400 Pick 1913

O’Halloran 2465 Dickson 2368 Miller 1957

Willcott 2432 Pearce 2352 O’Loughlin 1803

The Labor lead may be lost in the approx. 1,000 absentee votes to be counted.

In the Legislative Council Morrow 4716

Mills 3955

Winnall 3905

Marriage. At Ironmine Methodist Church 3 April.

Miss Vera P. Williams, 2nd daughter of Mr & Mrs W.J. Williams of Ironmine married

H.J. Tabe of Clare

Burra Rifle Club. Best results on 30 March: M.A. Radford 99 & O.G. Walker 94.

Burra Town Council.

Correspondence with the Railway commissioner re the restoration of the Saturday night train continues.

Enquiries re possible electric light schemes also continue. Mr Christie of Messrs Christie & Gardner was present re their electric light proposal.

The main question was whether it was better to have a large and small generator or a large generator and storage battery. Mr Christie said in theory a small town should be better off with a battery because it enabled continuous service without having to run an engine continuously, BUT a battery cost c. £1,000 and because it was impossible to get engineers who understood them well its average life was not over 5 years. Their firm would therefore recommend one engine of 100 h.p. for the heavy evening load until about 11.30 p.m. and a small automatic 15 h.p. engine to carry the load from 11.30 p.m. to daylight. This could run for six hours without needing attention. When told that Jamestown would not be without its battery he said their experience was only of 12 months and a battery would be good for a year or two. The best one he knew was at Numurkah in Victoria, which with extraordinary care had lasted 61⁄2 years and might go another six months. With a battery a 70 h.p. engine would do. If they went for the automatic set option they would need to have a boy on the premises when it operated. He would send them an estimate of the relative costs of the alternatives over 5 years.

The Hydraulic Engineer will be asked about the possibility of using electricity to pump the town’s water and the railways will also be approached about their usage.

XXXX, 14, 10 Apr. 1918, page 4

Burra Show Society. AGM 30 March.

The President, I.J. Warnes, took the chair.

He reported on the impact of the war on the district – mainly with respect to volunteers for the front.

The season had been generally splendid, though somewhat varied due to the mice plague which affected both the sown seed and the bagged wheat awaiting transport. Pastoral interests had a good year with a heavy lambing and good prices and feed is currently good with good prospects for the next season. In fact everything was good except for an increase in the blow-fly problem.

Membership was stable.

The Sheep Show was cancelled due to heavy rainfall at the time it was scheduled and creeks made it impossible to move stock.

The Dog Trials were a great success.

The Show on 24 October was an unqualified success and gate money was up again.

The luncheon provided by the ladies was especially helpful in making the show a success.

They began and ended with a credit balance of £75.

Elected were

Patron Hon. J. Lewis

President I.J. Warnes

Vice-Presidents T. McWaters & A.D. McDonald

Members’ tickets had been 10/6. This was rescinded to allow for an increase to £1-1-0, but now to cover all functions of the society held throughout the year. This change will be further discussed.

XXXX, 15, 17 Apr. 1918, page 2

Notice. G. Lawn & Co. (previously wholesale butchers only) have purchased the butchering and smallgoods business of Mr W.T. Truscott who is departing for Adelaide to carry on a business there.

Obituary. Pte Henry Hoskin Turner, second son of John & N.H. Turner of Railway Terrace, supposedly died while a POW at Reserve Lazarette, Verden, Germany on 16 April 1917 aged 23.

[Henry Hosking Turner born 29 August 1893 Ironmine.]

Obituary. Mary Jane Chynoweth died on 14 April at the residence of her son-in-law Mr T. Bentley, Gawler [South] aged 79. She was the relict of the late James Chynoweth.

Mrs Chynoweth died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs T.F. Bentley, at Gawler on 14 April. She was born at Redruth in Cornwall in 1838 and married James Chynoweth in 1857. They came to SA in 1866 on the Gosforth. The first lived at Kanmantoo and then Callington before moving to Kooringa in 1876. They were staunch members of the Primitive Methodist and then the Methodist Church. Mr Chynoweth died some years ago. There are three sons and three daughters: Sampson (Kadina), James (Wallaroo), William (Kalgoorlie WA), Mrs T.F. Bentley (Gawler), Mrs B.G. Harris (Kalgoorlie) & Mrs L.L. Wicklein (Kooringa).

Advt. The Great McEwin, Hypnotist, Magician and Mind reader, Burra Institute Wednesday 24 April.

Pte Beckwith was presented with the usual Sporting and Athletic Club’s wallet at a meeting last Wednesday.

Messrs Deane & Sons of Adelaide intend to erect saleyards and establish a monthly market on 10 acres they have bought at Booborowie.

State Election. Final Result

Labour Liberal-Nationalist Farmers & Settlers’

Buxton 2742 Jenkins 2692 Miller 2179

O’Halloran 2718 Dickson 2639 Pick 2118

Willcott 2695 Pearce 2629 O’Loughlin 2026

The Labor lead may be lost in the approx. 1,000 absentee votes to be counted.

In the Legislative Council Morrow & Mills were elected: Mr Winnall being beaten by Mills by 124 votes.

L-Cpl Leslie Harris was welcomed home on Wednesday morning, having been severely wounded some months ago.

Obituary. Pte Alf Charles, son-in-law of Mr & Mrs William Jeffery of Booborowie, has been killed in action in France. [Alfred John Charles born 1886: died 6 April 1918.]

Lieut. K.C. Sandland arrived in Sydney on Monday.

Pte J. Gray has been wounded in France.

‘Burra Boy’ writes from Palestine recounting his journeys through Bethlehem to Jericho and its capture and to Jerusalem.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

The display has been moved from R.D. Pascoe’s window to that of the Record Office.

Mrs W.H. Lomman has a sunflower 36” round and 13” across, weighing 3 lb 1⁄2 oz.

Nellie Pearce has a fine display of petunias.

Bert Sugars has a chili 31⁄2” long.

XXXX, 15, 17 Apr. 1918, page 3

Burra Hospital Board.

Nurse [B.M.] Fuss resigned as charge-nurse. Accepted.

The Chief Secretary asked for any comments on the Board of Enquiry findings. The Board was quite happy to regulate the admission of patients and to establish a proper routine of hours for ward visits, operations and other necessary matters.

The recommendation that the rules be brought into line with the Act of Parliament was acceptable as far as not permitting the Mayor to be an ex-officio member of the Board was concerned, but not acceptable as far as refusing paying patients was concerned.

Mr Radford moved that the Board objected to the exclusion of paying patients and to the exclusion of the Mayor being an ex-officio member.

Mr Crewes 2nd Mr Radford’s amendment, saying the Chief Secretary of the time said he intended extending the concession to all towns with hospitals.

Mr Winnall said he would be agreeable to making a suggestion that the Mayor be appointed every time, but not that it be imperative.

Mr Crewes thought a change of Government could mean fighting the whole issue over again.

Mr Dane supported Mr Radford’s amendment.

Mr McLaren said as the hospital was vested in the Corporation, provision for a representative should have been made in the trust deed.

Mr McLaren said he was not appointed as Mayor.

Mr Radford said the Council had thought that he was and it was therefore surprised when he continued in the position.

The amendment was carried on the casting vote of the chairman, Mr A.J. McBride.

The Board agreed that Friendly Soc. members and infectious disease patients should only be admitted under arrangements made with such societies and the Local Board of Health and only patients unable to pay be admitted free of charge and in emergency and accident cases the board should consider each patient’s circumstances.

The Board thought the appointment of a medical practitioner as a salaried Government Medical Officer was inappropriate in the absence of Dr Steele.

Children’s Patriotic Demonstration, 13 April, in aid of the Red Cross.

The effort reflected great credit on Mr R.T. Hitchcox, Headmaster of Burra School, Mr Biddle, Master of the High School and the teaching staff. The day began with a basketball match between two teams of Burra girls.

Then there was a procession of about 50 pets.

The Boy Scouts then staged a demonstration.

They were followed by physical drill by the High School boys and girls, with the Girls’ Fife & Drum Band.

Organised games came next.

A party of returned soldiers from Springbank Estate provided songs.

Stalls comprised afternoon tea, sweets, plain goods, fruit & nuts; guess the weight of a pumpkin (89 lb). A kookaburra and a basket of dahlias were auctioned. Buttons were sold.

All in all £130 was raised including £25 worth of buttons sold on 2 April (to the Children’s Patriotic Fund.)

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

There was a farewell social on 12 April for Pte Elliott, Pte Penns and Tpr W. Hopkins.

Parcels were sent to Cpl Phillips & Pte Claude Attrill who leave shortly.

Burra Town Council, Monday.

Christie & Gardner advise that an auxiliary electric plant would cost £131 p.a.

A battery would cost (assuming a life of six years) £400 p.a. including interest and depreciation.

Henry Roach & Sons said they couldn’t say if they would use electricity until they knew its cost.

Drew & Crewes would use electric light.

The mayor said they had not yet sufficient information to lay before ratepayers to justify calling a meeting about electric light.

Cr Radford thought that the cost would be 30% more than in normal times and therefore it would be silly to call a meeting.

The Mayor wondered if people were prepared to wait seven years or so until things got back to normal – even if the war ended tomorrow it would take years to return to normal. He favoured going to the ratepayers.

Plans and specifications would cost £150 and before spending that it was necessary to know that ratepayers would not turn it down. One problem about the scheme’s viability was the number of private plants that would be installed if delay went on.

Cr Dane moved that the Town Clerk write to Christie & Gardner saying that if they were prepared to run the scheme at their own risk for two years as stated by Mr Christie whilst in Burra, the Burra Council would do its best to carry out the scheme.

Carried with Cr Killicoat opposed. He favoured getting other opinions. He believed the proposed scheme was unreasonable. He thought the costings for labour were absurd.

B. Bourman has been appointed lamplighter.

L.H. Foote writes re open gates at ‘The Gums’. He asserts that the only gates left open were gates found open. He gave the names of the alleged road hogs as L.H. Foote, H. Austin & B. Burgess and claims the reward offered for supplying the names.

XXXX, 15, 17 Apr. 1918, page 4

‘W.J.D.’ [presumably W.J. Davey] writes describing laying cable under fire.

XXXX, 16, 24 Apr. 1918, page 2

Obituary. Jane Berryman, widow of the late Richard Berryman died 18 April at her residence in Kooringa aged 95. She is survived by three sons, five daughters, 35 grandchildren and 43 great grandchildren.

The late Mrs Jane Berryman was born at St Boeague Cornwall, 7 August 1822, the youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs Thomas Pellew. Soon after her marriage the couple left England in the Peakingham and landed in SA 22 March 1849, coming directly to Burra. After a time Mr Berryman took up land at Springbank where they lived until his death in 1895. Mrs Berryman then moved to ‘Springbank’ Mt Pleasant. A few months ago she fell and broke a small bone in her hip, but she had recovered from that and was able to get about again. She was a long time member of the Bible Christian Church and had a family of 10, 8 of whom survive: T. (Yongala), John (Kooringa), William (NSW), Mesdames J. Russell (Hallett), D.T. Robinson (Mannanarie), J.T. Walker (Adelaide), M.M. Bert (Adelaide) & Miss Berryman (Kooringa). There are 35 grandchildren & 45 great grandchildren.

Editorial on: The Burra Hospital.

The Board is wrestling with the problem of the reduction in Government subsidy. In the 12 years to 1915 the upkeep was £18,000 and only £900 or 5% came from paying patients and donations. Recent experience suggests that many of the patients knew a good thing when they saw it and were actually in a position to pay, which was surely unfair to those who did pay. The difficulty is to get those who can afford it to pay while [not?] depriving the needy of free access. At present the scheme most in favour is to supply each member of the Board with admission tickets. A person who needs admission and is unable to pay, or can only pay part, will explain this to one member of the Board, who can then issue an admission ticket. This would not prevent immediate admission to urgent cases without question.

Mr Richard Thomas will be 80 on 25 April.

The Burra Sporting & Athletic Club is forwarding a welcoming wallet to: Lieut. Chester Sandland, & Ptes J. Williams, E. Dollard & Leslie Harris.

Weather. The long dry spell has been broken with falls of about 75 points in Burra, which extended well to the north and northeast, but not to the west. Leighton and Booborowie received only about 6 points. There was dense fog on Monday. Prior to this fall rain for the year had been only about 1.40”.

Burra Public School. A school committee for 1918-19 was elected: E.W. Crewes, J. McLaren, E.J. Harris, G.E. Dane, J.E.H. Winnall. With their agreement yet to be obtained, M.A. Radford, H. Thomas, & James Reed were also nominated.

Obituary. Pte Leo Borowski has been k.i.a. in France. He was the brother of P. Borowski of Kooringa. [Born Leon Borowicki at Cavenagh 20 June 1891: died 28 March 1918.]

XXXX, 16, 24 Apr. 1918, page 3

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band etc. welcomed L-Cpl L. Harris, Pte J. Williams & Pte Standish at the station on Wednesday. On Monday they assembled there again to welcome Lieut. Chester Sandland and Pte Dollard. The Band has had to refuse two invitations to go to Pt Pirie, but will go to Morgan next Saturday.

Tom Pearse of ‘The Gums’ writes outlining in some detail the sequence of events re the gates left open, asserting that he had seen the party leave gates open that had been closed.

‘Ex-Councillor’ writes expressing surprise that Mr McLaren had asserted that his appointment to the Hospital Board was not made because he was the Mayor. The writer hopes someone will look into the Council’s records and correspondence and clarify the matter.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

W. Carpenter continues with dahlias, peony, cactus & single collarette.

E. Cock of Leighton has a Jerusalem artichoke 7 feet high with tubers in all weighing 5 lb.

Os. Walker has a Jerusalem artichoke 10 feet high with tubers weighing 29 lb.

Clem Pearce has pie melons: one at 38 lb and three others totalling 89 lb.

R. Pascoe has African marigolds, as does Mrs Charles Parks.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. continues to meet and pack parcels for the front.

The total raised now stands at £1,076-19-4.

XXXX, 17, 1 May 1918, page 2

In Memoriam, Les Carey, accidentally drowned in Egypt 1 May 1917.

In Memoriam, Will O’Callaghan, fell in France 4 May 1917.

In Memoriam, Gunner Clem Cox, k.i.a. France 6 May 1917.

The Grand Patriotic Concert on Thursday at the Institute by returned soldiers now on Springbank Estate and the Cheer-up Ladies’ band and other ladies of the society attracted a disappointingly moderate attendance in poor weather. Driver Darmody played the piano, Sgt G.L.K. Roberts, Cpl Burgess, Cpl Clarke & Cpl Innes provided songs.

Reports from the Front:

Clair J. Goodridge reported to be OK.

Barney Davis reported to be OK.

D. Kelly reported to be OK.

A.T. Winders has been wounded again, having only returned to the front on 2 March after seven months in hospital from wounds.

Hartley Harris is in England as an instructor for six months.

Arthur Harris has been in London and Scotland on furlough.

Jack Hogan is wounded and in hospital.

Mick Hogan, Jack’s brother, is in camp in England.

Albert Bruce is a POW in Germany, but reportedly OK.

Colin Bruce is a Lance-Corporal.

Bob Ford is a POW in Germany and short of food and warmth.

Jim Hatherly has been wounded in action in Palestine.

H.B. Hancock, a nephew of Mrs W. Geake and born in Burra, has been wounded in France.

Oliver Ockenden is expected in Australia 15 May.

Stan Bishop is now a Sergeant.

Hedley Bishop is reported to be OK in France.

Obituary. Pte Wally Josephs has been k.i.a. in France. [Corrected 15 May to Sgt Wally Josephs.]

[Walter Charles Josephs born 5 March 1893 Kooringa: died 29 March 1918.]

Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ band and several gentlemen motored to Morgan last Saturday to assist in Anzac Day celebrations there. After dinner at Lambert’s Hotel they went to the Institute where the band played the National Anthem before leading the street parade. J.E.H. Winnall gave a patriotic address in the Main Street in support of the RSA and so did I.J. Warnes. £5 was raised in a few minutes. There were sports and a Queen Competition in the afternoon followed by tea at Lambert’s. The Band also took part in the evening entertainment at the Town Hall after which there was supper and a return run to Burra. About £200 was raised. I.J. Warnes financed the Band’s trip.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

W. Carpenter Dahlias & African marigolds

R.D. Pascoe African marigolds

E.J. Harris Marigolds

Mrs Bob Fuss White dahlias

Mr R. Fuss Chrysanthemums

James Reed Quince

Mrs W. West Quince

Mr E.J. Davey Quince

Mr George Lord Pomegranate

Tom Goodridge A 44 lb pie melon

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. continues its good work with 33 members at its last meeting. Capt Chaplain Durnford has now received parcels sent.

Farewelled from Leighton were Ptes Clayton Pens and George Elliott on 13 April. Pte Elliott’s father had gone before him.

XXXX, 17, 1 May 1918, page 3

Anzac Day in Burra was celebrated with a Memorial & Intercession Service on Sunday. Before the service there was a parade comprising the cadets under Lieut. E.M. Cox, Boy Scouts under Scoutmaster J. Rigney and Lodge Members. It was led by the Ladies’ band and ended at the Institute. On the platform were the Mayor E.W. Crewes, Rev. S.J. Bloyd, Rev. A.J. Finch, Mr Winfield (Salvation Army), Mr Buxton (new member for the district), the St Mary’s Choir, the two Methodist Choirs and some returned soldiers. There were addresses by the Mayor, Mr Bruxton and the Ministers. The list of the fallen was read by the Mayor.

On Thursday 25 April an impressive service was held in Market Square. There was drizzling rain throughout, but a large crowd and the Ladies’ band attended along with school children and the School Fife and Drum Band. Speakers were Mr Crewes, Rev. S.J. Bloyd, Rev. A.J. Finch and J.E.H. Winnall.

L.H. Foote writes continuing the dispute re ‘road hogs’ and open gates on ‘The Gums’ station. He absolutely denies leaving gates open on the occasion in dispute.

XXXX, 18, 8 May 1918, page 2

Advt. Hockey & McDonald, Photographers from Jamestown, are visiting Burra for a few weeks only at Lord’s Burra Hotel.

Advt. Burra Institute 10 May. Mr Peter Dawson and Company with ‘some high-class Pictures’

3/-, 2/- 1/-

Mr & Mrs H.O.J. Robinson were given a farewell social at Leighton Hall on 24 April prior to their departure from the district. Mr Robinson has been teaching at the Leighton School for almost 2 years, but has resigned on account of ill health. They were presented with a travelling rug and purse of coins for little Rex’s banking account.

Obituary. Hugh Boyle died at Burra Hospital 24 April aged 86. He was a Crimean War veteran and had lived some years in Paxton Square with his brother Mr C. Boyle, also over 80 years of age.

[Death registered as 23 April 1918 aged 88.]

The Returned Soldiers’ Concert Party assisted by the Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ band and the Cheer-up Girls gave a concert at Booborowie last Wednesday, 1 May, in aid of the Burra Sporting & Athletic Club. A supper and dance followed. Total takings were c. £30.

Mr J.J. Virgo CBE is to visit Kooringa and speak on 12 May. He is the Empire Field Secretary of the YMCA and will speak on Round the World with the Red Triangle.

Obituary & Inquest. Booborowie Tragedy.

On Saturday last William Jeffery shot his son Arthur and then himself in a fit of temporary insanity. There was no known immediate cause, though he seems to have been much worried by the war. He lost a brother and son-in-law at the front and has a son there. His son Arthur was aged 27.

I.J. Warnes JP was the coroner at the inquest on the body of Arthur Jeffery.

Samuel Jeffery identified the body of Arthur Albert Jeffery.

Jane Elizabeth Jeffery, mother of the deceased, said her husband had driven their daughter to the train at 4.20 a.m. and returned home about 1.20 p.m. He had been cheerful and bright on leaving. On reaching home he went to the front room and when asked what time he had got to the train he had replied that he would shoot himself and his wife too. His wife had hidden in the chaff shed after telling Arthur what had been said. Her small daughter had come to her and told her that William Jeffery had shot Arthur and then himself. When she emerged Arthur shook his head, but didn’t speak to her and her little boy went for Mr Bertlesmier.

Eileen Jeffery aged 13 described seeing the shooting and then telling her mother.

Alfred Victor Jeffery also saw the incident and said that after he was shot Arthur had told him to go to get Mr Bertlesmier.

Fred. C. Baldock, farmer of Booborowie, had seen Jeffery in Burra and was with him about half an hour. He had commented unfavourably on Baldock’s driving a German wagon and said his son was going out with a German girl and he didn’t like it. They had two glasses of beer together and Jeffery appeared to be quite sober.

M-C North described finding the bodies of father and son.

Dr Wilson, acting for Dr Williams, described the injuries.

The verdict was that A.A. Jeffery was killed by a gunshot fired by his father.

At the inquest on the body of William Jeffery it was revealed that he had been sunstruck when Arthur was a baby and since then he was very irritable and had at times shown signs of insanity. There was a sister in the mental home.

The verdict was that he had shot himself while temporarily insane.

[William Jeffery born 27 February 1864 at Redruth: died 4 May 1918.

Arthur Albert Jeffrey born 16 December 1890 Hd Bower: died 4 May 1918 Booborowie.]

Burra District Council. Retiring members of Council:

Kooringa Ward Crs Finch & Reed

Baldina Ward Cr Kellock

King’s Ward Cr Pearse

Auditor E.J. Davey

Mt Bryan Red Cross has raised £35 for the Returned Soldiers & Sailors Building Fund.

XXXX, 18, 8 May 1918, page 3

Pte Arthur Stewart has again been wounded in France.

Pte Charlie Pohlner is returning to Australia soon.

Sgt J.E. Hatherly has been wounded in the thigh and is in hospital in Egypt.

G.A.G. Herbert writes with details of the death of Tpr Leslie Carey, who was drowned in Palestine at Derra Belah near Gaza.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mrs S. Baker some fine chrysanthemums

Os. Walker some fine dark red Japanese chrysanthemums

Mrs C.J. Pearce pink geraniums

Nellie Pearce geraniums & petunias

E.J. Davey cockscomb petunias

XXXX, 19, 15 May 1918, page 2

Mr Virgo CBE Empire Secretary of the YMCA addressed a large audience at the Institute on Sunday afternoon. Donations and promises totalled £313, besides a collection. Mr & Mrs J.M. McBride gave £100 each.

The Burra Institute Committee has for some time been considering enlarging the hall and negotiations are proceeding.

The editor commented that the increased size was needed only occasionally and a new piano was a more urgent requirement.

A Bolt. Clem Pearce was crossing the creek at the old White Hart Hotel ford when part of a load of loose timber moved and touched the horse which bolted, throwing Mr Pearce and some of the load into the creek. The horse went around the corner into Morehead Street and then turned left at Fuss Bros. and went up the hill towards the reservoir, past Winnall’s house and was coming down the hill when the reins got tangled in a wheel and pulled the horse up suddenly, pulling it down and capsizing the dray. In the outcome the only real damage was a broken rein.

Pte H. Riggs MM has been wounded again in France and has lost his left foot.

Surgeon Charles F. Drew, brother to John Drew, has been promoted to Major.

Wally Josephs who was reported k.i.a. last week as a private, was actually a sergeant.

Pte Jack Ridgway has been wounded for the second time.

Cyril Stewart is in the UK after being a POW in Germany for 14 months.

Pte Harold Bertram, son of the stationmaster, is severely ill with bronchopneumonia.

Pte A.L. Bertram, the other son of the stationmaster, has been wounded.

Burra Institute Committee. President E.W. Crewes has interviewed Mr O. Bruse re plans to alter the hall. Negotiations will continue.

Commercial classes will continue under Mr Biddle.

Burra Town Council.

Christie & Gardner have agreed to stand by their scheme and guarantee the Council against loss for two years as long as they are appointed consultant engineers. They would appoint the engineers in charge of the plant and the Council would follow their directions concerning the working of the plant.

The Railway Commissioner needs more details before agreeing to use electricity.

The Hydraulic Engineer would need to be convinced that electricity was cheaper before going over to its use.

Further advice was given by Clutterbuck Bros. against small cheap plants, which they said had always failed.

After discussion the Mayor said something had to be done: either adoption of the scheme or it had to be turned down.

Cr Radford was against paying wartime inflated prices.

Mr Crewes thought it would be at least seven years before normal times returned.

Cr McBride wanted it put to the ratepayers. As far as he could see there would be 20 streetlights at a cost of £6,000 and some convenience to consumers. There would be interest and depreciation and operating costs of £1,400 per year and therefore a considerable loss.

The Mayor said that wrote off the plant in ten years: not a fair estimate.

The Mayor was for getting a decision from the ratepayers.

Cr Radford would resign if they (the ratepayers) decided to go on with the scheme.

Cr McBride would try to make a success if it if the ratepayers wanted it. [But he was clearly opposed personally.] He moved for a ratepayers’ meeting. Carried.

The Saturday night train will run through to Broken Hill from the introduction of the winter timetable.

[Cr Greenwood for East Ward wanted a hole filled in Kuchenmeister’s Creek – is that the creek running past Kuchenmeister’s slaughterhouse to the cemetery?]

The issue of Mr McLaren’s appointment to the Hospital Board was raised by Cr Killicoat. The Town Clerk said that in 1912 the Chief Secretary had been asked that ‘His Worship the Mayor, Mr John McLaren, be appointed a member of the Board’. The Chief Secretary in reply wrote that ‘His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to appoint John McLaren, Esq., Mayor of Burra to be a member of the Board for that year’.

Cr McBride said McLaren was Mayor, but had been personally appointed.

Cr Killicoat asked why the Council had intervened and nominated a candidate if not to get a representative on the Board: they did not write when other vacancies occurred.

Mr Crewes said it had at the time been distinctly understood that it was ‘The Mayor’ who was appointed.

Cr McBride dissented and the matter dropped.

XXXX, 19, 15 May 1918, page 3

Burra Hospital Board.

Residents have been complaining of a bad smell from the hospital drainage and steps had been taken to remedy it.

Patient numbers for May were c. 4.

The Staff comprised Matron, a not-yet-qualified nurse, 3 probationers, a laundress, a cook, a wards-maid and a porter.

Mr Crewes doubted that this reflected efficiency.

Mr Warnes said the hospital was equipped for 30 and had to be maintained in case of an outbreak of disease.

Mr Crewes wondered if a special nurse for isolation was warranted under the circumstances.

The Chairman said that with no charge-nurse it was necessary.

Mr Crewes: but in spite of the numbers we are trying to get a charge-nurse at £80 p.a. He moved that the cost of the upkeep of the institution be considered.

Mr Warnes said the 3 probationers got 32/6 a month, so could hardly be reduced in pay or numbers. The Matron and porter got £100 p.a. each, which was little enough. The trouble was the shortage of patients.

Dr Williams was to be complimented on the work he had done to keep serious operations coming in. If townspeople were not going to support the hospital possibly the doors would be closed. Mr Warnes denied any extravagance.

Mr Radford said that without a charge-nurse the Matron was on duty practically 24 hours a day, as there was no other qualified nurse. She could not be asked to continue on those lines.

One probationer wanted to leave.

The Chairman said in his opinion if the townspeople did not support the hospital it must be closed. Some had gone to Adelaide, told a tale of woe and been admitted as paupers. As a result of such abuse Adelaide hospitals were full. The Inspector-General intended to force such people to be treated locally unless a very good reason could be shown.

Burra Show Soc. 7 May.

Proposals for new membership charges were discussed.

Mr T. McWaters proposed there be:

£2-2-0 subscribers, entitled to free entry in all classes, and to 1 member’s and 3 ladies’ tickets to all functions for the year.

£1-1-0 subscribers, entitled to free entries up to the value of subscription, and to 1 member’s and 2 ladies’ tickets to all functions for the year.

10/6 subscribers, entitled to free entries up to the value of subscription, and 1 member’s and 1 ladies’ ticket for admission to the general show only.

Carried.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

Pte Twist [Oliver] Ockenden was welcomed at the station on Monday evening by the Ladies’ band etc.

The Society has received photos of Cpl J. Kellaway and Pte T. Parks.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. continues to pack and despatch parcels to the front.

Women Christian Temperance Union continues monthly meetings in Jubilee Hall.

Burra Rifle Club. Best results on 20 April: M.A. Radford 93, R.O. Robinson 87 & Capt. Lord 87.

This was the final match for the yearly aggregate for which J.E. Pearce was 1st with 350 and R.O. Robinson 2nd with 335.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mrs W.H. Lomman &

Mr R.L. Moore Chrysanthemums (but not up to those of Mr R. Fuss & Miss S. Baker of last week.)

Mrs W. Geake Chrysanthemums

Mrs McLaren Geraniums

Mr Cox Geraniums & carnations

Mrs C. Fuss Geraniums

Miss Sleep Fuchsia

Mrs Josiah Thomas 4 quinces for 4 lb

Miss Evelyn Davey Anemones

XXXX, 19, 15 May 1918, page 4

World’s End Roll of Honour was unveiled on 22 April at the Methodist Church. 5 of the 19 on the roll had made the Supreme Sacrifice, which as Rev. A.J. Finch said seems a big percentage.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Anniversary was held 5 May. Rev. H. Alvey of Wellington Square North Adelaide preached. The tea meeting on Monday was largely attended. Total proceeds were £25.

Pte Ralph Thomas who was wounded in Belgium 12 October 1917 and was then a POW in Solten Camp in Germany from then till January 1918, when he was repatriated to England writes of his experiences. While in Germany his right leg was amputated leaving only a four inch stump. He needed a further operation on arrival in England and is now progressing favourably.

Kooringa Homing Club met on 4 May and its race program for the season is printed.

XXXX, 20, 22 May 1918, page 2

Obituary. J.H. Kitson, late of Kooringa, died 2 May in Adelaide aged 73.

He was the 2nd son of Mr John Kitson of Morley, West Ardesley, Yorkshire and a nephew of the late Sir James Kitson of Leeds. Born in Wellington, New Zealand in 1845, he came to Australia in 1855. He married Miss Ellen Woods of Gawler and then came to Burra where he lived for about 20 years, later going to live with his son at Gawler. He leaves one son and three daughters. There are 20 grandchildren. [Death of John Kitson registered as 3 May 1918 Magill, residence Gawler.]

Advt. Recruiting Meeting at the Institute 23 November.

Captain Bowers will speak and the Cheer-up Ladies’ band will play selections.

Advt. Red Triangle Day: 3 June. Great Demonstration in Market Square.

Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ band will attend.

Advt. Ratepayers’ Meeting 27 May to lay before the ratepayers a proposed electric light scheme.

Burra Seaside Picnic Committee. These year tickets were sold to 803 adults and 289 children. The balance in hand was £21-13-8. Accounts were paid and it was then resolved to donate £10 to the school for the purchase of bright pictures & £2-2-0 to each of Burra Soldiers’ Aid Soc., Burra Red Cross, Burra Cheer-up Soc. & YMCA, leaving a carry-over sum of £1-8-7.

A.J. McBride was thanked for advancing the £150 to make the initial purchase of tickets.

R.H. Crump has sunk a bore 60’ in Paxton Square and has struck good water rising to within 14’ of the surface.

Accident. A wheel broke on Mr L.H. Foote’s car on the way home from Manoora on Thursday evening and the vehicle capsized. Fortunately he was not hurt and significant damage was limited to the hood and windscreen.

Tpr Cliff Turner writes from Palestine telling of journeying through the Judean Hills to Jericho and the Dead Sea before returning to Rechan via Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

Burra Town Council.

The school was given permission to plant a memorial grove of trees on the eastern side of the creek to commemorate the soldiers who had died.

Letters of condolence were sent to relatives of Pte E.A. Riggs, Staff Sergeant G.W.W. Thompson [Thomson] & Cpl T.A. Dearlove.

Cr Radford moved for the purchase of 100 pines, 50 carib [sic], 20 ligonaris & 30 white cedars. Carried.

Boxthorn in the town is to be destroyed.

There were complaints about the postal and telegraph services.

XXXX, 20, 22 May 1918, page 3

Cpl A.T. Winders has been wounded in the face and is in hospital in London.

Pte V. (Lindsay) Kemble, who is a native of Burra but enlisted from NSW, is reported a leading ‘lady’ in the Sentimental Blokes Concert Party entertaining soldiers at the front.

Lieut. Malcolm Stevenson of the 3rd Light Horse has been wounded in Palestine.

Lindsay Lafsky has been gassed.

Pte Hedley Bishop has been wounded in France for the 4th time.

Pte Eugene Kelly is reported missing in action in France.

Lieut. Ian A. Macindoe, formerly of the Bank of Australasia in Burra, has been mentioned in despatches.

Major A. Lott is now 2nd in command of the 43rd Battalion.

Gunner Harold B. McCarthy has been slightly wounded.

Pte G.R. Thomas is returning to Australia.

Pte C. Pohlner is returning to Australia.

Pte Wesley Nankivell has been wounded in France.

Obituary. George Thompson [sic] has died in France.

Staff Sgt G.W.W. Thomson was k.i.a. 24 April. He was the son of the late W.S. & Mrs C.J.G. Thomson of Knightsbridge and late of Kooringa. He was 25. Prior to enlistment he was an officer in the National Bank and enlisted 31 August 1914. He left Australia with the original 10th Battalion and was in the Gallipoli landing. He was wounded there after six months and invalided to Egypt. He was sent to England and thence to France in October 1917. His brother Sgt Charles W. Thomson was wounded at Moquet Farm and returned to SA in November 1917.

[George William Wyville Thomson born 28 February 1893 Bordertown.]

Obituary. Pte Elliott A. [Andrew] Riggs was reported k.i.a. 25 April. He was the 5th son of Mr & Mrs John Riggs of Kooringa and late of Mullaby and Murkaby stations. He was born at Kooringa 8 December 1892 and educated at Burra School. He was keen on football, tennis & rifle shooting and was champion shot of the Burra Rifle Club shortly before going overseas. He was also a member of the Burra Band. He left Australia in December 1916 with reinforcements for the 50th Battalion. Two other brothers, Lieut. V.A. & Pte Herbert Riggs MM, are on active service. Herbert was wounded on 24 April and has suffered a partial amputation of his left foot.

Obituary. Cpl T.A. Dearlove was k.i.a. in France 27 April aged 38. He was the 4th son of the late William Dearlove and Mrs Dearlove of Ketchowla station where he spent his life prior to enlisting. He was known as a pastoralist and cricketer. He left for the front in September 1915 with 32nd Battalion and was injured in a railway accident last Christmas. His brothers Ptes Harry & Archie Dearlove are on active service. [Thomas Alfred Dearlove born 2 September 1880 at Cachowla [sic].]

Obituary. Lieut. Alan Davey has been k.i.a. He was the grandson of Isaac Davey, late of Kooringa and a nephew of T.A. Dearlove. [Alan Isaac Davey born c. 1894: died 22 October 1917.]

Obituary. Pte D.C. McDonald was k.i.a. in November 1916 and his parents have now been presented with a gold medal from the Hallett Welcome Home Committee. [David Charles McDonald born 17 March 1896 Hallett: died 2 November 1916.]

Obituary. Bert Bass was k.i.a. in France in 1917 and his parents have been presented with a gold medal from the Hallett Welcome Home Committee. [Herbert James Bass born 26 December 1896 Redruth: died 25 July 1917.]

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mrs George Sampson Roses

N.W.R. Pearce Roses

Charles Parks Golden Jelly turnips

Mrs W.H. Lomman Rhubarb

Burra Cheer-up Soc. staged a Welcome Home Social for Ptes Twist Ockenden, G. Foster & Viall. (Lieut. Sandland was unable to attend.)

Condolences have been sent to the Riggs, Dearlove and Thomson families.

Mt Bryan Red Cross Sewing Circle presents its annual report. [Details take almost 1 column.]

XXXX, 21, 29 May 1918, page 2

Advt. Free Concert & Lecture for the Royal Institution for the Blind by Mr H. Raymond at the Burra Institute 30 May: The Needs of the Blind, Their Work and Methods. Collection.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. has now forwarded 52 parcels to the front and is ready with more if addresses are provided.

Sgt Roy McBride has been badly gassed and is being returned to Australia.

Pte R.G. Thomas is to return to Australia.

Pte C. Pohlner is returning to Australia.

Andrew Hedley Bishop has had his right arm amputated.

Sister Solly, late of Burra Hospital has been returned to SA where she is doing transport work.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band went to Adelaide on Friday to assist with the YMCA effort. They were met at the station by the Secretary of the YMCA, Mr Maddern, and entertained for luncheon at the Red Cross tea rooms before going to Gouger St for the start of the parade. They marched behind the AIF boys and ahead of ambulance cars. After the parade the girls marched back to Rundle St where a platform had been erected for them. Traffic was stopped and a vast concourse of people attended. The Band played several selections. Mr Crewes appealed for funds after each selection. After an adjournment for afternoon tea there was a final selection and a last appeal. A cockatoo was auctioned. They had to catch the 4.50 p.m. train for Burra. The weather was dull, but perfect. On the way back Sgt Bernard Lowe was found on the train at Hamley Bridge and so they welcomed him on arrival at Burra.

XXXX, 21, 29 May 1918, page 2-3

The Electricity Scheme.

There was a poor attendance at the ratepayers’ meeting on Monday. The Mayor was disappointed at the turnout. Some years ago a £2,300 scheme had been turned down and just as well it was. Over recent years we have raised £2,000 in a day; surely we should be able to raise £5,000 to £6,000 for a paying proposition. The mayor read the scheme of Christie & Gardner – estimating 130 consumers for light the capital cost would be c. £4,800 with a charge of 8d per unit for light and 4d per unit for power. Revenue was anticipated to be £916 in the first year, £1,066 in the second and £1,283 in the third including street lighting. Working costs for the three years were estimated at £270, £465 & £485. There would be no battery, but an auxiliary plant. They would guarantee the Council against loss for two years. The street lights at present, miserable as they were, cost £170 p.a.

Mr Winnall asked if all Councillors were in favour. Cr Radford was not. Cr McWaters was undecided; Cr McBride was for electricity, but against this scheme. Cr Dane would vote for it as a ratepayer, but as a Councillor he wanted more information. Mr Turner had offered plans and specifications free. Christie & Gardner wanted £150. They had plants in 30 towns in Victoria which spoke for their bona fides.

Cr McBride said Jamestown’s experience was cautionary. With 247 consumers they had outgoings of £1,779 and an income of £900 and electricity only from 6 p.m. to 11.30 p.m.

Kadina had an income of £1,176, a fuel bill of £750 a year plus interest and a sinking fund on about £10,000.

Mr Winnall moved that there was insufficient information to grant approval. He said the figures made it impossible to see how a profit could be made in light of evidence from other towns.

Cr Radford 2nd saying the costs seemed greatly underestimated. Carried & meeting adjourned.

XXXX, 21, 29 May 1918, page 3

Empire Day was celebrated at Burra School on 24 May. A fair number of parents attended. A ceremony in the schoolyard took place at 12 o’clock with the pledge of allegiance and the National Anthem. Mr Radford gave a speech and then Rev. D.B. Bridgwood. F.H. Pledge and the headmaster, Mr Hitchcox addressed the children before they were dismissed.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mrs C.J. Pearce Chrysanthemums – dark red

Mrs L. Day Chrysanthemums – double yellow

Mr R. Fuss Chrysanthemums – double yellow & geraniums

Mrs Mills Geraniums

Miss Nellie Gray Geraniums

Miss Ivy Fegan Dianthus

Mr L. Wicklein Bougainvilleas

Mr O.G. Walker A peanut plant

Mr E. Cock A ‘None Such’ cabbage of 14 lb

Mr E.C. Sedgman Rhubarb

Mr J. Biddle Rhubarb

Recruiting Meeting at the Institute last Thursday.

Attendance was not large. Mr Crewes thought that the district had contributed 606 volunteers, but there were still some eligibles. Capt. Bowers spoke of the need for reinforcements.

Thomas Brady, who had enlisted from Todmorden Station in the far north, has been invalided home shell-shocked.

XXXX, 22, 5 June 1918, page 2

Advt. Bert Burgess, late of the 11th Light Horse AIF, wishes to notify that he has on hire a new Oaklands Car and is on call night and day. Phone 12 Kooringa.

Birth. On 20 May at Nurse M.A. Woollacott’s Myrtle Nursing Home to Mr & Mrs Henry Mann, a daughter, Ivy May.

Lieut. K.R. Crewes has been slightly wounded.

Pte Sid Edwards made a sensational escape from Germany last week. He is a grandson of Henry Collins of ‘Lucernedale’ Mt Bryan and was taken prisoner in September 1916. He is the first South Australian to escape from Switzerland.

L-Cpl W.J. Bob Herbert is returning to Australia soon due to sickness.

A Leighton Hall Welcome Social on 25 May greeted the return of Ptes Jack Williams & E. Dollard. Ptes Dowd & Blair were unable to be present.

Red Triangle Day, 31 May.

Lieut.-Col Butler DSO attended to speak on the work of the YMCA. The following stalls were erected in Market Square:

Soldiers’ Aid Society lollies

State School Children flowers

Red Cross & Cheer-up Society afternoon tea

Frank Harris buttons & souvenirs

Also contributing were:

Returned Soldiers’ Concert Party & Cheer-up Ladies

School Fife & Drum Band

Cheer-up ladies’ band

There were speeches by Mr E.W. Crewes & Lieut.-Col Butler.

A silk YMCA flag was auctioned on the Bugler System and raised c. £70.

A grand concert was given in the evening in the Institute.

Total takings are expected to be about £700.

XXXX, 22, 5 June 1918, page 3

Redruth Court, 4 June.

George Lord was charged with selling drink out of hours, but the charge was dismissed.

Three associated charges of being on the premises not being exempted persons against E. Wohling, R.L. Finch & A.H. Moore, were then withdrawn.

Mrs Gully was fined 5/- with 15/- costs for not enrolling a child at school.

E. Slattery was fined 1/- with 15/- costs for not enrolling on the Federal Roll.

The Concert & Lecture for the Blind on Thursday evening at the Burra Institute drew a good attendance. The Returned Soldiers’ Concert Party offered their services and Mr H. Raymond gave an address. The institution was founded thirty years ago. Their new building in North Adelaide was just complete when war broke out. They had handed it over for use as a military hospital and it had been handed back last May.

SA Stockowners’ Assoc. Burra Branch AGM was held last Friday.

I.J. Warnes, President, took the chair. The meeting is reported in 11⁄4 columns. Mr Warnes was re-elected as President.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mrs Josiah Thomas Rhubarb surpassing all previous

Os. Walker Kohlrabi & an 8 lb cauliflower (33 lb with leaves)

N.W.R. Pearce Fine roses

Glen Hawkes of Koonoona A 101⁄2 lb tree fungus

‘One Who Has Suffered’ writes attacking the Hospital Board. If they could have their own doctor to treat them they would never have gone away. Get Dr Ashton back and the hospital will be a going concern again. Why does the Board object to having Lodge patients? They always pay their fees and what if the doctor does get 2/6 or 3/- per quarter per patient. He has to live on something.

XXXX, 22, 5 June 1918, page 4

Burra Cheer-up Soc. AGM was held 28 May with E.W. Crewes presiding.

This year there were only 20 socials for soldiers and most of these were welcome home socials. Only 47 Cheer-up parcels were given out this year and five nurses received fountain pens: sisters Hatherly, Roach, Armstrong, McWaters & Morris.

We have sent Lady Brown 99 pairs of socks and various other articles and many of our members send private parcels.

On 1 June we had the sweet stall at the Red Cross Fete and on 5 June we sent £30-2-6 to the Adelaide Cheer-up Hut to help entertain 700 returning soldiers and another £20 similarly at a later date. In June also £30 went to the League of Loyal Women to provide comforts for soldiers and sailors.

£25 was raised towards a piano for our room at the Rifle Match Day on 25 June. On 6 July Violet Day was successful despite bad weather and the same month we paid for 100 Christmas boxes to be sent through the League of Loyal Women. £20 went to the SA Auxiliary Tobacco Fund. That month also saw a thank you social for Mr J. Pearce, who supplies our room and a Frolic was held in aid of the Piano Fund.

In August £30 went to provide Christmas boxes via the Army Nurses Association and £30 for Christmas puddings for the troops. A Girls’ Frolic aided our sweets stall, which raised £40 on Australia Day. A Birthday Button Day on 30 November and a special gift stall raised £150 for The Hut. Cases of cake and fruit went to Keswick Military Hospital for Christmas. In January £50 went to the Trench Comforts Fund. £10 was sent to the Children’s Patriotic Carnival in April.

A horse was given to a returned soldier, otherwise stranded in Burra. We sent three large hams to The Hut for the Anzac Day luncheon. Altogether donations were over £400 for various patriotic purposes.

The Ladies’ band was a great feature of the year.

Their first appearance in Adelaide was on Violet Day 29 June 1917 and was very successful.

Their second was at the Commercial Travellers’ Carnival at Adelaide Oval on 27 October 1917.

The third was at the Seaside Trip to Semaphore combined with a recruiting meeting at Bowman’s Arcade and an afternoon’s program at Keswick Hospital.

Three other invitations to Adelaide have had to be refused up to 15 May 1918; since when there has been a visit.

The band also visited patriotic functions at Peterborough, Robertstown, Farrell’s Flat, Hanson, Leighton, Mt Bryan, Booborowie and in Burra for Violet Day, Australia Day, Navy Day, etc. Reluctantly they had to refuse two invitations to Clare and two to Pt Pirie and also invitations to Gawler, Saddleworth, Hallett, Spalding and World’s End.

The band owes much to Mr I.J. Warnes who has donated a large sum of money for instruments and has financed two trips to Morgan. There are several other generous donors we cannot mention individually. Thanks are also due to other bands who have lent music. The principal reason for the band was to greet returning soldiers at the station. Almost all have been so greeted unless they came by the midday train. Many other people are thanked for their support of the society in various ways.

Elected were

President E.W. Crewes (re-elected)

Vice-President John Drew (re-elected)

Lady President Mrs J.M. McBride

Lady Vice-Presidents Mesdames George Lawn & Thomas McBride & Miss Alice Wilson

Secretary Miss Trix Pearce

Assistant Secretary Miss Ethel James

Pianist Miss Amy Harris

[There was no mention of a Treasurer, but presumably Frank Harris continued.]

On Friday the band was leaving for a three-day trip to Port Pirie.

A statement of receipts and expenditure is printed.

XXXX, 23, 12 June 1918, page 2

Advt. L.H. Foote, General Commission Agent, has taken over as the local agent for the Australian Implement Co.

Football. At Burra on 3 June Burra High School 8.13 defeated Riverton High School 0.0.

In the basketball match Burra High School 16 defeated Riverton High School 4.

Burra Institute. Plans for the enlargement of the hall have been received from O. Bruce.

Redruth Methodist Church celebrated its Anniversary 2 June when the Rev. George Hall preached. The financial result was £35.

Pte Alf Isaac has been wounded in France.

XXXX, 23, 12 June 1918, page 2-3

Burra Rifle Club AGM was on Saturday at Lord’s Hotel. Elected were

Captain G. Lord

Secretary J.E. Pearce

Treasurer R.D. Pascoe

Winners of contests for the past season:

Highest consecutive bullseyes P.A. McBride: 9 at 200 yards

G.L. Nutt: 9 at 600 yards

Best aggregate for two matches

at 800, 900 & 1,000 yards R.O. Robinson: 155

Best 12 shots off the rifle A.L. Kellock: 1070

Best 12 shots with handicap J.E. Pearce: 1,103

4 best at 200, 500 & 600 yards

with handicap A.L. Kellock: 390

4 best at 300, 500 & 600 yards

with handicap C.W. Pearce: 366

4 best at 300, 600 & 700 yards

with handicap J.E. Pearce: 350

3 best with handicap J.E. Pearce: 390

Mrs N.H. Pearse Trophy A.L. Kellock

But trophy to go to a member at the front and therefore to F. Wheatley

XXXX, 23, 12 June 1918, page 3

Burra District Council nominations for 1918-19, on 8 June 1918.

Kooringa Ward Fred Dew, farmer of Springbank

Edwin Nicholas Finch, farmer of ‘Pincarrow’

James Henry Gallagher, sheep farmer of Aberdeen

Baldina Ward John Kellock, sheep farmer of ‘Thistelbeds’ (elected)

King Ward Norman Hiles Pearse, grazier of ‘Gums Station’ (elected)

Auditor Edward James Davey of Kooringa (elected)

The election for Kooringa Ward will be held on 6 July.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

Social on Monday for Pte ‘Rub’ Scott with Trooper Dickson Thompson in the chair.

Pte C. Pohlner was welcomed by the Ladies’ band etc. at the station as he passed through.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mrs George Sampson roses, sweet peas & delphiniums

Mrs Heinrich of Aberdeen English marigolds

Mrs L. Penrose a 2 lb 51⁄2 oz Chinese radish

Burra Scout Troop. Thanks to Master Stanley Carey for the offer of two loads of building stone for the troop room: gladly accepted.

Kooringa Homing Club recently sent 19 good pigeons to do service in France.

The first race of the season was from Orroroo on 25 May and was won by Max Pearce’s light ch cock at 1,122 yds per min.

Another race from Orroroo on 1 June was won by Fred Parks’s grizzle hen at 1,400 yds per min.

A race from Eudunda was won by J.B. Parks’s light ch cock.

XXXX, 23, 12 June 1918, page 4

Burra Cheer-up Soc.: The Ladies’ band Trip to Pt Pirie

The Band, along with Mr J. Bentley, E.W. Crewes & E.J. Harris, took the Broken Hill Express on Friday 7 June [to Peterborough] and thence to Pt Pirie, a journey of 9 hours, arriving at 6 a.m. on Saturday 8th. They were met by Mr G. Bull of the Adelaide YMCA and local YMCA representatives. They were taken to their billets and at 11 a.m. assembled in front of the Town Hall where a platform had been erected. They were welcomed by the Mayor, J. Forgan, and Mr Crewes responded.

The Band played selections and then paraded the streets playing selections. In groups of six they were given dinner at various hotels. At 2.30 they returned to the platform and stirring appeals were made by Mr G. Bull & Mr Crewes interspersed with selections by the Band. They collected £67 in small money. At 3.30 p.m. they had afternoon tea at the Barrier Hotel, after which it was back to work till 5 p.m. Later they reassembled at 7.30 p.m. for further work till 9.30 p.m. when they retired to their billets.

On Sunday they were conducted over the smelter and refinery. Their hosts took several girls out to places of interest in the afternoon. Following evening church they performed a sacred concert at the Alhambra Theatre, where the collection was £25.

On Monday a trip in two motorboats was organised. After dinner the girls played at a football match until it was time to catch the train home. On the way they played at Crystal Brook Station for the large crowd assembled there. They reached Peterborough at 11.10 and then had to wait for the Broken Hill Express – in the interval they were shunted up and down every line in the yard. The express arrived at 3.40 a.m. and Burra was reached at 6 a.m.

XXXX, 24, 19 June 1918, page 2

Editorial on Violet Day, to be held 24 June.

The editor reflects on the first Violet Day in Burra when a bunch of violets was auctioned and bought, raising almost £400. The mood of that time was of ‘comparatively light-hearted enthusiasm’, which has become now more one of ‘a stern sense of duty and a determination to “stick it” to the last’. Unfortunately in the process some have become deaf to patriotic appeals. Perhaps what they need is an occasional air-raid to remind them that the deadliest war of all history is raging. The day is dedicated to the no less than 70 local boys who have made the supreme sacrifice and they deserve a large gathering and the breaking of previous records.

Senior Constable McCarthy has been transferred to Adelaide from Redruth. Mr T. McWaters presented him with a purse of sovereigns in appreciation of his time here when a number of gentlemen assembled in the Liberal Union rooms last week.

Robert James McBride has just won his case against his daughter, Mrs Caroline Sandland, on appeal to the Full High Court in Melbourne. This overturns the order of Mr Justice Buchanan in the SA Supreme Court previously given in favour of the daughter. [The dispute was over ownership of a property at Flagstaff, which Mr McBride had bought in 1895 for £4,167, but which is now valued at about £12,000.] The court also ruled that Mr McBride was not entitled to costs in either court.

XXXX, 24, 19 June 1918, page 3

Burra Hospital Board

P.A. McBride resigned, as he had left the district.

No charge-nurse has been procurable for the salary of £80. [The going rate in Adelaide being £80-£90.] With respect to a query from the Inspector-General of Hospitals the Board replied that it was not in favour of a resident surgeon being appointed, but if one were the question of his being allowed to charge private patients at the hospital would depend solely on what salary was paid to him.

There was considerable discussion arising from the Chairman’s previous suggestion that people who could afford to pay had gone to Adelaide and got free treatment. The Adelaide authorities now wanted names! Mr A.J. McBride (Chairman) said he had spoken generally. Mr Radford and Mr Crewes seemed to want Mr McBride to talk his own way out of the difficulty, but ultimately the Board stood with him and said that he had been generalising and if a specific case came to their notice in future they would oblige with a name.

Burra Town Council.

Christie & Gardner were offering to supply further figures re the electric light scheme. They are to be informed that Council is seeking information from others for comparison.

S.J. Harland applied for permission to build additions to the Commercial Hotel. Granted.

Bars have been declared off-limits to all men of any rank who are patients in a military hospital or in a convalescent home or camp undergoing medical treatment.

Obituary. Pte George Seigert, previously reported missing, is now reported to have been k.i.a. 21 September 1917. [Born 19 May 1895 Hallett.]

Pte T.A. Harrap has been reported gassed.

Pte C.C. Stewart is returning to Australia. He was a POW and was recently repatriated to England.

Pte Lindsay Lafsky has been gassed.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

There was a welcome social on Monday for L-Cpl L. Harris & Pte C. Wahlert, but the latter could not attend. It also served for Pte Work of Booborowie who left the district many years ago and enlisted from New Zealand.

It was decided to equip two beds for the Soldiers’ Hostel in Adelaide and that 100 Christmas boxes for boys at the front to be sent via the League of Loyal Women.

The Ladies’ band has had to turn down invitations to Adelaide and Eudunda for next Friday.

XXXX, 24, 19 June 1918, page 4

Burra Show Soc. The annual show will be held on Wednesday 23 October.

The ring will be moved to the NW of the present site as a trial.

The finance committee’s proposals re members’ tickets in three levels (£2-2-0, £1-1-0 & 10/6) were adopted. The £2-2-0 ticket idea was not passed without dissension. Mr Hawkes thought it would lose them money by giving unlimited entries to the larger exhibiters – especially damaging to the Sheep Show. Mr Warnes believed increased membership would counter that – entry fees last year brought in c. £20 at the Sheep Show, so not many more memberships were needed to break even.

Early Burra District History: by ‘T.H.B.’ reprinted from the Register.

The article tells of the trip to the area in 1838 by Governor Gawler, Henry Bryan (a young English visitor), Charles Sturt & Henry Inman (Commissioner of Police). They went up the Murray to NW Bend and then struck out to the NW. It tells of how the party only got back to the river with difficulty, but how Henry Bryan failed to make it. [There is no information on the later creation of towns in the area.]

XXXX, 25, 26 June 1918, page 2

Obituary. Philip Cock, farmer of Alford, died suddenly in Kadina on Monday aged 60. He was born in Burra and was brother to E. Cock of Leighton. [Philip Langmead Cock born 4 November 1855 Burra (BISA): died 24 June 1918 near Alford.]

Mr W.T. Truscott was farewelled by a group in the Liberal Union room last week and presented with a purse of sovereigns.

Marriage. On 20 June 1918.

Miss Evelyn (Eva) M. Pearce, eldest daughter of Mr C.J. Pearce of Kooringa married

Mr P. Flint of Kingscote on 20 June 1918.

Rev. H.H. Hopton of Auburn will take up the incumbency of St Mary’s about the end of July.

XXXX, 25, 26 June 1918, page 2-3

Violet Day in Burra, Monday 24 June.

This day is the annual effort of the Cheer-up Society to honour the fallen and hearten and cheer those still at the front. The weather this year was perfect. Over 100 wreaths and other emblems with the violet predominating were hung around the rotunda. At 11 o’clock a procession assembled at the railway gates to await the arrival of the train with Brigadier-General Forsyth CMG and Staff for the proceedings. They were greeted by the Mayor E.W. Crewes and escorted to the car, which was in readiness to take them to Kooringa. Mr P. Milner acted as marshal. The escort comprised 20 mounted returned soldiers and one sailor under Sgt Dickson Thompson and Mr James Reed’s car carried those unable to ride. Following these came the Cheer-up Ladies’ band in white dresses and violet emblems. Then came the car carrying the Brigadier-General, the Mayor, Capt. Brown & Lieut. Pollard. Next was a detachment of 30 diminutive Red Cross nurses in snowy frocks and caps, each wearing a violet rosette on their apron. The Burra High School & State School & their Fife & Drum Band followed and then a lot of children dressed in national costumes of The Allies. Decorated cars followed. The most original display was by the Aberdeen Boys Messrs E. Hopcraft (as the Kaiser), R.G. Bernhardt, F. Cox, C. Tiver, A. Fuss & G. Sara. Their display was a gun carriage driven by A. Fuss & G. Sara. This was followed by a turnout on which the Kaiser was tied down under guard, having been arrested, according to a notice, while embarking for Hell at Gully’s Wharf. The Boy Scouts were followed by the cadets under Lieut. Fewster. Other decorated cars followed. Most admired was Glenister & Sams’ decorated solely in violets and white ribbon with a large golden cross: ‘In Memory of the Brave’. L.H. Foote’s car represented a blackfellow’s wurlie with L.H. Foote as the blackfellow with lubra and piccaninnies. The Curlew Concert Party from Adelaide had a representation of Dick Pascoe’s shaving saloon.

At 1 p.m. the Ladies’ band marched in silence from their hall to the rotunda with a huge wreath of bay leaves and a card bearing the names of 69 fallen men. Mr Crewes gave a moving address: 606 had gone and many had returned maimed or blind, 69 had made the supreme sacrifice. He called for donations, half for the local Cheer-up Wounded Soldiers’ Fund and half to go to Cheer-up work in Adelaide. Afterwards the band played To the Memory of Our Brave.

Brigadier-General Forsyth addressed the crowd.

W.G. Hawkes followed, citing Pericles address to the Athenians from some 500 B.C.

A bunch of violets was auctioned and realised £250.

At 3 p.m. the Boy Scouts gave a creditable display.

The High School girls played a basketball match at 4 p.m.

There were many other attractions including entertainment from a Concert Party of Returned Soldiers.

Frank Harris ran a chocolate wheel where the holder of the lucky number, bought for 6d, won a large box of chocolates.

Mr Luke Day ran the Paddy’s Market most successfully, assisted by a number of helpers.

There were weight guessing competitions and various stalls set up under verandahs around Market Square

They included a sweet stall, fruit, flowers, jumble, souvenirs & buttons, luncheon and afternoon teas.

At the oval Aberdeen beat Clare at football by 2.5.

The Curlew Concert Party from Adelaide presented an entertainment in the Institute in the evening.

Total proceeds were c. £530.

XXXX, 25, 26 June 1918, page 3

Pte Alan Gebhardt has been gassed.

Pte Cyril Griffiths has been gassed.

Pte Hasle [Hasel] Fuss writes giving details of the death of T.A. (Tom) Dearlove.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Hugh Wilson a 3 lb 10 oz turnip with a 233⁄4” circumference

Miss Nankivell of Mt Pleasant red geraniums

Rev. & Mrs Bloyd were given a farewell social at St Mary’s schoolroom on 19 June after 8 year’s service. Speakers were Mr Winnall, Mr Treloar, Mr A. Gebhardt, Mr Bertram & Mr Ruthven. Mr Winnall presented Rev. Bloyd with a wallet of notes. He responded appropriately. In the time here he had travelled 25,000 miles to the churches of the parish. The Masonic Lodge presented him with a case of pipes and there was a travelling rug from the Mt Bryan Church and a wallet of money from the Gum Creek adherents.

XXXX, 26, 3 July 1918, page 2

Advt. SA Branch Trench Comforts Fund presents on Monday 15 July at the Institute a lecture on The Needs of Our Boys at the Front, by Captain Campbell, who served in Gallipoli, Egypt & France.

The Cheer-up Ladies’ band will assist.

Advt. Burra War Savings Committee. Public Meeting at the Institute 8 July: to be addressed by Lieut. Colley.

Violet Day gross receipts have now reached £600.

SA Farmers’ Union will open their stock sales at Booborowie on 11 July.

Football. At Largs Oval on Monday 24 June: Kooringa 5.6 defeated Port Adelaide 4.10.

Burra Town Council.

Glenister & Sams have been granted permission to extend their buildings in Commercial Street.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

C.A. Lott rhubarb with stems 1’10”, but a bit thin

Mrs Thomas McBride good lemons from ‘Redcliffe’

Mrs Josiah Thomas good lemons from ‘Three Trees’

Mrs C.S. Sams good double red geranium

R.D. Pascoe a 9 lb 5 oz cauliflower

XXXX, 26, 3 July 1918, page 3

Kooringa Homing Club. 15 June from Wilson, 116 miles:

Won by J.B. Parks’s dark ch hen at 1,287 yds per min.

22 June from Mercunda, 90 miles:

Won by J.B. Parks’s light ch hen at 893 yds per min.

29 June from Wilson North:

Won by Max Pearce’s black cock at 1,121 yds per min.

Pte K. Scott, who has taken up land on Springbank Estate on his return to Australia, has been awarded the DCM.

Pte Arthur Stewart has been wounded and is in hospital in London.

Pte Jack Casey, a former POW in Germany, has been repatriated. He was a well-known footballer for Kooringa and worked for J.A. Riggs on Murkaby Station.

Pte Norman Hammer has been wounded in France.

Pte Darcy Lowe has been wounded in France.

Pte Will Bowen has been slightly gassed.

Obituary. Pte W.F.J. Canny, who was k.i.a. in France, was the son of Mrs Canny of Booborowie.

[John Francis Joseph Canny born 22 February 1896 Wirreanda: died 4 June 1918.]

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. has decided to send 100 Christmas boxes this year through the League of Loyal Women.

Tpr Vesta Preiss writes from Palestine mainly about his visit to the holy sites of Jerusalem.

Pte Ray Flower writes from France that the German has been halted and ‘is coming a “gutser”’ and he doesn’t think the war will last much longer.

E.W. Crewes writes calling on people to assist either with money or labour in the fencing of properties recently taken up by returning soldiers on Springbank Estate.

League of Loyal Women held their AGM 28 June. Elected were

President Mrs W.G. Hawkes (re-elected)

Secretary & Treasurer Miss D. Hawkes

Assistant Secretary & Treasurer Miss C. Lowe

XXXX, 26, 3 July 1918, page 4

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. held its 3rd AGM. M.A. Radford presided.

540 pairs of socks were knitted for the year.

Meetings have been held every other Thursday with 30-40 present each time. We decided to send a small parcel to every Burra Boy – comprising a pair of socks, a khaki handkerchief and a tin of tobacco or butterscotch. Over 50 have so far been sent. This year there has been no demand for garments and bed linen.

We provided luncheon and afternoon tea at the Annual Sheep Dog Trials and takings of £64-16-10 were sent to the Red Cross, as September had been set aside as Red Cross Month. Earlier in the year we had sent them £80.

We supplied luncheon and afternoon tea at the Show, but were unfortunately somewhat short of helpers on that occasion, but nevertheless the takings were £125-10-8.

The Girls’ Club started the year intending to arrange a 6d concert or social each month, but after some very enjoyable evenings the plan had to be given up due to the removal from town of some key members.

An appeal to wool producers for wool raised over £90. Knitted goods amounted to 450 pairs of socks, 21 scarves, 23 pairs of knee pads, 38 pairs of mittens and gloves, 17 balaclavas, 7 vests and face washers & pyjama girdles. Several parcels of knitted goods have been sent to Capt.-Chaplain Durnford.

Sewn items include 41 vermin-proof shirts, 38 flannel or blanket balaclavas, 2 blanket scarves, 27 cholera belts, 11 pairs of slippers and 21 pairs of bed socks.

100 Christmas boxes were donated.

The society also took an active part in all the town’s ‘big days’.

Elected were

President Mrs E. Bertram

Secretary Miss Clara Bartholomaeus (re-elected)

Treasurer Mrs A. Wallis (re-elected)

Vice Presidents Mrs C. Bartholomaeus & Mrs C. Fuss (re-elected)

Auditor Mr C. Fuss (re-elected)

Tributes were paid to the departing President Mrs Bloyd.

XXXX, 27, 10 July 1918, page 2

In Memoriam Notice for Pte Frederick Charles Eig who was k.i.a. at Gaapard near Messines, 2 July 1917.

Women’s Branch of the Liberal Union. Elected at the AGM were:

President Mrs J.H. Hatherly

Vice-Presidents Mrs J.C. Sandland

Mrs I.J. Warnes

Mrs C.H. Bartholomaeus

Mrs A. Gebhardt

Mrs S. Burns

Mrs W.G. Hawkes

Mrs W.E. Hodge

Mrs F.R. Wigley

Mrs E.F. Marston

[Personal interest: the committee included Mrs C. A. Fuss.]

Burra Institute, committee meeting.

Messrs Parson & Robertson sent Mr Parsons to present and explain the Delco lighting scheme for the hall. They are also agents for the Faulkner Electric Co. (Lalley Light)

Moved Mr Wilkinson, 2nd Mr Pederson, that their offer to install electric light for £263-8-9 be accepted.

Theft. Cigarettes & biscuits were stolen from Mr Frank Harris’s shop on Saturday night.

Obituary. Mr James Bennetts, a former resident of Burra, died at Broken Hill on Friday aged 82.

XXXX, 27, 10 July 1918, page 3

The League of Loyal Women will supply luncheon and afternoon tea at the Cheer-up Room every Friday from 11.30 to 5 p.m. in aid of the Trench Comforts Fund.

Burra Rifle Club. 2nd match for the season saw best results from R.O. Robinson 103, Jack Kellock 102 & Captain Lord 101.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. has so far collected £1,159-6-1.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band reluctantly farewelled Miss Frada Truscott on 18 June.

A photo of the late Lieut. R. Hawkes has been received and also of Sgt Ross Harris, Pte Jack Highett & Pte Tregonning.

The Ladies’ band visited Riverton on 20 June for a recruiting meeting.

On Monday 1 July there was a welcome social for L-Cpl Bernard Lowe, Pte C. Wahlert & Pte Rankine (a visitor).

As a result of Violet Day £100 has been sent to the Cheer-up Hut in Adelaide and £50 to the Salvation Army via Captain Trigg of Kooringa.

110 good novels etc. have been sent to the library at the Soldiers’ Hostel in Adelaide.

Pte Will Herbert was welcomed by the Ladies’ band etc. at the station on Monday despite the very cold wet weather.

The Ladies’ band has been invited to assist at Australia Day at Gladstone, Crystal Brook, Hallett & Laura, but has been unable to accept all – they will go to Hallett on 27 July.

‘Willing to use the crowbar’ writes suggesting the town be closed for a day to help the Springbank boys with fencing – we closed for a seaside trip and sheep dog trials; why not for this?

J.C. Killicoat writes suggesting the Springbank farmers be helped by farmers donating 10 acres of crop or 5 tons of hay. If 10 will do so, Killicoat undertakes to be the 11th.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

H.R. Laycock sweet peas

Thomas Tiver pink geranium

E.C. Sedgman rhubarb

Burra District Council Elections.

Kooringa Ward – two required.

E.N. Finch 32

F. Dew 28

J.H. Gallagher 27

L-Cpl D.J. Black has been gassed.

Pte Nelson of Baldina is returning to Australia.

XXXX, 27, 10 July 1918, page 4

Burra Red Cross reports the last six months of activities. 166 pairs of socks have been made for the year so far and various other goods. They supported Children’s Day, Red Triangle Day & Violet Day. They sent cheques totalling £90 for the year to the parent society. [Further details are given.]

Leighton Hall. The annual report runs to 1⁄3 column. The financial position improved by £48 and £107-7-0 was forwarded to patriotic funds.

Pte T.J. Quinn writes on life at the front in France.

Pte Reuben Lloyd writes from France of action at the front.

XXXX, 28, 17 July 1918, page 2

Advt. Trench Comforts Tea Room in the Cheer-up Room, Pearce’s Building to be opened by the Mayor, E.W. Crewes on 19 July at 3 p.m.

Advt. Butler’s 500. Lieut.-Col. C.P. Butler will visit Burra today. There will be a Civic Reception in Market Square at 11.30 a.m. The Ladies’ band will attend.

He will give an address in the Institute at 8 p.m.

Obituary. John Walker, an old Burra resident, died in Aberdeen on Wednesday. He was born in Bridge St Kooringa [18] November 1854. He was a member of the town Council at one time and of late years, overseer and ranger for the Hanson DC. He was a member of the Baldina Methodist Church and also at Kooringa and Aberdeen. He was secretary of Aberdeen MUIOOF. He had been twice married. His first wife died five years ago and he leaves a widow. He is survived by five daughters from his first marriage: Mesdames A. Smith (Adelaide), Franklin (Broken Hill), Bevan (Aberdeen) & Montgomery (Mongolata). [Check: that is only four.] There are several grandchildren.

H. Walker of Orroroo & J.T. Walker of Nairne (stationmaster) are brothers, while Mrs William Harris of Kooringa is a sister. [Died 10 July 1918.]

Obituary. Mrs W. Oppermann of Redruth died in the Burra Hospital on Tuesday. She is survived by three daughters: Mrs S. Pearce (Leighton) and the two Misses Oppermann of Aberdeen. There is one son: Lionel Oppermann. [Born Catherine Conway 1864: died 15 July 1918.]

Pte Philip B. Byles has been wounded in France.

Pte Firth, son of Mrs Firth of Aberdeen, has been wounded.

Pte Terence O’Brien, brother of Miss O’Brien of Aberdeen, has been wounded in France.

Pte Herbert Sharp, late of Parks & Sharp of Kooringa, has been wounded in France.

Cpl Reuben J. Lloyd has been awarded the MM, having been mentioned in despatches three times.

Pte Ralph Thomas, who was a POW and lost a leg, has been invalided home and is now in Keswick Hospital in Adelaide. Two framed examples of his art work are in the Record office window.

Pte Sam A. Jones has been wounded.

Pte Michael Griffen has been wounded for the second time and is in hospital in England.

Obituary. Pte Ray J.C. Flower has been k.i.a. in France.

[Ray James Callis Flower born 30 November 1891 Hd Yongala: died 6 July 1918, France, residence Braefoot.]

XXXX, 28, 17 July 1918, page 3

Local Repatriation Committee. A meeting was called for Wednesday last, but only 10 attended and the meeting was adjourned till tomorrow. It is important, as the committee will be a permanent group to advise and help returned men and when help is required it will investigate and report to the Department. Mr Dane was elected Honorary Secretary.

Kooringa Homing Club. 6 July race from Pinnaroo was won by Max Pearce’s blue barred hen at 1,141 yds 2 ft per min.

13 July race from Copley was won by J.B. Parks’s bird at 930 yds per min.

Burra Town Council

The Department of Repatriation writes asking for preference in employment for returned soldiers.

Local Board of Health.

There was a lengthy discussion initiated by Cr McBride over the inspector’s power to have diseased animals killed and to decide if animals were diseased. McBride thought the inspector ill qualified to judge. The mayor said if animals proved to be free from disease the value could be recovered from the Board. McBride thought the meat could not be condemned until inspected by the chief inspector.

Burra Hospital. An offer has been made to accommodate up to 12 invalid soldiers.

Because of the enormous cost of carbide Mr McWaters was authorised to try to collect sufficient funds to put in an electric light plant.

Burra Cheer-up Soc. has received a picture of Sister Mosey.

Sympathy has been extended to the Flower family on the death of Pte Ray Flower.

E.W. Crewes writes thanking those who have offered various forms of help to the Springbank soldiers farmers.

‘One who will help’ writes expressing pleasure that the boys of Burra are to start up a band. He looks forward to the boys returning and to helping them to adjust to life at home again. How could Pincher Harris, Billy Bowen & Alan Gebhardt get by without a band?

Marriage. On 3 July at the home of Mr Mark Jeffery of Porter’s Lagoon.

C.C. Hopgood married Miss Doris A. Jeffery.

Marriage. On 11 July at Redruth Methodist Church.

Mr Ashley W. Macgowan married Miss Elsie May Harrison.

Marriage. On 13 July at the residence of Mrs Broad of Kooringa.

Samuel Ernest Garrard married Miss Clara Amanda Broad.

XXXX, 28, 17 July 1918, page 4

Tpr Bob Josephs writes describing his time in Palestine around Jerusalem and the Dead Sea area.

Burra Licensing Court sat 10 July concerning renewal of licences for Mesdames Gregg, Seal, Richards, Boorman, and Clark.

Emilie Othlie Clark (Commercial Hotel) was supported by favourable reports from Inspector Archibald Watt and Constable Thomas McCarthy. There was a billiard room, two sample rooms, stabling for six horses and pit toilets, but lavatories were in the course of erection. Adjourned.

Mrs F.A. Gregg (Bon Accord Hotel). The Inspector reported it to be fairly well furnished and clean. It had neither sample rooms nor billiards, but stabling for six horses. It was hard to say if it was necessary. It was used mainly by railwaymen and wheat lumpers. The toilets were pits, but septic tanks were being installed. Constable McCarthy said it was well conducted and necessary for the class of people who used it. Mrs Gregg had it for six months after her husband’s death: he had held the licence for seven years. She was very busy on sale days and when there were functions at the Showgrounds. It was largely used by Booborowie people. Several other witnesses gave support.

George Lord (Burra Hotel). The Inspector said it was well kept and had up-to-date sanitary conveniences and was lit with electric light. Constable P. North agreed it was well conducted as did Constable McCarthy.

Mrs Elizabeth Richards (Court House Hotel). The Inspector found it well kept and comfortably furnished with no billiards or sample rooms. There were pit toilets and it was lit by acetylene gas. Police evidence supported the application. Mrs Richards had held the licence for 12 years and had just renewed her lease for 5 years.

Mrs Annie Seal (Kooringa Hotel). The Inspector reported it was properly furnished and clean with a billiard room, but no sample room. There was an acetylene gas plant, but currently used kerosene lamps. There was stabling for 11 horses and the sanitary arrangements were pits. The police supported the application as did several witnesses.

Renewals were granted for the Burra, Kooringa, Commercial & Bon Accord Hotels. The cases for the Court House & Royal Exchange were adjourned till September.

Burra District Council. Cr McWaters was re-elected Chairman.

XXXX, 29, 24 July 1918, page 2

Obituary. Mrs H. Lihou of Port Pirie died last Friday. She was the eldest daughter of the late Samuel Pearce, grazier of Leighton. She lived for many years in Burra after her marriage before moving to Pt Pirie. She leaves a husband and adult family of three sons and four daughters: Pte Stan Lihou (active service), Pte Arthur Lihou (POW), Hurtle Lihou (Pt Pirie), Mrs J. Allen (Kooringa), Mrs Mahon (Caltowie), Mrs Alderson (Pt Pirie) & Mrs Higgins (Pt Pirie). [Born Mary Ann Pearce 5 November 1858 Maitland: died 20 July 1918 Pt Pirie.]

British & Foreign Bible Soc. held their annual services last Sunday. The Deputation was Rev. I. Rooney FRGS. 11 a.m. service at Redruth Methodist Church, 3 p.m. United Young People’s service at Burra Institute and an evening service at Kooringa Methodist Church. On Monday evening he gave an address on the work of the society in the Kooringa Methodist Lecture Hall and on Tuesday he repeated the Sunday address at Redruth Methodist Church.

Weather. There have been several nights of severe frost.

Burra Rifle Club. Best results on Saturday were L. Neagle 103 & A.B. Riggs 102.

XXXX, 29, 24 July 1918, page 3

Driver Fred Gebhardt is in hospital in France.

Alf Isaacs [sic, for Isaac] has been wounded slightly in France.

Obituary. Pte R.J.C. Flower belonged to the 32nd Battalion on service in France. He was the only eligible son of Mr & Mrs James Flower of ‘Flowerville’, Braefoot. He was farming when he enlisted in October 1916 and left Australia in December 1916 in the transport Berrima, arriving in England 17 February 1917. He trained at Hurdcott on Salisbury Plain and went to France in July, fighting around Ypres and Paschendale as a bomber. Later he was a despatch runner. He was a devoted church worker at Ironmine, where he was in the choir. He was also a Sunday school teacher there and treasurer of the Sunday school. He was also a member of the Leighton Rifle Club and Agricultural Bureau and was in the Burra Institute Orchestral Class. He was 26 years 7 months old. [Ray James Callis Flower born 30 November 1891 Hd Yongala: died 6 July 1918, France, residence Braefoot.]

‘A Ratepayer’ writes suggesting that instead of planting trees on a fine open space by the school that is useful for active sports, the children plant red gums along the bed of the creek. The old butts indicate where they used to grow there – not of course in the main flow, but at the edges thereof and not too close together to encourage a spreading growth. World’s End and Princess Royal indicate the benefits.

Rose Pearce writes on behalf of Minda Home, seeking perambulators or donations.

‘A Helper’ writes thinking that some way of raising patriotic funds should be devised that does not take away the livelihood of proprietors making an honest living as is the case with the tea rooms in the Cheer-up Room.

The League of Loyal Women. Though open the previous week, the Luncheon and tea Rooms were formally opened last Friday at 3 p.m. by the Mayor. The Trench Comforts Fund will benefit.

Burra Cheer-up Soc. has now furnished a room as well as providing two equipped beds for the Soldiers’ Hostel, Adelaide.

A photo of the late Pte C. Humphries [sic, for Humphrys] has been received.

A photo of Pte Eig has also been received. [Which Eig is not stated.]

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

T.P. Goodridge radishes

Alf Walker violets

XXXX, 29, 24 July 1918, page 4

Lieut.-Colonel Butler’s visit is reported in 22⁄3 columns. He was seeking 500 recruits.

XXXX, 30, 31 July 1918, page 2

Notice. Farmers & Settlers’ Association: Mr A.S. Meldrum, Organiser, will attend a meeting

3 p.m. on 9 August in the Dalgety’s Building for the purpose of forming a branch in this district.

Advt. Australia Day, Burra Saturday 10 August. Stores open to 11 a.m.

Luncheon, Afternoon Tea, Cheap-Jack Stall, Queen Competition for Queens of Fairies, Flowers, Frolic, Flags, Games & Nursery Rhymes. Soldiers’ Cake Stall, Monster Flight of Pigeons, Buttons & Souvenirs, ‘Home for a Bob’ – 1st prize a house valued at £750, A Mile of Pennies, Sweets & Fruit Stall, Paddy’s Market, World’s End Stall, Grand Procession. Three Bands.

XXXX, 30, 31 July 1918, page 3

Obituary. Kate Oppermann, wife of William Oppermann of ‘Parkholme’ Redruth, aged 52, died at Burra Hospital on 15 July. [Born Catherine Conway 1864: died 15 July 1918.]

Obituary. Pte R.J.C. Flower No. 4523 died 6 July aged 26 of gunshot wounds in France. Eldest son of J. & E.S. Flower of ‘Flowerville’. [Ray James Callis Flower born 30 November 1891 Hd Yongala: died 6 July 1918, France, residence Braefoot.]

Repatriation Committee. At the meeting on 25 July C. Wilkinson, J. Reed, E. Geake, P. Roach, Mr Hitchcox & T. McWaters were added to the General Committee, which with the approval of the DC will cover both the town and DC areas. One executive member is to be a returned soldier and Mr L. Clark was so elected. Other vacancies on the executive were filled by Messrs Crewes, Treloar, Winnall & McWaters. The Repatriation Department will appoint two members.

[The general committee from the meeting of the previous Wednesday comprised Messrs Crewes, Winnall, E.J. Davey, McLaren, Treloar, S. Kellaway, F. Harris, E.J. Harris, Marston & G.E. Dane. From the general committee the object was to elect an executive committee of five (plus the Dept. appointees).]

Liberal Union AGM was held on Friday and elected for 1918-19:

President J.H. Rogers

Vice-Presidents Mr Winnall & Mr M.A. Radford

Secretary P. Milner

Australia Day at Hallett was held 27 July and was a great success. It is reported in 11⁄2 columns. The Burra Ladies’ band attended. It led the parade from the Institute to the recreation grounds and played selections in the afternoon. The crowd was addressed by the Chairman of the Hallett DC, T.E. Richards, and by the Mayor of Burra, Mr Crewes. There was a concert in the evening and over £370 was raised.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

Pte Cyril Stewart was welcomed home at a social on Monday after 14 months as a POW in Germany.

Major H.J. Copley writes from France of heroic deeds on the front.

Pte Cyril Stewart recounts his war experiences. He left for the front on 31 May 1915 and was 12 weeks on Gallipoli when he was taken ill, spent three months in hospital, returned to Gallipoli and then stayed till evacuation. He then went to France and fought at Armentieres, Messines, the Somme, Pozieres & Ypres. He was wounded on 5 November 1916 at Fleurs and spent 48 hours nearly up to his neck in mud before being rescued by the Germans and taken to Cambrai, where he was operated on without anaesthetic for the removal of a bone in the elbow. He later had two similar operations. He was then sent to Stettin where three further operations were needed, also without anaesthetic. His food was mainly mangolds and swedes. There was a final operation at Altdann. Red Cross parcels were then getting through and after three months he went to a camp where there were 80,000 prisoners, mainly Russians, but about 500 British & Australians as well. The prisoners had to work in the fields or the coal mines. Attempts to escape always failed because they were about 350 miles from Holland. Finally he was moved to Mannaheim and on 28 December 1917 was included in a prisoner exchange. Two of his brothers also enlisted. One was invalided home some time ago and the other is still at the front.

XXXX, 30, 31 July 1918, page 4

‘Ratepayer’ writes complaining about the damage done to farmers by commonage cattle on the stock roads. They push over fences and enter any open gate. The ranger ought to be protecting them [the farmers], but seems to neglect this part of his duty.

XXXX, 31, 7 Aug. 1918, page 2

Advt. Burra Institute Wednesday 14 August. Grand Concert by the Dinkum Concert Party –

Including Returned Soldiers & Members of Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ band.

In Aid of the Australia Day Fund

Obituary. Emma Dower, wife of P. Dower, died 3 August at Kooringa aged 41. She leaves a husband and five children. She was the eldest twin daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Groeke and married Mr Dower 15 years ago. [Born Emma Auguste Grocke 7 June 1877 Kapunda: died 2 august Kooringa.]

Obituary. Pte Jack Cruickshank, grandson of Mrs W. Bentley, has been k.i.a. in France.

[John Cruikshank born 1 February 1893 College Park: died 8 July 1918.]

Pte P.B. Byles is in hospital at Taplow [west of London] after being wounded.

Liberal Union, Women’s Branch. Mrs E.W. Hawker, President of the Clare Women’s Branch, gave a clear and able address on ‘The present aspect of the wool and wheat schemes’. The address is reported in 12⁄3 columns.

XXXX, 31, 7 Aug. 1918, page 3

Local Board of Health

Messrs G. Lawn & Co. demands payment of £20 for the alleged illegal destruction of a bullock said by the Inspector to have had an internal growth, said by Dr Williams to be cancer. Failure to pay within a week will lead to a lawsuit. Mr Winnall has been retained by the Board.

Fourth Anniversary of the War: Intercession Service.

This was held last Sunday at the Institute. The hall was packed and people stood outside and many went away. The Institute Choral Class of 60-70 sang, with Miss Trix Pearce at the organ and Miss Amy Harris at the piano. Rev. A. J. Finch gave a prayer and Captain Trigg of the Salvation Army gave a scripture reading. Rev. H. Hopton of St Mary’s gave a thoughtful address on ‘Loyalty’. Rev. D.B. Bridgwood then spoke on Intercession. The Mayor Mr Crewes and Mr Hawkes also spoke.

A.D. McDonald writes as Chairman of the Booborowie DC denying allegations that their ranger is not policing the cattle on the stock routes. Complaints have not been sent to the Council and it resents anonymous attacks on its officers.

‘Another Ratepayer’ from Booborowie writes urging that the stock routes be cut up and sold to returned soldiers – with, he believes, a cheese factory to open soon this would be a productive use of the land. A 3-chain road would be quite adequate.

Burra School Arbor Day was held on Wednesday 31 July and started with special lessons before going on to the planting of a Soldiers’ Memorial Grove on the eastern bank of the creek near the school. In time to come the planting is planned to extend from the Mill to the furthest extent of the town. Rows of pines, carobs, swamp-oaks, tamarisks, acacias & poplars were planted. Sports were held in the afternoon.

Copperhouse School Arbor Day was held on Friday when addresses were given by Mr L.H. Foote & Mr Forrest and tree planting was followed by lunch and sports.

XXXX, 32, 14 Aug. 1918, page 2

Advt. Tenders are called for the erection of a Business Premises for SA Farmers’ Co-op Union Ltd.

Obituary. Lieut. Cleve J. Scott MC was k.i.a. 22 July 1918. (Cousin of L & H Day & of Pte Jack Stedman) [Cleve James Scott born 4 October 1896 Pt Broughton.]

Obituary. Adjutant Lieut. Frank J. Scott was k.i.a. 10 October 1917. (Cousin of L & H Day & of Pte Jack Stedman) [Frank John Scott born 2 December 1894 Pt Broughton.]

Obituary. Stanley Maurice Hann, third son of Mr & Mrs George Hann of Aberdeen, died 7 August aged 10 as a result of tetanus, which was being overcome when pneumonia set in and death resulted. He was a chorister at St Mary’s. [Death registered as 6 August 1818.]

Mrs Cock of Bute, widow of the late William Cock of Burra, turned 84 last week. She was born in Devonshire and came to Australia in the Moffat in 1839 and is a colonist of 79 years. Her husband died 24 years ago. In the last year a daughter, Mrs A. Fraser of Bute and a son, Mr Philip Cock of Alford, have died. Two sons and five daughters survive with 65 grandchildren and 40 great grandchildren.

Mr J.M. McBride has purchased a new Ford car for Lieut. Dow for use in recruiting purposes in his district.

Vandalism & Theft. Last Sunday night a Union jack was torn to pieces outside F.J. Harris’s shop and a Belgian flag was stolen.

Obituary. Mrs Leslie Wall died at her residence in Redruth on 9 August aged 26. She was the daughter of Mr & Mrs McGowan of Redruth and leaves a husband and three-year-old daughter.

[Born Annabell Mary McGowan 2 April 1892: died 8 August 1918 Aberdeen.]

Obituary. Samuel [Charles] Broad died at the Burra Hospital [corrected next issue to Heathmount Private Hospital] on 9 August. He was born 9 May 1851 at Burra and went to the Victorian gold fields with his parents. Later he lived at Sod Hut and was engaged with the mule teams carting between Burra and Kapunda. He later took land at Bright and lived there ever since. He married the second daughter of the late Henry Lawn of Baldina and Mrs Lawn of Kooringa. Five sons and five daughters survive: Sam, Stan, Os. & Cyril of Bright, Percy of Farrell’s Flat, Mrs George Mosey of Brady Creek, Mrs E. Mosey of Bright, Miss Louie of Kooringa and the Misses Irene & Dorothy of Bright.

XXXX, 32, 14 Aug. 1918, page 3

Australia Day, Burra, Saturday 10 August.

A fine day. The street was festooned with flags and bunting and stalls were erected under verandahs, keeping the street clear for traffic. The procession assembled at the station at 11.15 to await the arrival of Col. S. Price Weir DSO, who was met by Mr Crewes (the Mayor) and escorted to a car. Sgt Dickson Thompson led with several mounted returned soldiers followed by lads on ponies. Then came the Ladies’ band in crème dresses and hats followed by the Mayor’s car. The Copperhouse School was commended for their boys dressed as marines with sailor costume, gun and carriage. The girls appeared as Red Cross nurses drawing a diminutive ambulance. Mr C. Sams’s car was decorated in daffodils and pink roses. The Burra School Fife & Drum Band was followed by a trolly decorated with wattle and bearing the six tiny queens and their attendants:

Miss Joyce Pearse, Queen of the Fairies

Miss Betty Walker, Queen of the Flags

Miss Ruth McNeil, Queen of Games

Miss Minetta Thomas, Queen of Flowers

Miss Evelyn Moran, Queen of Nursery Rhymes

Miss Maisie Radford, Queen of Frolic

The voting for the Queens raised £414-2-6.

The Boy Scouts were well turned out and ran a penny drive. H. Austin’s Buick was decorated with almond blossom. The Burra School boys and girls were dressed as cadets and a 3rd Light Horse Caravan. The newly formed Burra Band came next with J. Allen as John Bull as drum-major in their first public appearance. Mrs Gregg’s car bore ladies in Japanese costume. An armoured car followed.

Mr Crewes delivered a speech and read a telegram announcing a wonderful victory in France.

[The offensive at Amiens began 8 August and saw the first collapse of entire German divisions in the war. It was part of the Foch counteroffensive.]

Col. Price Weir gave the main address. Lieut. Dow, the recruiting officer with two sons at the front, also gave an address.

The luncheon and afternoon tea raised £40.

The penny drive rounded up 10,800 pennies weighing 225 lb (£45) and the Scouts’ share was£27 worth of this.

The flight of pigeons arranged by Mr George Horner was not a success due to the apathy of owners.

The Cheap-Jack stall was very active as was Paddy’s market, which raised over £44. The sweet & fruit stall earned £60 and button sales brought in £140. A gold button was auctioned for £273-14-0 on the Bugler system with Mr J.M. McBride the top bidder at £53. By the end of the evening some £1,320 had been raised.

Price Regulations. Paul Roach of Aberdeen, miller, was fined £25 plus £7 costs for charging J. Brereton, a returned soldier, £5-12-6 for 1 ton of bran, the fixed price for which was £4-15-0.

Howard W. Turner of Leighton writes commending to the public the idea of turning stock routes into farmland, especially in the light of the DC of Hanson calling a public meeting to discuss this in the Council Chamber at Hanson on 17 August.

XXXX, 32, 14 Aug. 1918, page 4

Burra Town Council

Glenister & Sams were given permission to carry electric wires across the street from the Commercial Hotel upper storey to Pascoe’s, subject to the approval of the Telephone Department.

Burra Rifle Club. Best scores on 3 August were S. Gordon 98 & Capt. Lord 94.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

Pte Cyril Stewart was given a welcome home social on Monday evening and gave the society a photo.

XXXX, 33, 21 Aug. 1918, page 2

Obituary. Annie Austin, wife of F.J. Austin and eldest daughter of William and Mary Thomas, died 16 August in WA aged 46. [Born Ann Thomas 31 January 1872 Mintaro.]

St Mary’s. Rev. H.H. Hopton, newly appointed rector, was welcomed at a social on 14 August at the Sunday school.

Mr S. Timms caught his left hand in the sausage machine at George Lawn & Co. on Monday morning and badly damaged the thumb and third and fourth fingers as well a cutting the palm of the hand.

Advt. Burra Institute, 25 August. Boy Scouts’ Concert in aid of the Burra Troop – includes George Plenty in Scottish and Irish Dances, Tableaux, Songs, Recitations and the 2-Act Drama Winning a Recruit. Don’t miss the Dancing Ventriloquist.

Advt. Burra Institute 27 August. World Famous Hellers:

Madame Heller: trance medium and The Willmars: musical duo.

Weather. In the last week falls of around 50 points have been widespread in the eastern country.

RSL. The Returned Soldiers’ Reunion Dinner was held on Australia Day evening in the Cheer-up Hall. Col. Price Weir DSO presided over the 1st reunion of returned soldiers. Before the dinner a business meeting saw the formation of a branch of the Returned Soldiers & Sailors’ Assoc. Elected:

President L. Clark

Vice-Presidents R. Innis & C. Sandland

Honorary Secretary B. Burgess

Treasurer T. Scott

Committee: Messrs Parker, Thompson, Roberts, Elliot, T. Scott & McSweeney.

Mr Crewes gave one of his patriotic speeches during which he referred to plans to build a soldiers’ memorial in Burra. He expected they would raise from £1,500 to £2,000, probably siting the memorial in an enlarged Rotunda enclosure in Market Square. Lieut. Phillis toasted the visitors.

XXXX, 33, 21 Aug. 1918, page 3

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

On Monday evening Bombardier Searle Berryman was given a welcome home social. Though Burra born, Bombardier Berryman had not lived here for some years and had enlisted interstate.

Pte Harry Brown has been wounded in France.

Lieut. Bob Crewes has been discharged from hospital.

Burra Boy Scouts.

Burra Men’s Band has offered to play outside the Scout Concert on 28 August.

Mr C. Preece of Aberdeen has donated the stone from an old building in Redruth for the new Scout Room and Mr C.H. Lowe has donated six loads of building stone.

The Dinkum Concert Party’s performance is reviewed in 3⁄4 column. It was very successful and door takings were £32. During the evening Miss Joyce Pearse was crowned Queen of Australia Day.

Dog Poisoning is again occurring in Burra with four poisoned on Saturday night. Though some sheep have been attacked lately, there is no excuse for poison baits to be laid in town streets and at people’s doors.

Australia Day Receipts have now reached £1,438-18-1.

Burra Rifle Club. Best scores last Saturday: S. Cordon 101 & J.E. Pearce 100.

XXXX, 33, 21 Aug. 1918, page 4

Driver Fred Gebhardt writes from France where he is otherwise well, but is in hospital while wounds heal.

Pte Jack Villis has been wounded in France.

Pte Herbert Riggs is returning to Australia.

Major A.W. Lott is in hospital having been gassed and has trench fever.

Pte S.A. Jones has been wounded and is in hospital in England.

Pte Darcy Lowe has been wounded.

‘Ratepayer’ writes reasserting problems with straying cattle from stock routes and regretting any unjust reference to the District Clerk.

Pte Reuben Lloyd writes from the banks of the Somme near Amiens and comments on the recent battles at Dernancourt and Villers Bretonneux.

XXXX, 34, 28 Aug. 1918, page 2

Obituary. Charles A. Gillet was k.i.a. 10 August in France. He was the son of A. & S. Gillet of Cockburn and a cousin of Amy, Thelma & Dorothy Harris of Kooringa. [Alfred Charles Gillett born 19 October 1888 Cuddla Muddla.]

Obituary. Lieut. Eric Mervyn Roach was k.i.a. 10 August in France aged 27. He was the third son of H. & M. Roach of Aberdeen.

Lieut. Roach’s death removes another of the original 10th Battalion. Nine Burra boys were in it at the landing on Gallipoli. One, Pte Harry Skinner, died that day and Pte Jack Camp a few days later. Seven left for France in April 1915 [sic, error for 1916]. Then Lieut. Essen Rule was killed 3 August 1917, Staff Sgt George Thomson was k.i.a. 24 April 1918 and now Lieut. Eric Roach on 10 August 1918. Four survive: Sgt Fred Harvey (returned), Pte Arthur Stewart (twice wounded), Cpl Hartley Harris & Pte Fred Wheatley. The last two were OK on 29 September 1918 [A remarkable observation for a paper dated 28 August 1918!]

[Born 24 March 1891 Medindie: died 10 August 1918 France, residence Broken Hill NSW.]

Marriage. On 29 July

T. James, late AIF, eldest son of Mrs & the late P.B. James of Hanson married

Myrtle Ruby Edwards, daughter of Mrs Edwards of Largs Bay

St Joseph’s Church Fund benefited from a social at the Skating Rink last Wednesday, which began with a euchre tournament and was followed by dancing till the small hours.

Mr G. Lord, proprietor of the Burra Hotel for almost 12 years, has decided to retire. His sons Harry & Will and son-in-law C. Humphries will carry on. For some years Mr Lord has been Captain of the Burra Rifle Club and of practical assistance with patriotic efforts.

Burra Homing Club. Pinnaroo Race No. 2 was won by J.B. Parks’s dark ch hen at 1,041 yds 1 ft per min. The Lower North Combine Race from Copley was won by H. Gillies of Hamley Bridge whose bird did 1,057 yds per min.

Red Cross Month. The Burra Ladies’ band will head the grand procession in Adelaide on 13 September. This launches a Red Cross Drive to place a Red Cross Badge signifying 5/- in every window.

I.J. Goodridge writes pointing out that the duties of the DC Ranger are not as ‘Ratepayer’ implies. He has to see that cattle on the road are licensed and don’t loaf about. He cannot see to every beast that strays into adjacent properties. Property owners have to keep their gates shut and be responsible for broken fences.

XXXX, 34, 28 Aug. 1918, page 3

Obituary. Lieut. Eric Mervyn Roach was the 3rd son of Mr & Mrs H. Roach of Aberdeen and was born in 1891 and educated at private and public schools in Burra and later at Prince Alfred College, after which he took up electrical engineering. When war broke out he was home convalescing from a severe illness. He enlisted in the 1st contingent from Burra as a member of the original 10th Battalion in the machine gun section and sailed on 20 October 1914, taking part in the Gallipoli landing where he was wounded in the shoulder and neck. After three weeks on a hospital ship he returned to Gallipoli for six months. In April 1916 he went to France and saw action at Pozieres etc. After 12 months he was chosen when a L-Cpl as the first of nine Australians to do a four-month course at Bisley Cadet School for machine gunners and was commissioned in July 1917. He received his second star in February 1918, backdated to November 1917. Last March he took up a position as anti-aircraft officer, but preferring the front line to giving lectures he returned to his company a month later and was there until he fell on 10 August. Two brothers, Keith and Jack, are on active service in France. His sister, Staff Nurse Dorothy Roach, is in Egypt.

[Born 24 March 1891 Medindie: died 10 August 1918 France, residence Broken Hill NSW.]

Obituary. Pte Bert Dew was k.i.a. aged 22 on 30 July. He was the eldest surviving son of Mr & Mrs F. Dew of ‘Bluebell Farm’ Springbank. He was born at the farm 10 June 1896 and educated at Burra School before going farming with his father. He was an excellent horseman and a member of the 23rd Barossa Light Horse, riding in the winning Military Fours twice at the Burra Show. He was a keen musician and member of the Burra Orchestra and active in the Kooringa Methodist Church. He enlisted 7 August 1916 and left Australia 21 September 1916. After training on Salisbury Plain he went to France 23 December 1916 and reached the front on 27 February 1917. He was wounded in October 1917 and rejoined the battalion after five weeks. He took part in all the 32nd Battalion heavy engagements. [Albert Dew born 10 June 1896 Springbank.]

Obituary. Signaller Charles Gillett, nephew of Mrs E.J. Harris of Kooringa, was k.i.a. in France [10 August]. He was the son of Mr A. Gillett and grandson of the late Mrs Gillett of Gum Creek. He was born at Gum Creek in 1889 and educated at Burra and Hanson schools. For some time his parents lived at Hampton. After school he took up grazing with his father on Buckalow Station via Cockburn, from where he enlisted in 1916, leaving Australia with reinforcements for the 27th Battalion.

[Alfred Charles Gillett born 19 October 1888 Cuddla Muddla.]

Obituary. Lieut. J.W. Maunsell, who was killed in France on 9 August, was the husband of Mrs Maunsell of Kooringa. He enlisted with the 5th Battalion NSW and had only just returned to the front after being wounded. He was the only son of Col. Maunsell of the 4th Royal Warwickshire Regiment.

[John William Maunsell born c. 1889 Ireland.]

Obituary. Pte Herbert Bampton of the 32nd Battalion was killed in France on 8 August. He lived with his parents in Burra, was educated at the Burra School and was for many years employed by Messrs S. Drew & Co. [Herbert James Bampton born 1 October 1871 Redruth: died 8 August 1918 France, residence Pt Augusta.]

Pte Ray Flower’s Memorial Service was held at Leighton hall last Sunday. The hall was well filled for the service by the Rev. Bridgwood. [The report extends just over 1 column.]

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

Sympathy was extended to the relatives of Lieut. Roach, Pte Dew & Lieut. Maunsell.

A photo of Essen Rule has been received.

Trooper Douglas Keynes writes to his grandfather, J.M. McBride, about life in the Jordan valley and of Jerusalem etc.

Pte Courtney Pearce has been wounded in France for the second time.

Tpr Horace Hill has been at the Military Boot Shop in Cairo for some time, but has now rejoined the 9th Light Horse in the Jordan Valley, from where he writes home.

Capt. H.J. Copley is recovering from severe influenza and from being gassed.

Pte Wesley Nankivell is returning to Australia.

Pte Herb Riggs is between Fremantle and Melbourne.

XXXX, 34, 28 Aug. 1918, page 4

Quartermaster Sgt Sydney Edwards arrived in England 24 May 1918, having escaped from Germany via Switzerland after 19 months as a POW. He left Australia with the 11th Battalion and transferred to the 51st in Egypt. On 3 September 1916 he was captured in the fight for Mouquet Farm near Pozieres, when he was wounded in the thigh. He spent a week at Caudry near Cambrai and then went to a lazarette at Graffenwohr and after four months to a camp at Nuremburg. Later he did nine months at a camp at Lechfeld in Southern Bavaria, by which time he was in receipt of regular Red Cross food parcels. Here he volunteered for work as a farm labourer at the village of Diesenhausen, some 20 miles west of Lechfeld. He managed to obtain a map and a compass, laid in a store of provisions and on 29 April began an escape with a French Sgt Levasseur. They made their way to the Swiss frontier about 130 miles away and crossed the border between the Swiss village of Thaingen and the German town of Singen. They were seen when 100 yards across the border and fired on by a sentry, but managed to escape. The Swiss authorities sent them to their respective consuls in Berne. Edwards has had considerable bush experience on stations of his uncle (John Collins of Collinsville) and grandfather. He enlisted at Moora in WA and his mother lives in Perth WA. He is the first Australian to escape via Switzerland.

Pte Noel Tiver writes a letter from France.

I.J. Goodridge writes complaining of parties of ‘gentlemen’ who shoot at the children’s pigeons from their cars along the Leighton-Booborowie Road on Sundays.

XXXX, 35, 4 Sep. 1918, page 2

Advt. Glenister & Sams, Motor & General Engineers, next to the Commercial Hotel.

Obituary. Dennis (Jim) O’Leary, 3rd son of the late John & Margaret O’Leary, died on 29 August at Queen St, Kooringa.

Mr O’Leary was 68 and was unmarried. He leaves three brothers and two sisters: John, Thomas & Arthur and the two Misses O’Leary.

Burra Institute. A meeting last Monday night sought to revive interest in chess and draughts. While no club has been formalised, players who are interested should gather on Wednesday evenings 7 to 9.30 p.m.

Burra Town Council

Mr Turner has provided specifications for lighting the town.

Farmers’ Union was granted permission to build a general store.

The Postal Service. Some changes have been made in that letters posted at the railway station without late fees will be returned to the local post office and treated as normal mail. Mails carrying late fees will continue to be despatched and a late fee bag will be provided at the post office for mail up to 5.30 p.m.

Obituary. John Flower, son of Mr Joseph Flower, died suddenly at the Burra railway station on Monday. He had been carting wool with his brother-in-law and was untying a rope when he collapsed and died instantly of heart failure. He was a widower of 36 and leaves a son about 9 years old. He was born at Stony Gap and lived there till about three years ago when he moved to Copperhouse on account of his weak heart. [Born 14 July 1882 Stony Gap: died 2 September 1918 Aberdeen.]

Pastor W.J. Turner of the SA Conference of Seventh Day Adventists delivered an address at the Institute on Friday evening last entitled The Clash of Empires or Germany’s Plan for World Domination Checkmated. Attendance was very small.

Leighton Schoolchildren held a successful concert in the hall on Thursday 22 August.

XXXX, 35, 4 Sep. 1918, page 3

Red Cross. Mr W. Manderville gave an address on 28 August on the work of the Red Cross in Egypt and Palestine. Button Day will be held in Burra on Friday 6 September.

The Scout Concert on 3 September is reviewed in 2⁄3 column and it was a most enjoyable evening, raising c. £30. The revived Burra Coronation Band under bandmaster S. Timms played in front of the hall.

Local Board of Health.

G. Lawn & Co. are suing the Board over the bullock lately killed for being diseased. The Board will contest the claim, but a discussion on Monday failed to decide whether to get a ‘legal luminary’ to assist Mr Winnall.

Herbert Horner, brother of the electoral officer in Kooringa Mr Gilbert Horner, is a POW at Gustrow in Germany.

Sgt Graham Dow has been seriously ill in Palestine with anthrax, but is now said to be out of danger.

Pte Roy W. Lloyd has been wounded.

Pte Charlie Bennetts has been wounded.

Bob Bettison has been wounded.

Tpr George Morgan, who is in hospital in Palestine, is improving.

Sgt P.S. Storr of Booborowie has been wounded in France.

Burra Cheer-up Soc. has received a letter from Sister Lily McWaters along with interesting photographs.

XXXX, 36, 11 Sep. 1918, page 2

Advt. Children’s Day at Booborowie Woolshed on Wednesday 18 September.

Sports, Bazaar, Concert & Dance. Proceeds to patriotic funds.

Advt. Mt Bryan Sheep Dog Trials: 19 & 20 September.

Advt. Grand Concert by the Mt Bryan Dandies in Mt Bryan Hall: Thursday 19 September.

In aid of Red Cross.

Advt. Burra Institute 14 September: A fine picture showing the inner workings of a Zeppelin.

The Zeppelin’s Last Raid. Plus Miss Doreen May in latest song hits.

Advt. Welcome Home Social for Pte H. Riggs MM. Members of the Burra Band and the Burra Sporting & Athletic Club at the Cheer-up Room, Saturday 14 September at 8 p.m.

Obituary. Dympna [sic] Dower died 6 September at Kooringa aged 15. She was the eldest daughter of Mr P. Dower. [Death registered as Dympna.]

[Born Dymphna Dower 13 May 1903 Kooringa.]

W. Toll & Sons of Booborowie intend to erect an up-to-date butter factory and the farm will become a model dairy with milking machines etc. and lit with electricity.

2nd Lieut. D.H. Killicoat has been promoted to Lieutenant from 4 February 1918.

R.A. Cock is promoted to Lieutenant from 6 February 1918.

Burra Institute. It was decided to close the commercial classes at the end of the present term.

The Chess Club has started favourably.

XXXX, 36, 11 Sep. 1918, page 3

Pte J. Villis has been wounded.

Pte C.T. Bennetts has been wounded.

Pte Norman Hammer is recovering from wounds.

Pte Courtney Pearce has been wounded and is in hospital at Aldershot.

Pte Will Dow has been gassed and is in hospital at Rouen.

Sgt Graham Dow has been removed from the danger list.

Obituary. Pte Charles Tiver died of wounds in France 22 August 1918. He was the second son of Mr C.G. Tiver of Parkside and formerly of Burra. He was a nephew of Mr & Mrs J.G. Sara of Aberdeen. He was at University when war broke out on 4 August 1914 and was called out as part of the Citizen Forces to guard various places around Adelaide. He volunteered late in 1915 and left Australia 12 August 1916 on the transport Ballarat. Soon out of Cape Town he and another man were isolated with two meningitis patients in a balcony erected over the side of the ship, until they reached England. He went to France in November 1916 and there took part in battles at Pozieres, Ypres, Messines, Armentieres etc. He was wounded in October 1917. He was born in Aberdeen 31 August 1895. He was a member of Parkside Methodist Church and a teacher in their Sunday school. His older brother, Lieut. Stanley Tiver, is also serving overseas. [Charles Price Tiver born 31 August 1895 Aberdeen: died 22 August 1918 France, residence Parkside.]

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

On 3 September Pte Herb. Riggs was welcomed at the railway station by the Ladies’ band etc.

The society has received a photo of Pte Wesley Nankivell who is due home this week.

The Ladies’ band will leave Burra on Friday morning to take part in the Red Cross Carnival in Adelaide on that day and at Unley in the evening and on Saturday at the War Tank Demonstration, before returning Saturday night.

Burra Rifle Club. Best results on Saturday were from P. Milner 101 & Herb. Riggs 100. The club farewelled Captain Lord who is leaving the district. He has been at the head of the club for 11 years consecutively. He was presented with a splendid kitbag.

Red Cross Drive Button Day, last Friday 6 September.

Bunting, flags and stalls were again the order of the day. Drew & Crewes newly built new department was made available as an ideal café for luncheon and afternoon tea.

The Cheer-up Ladies’ band attended and played selections. School children sang.

Mr Crewes addressed the gathering from a platform near the rotunda, followed by Mr Hawkes.

The beautiful Red Cross Flag, presented by Mrs John Tennant and signed by Lady Galway, was auctioned on the Bugler system and raised £160, going to Mr W.G. Hawkes for £30. The usual array of stalls is described and the total amount taken was about £500.

XXXX, 36, 11 Sep. 1918, page 4

Local Board of Health.

After much discussion, which is reported in just over 1 column, it was decided to retain Mr F. Smith to assist Mr Winnall in defending the case brought by George Lawn & Co.

[Part of the difficulty in discussing the matter arose inevitably because Cr McBride seems to have also been part of the ‘& Co.’ bringing the case.]

Kooringa Homing Club.

Race from Oodnadatta won by J.B. Parks’s dark ch cock at 916 yds per min.

Lower North Combine Marree Race won by Dr Riddell of Freeling’s bird at 955 yds per min.

Kooringa’s North Line Championship was run in conjunction with the previous race and was won by J.B. Parks’s bird at 828 yds per min.

Lower North Combine Dimboola Race was won by H. Keane of Gawler’s bird at 970 yds per min.

Kooringa’s South Line championship was run in conjunction with the previous race and was won by J.B. Parks’s bird at 930 yds per min.

Burra Hospital Board.

There are 12 or 13 patients including one in isolation.

The Chief Secretary has approved accommodating wounded soldiers.

The newly appointed charge-nurse took up duty on Monday.

Mr McWaters has collected promises of c. £85 towards the cost of installing electric light.

A committee was appointed to get out specifications and call for tenders for electric light.

XXXX, 37, 18 Sep. 1918, page 2

Advt. Leighton Glee Club Concert at Leighton Hall, Saturday 21 September.

Medals will be presented to Returned District Boys.

Advt. Lecture at the Institute on Social and Military Work of the Salvation Army by Mrs Lieut.-Col. Harris of Adelaide, Wednesday 25 September. The mayor will preside.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mrs George Sampson delphiniums

Miss Rogers pansies

Mr Herbert Cox pansies and ranunculi

Burra Brass Band Committee acknowledges the receipt of various donations.

Obituary. Sampson Montgomery died 11 September at Redruth aged 99 years 6 months. He was a colonist of 80 years. [Registered as Samson Montgomery. See more page 3 this issue.]

Obituary. Mr William Sleep, brother to the Misses Sleep of Kooringa, has died in Ashburton New Zealand. He was born in Kooringa in 1845, the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs Joseph Sleep. When a young man he went first to Willowie where he entered into business and second to Moonta for 27 years. He went to New Zealand two years ago, as some family members live there. He was a staunch supporter of the Methodist Church, being a Sunday school teacher and a lay preacher. He married Miss Dobney of Kooringa who died several years ago. Four sons and one daughter survive: Edgar & Frank in New Zealand, Fred in Kadina, Percy in Adelaide and Mrs Trewartha in New Zealand. There are two sisters and one brother: Miss A. Sleep and Miss M.E. Sleep, both of Kooringa and Fred in Victoria. His youngest son Pte Theobald Sleep was k.i.a. in France in 1916.

[Born 23 June 1845 Kooringa.]

Obituary. Richard Paddick once lessee of the Bon Accord Hotel, died 12 September at the residence of his niece, Mrs Boorman, Royal Exchange Hotel Aberdeen aged 81. [Registered as Richard Dannerley Paddock died 12 September 1918 at Aberdeen aged 80.]

Obituary. Mr George Anderson died on 24 August aged 60 at his residence in Fremantle East WA. He was a former Burra resident being born in Kooringa in 1858 and educated at Burra. He was then employed by Statton, Henderson & Co. and married Margaret Bruse, 2nd daughter of the late Henry Bruse of Kooringa and after some time left Burra for WA. He was an ardent supporter of the YMCA and had been a member of the Fremantle Municipal Council. He is survived by a widow, four daughters and one son, Alexander, who is on active service. [Born 23 December 1857 Kooringa.]

Obituary. Mrs E. Richards passed away at her residence, the Court House Hotel, on 16 September aged 48. She was the eldest daughter of Mr Harry Vivian, once of the Commercial Hotel and now of Adelaide. Her funeral was attended by her father and two brothers Walter & William and a brother-in-law, Mr W.J.C. Ewins. Mr T. Vivian of Salisbury is another brother and Mesdames Ewins of Kooringa and Tame of Unley are sisters. The Misses R. & N. Vivian are stepsisters and Bert Vivian is a stepbrother. [Born Elizabeth Vivian 16 January 1870 Hampton.]

XXXX, 37, 18 Sep. 1918, page 3

Pte Herb Riggs was given a welcome home social in the Cheer-up Hall last Saturday. The report extends for over 1 column. The Burra Brass Band attended as did the Burra Sporting & Athletic Club. The social was largely attended and J. Drew presided in the absence of E.W. Crewes in Adelaide. Pte Riggs received very serious wounds at Gallipoli and on recovering was sent to France where he was again seriously wounded, resulting in his return to Australia. He has been awarded the Military Medal.

Obituary. Mr Samson Montgomery died 12 September aged 99 years 6 months at the home of his daughter Mrs Henry Tralaggan. He was a colonist of 80 years. He was born in Cornwall in 1819, his father being an artillery man who fought against Napoleon. He came to SA as an employee of George Fife Angas and was believed to be the last survivor of those who came out in the Henry Porcha, arriving on 1 July 1838. He took up gardening. He was then employed by Mr John Dunn as engineman and fireman. He later took land at Dry Creek and after five years took land in the Upper Wakefield District where he stayed until retiring. He married a widow, Mrs Harding, in 1840. She died several years ago. He leaves Robert (Jamestown), John (Brookton WA), James (Aberdeen), Thomas (Quorn), Mrs H. Tralaggan (Aberdeen), Mrs James McGowan (Aberdeen) & Mrs W. Dunstan (Broken Hill).

Tpr George Morgan has been seriously ill and then got pneumonia and remains very weak.

Pte Albert Bruce [a POW] has been sent from Germany to Switzerland.

Tpr Will Bell writes from Jericho of sightseeing in the Holy Land.

David Killicoat has been promoted to Captain and is second in command of his company.

Lieut. Frank Treloar has been awarded the MC.

Pte Darcy Lowe who was recently wounded in both thighs has now recovered to the wheelchair stage.

Pte Alan Harvey has been awarded the MM.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

Last Friday the Ladies’ band went to Adelaide to take part in the Red Cross Appeal. On arrival they went to Flinders St where the procession was to begin. It being Show Week the crowds were huge. The procession began at 11a.m. Mounted Police led the Crusaders and Returned Soldiers carrying Red Cross Banners, then Lady Galway, the Red Cross Committee and The Ladies’ band. They were followed by about 3,000 women in white dresses and then the Red Cross Trollies. The Governor took the salute from a platform at the Town Hall. The Mitcham Band was opposite to play a march for the procession. The Ladies’ band played several selections in the afternoon.

On Saturday afternoon the Mitcham Band and the Ladies’ band provided music at the War Tank Demonstration at Unley Oval. A large crowd had come to see the tank from the French battlefields. Lady Galway christened it by the name of ‘Grit’ it with a bottle of champagne. A silk Union Jack was then auctioned and the Burra Cheer-up Society bought it with a £60 bid. Mr Crewes was presented with the flag by Lady Galway and he had a ride in the tank, which went over trenches and obstacles in a demonstration. It finally demolished a stone building labelled ‘German Headquarters’. The Band returned on a special train at 7 p.m.

On Saturday evening Pte Wesley Nankivell returned to Burra unannounced and so missed a welcome at the station, but he was on hand on Friday morning at the Adelaide Station to welcome the Band!

Burra Town Council

Drew & Crewes asked for permission to alter their premises. Granted.

J.B. Ridgway was granted permission to erect scaffolding on Kooringa Road at Graham for the erection of the Scout Room.

The fence of Opie’s Hotel was about 3’6” out on the footpath and would be unsightly when the new Scout Room was erected.

The shortage of carbide means streetlamps will not be lit for 8 nights before and 4 nights after full moon.

Local Board of Health.

Mr Winnall has engaged Mr F.V. Smith and filed a tentative defence.

Mr Winnall and the Town Clerk contradicted each other as to what advice Mr Winnall had given.

A.J. McBride writes explaining what he wanted to say at the Board of health on 7 September, but was prevented by the chair. He believed the Board should have left the Lawn matter with Mr Winnall alone, unless they lost and then could have taken on a city lawyer for the appeal if needed, thus saving ratepayers’ money.

Pte J.R. Clarke has been welcomed home to Hallett.

XXXX, 38, 25 Sep. 1918, page 2

Advt. The Boys’ Recreation Hall to be used as the Boy Scouts Troop Room.

Foundation Stone to be laid by E.W. Crewes on Saturday 28 September.

Procession of School Children & Scouts from Market Square at 3 p.m. will be led by the Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ band and the School Band.

The ‘Home for a Bob’ winner is Mr Miller, the grandson of Mrs P. Lally. He is a schoolteacher at Mannahill and is only 20. [One of the Australia Day competitions.]

Navy Day will be held in Burra on 30 October when the Governor and the Navy Band will attend. A meeting was held in the Burra Institute last Monday to make arrangements.

The Burra & District Poultry & Kennel Club has been advised by the Burra Show Committee that they are not in a position to lend coops this year. The club has therefore cancelled its show this year as it is too late to make other arrangements.

XXXX, 38, 25 Sep. 1918, page 3

Burra Sheep Dog Field Trials were held 17 & 18 September and were very successful. Winners:

Novice Stakes: Mr O.V. Roberts’ dog Ginger Mick with 76 points.

Maiden Stakes: K.D. McDonald’s black dog Jack Johnson with 81 points.

Puppy Stakes: Mr White’s slut Glossy with 92 points.

Open Class: Mr T. White’s dog San with 196 points out of 200.

Burra Cheer-up Society

Pte Ralph Thomas was welcomed at the station on Tuesday night on his way to Mt Bryan by the Ladies’ band etc. Pte Wesley Nankivell was also present.

On Wednesday morning the Ladies’ band went to Farrell’s Flat on the morning train and thence to Clare for their Australia Day proceedings. They reached Clare at 7.30 a.m. At 12.30 they led the procession to the sports ground. The Band returned on the Broken Hill Express.

A photo has been received of Driver R.S. Honan of Hallett.

E.J. Davey writes maintaining his statement that Mr Winnall had said that Lawn & Co. had not a leg to stand on.

Hon. Sec. R. Pearce writes re costs of Naval Day 1917 denying that the Navy Board was paid £50. Total expenses were less than £50. They took £694-1-2 and paid to the Navy League £331-10-0 and some to Missions to Seamen. [Details of costs totally £29-18-5 are then given and the bank account currently stood at £1-2-9.]

Lieut. Arthur Killicoat has been promoted to Captain.

Cpl J.H. Evans has been wounded for the third time.

Burra Rifle Club. Best scores on Saturday: E.W. North 92 & S. Cordon 90.

J.A. Riggs has been elected to replace Captain Lord who resigned on leaving the district.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

R.D. Pascoe a 12 lb cauliflower

William Pearce pansies

R. Fuss (Copperhouse) pansies

XXXX, 39, 2 Oct. 1918, page 2

Advt. Wednesday 9 October at Victoria Park the Burra Sporting and Athletic Club and the Burra Men’s Band presents Sports and a Concert. 29 Tents, 4 Tight-Ropes & A Wheelbarrow.

Procession from the Railway Station at 11.30. Sports & Stalls and an Evening Concert by the

Mammoth Monster Musical Merrymakers.

Advt. Burra Institute 8 October. The World’s Biggest Success: THE WHIP, Famous Sporting Drama in Eight Acts. All the thrills of the racecourse – a real train wreck.

Plus Charlie Chaplin in The Immigrant and

The Red Cross Pageant in Adelaide featuring the Burra Ladies’ band

Advt. Drew & Crewes have Farm Machinery on view at their new showrooms next to Eyes & Crowle’s Motor Garage.

Burra Sporting & Athletic Club. ‘Our Heroes’

£5 wallets have been presented to:

Pte R. Ockenden Pte C. Jones Pte E.S. Williams

Pte Clarry Brown Pte A.W. Pearce Pte E. Dollard

Pte L. Harris Pte O. Ockenden Pte Regan

Pte C.L. Wahlert Pte C. Bevan Pte J. Lewis

Pte W.J. Herbert Pte C.R. Stewart Pte H.L. Riggs

Pte Tim James Pte Ken Drew Pte A.E. Elliott

Pte P.R. Beckwith Pte C.J. Williams QMS W. Cock

SM W.L. Ford Major Lance Lewis

XXXX, 39, 2 Oct. 1918, page 3

Advt. Australia Day at Mt Bryan 19 October. Sports & Competitions, Afternoon Tea, Paddy’s Market, Stalls & Auction Sale. Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ band.

Grand Concert by the Mt Bryan Dandies

Marriage. 28 September at Westbury Methodist Church

Mr G.C. Bilney married Miss C.M.M. Niemann.

Pte C.J. Goodridge has been wounded for the second time in France.

L-Cpl J. Regan, has been wounded in France.

The paper says his mother is Mrs W. Regan of Oakbank Station

Pte Arthur Ockenden is returning to Australia soon on transport duty.

Pte Murray Pens has been wounded in France.

Capt. David McDonald Steele was awarded a bar to his MC in the Gazette of 24 September 1918.

Pte C.J. O’Dea MM has been wounded for the fourth time. He is the brother of Mrs P.J. Redden of Booborowie.

Obituary. Pte Eugene Kelly, previously reported missing, is now believed to have been k.i.a. 11 April.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. The total raised has now reached £1,209-13-31⁄2.

Mt Bryan Sheep Dog Trials, 19 & 20 September. 1st Annual Meeting.

They were a huge success:

Puppy Stakes won by K. McDonald’s Jack Johnson with 80 points. (The only entrant)

Maiden Stakes won by R. Laidlaw’s Bantry Boy with 76 points.

Open Class won by T. White’s Wampy with 167 points out of 200.

Burra Boy Scout Room: Laying of Foundation Stone

Mr Rigney organised the Scout Troop three years ago and since then great work has been done. When the building is finished the boys will have a home of their own in a solid well built form comprising two large rooms: one 45’ x 20’ and the other 20’ x 20’.

Proceedings began with a march from Market Square with the Cheer-up Ladies’ band and the school Fife & Drum Band with the Boy Scouts under Scoutmaster Rigney, Wolf-Cubs under P-L George Sara and the schoolchildren with Mr Hitchcox. Councillors and others assembled at the site. There were speeches by Mr Winnall, Rev. H. Hopton (who had been Scoutmaster at Auburn) and Scoutmaster Rigney before Mr Crewes laid the stone. They had their first home burnt down [the old White Hart Hotel] and their second was the Waterworks. The present site had been given by Mr James Reed with an old building on it. Mr I.J. Warnes had given a generous donation. Three years ago there had been 18 scouts and there were now 42. One of their old members, Horton Jennison, was at the front. A collection after the stone laying raised £60, including a horse worth £20 from Mr G. Sampson. The Soldiers’ Aid Soc. then provided tea in a marquee and added a further £8 to the total.

XXXX, 39, 2 Oct. 1918, page 4

Prize List for Burra Show: 23 October 1918. [Whole Page]

XXXX, 39, 2 Oct. 1918, Supplement

Pte Ralph Thomas was given a warm welcome home social at the Mt Bryan East Church on Saturday 21 September. Rev. I’Anson presided. School children formed a guard of honour and Miss Pohlner presented a gold medal. He is the first of the district’s soldiers to return minus a limb.

Red Cross benefited by £13-15-0 from a concert at Mt Bryan East given by ‘The Revellers’ in their first appearance. [The members of this group are listed.]

Advt. Burra Institute 7 October the remarkable picture Lest We Forget.

The film features the sinking of the Lusitania as well as fighting in France. The star Miss Rita Jolivet was actually a passenger on the Lusitania when it was torpedoed.

XXXX, 40, 9 Oct. 1918, page 3

Sydney Bown (15) had both his feet crushed and broken on 2 October when several bags of chaff fell from a load and knocked him off the wagon shafts. He fell under the vehicle and the wheels passed over his feet.

Gunner W. Pryor is returning to Australia.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. benefited from a lantern lecture given by Sgt D. Thompson in Jubilee Hall on 2 October. Gross takings were £5-12-6.

Marriage. On 2 October at Redruth Methodist Church

Mr Rupert E. Oates married Miss Isabel Cox.

Leighton Agricultural Bureau. R.J. Fairchild read a paper advocating roadside tree planting.

Burra Town Council.

Building applications were approved for Boy Scouts, Mr Norrell James & Mr E. Baynes.

A.E. Maher provided plans for an electric light system costing £6,180 with the first year’s revenue estimated at £815.

After a petition from 57 ratepayers it was decided to remove the turnstiles from the bridge by the old Bible Christian Church (to allow perambulator access) and to replace them with rails, leaving apertures either end (to prevent wandering cattle).

The Boy Scouts sought permission for their steps at the front of the building to encroach on Council property. Cr Radford thought it an unfortunate eventuality and wondered about liability in the event of an accident, but the request was granted.

The Hydraulic Engineer is to be asked to underground the water pipe presently carried on the Bon Accord Bridge: its leaking creates maintenance problems for the water department and also rots the bridge timbers.

Local Board of Health

The case with Lawn & Co. has been adjourned to 5 November.

Dr Ashton was granted registration of Heathmount Private Hospital.

There was a lot of discussion, continuing from previous discussion, on an application from S. Kellaway to have hospital fees waived for treatment of his child. It was a messy situation with conflicting evidence and lax procedures and finally the costs were waived.

Burra Rifle Club. Best scores on Saturday: P. Milner 93 & H.E. Riggs 92.

L.H. Foote writes seeking a summary of amounts donated to the various patriotic funds since the war began.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Jack Allen silver beet

Herb. Cox pansies

Seventh War Loan. To help in raising funds for this loan the ‘Haig’ tank arrived in Burra on Monday. It greatly impressed those who assembled in Market Square when it drew up at 4.30. The Ladies’ band attended and rendered a selection. The Mayor delivered an address from the tank. The target for Burra & District was a huge £50,000. [This appears to have been based in some way on previous donations to patriotic causes.] Promises so far had reached £7,000. Hallett had subscribed £8,000, or £3,000 over their target and £2,800 had been subscribed at Mt Bryan. Up to date the response has seen the amount promised rise to £20,020.

XXXX, 40, 9 Oct. 1918, page 4

Salvation Army Annual Bazaar was held last Friday at the Institute in association with the Self Denial Appeal. Major Rowley of Adelaide opened the fair. Attendance throughout was not large.

A local boy who is a Sgt writes from Palestine telling of a hot engagement where they killed c. 300 Germans and took c. 400 prisoners.

Leighton Welcome Home Committee has awarded gold medals to J. Lockett, E.S. Williams, C.J. Williams & Sid Cordon.

XXXX, 41, 16 Oct. 1918, page 2

Notice. New Cab Fares.

Between Kooringa & Aberdeen cab stands 6d

Between any place in Kooringa & Railway Station 1/-

Return fare Kooringa to Railway Station 1/-

From Aberdeen, New Aberdeen, Graham & Railway Station 6d

From Redruth, Llwchyr, Millerton, Roachtown & Railway Station 1/-

Return fare for same 1/-

From Reformatory & Hampton to Railway Station 1/6

Children under 14 half price

Notice. After 45 years Henry Roach & Sons have sold the Burra Roller Mills in Aberdeen to Messrs W. Thomas & Co. Ltd of Adelaide.

Advt. League of Nations Fair in Aid of St Joseph’s Church and School,

Burra Institute Friday 18 October.

Advt. Drew & Crewes have just erected two new shops in Kooringa, one of which we have opened as a Great New Boot Department

XXXX, 41, 16 Oct. 1918, page 3

Notice. Subscriptions are called for the installation of electric light at the hospital.

[Donations so far received are acknowledged.]

Obituary. Thomas Edwin Bevan aged 31 died 3 October at his grandfather’s residence in Aberdeen. He was the husband of Eveline Bevan of Broken Hill.

Staff-nurse Elsie Wylie visited Burra on a furlough from Egypt. She is the youngest daughter of the late Rev. D.S. & Mrs Wylie, late of Aberdeen. She and her mother were guests of Miss Bubb at Hampton Court.

Burra Men’s Band gave a sacred concert in Best Place on Sunday afternoon. The collection was £5-0-3 plus £2-2-0 from Mr James Reed.

Peace Overtures. On Sunday evening news was received that Germany had offered to accept President Wilson’s peace terms. Monday morning saw the town virtually enveloped in bunting. A meeting in Market Square was decided on for 3 p.m. The schoolchildren were marched under Messrs Hitchcox & Biddle. The Ladies’ band & Men’s band combined forces and marched from the Cheer-up Room and played several selections. Speeches were given by the Mayor, Rev. H.H. Hopton, Rev. A.J. Finch, Cr Radford & Mr Winnall.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Miss Marjorie McLaren nemesias

Mr Cox sweet peas

Mr Os Walker ranunculi

The Seventh War Loan. Up to Monday evening the Town & District Council areas had promised about £31,000 and the target of £50,000 seemed a distant prospect, but on that evening Messrs A.J. & P.A. McBride decided to contribute £17,500, which enabled the town to carry the burden which in relation to other quotas was so unfairly placed upon it.

Other contributors in excess of £1,000 are:

C. Bartholomaeus £4,000

C.B. Warnes £3,000

H.H. Thomas £2,000

£1,000 each comes from Elder, Smith & Co., T.H. Pearse & Sons, J. Tennant & T. McWaters.

In surrounding areas Hallett trebled its quota and Mt Bryan doubled it. It seems that Booborowie, Apoinga and Hanson will reach theirs – in each case their quota was £5,000.

By last evening the district total had reached £53,000, but there are not more than 150 subscribers, so a large number of people have not realised their responsibility and duty yet.

Frank West, POW, writes confirming that he is well.

Burra Hospital Board.

The Matron was authorised to get £38 worth of blankets, sheets, towels & pyjamas in anticipation of wounded soldiers arriving.

The committee was empowered to get specifications and call tenders for electric lighting.

The total promised so far for this purpose is over £150.

Burra Sporting & Athletic Club. The sports day was held on 9 October. 710 people paid admission. The procession from the station was not long, but was very successful. The Ladies’ band followed the returned soldiers in the front with the Men’s Band in the middle. The following activities went off with great gusto and enjoyment. The results are printed.

Cpl G.L. Collins of Australian Machine Gun Corps has been awarded the DCM.

Obituary. Pte W.G. Collins was k.i.a. on 18 or 19 September [depending on which sentence in the paper you believe]. [War records give 18 September.] [Walter George Collins born 30 December 1892 Gum Creek Station: died 18 September 1918 France, residence Farrell’s Flat.]

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

Pte Bertram was welcomed by the Ladies’ band etc. at the station on Saturday evening.

A welcome social was given for Sister Elsie Wylie, Pte Bertram, A. Ockenden & W. Herbert on Monday evening – the last two having been welcomed at the station and brought along.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. has forwarded £36-16-0 to Red Cross from the Sheep Dog Trials luncheons and teas.

E.W. Crewes writes soliciting donations towards fencing land for returned soldier farmers whose present ill health prevents their doing the work themselves.

The Public Library in Adelaide is collecting photos of all SA officers and men of the AIF in uniform. Details required are full name, dates of birth and enlistment, occupation, place of birth, address prior to enlistment, rank, number, battalion & distinction.

XXXX, 42, 23 Oct. 1918, page 2

Burra Town Council. Members of Council retiring on 1st Saturday in December:

Mayor Ernest William Crewes

North Ward John Cave Killicoat

East Ward Thomas McWaters

West Ward Albert James McBride

Auditor William Pearce

Nominations close 30 November with elections if required on 7 December.

Notice. J.A.W. Robertson has taken over the Court House Hotel, Redruth.

XXXX, 42, 23 Oct. 1918, page 3

Ptes Drechsler & Harrison were farewelled by the Aberdeen Football Club last Tuesday evening.

A Bolt. On Friday Miss Rose O’Dea of Booborowie was thrown from her vehicle when the horses bolted and, caught by her clothing, was dragged for two miles. Miraculously she survived and though terribly cut and bruised is recovering.

Obituary. David Ashby, farmer of ‘Claremont’ near Farrell’s Flat was killed last Monday when he apparently fell from the seat of his cultivator and struck his head on the implement. He was aged 65. [Further details are printed.] [Died 14 October 1918 Hill River.]

Obituary. George Edwards died on 22 October aged 93, when he fell 70’ down a well at the home of his sister, Mrs Baker, in Aberdeen. [Death registered as at Redruth.]

Major H.J. Copley in Scotland has almost recovered from his illness and gassing.

Pte Roy Voumard has been reported missing from 2 September. [Later reported OK.]

Lieut. Newton King has been gassed for the third time.

Tpr Horace Hill has malaria in Egypt.

Fred Williams is returning to Australia with asthma.

Keith Roach is in hospital.

Pte Alf Isaac has been severely wounded in both thighs on 5 October. This is the third time he has been wounded.

Pte Jack Highett has been slightly wounded.

Burra & district Horticulture. Present features:

Herb Cox sweet peas & pansies

W. Carpenter stocks

N.W.R. Pearce ‘Belle Sebricht’ roses

Miss Marjorie McLaren schizanthus

Percy Pryor sweet peas

Frank Harris climbing roses

Australia Day at Mt Bryan was held on 19 October and realised £285. The Mt Bryan Dandies gave a creditable concert in the evening.

Burra Rifle Club. Best results on Saturday: P. Giles 83 & P. Milner 80.

Kooringa Methodist Church Anniversary last Sunday. Rev. O. Lake of Adelaide preached three sermons. The offertory was £30. Then Mrs J.M. McBride made a thanksgiving offering of £30 and Mr J.M. McBride one of £70.

XXXX, 42, 23 Oct. 1918, page 4

Poem: A Voice from the Trenches

It calls for rum in the trenches, not the water some preachers were urging.

St Joseph’s Church & School League of Nations Fair on 18 October in the Institute is reported in over 1⁄3 column. It was very satisfactory.

XXXX, 43, 30 Oct. 1918, page 2

Notice. Mr R. Hales has taken over the Royal Exchange Hotel.

XXXX, 43, 30 Oct. 1918, page 3

The Burra Show on 23 October was in many respects the best ever and much of the success must be credited to ‘the boundless enthusiasm, unlimited energy and never-failing generosity of the President, Mr I.J. Warnes, JP’

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

R.H. Laycock a 16 lb cauliflower

Mrs John Rogers large double white daisies

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

A cheque for £27-10-0 has been sent to the Men’s Tobacco Auxiliary Fund for ‘smokes’ for sailors in the Australian Navy.

£20 has gone to the Cheer-up Hut in Adelaide towards entertaining Anzacs returning on furlough.

Parcels have been sent to departing soldiers Pte Dixon, Pte Dixon, Pte Turner and Pte Glen Finch.

[The Dixons were possibly the brothers J.A. & A.G. Dixon, but it is not certain. The Turner has not been identified.]

Burra Show, 23 October.

The weather was not particularly good with strong NW wind raising dust. Nevertheless attendance was very large. Entries for horses were up. Cattle, pigs, sheep and dogs were about average. Implements were well displayed. In flowers the Messrs Fuss secured most prizes with W. Carpenter getting the honours in sweet peas & stocks and N.W.R. Pearce for roses. Mr Chin Young’s vegetables were first class. Dairy produce had a good display, especially Mrs W. Bryce of Hallett. Competition in cookery was keen. Children’s work and art and industry displays were admired. Art prizes went particularly to Miss Vera Pascoe, Mrs Bridgwood & Mr L.H. Foote. Side shows were numerous and did good business. Gate money was £1 up on last year despite members’ vehicles getting free admission for the first time.

A.J. McBride writes continuing a disagreement with E.W. Crewes from the previous issue over the S. Kellaway hospital bill.

L-Cpl Arthur Hopcraft is dangerously ill with malaria.

Signaller P.S. Storr, son of H. Storr of Booborowie, has been wounded again.

Acting Sgt Cecil Lord is returning to Australia on furlough.

Sgt G. Dow is returning to Australia on furlough.

Pte John Carpenter is to return to Australia, but probably not for some time.

Burra Institute. The account for electric light has been received from Parsons & Robertson’s for £273. It will be paid once a successful test of the system has been held.

XXXX, 43, 30 Oct. 1918, page 4

Burra Show Prizes

[Personal interest:

Ham not over 10 lb, not smoked, A. Forrest 2nd

1 doz. Duck eggs, Chin Young 2nd

Muscovy drake, Chin Young 1st

Draught mare not in foal, A Forrest 1st

Dray horse shown in shafts of a tip dray, tried with skidded wheels, A. Forrest 2nd

Team of four horses & wagon, A. Forrest 1st

Pair of trolly horses, A. Forrest 1st

Collie dog, rough coated, Chin Young 1st

Vegetables:

M. Pederson 1st for 6 parsnips

Chin Young 1st for: 3 cauliflowers, 3 lettuces, 6 white turnips, bunch of leeks, bunch of onions & collection of vegetables.

Chin Young 2nd for: 3 cabbages, 6 carrots & 2 red beets.

Flowers:

Collection A. Fuss 2nd

3 antirrhinums Mrs C. Fuss 1st

6 aquilegias Mrs C. Fuss 2nd

3 poppies A. Fuss 2nd

6 pansies R. Fuss 1st & 2nd

3 pansies` R. Fuss 1st & 2nd

Phlox Mrs C. Fuss 1st

Zonale pelargonium R. Fuss 1st & 2nd

Regal pelargonium R. Fuss 1st

3 petunias R. Fuss 1st & 2nd

3 ranunculi R. Fuss 1st

3 rosebuds Miss G.M. Forrest 2nd

1 rosebud Miss G.M. Forrest 1st

6 sweet peas R. Fuss 2nd

3 sweet peas A. Fuss 2nd

3 verbenas A. Fuss 1st

3 verbenas R. Fuss 2nd

Pot Plants

3 azaleas R. Fuss 1st

1 azalea R. Fuss 1st

1 azalea Mrs C. Fuss 2nd

3 cinerarias R. Fuss 1st

1 cineraria R. Fuss 1st

3 pelargoniums R. Fuss 1st

1 pelargonium R. Fuss 1st

1 asparagus R. Fuss 1st

3 begonias R. Fuss 1st

1 begonia R. Fuss 1st

1 begonia Mrs C. Fuss 2nd

3 adianthus R. Fuss 1st

1 adianthus R. Fuss 1st

3 ferns R. Fuss 2nd

1 fern R. Fuss 2nd

3 palms R. Fuss 2nd

3 pot plants R. Fuss 1st

Cookery

Cornish Pasty Mrs A. Forrest 1st

School

Mapping (India) A.C. Forrest 3rd]

XXXX, 44, 6 Nov. 1918, page 2

Advt. Farmers’ Day at the Government Experimental Farm, Booborowie will be held on 13 November.

Advt. Leighton Hall Annual Strawberry Fete, Saturday 16 November.

Cheer-up Ladies’ band in attendance.

Advt. Red Cross & Trench Comforts Fete at ‘Kadlunga’, Mintaro, Wednesday 20 November.

Cheer-up Ladies’ band in attendance.

Advt. RS&SIL Burra Sub-Branch: Club-room Appeal Bazaar at Burra Institute, Friday 22 November

Cheer-up Ladies’ band in attendance.

XXXX, 44, 6 Nov. 1918, page 3

Kenneth Drew of Leighton sustained concussion when he rode his motor cycle into a rabbit burrow on his property on Friday.

An Earthquake of unusual severity was felt in Burra on Tuesday morning and another slight shock was felt an hour later.

Copperhouse Tennis. A meeting was held at the school on 24 October to form a tennis club. Elected were

Vice-President Steve Voumard

Captain Miss Blanch Lomman

Vice-Captain William Kellaway

Chair of Committee Mrs E. Fisher

Secretary Mrs Ford

Treasurer Miss Nellie Nourse

Local Board of Health

The decision in the case brought by Lawn & Co. was in favour of the Board of Health.

The Salvation Army has just completed their annual Self Denial Appeal and the local corps has raised £553-10-0 compared with £181-10-0 last year. This result ranks second in SA and tenth in Australia. Captain Trigg and his fellow members can be proud of their effort.

A recruiting meeting was held at Leighton on 24 October by Sgt Thompson & Lieut. Phillips.

Navy Day in Burra was held on Friday [sic]

[For weeks the advertising had been for Wednesday 30 October, so this is presumably an error, especially as we are told the decoration committee set to work on Tuesday evening.]

Bunting went up all over the square etc., and marquees and stalls were erected, but by dawn a gale was blowing and decorations were hastily taken down to save damage. The demonstration was hastily transferred to the Institute. It was decided to proceed with the procession, starting from the station with the arrival of the Naval Band. The train was half an hour late. With the band came Lieut. Argent of the Naval Depot, the Mayor of Pt Adelaide (C. Smith) & J.N. Laurence of Adelaide Seamen’s Mission.

The procession was led by mounted returned soldiers under Lieut. Phillis & Sgt D. Thompson, then the Cheer-up Ladies’ band, the Boy Scouts, The Naval Band (26 in number), Copperhouse schoolchildren in sailor costumes, decorated pram of Miss Nellie Gray, Tin-can Band, Burra State School Children, then numerous cars and buggies, but with little decoration due to the boisterous weather.

At the square the Naval Band and the Ladies’ band joined forces in selections. Mr Crewes announced that the appeal and auction would be held at 2.30 in front of the Institute, which provided a little shelter. At 2.30 the two bands played again in front of the Institute and Mr Crewes spoke. Last year £700 had been raised and he hoped for a similar total this year. Lieut. Argent also spoke, followed by Mt Smith (Mayor of Pt Adelaide) and Mr J.N. Laurence.

Then a wonderful model of HMAS Sydney, made by men at the Naval Depot, was put up for auction by Lin Gordon, late Lieutenant in AIF and £435 was realised. Mr J.H. Gallagher became the owner for £106.

The report mentions four bands, but it is not clear which are intended; presumably the Ladies’ band, the Naval Band, the Men’s Band and the Fife & Drum Band, assuming the Tin-can Band was just a bit of procession fun.

The report then describes the usual stalls. By the end of the day c. £634 had been raised.

Dr Thomas Ashton writes denying that he had said sufficient isolation could be arranged at home in the ongoing squabble over the Kellaway case. He backed the action of Mr Crewes over the attack of Mr McBride.

Burra Sporting & Athletic Club reports that the profit from its sports meeting on 9 October was about £70. A heated discussion took place about making presentations to soldiers who returned a considerable time before the club started and eventually it was decided to send wallets to:

Pte Voumard Pte McBride Pte Prior

Pte Lockett Pte Stewart Pte Parks

Pte Aldridge

And to Pte W. Nankivell when it is established he enlisted at Burra.

The following minute was then recorded:

‘That wallets be sent to all returned soldiers who have lived in the Burra six months prior to enlisting and that have enlisted at Burra – but not otherwise.’

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mrs W. West Copper Austrian briar rose

Clem Pearce Mrs David McKee Rose

Norman Pearce Lyon Rose

E.J. Davey poppies

Miss A. Isaac larkspurs

Mrs Longbottom (Braefoot) peas

Percy Pryor strawberries

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

On Wednesday evening the Ladies’ band will serenade General Pau & staff, who will be passing through on the train on their way to Broken Hill.

Photos have been received of Lieut. Blunt & Pte Blunt.

League of Loyal Women Button Day was held 1 November.

A Paddy’s Market was erected in front of Eyes & Crowle. Further activities were at the Cheer-up Hall. Strawberries and cream were sold and flowers. Luncheon and afternoon tea with song and music. About £100 was raised.

Burra Rifle Club. Best scores on Saturday: E.W. North 101 & P. Milner 98.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. Total funds raised to date total £1,287-17-3

XXXX, 45, 13 Nov. 1918, page 2

Advt. Children’s Patriotic Bazaar, Saturday 16 November in Jubilee Hall.

Advt. Burra Sporting & Athletic Club: PEACE Continental Fete & Dance

At the Skating Rink, 20 November

Advt. Mt Bryan Institute Annual Strawberry Fete and Sale of Gifts in aid of St Andrew’s Church.

Obituary. L-Cpl Frank G. Fitzgerald died in Palestine 31 October of malignant malaria aged 30.

[Francis Gerald Fitzgerald born 19 June 1889 Aberdeen: died 31 October 1918 Gaza Palestine, residence Rudall.]

Marriage. On 25 September at St Andrew’s Mt Bryan

Ashley Cecil Woodgate, 4th son of Mrs & the late Herbert Woodgate of ‘Swaylands’ Terowie married

Mary Rosina Hatherly, eldest daughter of Mrs & the late John Hatherly of ‘Kolinda’ Mt Bryan.

Marriage. At the Methodist Church Pt Augusta

Eleanor Kirkham, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs James Kirkham married

Richard Turner, 3rd son of Mr & Mrs John Turner of Aberdeen

Fire. The first fire for the season burnt 50 acres of grass and some fencing at ‘Kookaburra’ last Saturday (Property of R. Reed Jnr.)

PEACE

News that the armistice had been signed reached Burra about 9.30 p.m. Monday evening.

The news was announced by ringing the fire bell and soon there was a regular pandemonium of noise and within fifteen minutes Market Square was crowded and the Ladies and Men’s Bands combined for the National Anthem and then the Doxology was sung. Cheers were given for Our Boys, The Allies, General Foch and The King. The Mayor and Mr Winnall gave short speeches and the bands played patriotic airs. It was the early hours of morning before calm returned. Tuesday was observed as a holiday and the town was decorated with flags and by 10.30 a.m. the square was crowded and a platform had been erected.

A procession of nearly 1,000 thankful men, women and children extended the length of Commercial St from Messrs C.J. Pearce & Son to E.J. Harris’s, headed by the Returned Soldiers, the Mayor, Councillors, the town’s Ministers and the combined bands. Cheer after cheer greeted the returned men and Lieut. Phillis made a suitable speech. A short thanksgiving service followed.

After a moving speech the Mayor read the official telegram from the Premier. There were brief speeches from Rev. H.H. Hopton, W.G. Hawkes, Rev. D.B. Bridgwood, Mr Winnall and Rev. A.J. Finch. In the afternoon the Men’s Band played in the street.

XXXX, 45, 13 Nov. 1918, page 3

Pte Roy Voumard, previously reported missing, has returned to his unit.

L-Cpl Arthur Hopcraft, reported dangerously ill, is now making progress.

Obituary. Bomber R. Potts, brother of Mrs George Williams the widow of Pte Williams, is reported k.i.a. [Ralph Potts born c. 1897: died 9 Oct. 1918]

Marriage. Further details of the Woodgate-Hatherly marriage (reported on page 2) are given.

The Mayoralty. The Councillors asked Mr Crewes to stand again, saying it was only right he should receive any kudos and benefits that the coming peace would bring, as he had worked so hard for the war effort. He agreed to stand again if the ratepayers so desired.

Lieut. Eric Roach. Four letters are printed giving details of his death, including one from his brother Sapper Jack Roach.

Black Springs Red Cross Annual Report. The report makes it evident that they had continued to meet in Turner’s barn following their dispute with the secretary of Black Springs Hall.

A.J. McBride continues the altercation re the Kellaway case: this time denying Dr Ashton’s version of events.

XXXX, 45, 13 Nov. 1918, page 4

Lawn & Co. v. Local Board of Health. The case for damages over the destruction of a diseased animal is reported in exhaustive details over 22⁄3 columns. In the end, despite Mr Winnall’s reported denial of using the term, the judgement confirmed that Lawn & Co. didn’t have a leg to stand on.

XXXX, 46, 20 Nov. 1918, page 3

Notice. Grand Peace Strawberry Fete, Supper and Dance in aid of St Dympna’s [sic] Church.

Booborowie Woolshed on Wednesday 4 December.

Obituary. Thomas Haskard died at Prospect. He was born at Barkstone in England 9 April 1858 [sic]* and arrived in SA in the Mary Shephard 18 April 1865. He was a blacksmith and machinist in Burra before going to Clare in 1875 and about 9 years ago went to live in Adelaide. He is survived by five sons and three daughters: Messrs J. Haskard (Broken Hill), J. Haskard (Jamestown), Gregory Haskard (Victor Harbor), A. Haskard (Crystal Brook), R.H. Haskard (Torrensville) – who was severely wounded at Gallipoli, Mrs Newman (Broken Hill), Mrs Ashby (Booleroo Centre) & Mrs Stockman (Hyde Park). There are 31 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He was a member of the Burra Burra Lodge of Oddfellows for 52 years. Mrs Haskard, his widow was illiterate until the present war started and taught herself to read and write at the age of 80.

[* Given the age of his wife his birth date above seems likely to be an error, perhaps by 20 years and BISA gives birth 9 April 1838 at Barkestone Leicestershire (Barkestone-le-Vale?). Registration gives death 29 October 1918 Goodwood.]

Obituary. Dan Quinn of Hallett died at Jamestown Hospital last Saturday of pneumonia following influenza. His widow, Ada Quinn, is the fifth daughter of John Wise, late of ‘Cartapoo’.

[Daniel Quinn born 29 June 1886 Burra: died 17 November Jamestown, residence Booborowie.]

Children’s Patriotic Bazaar on 16 November in Jubilee Hall raised £10-9-101⁄2 for the Children’s Patriotic Fund.

T.P.L. Medwell, a porter at Burra station, was crushed between the buffers of two trucks when the frame of a wagon of wool caught on one of the trucks. He is progressing well in hospital.

The French Commission was given a brief reception at the station on Wednesday night when the train stopped for eight minutes. The Mayor welcomed General Pau and other members. Joan Maunsell presented a bouquet. The Ladies’ band played the Marsellaise as the party rejoined the train and it moved on.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band was to have gone to Adelaide on the morning of the 12 November, but unanimously agreed that their first duty was to Burra and so stayed for the celebrations on Tuesday morning and left by the afternoon train. On arrival in Adelaide they were taken to The Hut and given a rousing reception. The Band then headed the Cheer-up Contingent to the Exhibition [Building?] where a multitude of mainly women had assembled to honour the French Mission, General Pau and the women of France. They played selections till the Governor and Lady Galway arrived, when they played the National Anthem and accompanied the singing in the evening. The Girls were invited to remain and take part in the Monster Peace Celebrations on Thursday, but they returned to Burra on the train carrying the French Mission.

On Thursday the Ladies’ band assisted at the demonstration in Market Square.

On Saturday they went to the Leighton Fete.

Today, Wednesday, they are taking part in the fete in aid of patriotic funds at Mrs A. Melrose’s ‘Kadlunga’ at Mintaro.

On Friday Cheer-ups are in charge of the sweet stall at the Returned Soldiers’ Fair in the Institute.

Photos have been received of Sister Elsie Wylie & the late Pte G. Williams.

Sympathy is extended to Mrs George Herbert on the death of her brother in Palestine.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mrs George Sampson delphiniums

Mrs Flower Humphrys poppies & pelargoniums

Mrs N.J. Tiddy poppies

Mrs Hampsome fuschias

Mrs L. Grow persimmons

Mrs W.H. Lomman sheaf of oats 6’ high

Booborowie Requirements

On 15 November about 120 farmers gathered at the Woolshed to discuss the needs of the district with MPs Buxton & Jenkins.

A railway was seen as the prime need – Hanson to Booborowie being preferred.

Mr Jenkins said the only thing preventing the construction was the cost due to the war and he expected that now it would fall. He feared the move back to larger estates.

School accommodation was the next issue.

Presently the school was very unsatisfactory. It was held in a church whose trustees have said it would not be available after Christmas unless decided steps were taken for a new school. The members promised as much support as they could for a new school.

PEACE Celebrations continued last Thursday.

Mt Bryan. Thursday was a school holiday. The children were given lunch in the Hall. Then there was a procession around the town and a joyous meeting in the Hall. Chair was I.J. Warnes, Chairman of the DC. Mr Warnes gave a speech hoping that ‘The Great War would be the last war’ and urging all to continue to support the fighting men when they returned. He also praised the patriotism of the area that had subscribed £21,800 to the 7th War Loan when the target had been £5,000. He expressed concern though about returned men without experience being put on the land; many would not be in good health. He feared many would not succeed. He called for understanding and support for those who would return with poor health and in many cases with shattered nerves.

Mr Crewes spoke after Mr Warnes, seeing God’s hand in the victory.

Mr Warnes said he felt a statue of some sort with the names of those who had gone should be erected in Mt Bryan and he would subscribe 25 guineas towards it.

Hallett

On hearing news of peace a strong committee was formed and a procession and sports on the oval was organised for Thursday with a concert and dance to follow. The procession left the Institute at 2 p.m. with District Councillors, Hallett Band, school children & decorated vehicles, including Drew & Crewes trolly with a gallows on it and the Kaiser hanged by the neck in effigy. At the sports ground there were speeches by Mr Richards, Chairman of the DC, Rev. I’Anson & Cr McDonald.

The sports results are printed.

Burra

Celebrations continued on Thursday afternoon when the united bands turned out and speeches were made and a good time had generally. Mr E. Cock hoped rumours of the Crown Prince’s death were true and the Kaiser with him.

Rev. D.B. Bridgwood was heartily tired of hearing ministers speak, but went on to give an address praising the allies for their honourable conduct in the war, compared with German atrocities.

Captain Trigg spoke also of the joy of victory, but scarcely knew whether to rejoice at rumour of the Crown Prince’s death as death was too good for him.

Sgt Harvey Sweeney, a visitor from Victoria, spoke of the ongoing need for support that returning men would need. In the evening there was a concert in the open air and among contributors were returned men Sgt Swanson, Cpl Burgess & Driver Darmody.

Peace Thanksgiving Services

On Thursday 14 November a service was held at Redruth Methodist Church by Rev. D.B. Bridgwood.

On Sunday 17 November a special service was held in conjunction with the Redruth Sunday School, conducted by the Superintendent Mr H.H. Thomas. There were addresses by Messrs Hitchcox & Dunhill. The evening service also took the form of a thanksgiving service.

Similar services took place at the Kooringa Methodist Church and Sunday school, where the Superintendent, John Drew, conducted proceedings. Rev. A.J. Finch conducted the church service.

Rev. H.H. Hopton conducted thanksgiving services at St Mary’s on Sunday at 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Burra Town Council

H. Lord offered to light the rotunda each night for a year till 11.30 with a 60 watt lamp, controlled from the hotel, if Council would pay £4 plus 50/- to 60/- for installation costs. Offer accepted.

A deputation will wait on the Commissioner of Public Works seeking enlarged water mains in the town. Cr Radford said almost continuous pumping scarcely kept the bottom of the tank wet.

Local Board of Health.

The Lawn case had cost the Board £45.

Cr Dane pointed out that the money resulted in a defining of the Board’s position. Lawn & Co. lost, but the judge had said that the inspector had no right to destroy the carcass and in that Mr McBride’s contention was correct. The mayor said the Board had won because the owner had acquiesced in the destruction of the carcass.

XXXX, 47, 27 Nov. 1918, page 2

Advt. Field Trial of 7’ “Shearer” Harvester at Booborowie Forest on Mr E. Cock’s & adjoining property, Thursday 28 November. Trials on crops of oats and barley.

Advt. St Mary’s Strawberry Fete, 6 December.

Advt. Soldiers’ Aid Soc. Bazaar, Jubilee Hall, Wednesday 11 December.

Advt. Burra Cheer-up Society Button Day, Friday 29 November.

Obituary. Mrs L. M. Young, widow of the late Thomas Young, late of Burra, died 18 November at Tyabb, Victoria. [Born Lydia Mary Checucci 7 April 1835 Tottenham Court Rd London.]

Marriage. On 22 November at Redruth Methodist Church

Miss Eleana Adelaide Sara, daughter of George Sara married Mr W. H. Miels.

Fire destroyed practically all the remaining feed on Mr Fahey’s farm at Leighton on Friday, following a previous fire the week before. This fire started on P. Carmody’s Farm. Mr Fahey’s crop was saved. Phosphorised rabbit bait is blamed.

Mr R. Piercy, teller at the National Bank in Kooringa for 21⁄2 years, has been transferred to Renmark. He was a lay reader at St Mary’s and secretary of the Burra Golf Club.

St Mary’s Church. It has been decided to place a large stained glass window as a memorial to Burra Boys who have fallen in their country’s service.

Burra Sporting and Athletic Club celebrated the armistice on Wednesday night last with a dance at the Skating Rink. The Burra Men’s Band played outside for about half an hour before coming in to play for the National Anthem and the first dance. Catholic Ladies provided supper at 11 p.m. and dancing continued till c. 1 a.m.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. The need for our work will continue for many months yet despite the end of the war. The fund now stands at £1,430-11-4 raised since the beginning of the society.

XXXX, 47, 27 Nov. 1918, page 3

Burra Hospital Board.

Mr Fair-weather will provide specifications for electric light by 23 November.

Mr Warnes was concerned that the costs of infectious cases were not covered by the agreement with the Local Board of Health, but the others felt little could be done as the agreement was the same as in Adelaide. Mr Warnes said it would be fair if all infectious cases were sent to the hospital, but Dr Williams said many could be satisfactorily isolated at home. The hospital decided to end its agreement with the Railways & Tramways Hospital Fund, as the reimbursements received did not nearly match the costs of their members.

Mayoralty.

A deputation has waited upon Mr Crewes to stand again as Mayor. Because he would like to be part of peace celebrations and have a role in erecting a fitting memorial in Market Square for the boys of Burra & District, he agreed.

Peace Day

A meeting was held last Thursday to organise the best way to celebrate peace. The date cannot be fixed until after the Peace Conference at Versailles in January. Mr Penrose was appointed to be responsible for decorations. It was decided to have a two-day celebration: one in Market Square, historically the centre for activities, and a second the following Saturday at Victoria Park for the children.

Soldiers’ Aid and Red Cross will provide the luncheon, the Caledonian Soc. will be asked to send three bagpipers. J.C. Killicoat will convene the procession and funds collected will go towards the Memorial for the Town & District.

F. Harris is in charge of souvenirs and buttons. Messrs Crewes, McLaren & Dane were appointed a committee to put in a claim for a gun or two by way of trophies. A silk Union Jack will be auctioned on the Bugler system. There will be the usual range of stalls. Fireworks will be arranged for the first night.

Burra Boy Scouts. A camp has been arranged from 28 December to 1 January.

Cpl Arthur Winders is reported seriously ill.

Pte Albert Bruce has moved from being a POW in Germany to being interned in Switzerland.

Pte Tom Harrap is to return to Australia.

Pte Keith Roach is returning to Australia.

Tpr Percy Herbert hopes to be home for Christmas.

Sgt Jock Murison & Pte Fred Wheatley are returning to Australia soon.

QMS Sid Edwards, who had the noted escape from Germany via Switzerland, was landed in America when the Barunga was torpedoed and then returned to the UK. He finally reached WA on 6 November and was quarantined there. He will disembark at Fremantle, as his mother is there.

Hartley & Arthur Harris have just had an extended furlough in Scotland.

Pte Hedley Bishop is returning.

Pte Newton Collins writes of Palestine, admiring its fertility.

RSL. A Bazaar on 22 November was held to raise money towards a club room. This was a great success with the firm backing of the local Red Cross, Soldiers’ Aid Soc., Cheer-up Soc. & League of Loyal Women. At the promenade concert in the evening the Burra Ladies’ band played several selections. So far reports in give a total of £177-12-8.

XXXX, 47, 27 Nov. 1918, page 4

Leighton Strawberry Fete Saturday 16 November.

Burra Ladies’ band attended. Of the proceeds it was decided to give £50 to the Hall Committee and the balance to patriotic funds. Mr Warnes had given the fete a cheque for £100. The total takings were c. £200.

Women’s Christian Temperance Union continues meeting monthly in Jubilee Hall.

Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday the best scores were W.O. Robertson 94, J.E. Pearce 90 & J. Kellock 90.

The Red Cross & Trench Comforts Fete at ‘Kadlunga’ Mintaro on 20 November, which the Burra Ladies’ band attended, raised over £100.

XXXX, 48, 4 Dec. 1918, page 2

Obituary. Daniel Quinn died 17 November at Jamestown Hospital, husband of Ada M. Quinn and father of Alan, Lindsay & Willie Quinn of ‘Rocky Glen’ Hallett.

[Daniel Quinn born 29 June 1886 Burra: died 17 November Jamestown, residence Booborowie.]

Burra Sporting & Athletic Club continues to acknowledge donations coming in for their wallet program for returned men, of whom the following send their thanks for the £5 enclosed: Pte Don Voumard, Pte T.C. Parks, Pte Jack Locket, Tpr J.W. Aldridge, Dvr R.L. McBride.

Redruth Court. Fines for straying horses.

Charles Bevan 1/- + 15/- costs

Lindsay Halls 1/- + 15/- costs

Cheer-up Soc. Button Day was last Friday.

Returning Anzacs Sgts Cecil Lord and Graham Dow were welcomed in Market Square and a large crowd gathered to honour them. State schoolchildren arrived led by their school band and staff and pupils from Hampton Court were also present. The Ladies’ band played a selection and the National Anthem. E.W. Crewes welcomed the returned men, followed by W.G. Hawkes, Rev. Bridgwood, Rev. H. Hopton & M.A. Radford. Sgts Lord & Dow responded briefly.

An American flag was auctioned and realised £80. Mr Norman McBride getting it with a bid of £21. The honoured guests were entertained at afternoon tea by the League of Loyal Women. Total proceeds were c. £120.

Redruth Junior Sunday School was opened 23 November by Mrs J.M. McBride, introduced by Rev. D.B. Bridgwood. Mr H.H. Thomas had bought the building and offered it to the trustees to be rented as a Sunday school. The building was thoroughly renovated and adapted. He hoped it would not be long before a large Sunday school could be erected on the land adjoining. The children then had a treat of good things including cool drinks and ice cream. Strawberries and cream were provided on the grounds too and the afternoon tea room was well patronised by the large attendance of parents and friends. [This refers to a building then immediately east of the Redruth Methodist Church that had previous been Richards’ bicycle shop. It was subsequently demolished when the Memorial Hall was built.]

XXXX, 48, 4 Dec. 1918, page 3

Annual Ratepayers’ Meeting was held on Monday night with Mr Treloar in the chair.

The Mayor read his report. There were apologies:

Cr Greenwood and Mr Thomas were unwell.

Cr McWaters was suffering from an attack of modesty.

Cr Killicoat was caught in a dust storm out east.

Cr McBride, who is standing for re-election said West Ward had a substantial credit balance because they had preferred to defer work while wartime costs were three times normal.

Clem Pearce said he was standing because he thought Councillors should be residents and Mr McBride was not. He thought the number of private electrical systems had made a town scheme impossible. He favoured planting fewer trees, but attending to them better.

Mr Sampson, candidate for East Ward, would do his best if elected.

Mr Kellaway, also for East Ward, was in favour of tar-paving, but more economical methods should be employed. He also favoured more attention to fewer trees and fencing in the back streets. All meat should be inspected by the Council inspector.

All Councillors favoured a bridge at the ‘Pig & Whistle’ when funds were available – though they also agreed ratepayers’ approval would first be sought.

Mr Crewes said he would endeavour to get the districts involved with the soldiers’ memorial.

Acting SM A. Baynes & Sgt W. Klaffus have arrived in Adelaide.

Pte Hedley Bishop, who lost his right arm, is having trouble with his left one now as a result of a wound in the left breast.

Cpl Arthur Winders, who was dangerously ill, has improved slightly.

Obituary. Pte Laurie Turner, youngest son of Mrs A. Turner of Thames St, has died in France of bronchial pneumonia. [Lawrence James Turner born Geraldton WA 3 March 1898: died 14 November 1918.]

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Cheer-up Soc. sweet stall at the RSL Fete raised £13-13-0 clear.

Socks are still urgently needed for the front.

The Ladies’ band etc. welcomed Sgts Cecil Lord & Graham Dow at the station last Thursday. The two were among the first 23 to enlist in 1914.

Next Friday an empty stall will be erected in front of Mr F. Harris’s shop and by the end of the day we hope it will be well stocked with donated pickles, sauces, jams, eggs, etc. for sending to Adelaide Cheer-up Hut. Our last parcel of socks will be despatched on 11 December so please have all contributions in by 10 December.

Peace Day Meeting at Leighton School last Saturday.

Mr Warnes took the chair and said they could have had a celebration at Leighton or have joined in at Burra. To have a Leighton celebration was much harder work, but it would be remembered by the children. He did not think collecting for the soldiers’ memorial was appropriate on that day, but Burra had so decided. Was Leighton to have a separate memorial? He had started a fund for that purpose for Mt Bryan and World’s End had decided to go on its own. In 20 or 30 years a Leighton Memorial might be neglected while a Burra one would not, on the other hand Burra would get 99% of the credit. The Districts were never asked to be represented on the big days, but were always asked to contribute when money was wanted. If it was to be a district affair then all districts would have to have a say and a quota of money to raise.

Mr Fairchild congratulated Mr Warnes on his candour and favoured a second Peace Day for the children locally, even if they went to Burra on their day.

A separate Leighton Peace Day was agreed upon.

Mr McDonald said the Mayor of Burra should ask for representatives of districts to attend a meeting about a memorial. He was not much taken with the idea of a memorial Market Square in marble or granite, which is what seems to have been taken for granted.

[He seems to have favoured planting avenues and beautifying parts of the town.]

Mr Fairchild feared some ‘inartistic thing’ might result and also favoured tree planting and perhaps a weir in the creek to create a beauty spot.

The meeting called for a conference of district representatives.

Marriage. On 12 November at the Congregational Church Bordertown.

Wilfred Vivian Geake, only son of Mr & Mrs W. Geake of Kooringa married

Olga M. Patterson, 4th daughter of Mr H. Patterson of Bordertown.

XXXX, 48, 4 Dec. 1918, page 4

The Mayor’s Report for 1918.

The season’s prospects for farmers locally are fair and the pastoral industry is doing well. The stoppage of the Great European War after more than four years has been the occasion of great rejoicing. People of Burra have responded most heartily to all patriotic calls during the war and especially over the last 12 months.

The Seaside Trip was held on 23 February and over 1,100 availed themselves of the trip to Semaphore. Two trains were provided and the whole day was a great success.

The Burra Branch of the League of Loyal Women was established at a meeting on 29 January as a result of urgent calls for assistance in the Trench Comforts Fund. Mrs W.G. Hawkes was elected President with Miss D.L. Hawkes as Secretary and Mrs T. Ashton as Treasurer. Since 19 July they have operated a Luncheon & Tea-room at the Cheer-up Rooms in Kooringa, which has been largely patronised and a great source of funds.

Children’s Patriotic Demonstration

A major demonstration was held by the children of the Burra School on 13 April in aid of Red Cross. The Boy Scouts, Soldiers’ Aid Soc. & Returned Soldiers all assisted and about £130 was raised. During 1918 the contributions of scholars to the Children’s Patriotic Fund have been:

Primary School £226-5-101⁄2

High school £26-0-3

War Certificates

Primary School £80-10-0

High School £26-2-6

Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ band

This has been fully occupied with patriotic work. As well as assisting at all local patriotic efforts they have on several occasions assisted at efforts in Adelaide. They have also visited several country towns. They have attended the railway station to welcome home every returning boy. They have also collected large sums of money for the cause.

Violet Day

This was celebrated on 24 June in excellent weather and a monster procession headed by the Ladies’ band went from the railway station to Kooringa where the usual speeches were given. A bunch of violets was sold for £250 under the Bugler system. The usual stalls etc. operated and there was a concert in the evening by the Adelaide Curlew Concert Party. Proceeds amounted to c. £550. At the service in Market Square over 100 wreaths were hung by relatives and friends around the rotunda and Brigadier-General Forsayth delivered a most eloquent speech.

Red Triangle Day

Sunday 12 May saw the visit of Mr Virgo, Empire Secretary of the YMCA who gave a lecture at the Institute on the work of the society. £330 was raised to keep its activities going. Red triangle Day on Friday 31 May again had fine weather and stalls were erected. Returned Soldiers’ Concert Party entertained the crowd and the Ladies’ band attended. A silk flag was auctioned for £70 under the Bugler system. The Ladies’ band took a prominent part in the evening concert and the day raised in all c. £700.

Boy Scouts

This important organisation for the boys has long felt the need of a drill hall of its own or a room for their meetings. On Saturday 28 September a crowd gathered in Market Square and marched to Aberdeen to take part in the laying of the foundation stone for the new building. The stone was laid by the Mayor and donations of £60 were laid on the stone and £8 came from afternoon tea. Membership has risen from 18 to 42 in three years.

Anniversary of the War

This was held on 10 August; again in perfect weather. Large crowds gathered in Market Square and the town was extensively decorated. The usual sort of procession led by the Ladies’ band took place with a Queen competition, stalls, Cheap Jack etc. Colonel S. Price Weir DSO addressed the gathering. The auction of a gold button under the Bugler system realised £273-14-0. The Institute was crowded for a magnificent film show at night and in all the total proceeds were c. £1,438.

Navy Day

This was observed in very bad weather on Friday 1 November. The Square had been decorated and stalls erected, but the latter were moved to the Institute and the decorations taken down to save them from damage. The Naval Band arrived at 11.30 under Lieut. Argent. The procession was led by the Ladies’ band and the Naval Band and the School Band took part. After speeches the model of HMAS Australia was auctioned under the Bugler system and raised £435. Despite the difficulties imposed by the weather the day raised £650.

Red Cross Day

On Friday 6 September the Red Cross under Mrs C.J. Pearce as Secretary held a most successful Button Day to raise funds to provide food and other necessities for POWs in Germany. The business places and streets were well decorated and stalls arranged in Market Square. Luncheon & afternoon tea was provided in Drew & Crewes new shops. A Union Jack donated by Mrs John Tennant was auctioned and raised £160. The Ladies’ band played during the day and the Dinkum Concert Party performed in the Institute at night. About £500 was raised.

Burra Sporting & Athletic Club

During the year this club provided many welcome home socials. Much has been due to the tireless work of the Secretary Mr George Hann and the President, Mr J.H. Gallagher.

Burra Show

This was held on 23 October which was a very windy day with raised dust, but attendance was very large and the show very good. The Soldiers’ Aid Soc. ladies provided luncheon and afternoon tea and did very well. The Burra Band was in attendance and played selections during the day. Gate takings were £94, up £1 on 1917.

Seventh War Loan.

Burra was set the target of £50,000, which seemed impossibly high, but on 4 October the war tank ‘Haig’ visited Burra and the Ladies’ band joined in and afterwards the appeal reached £22,020. Eventually over £52,000 was raised.

Supreme Sacrifice

Since the last report many more of our brave lads have paid the supreme sacrifice and to date about 66 have laid down their lives.

Cheer-up Soc.

On Friday 29 November the society made a special effort to raise funds and gifts for the Cheer-up Hut in Adelaide. The rotunda and streets were decorated and stalls erected. Cash proceeds amounted to £150 plus produce and goods.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc.

This has continued its splendid work and has despatched vast quantities of warm clothing, socks etc. to the front. The amount collected since the start is now £1,430-11-4.

PEACE

The message came through on Monday evening 11 November that Germany had signed the Armistice and hostilities had ceased. Soon bells were ringing and hundreds of residents assembled in Market Square. The Ladies and Men’s Bands assembled and played the National Anthem and the Doxology was sung. Tuesday was a holiday and the town was decorated gaily and a monster procession was formed of over 1,000 people at 10.30 a.m.

[The accounts then follow.]

The General account began the year in credit £60-9-1

It ends the year in credit £50-4-4

North Ward began in credit £19-6-5

And ends the year in credit £1-6-8

East Ward began the year in debit £22-10-2

And ends the year in debit £24-1-10

West Ward began the year in credit £36-18-6

And ends the year in credit £58-0-3

Park Land account began the year in credit £10-8-2

And ends the year in credit £7-15-8

The Cemetery account began the year in credit £112-11-6

And ends the year in credit £122-4-2

The Main Road grant was £350, which was £80 less than for 1917 and it was necessary to apply for £160 extra. This was advanced, but we have asked for it to be regarded as a special grant, not an advance, and we hope that comes to pass.

Tar Paving has proved both sound and economical when done properly. We look forward to a time when all the main roads will be paved. In February a move was made to do all of Market Square and storekeepers promised 17 casks of tar towards this. The work was not done due to a dispute over which ward should carry out the work. I urged it be done at the expense of the whole town. In the near future I hope to see the present enclosure enlarged to house a memorial to the brave boys who have made the supreme sacrifice in the Great War – after which tarring can be completed.

Local Board of Health

The general sanitary conditions in the town have been satisfactory. There were several infectious cases throughout the year. Despite some heavy legal costs of £45-11-2 over the Lawn & Co. case we started the year £48-16-8 in credit and ended in credit £13-4-11.

The Medical Officer reported 11 cases of scarlatina and 3 cases of diphtheria. Mouse-plague of favus was prevalent last summer. [A fungal infection: a form of ringworm.]

Lighting Account

The year began with a debit of £8-10-11 and ends with a debit of £30-9-4. The high cost of carbide was a major problem and had we not reduced lighting times the debt would have been worse. Costs rose from £7-10-0 to £9-10-0 per lamp. Various offers to install electricity have been made, but high costs of machinery etc. due to the war made Council defer a decision. In the meantime arrangements have been made with some private firms to provide a few electric lights.

XXXX, 49, 11 Dec. 1918, page 2

Obituary. Miss Bertha Baynes died 4 December at the Burra Hospital from tetanus. She was the 5th daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Baynes of Booborowie and was born 18 May 1897.

[Born 16 May 1897 Baldina.]

Obituary. Mrs William Young died recently at Glenelg. The late Mr Young was, until his death, a member of Samuel Drew & Co. and when he lived in Burra resided at the house afterwards occupied by the Hon. J. Lewis. Surviving members of the family are: Mrs W.P. Barker (Baldina), Mrs Cowper (New Zealand) & Miss Sarah Young (Glenelg). Mrs Young was the oldest member of the Drew Family and Mr T. Drew, the youngest, is the last survivor. He now lives at Medindie. At the time of her death she was 89. [Born Sarah Drew: died 3 December 1918 aged 89.]

Obituary. Gunner Laurie Turner who died on 18 November from bronchial pneumonia in France was the youngest son of Mr & Mrs A.T. Turner of Kooringa and grandson of Mrs P. Lally. He was born at Geraldton WA 3 March 1898 and educated at Geraldton Grammar School and Christian Bros. College Fremantle. The family came to Burra to live, but Laurie got employment on a sheep station. He enlisted on his 18th birthday and had almost three years’ service and all that time had been free of wounds and illness. His brother Dvr Gordon Turner MM has been on active service for nearly four years without losing a day through wounds of sickness. [Lawrence James Turner born Geraldton WA 3 March 1898: died 14 November 1918.]

Burra Institute Committee on 9 December resolved to offer 12 juvenile memberships to Burra State Schoolchildren.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

J.E.H. Winnall honey

Frank Harris statice

Ptes Fred Wheatley & W. Dow are expected to reach Adelaide on 24 December.

Burra School. On a recent visiting day Mr John McLaren expressed a desire to see a gymnasium established on the property. The Hon. J. Lewis has forwarded £15 towards that end and so it will soon be a fact.

XXXX, 49, 11 Dec. 1918, page 3

Municipal Elections

Mayor E.W. Crewes elected unopposed

North Ward H.H. Thomas elected unopposed

East Ward George Sampson 81

Stanley Kellaway 68

West Ward A.J. McBride 72

C.W. Pearce 32

Mr E.W. Crewes, now elected for his 6th term as Mayor, establishes a record, as no other person has held the office so long. Mr Crewes was born in Somerset in June 1859, but his parents were from Cornwall. He came to Burra in 1878 and was employed first by Gartrell & Co. of Aberdeen and then with Messrs Drew & Co. He later opened a branch business for them in NSW before going into partnership with Mr John Drew at Kooringa from whence branches were established at Mt Bryan and Hallett. Something over six years ago the business became drew & Crewes Pty Ltd with Mr Crewes as managing director. He has always had an interest in public affairs and has been a Councillor at various times. He was first elected Mayor in 1901 and held the position for three years. He was elected again in 1913 and each time the outbreak of war imposed a heavy workload, which he has discharged with energy and enthusiasm. He is president of every patriotic society in the town, a member of the Hospital Board and President of the Institute.

‘An Optimistic Ass’ writes arguing by way of a dream parable for a united approach to Peace Day.

St Mary’s Strawberry Fete was held last Friday in the Institute. It was very successful and raised £125.

Visiting Day at Burra School was held last Wednesday.

Proceedings began with physical drill accompanied by the band. Then the headmaster Mr Hitchcox gave his annual report. The school had 262 on the roll, comprising 129 boys and 133 girls. At the inspection the school had been classed ‘A’ for excellent. Five one-penny concerts in the year raised £10 for improvements. A concert organised for 19 December aimed to raise money for a piano. The school had raised £252-6-11⁄2 for the Children’s Patriotic Fund: £132 from the Red Cross effort at Victoria Park in April, £18 from self denial tins, £15 from a Children’s Bazaar in Kooringa, £11 from the Aberdeen effort recently and over £100of War Certificates had been purchased by the children. Half of the scholars were wearing war service medals, some with up to five bars and two had earned the ‘Star’ decoration for giving over £6: the Misses Gwen Humphris & Jean McLaren. 27 framed pictures had been bought with money from the Seaside Picnic Committee.

Mr J. Biddle reported on the High School. With an average of 35 pupils the High School had raised £26 for the Patriotic Fund and worked with the Primary School in activities. 22 pupils had war service medals and one had a ‘Star’. The year began with 42 pupils and ended with 31 compared with 22 last year. Miss Jones had transferred from Primary to High to help with the numbers.

Last year Josephine West gained the Junior Public Certificate and Jean McLaren a Senior Commercial Certificate, topping the exam and winning the John Cresswell Scholarship.

Mr McLaren gave a speech on behalf of the School Committee. Rev. Hopton & Rev. Bridgwood, Mr Crewes & Mr Winnall also spoke, the last named announcing a half-holiday.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. has donated £25 to the French Red Cross instead of holding a button day for them. They are making a final appeal for any socks on hand as it is assumed they will not be required for much longer.

XXXX, 50, 18 Dec. 1918, page 2

Advt. Boy Scouts Concert Party at Burra Institute 8 January 1919.

Advt. Public School Committee Concert, Burra Institute, Thursday 19 December.

Advt. Booborowie Red Cross Strawberry Fete 1 January 1919.

Advt. Copperhouse Bazaar 18 December in aid of Burra Sporting & Athletic Club. Promenade concert in the evening.

Obituary. Henry Edwin (Ed.) Riggs died 15 December at Murkaby. He was the third son of Mr & Mrs J.A. Riggs of Kooringa. [Born 18 April 1884 Mullaby.]

Obituary. Daphne Seal aged 62 died 17 November in Perth leaving a husband and only son (Sgt Major Seal in France) and two grandchildren. (Brothers and sisters are the Lauritsens and Dowds of Booborowie.) [Born Daphne Jane Dowd.]

Miss Ida Futvoye of the Burra School has been transferred to Glenelg. Miss E. Manser from Mt Gambier takes her place.

Ted Phelan of Elder, Smith & Co. for over two years has been transferred to their Crystal Brook Branch.

Mr Gilbert Horner, with the Commonwealth Electoral Department in Burra for 31⁄2 years, has been transferred to Kadina where the Department has decided to make its centre. He has been a strong worker for St Mary’s: Secretary of the Vestry and a member of the choir. He is also a member of the Institute Committee and a worker in patriotic affairs, together with his wife who has been active in Red Cross.

Mr Robert Laidlaw, who for some twenty years has been manager for Mr A.J. Murray of Cartapoo Station and taken much interest in public matters, is moving to be manager of Kidman, Lewis & Pearce’s Witchelina Station near Farina. He is renowned as a trainer and breeder of sheep dogs.

Obituary. Francis H. Fairchild of Ironmine died suddenly 13 December. Though paralysed from youth and more or less an invalid, his death was unexpected. [Francis Henry Fairchild born 30 July 1869 Morphett Vale: died 13 December 1918 at Ironmine.]

Obituary. Mr W.G. Taylor died in Adelaide on 12 December. He was a former resident of Booborowie and Aberdeen. He leaves a widow and one son: R. Taylor of Terowie.

[William Taylor died Eastwood, residence Aberdeen aged 75. See issue of 25 December page2.]

Marriage. On 11 December at Kooringa Methodist Church

Henry M. Rosewall, youngest son of the late Mrs T. Rosewall of Kooringa married

Miss Gertrude J. Kellock, daughter of Mrs M.A. Kellock of Kooringa & the late W. Kellock of Thistlebeds.

Burra Town Council

Glenister & Sams offered to supply electricity to four street lamps at £4 p.a. each, up to 10.30 p.m.

Near Bright & Bright’s office

One in Queen St

One in the rotunda

One on the National Bank Corner

Mr Winnall was re-appointed Council solicitor.

Four special constables were appointed for New Year.

The Inspector reported that only about 5% of new trees survived the winter frosts. Pines had been wiped out. Carobs were hardier. Some kind of bug seems to have attacked the pines.

Rough treatment of the Market Square pump by young fellows had rendered it out of order.

There was a discussion on foot bridges at the White Hart and the ‘Pig & Whistle’ fords, but no resolution.

Stock trespassing into Aberdeen plantations was a problem.

Local Board of Health

The possibility of an influenza epidemic was raised by Cr Thomas. He said some old houses in the town were unfit for habitation and two houses had a reputation for fever [i.e. typhoid]. The Inspector reported three cases of fever in the last fortnight.

[Continued page 3]

The Inspector said he thought the problem was dead mice in the tanks from the last mice plague.

XXXX, 50, 18 Dec. 1918, page 3

‘The Boys’ Friend’ writes arguing that instead of monuments or stained glass windows a more useful thing would be a club room with two large billiard rooms and several parlours for games as a place returned men could gather without recourse to hotels and the alcohol that does them more harm. It should be easy to raise £3,000 from the combined patriotic societies.

Obituary. L-Cpl Harold T. Green who died of wounds 20 July 1918 in France* was the son of Mr & Mrs C. Green now of Adelaide, but recently of this district. He enlisted in July 1915 after coming from WA and left Australia 2 December 1915. He saw service in a series of major battles. He was wounded severely at Pozieres and wounded a second time at Polygon Wood in September 1917. He died at Merris on 30 July.*

[* These conflicting dates are cited in the same article. War records give 30 July 1918.]

[Harold Temperley Green born 3 October 1890 Black Springs.]

Cricket. The season opened on Saturday with a scratch match. Mr Neagle’s team 100 defeated Mr Radford’s 77.

RSL. The Executive Committee was reconstructed following the resignation of Innes & Garden. Elected were

President L.R. Clarke

Vice-Presidents L. Taplin & D.C. Jones

Secretary W.D. Thompson

Assistant Sec. E.R. Scott

Committee V. Wheare, W.J. Parker & V. Andrew

The RSL decided to rent the upstairs portion of the Eastern Telephone Syndicate’s building in Commercial St for 10/- a week. The Secretary will move in at once and arrange for the rooms to be put in order. Local patriotic societies will be invited to contribute furnishings. The League had a credit balance of £186-0-11.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band etc. met Sgt Major Baynes & Sgt W. Klaffus at the station on Tuesday 10 December.

Burra Hospital Board

The hospital has been approved for soldiers when there is insufficient room elsewhere.

The Inspector-General of Hospitals asked what arrangements could be made for an outbreak of influenza. A reply was sent stating the accommodation and saying when necessary tents were erected for infectious cases. The usual £3 was allowed for Christmas cheer.

Boy Scouts. On Saturday the Scouts’ Tennis Court was used for the first time. Thanks go to the Town Council for permission and to Aberdeen Tennis Club for the net.

Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday best scores were Syd Cordon & H.E. Riggs 90 each & P.A. Giles 82.

Sgts A. Baynes & W. Klaffus were given a civic welcome on Thursday afternoon. The Schoolgirls’ Band & the Ladies’ band attended. Mr Crewes welcomed the sergeants followed by Rev. Finch, Capt. Trigg & Rev. Bridgwood. The sergeants responded.

Tennis. On Saturday 14 December at Farrell’s Flat

Farrell’s Flat 11-81 defeated Aberdeen 4-58

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. Bazaar was held 11 December in Jubilee Hall. Mrs W.G. Hawkes opened the fete. The stalls are described and workers acknowledged. Total takings were c. £50.

XXXX, 50, 18 Dec. 1918, page 4

Influenza. There is half a column on steps to be taken to limit the spread of this deadly outbreak that was then sweeping the world with alarming death rates.

XXXX, 51, 25 Dec. 1918, page 2

Obituary. William G. Taylor, husband of Martha Taylor of Aberdeen and late of Booborowie, died 11 December aged 75. [William Taylor died Eastwood, residence Aberdeen aged 75.]

Mt G. Horner Was farewelled on Wednesday 18 December by the St Mary’s choir. He was presented with a hymn book with music and Mrs Horner with a prayer book.

Mr & Mrs Edward Hams of Hillside Farm Terowie celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Tuesday. Three son and five daughters are living with 37 grandchildren & 51 great grandchildren. Both Mr & Mrs Edwards are 86.

The Burra Hospital Christmas Treat was held on Friday evening and a program of songs and duets was presented along with presents. Miss Edith Cave had again organised the occasion.

Burra Jubilee Benevolent Soc. Secretary, Miss Gertrude Williams, has been distributing Christmas cheer. Goods and orders to £14 have been distributed.

Weather. The continuing dry weather is drawing rabbits, especially to the northeast, where they are being poisoned in large numbers.

Burra Public School Grand Concert was held in the Institute on Wednesday 18 December and is described in 11⁄4columns.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Bert Radford of Canegrass tomatoes

E. Truscott a 28 lb cabbage

E.W. Crewes writes acknowledging receipt of £3-3-0 from Mr J.M. McBride for Christmas cheer for the poor and being glad to receive further donations.

XXXX, 51, 25 Dec. 1918, page 3

Fires. Just after the Broken Hill express on Monday morning fire broke out in Messrs Kellock Bros wheat crop one mile west of Kooringa and about 40 acres were burnt. A smouldering stook seems to have started another fire that reached the paddock known as Dr Sangster’s [Princess Town] and raced from there towards Kooringa. This time Messrs Rogers lost 70 tons of hay and the fire reached the quarry near the hospital.

On Saturday the afternoon train is thought to have started two fires at Mt Bryan and another small fire started at Koonoona from a petrol engine.

On Saturday at Leighton fire destroyed 60 acres of crop on Mr Keynes’s property.

Pte Keith Roach, Pte Jack Hogan & Pte Will Henderson are returning to Australia.

Staff-nurse Lil. McWaters is contending with Spanish influenza in Salonika.

Seaman Harry (Wibby) Vivian on HMAS Australia is in the North Sea and is OK.

Hartley Harris is on the way home.

Cricket. There was a scratch match on Saturday: L. Neagle’s team 72 defeated E. Hirschausen’s team 57.

Soldiers’ Memorial. Conference of District Representatives.

Mr Crewes responded to the recent Leighton meeting and wrote to the DCs of Mt Bryan, Booborowie, Apoinga, Hanson, Hallett & Burra, asking the Chairmen to meet him and a conference took place at the Burra Institute on 18 December. Those present were the Mayor, Crs T. McWaters, Kellock, & Pearse (Burra), I.J. Warnes (Mt Bryan), A.E. McWaters (Booborowie), Thomas & Radford (Burra Corporation) & some town residents.

The Mayor said several schemes had been mooted

A statue in Market Square

A suitable club building for returned men

With respect to a club building – clubs had been tried before and always died out after a while and such a place would need a caretaker and ongoing expenses.

Mr McDonald, Chairman of the Booborowie DC wrote apologising for his absence and calling for public meetings in the districts to discuss the alternatives, and for a debate in the press.

Mr Hawkes for Apoinga also apologised, but he favoured one fine memorial at a suitable place and would not like to see districts split into sections.

Cr Roger from Hanson also wrote in.

Cr Warnes was rather surprised to see more than representatives there and under those circumstances did not see it as a conference. There was then considerable dissention about who should be present and what their role was.

Mr Crewes said his position was well known – a subscription from the districts and Burra of £1,500 for the purpose of a suitable memorial in Market Square. He did not support a memorial in each district and he feared if they were erected they would soon be neglected.

Cr Warnes was concerned that the outside districts were not given credit for their efforts and had to have representation. He personally did not favour many small memorials.

His others thought were for

an avenue of trees – say from Burra to Mt Bryan

a weir across Burra Creek

an isolation ward at Burra Hospital

He quite liked a statue, but was not sure it would be well received in outside districts.

Cr C.T. McWaters was not prepared to vote, but leaned towards a central monument.

Cr A.E. McWaters was also not prepared to decide yet, but leant towards a central monument, though each district would have to be represented on the executive and be duly represented at the opening etc.

Cr Warnes & Cr McWaters complained that they never got invitations to activities in Burra as official representatives of the DCs. Cr McWaters thought that if a monument was erected specific places on it needed to be allotted to each district. If a garden was to be maintained each district should have its own plot.

Cr Pearse favoured a lasting memorial – something like the memorial on North Terrace. Trees in a few years would be just trees.

Cr Kellock would like to see unity.

Cr Thomas favoured a central monument: in 50 years small memorials would be neglected and dilapidated. He favoured allocating each district its proper proportion and its proper representation on the executive. He hoped for no split – he had heard that even one of Burra’s own Wards wanted its own memorial. Nothing worthy could be done if they all split.

Cr Warnes did not think it fitting to raise funds on Peace Day.

The Mayor said there were to be three Peace Days: one of thanksgiving, one of rejoicing and one for the children. He thought it a most suitable day to ask for donations.

Cr Warnes thought there should be a Memorial Day.

Cr Radford said that concerning the lack of official invitations to District Councils that the Burra Town Council had nothing to do with that – it was a matter in the hands of the various patriotic societies.

Cr Warnes said the patriotic bodies never recognised the districts and as President of several district bodies he could say no official invitations ever reached them. He believed there would be better support for tree plantings or an isolation ward. He had been asked personally, never officially to functions.

Mr Crewes said: On how many occasions have the outside districts gone on their own? If the idea they were not valued was prevalent he was sorry: it was not the slightest intent of any patriotic body

[Continued page 4]

not to give the district due recognition.

Cr Warnes said Leighton had decided to have Peace Day at home, but he was prepared to advocate something in Burra if a scheme came forward that the district people could support. For a piece of statuary it would be difficult to get support.

Cr Kellock said public meetings were essential.

Cr A.E. McWaters said people might easily choose a small local memorial option.

Cr McWaters said that at World’s End they had decided to spend £100 on a memorial and at one meeting £60-£70 was subscribed.

Mr Crewes thought it would be a shame if the district’s names were not inscribed on the Burra Memorial.

Cr Thomas believed Burra people would be agreeable and anxious to give the districts representation.

Cr Pearse was averse to a number of memorials. Local Honour Rolls would perpetuate local memories. His firm had promised 50 guineas and would double it if necessary for a central memorial.

The final decision was:

That a suitable monument be erected in Burra by Burra & District.

That the Corporation & each DC be asked to appoint two delegates to form an executive committee.

Literary Supplements 1918

These have not been preserved in either the hard copy or the microfilm except that the microfilm has one example dated 6 February 1918

The serialised novel was then Secret Revealed by Esther Miller (Chapters XXV-XXVII). There was a short story: The solution by Alice Hegan Rice and other categories of article were: House-keeper, Poetry, Field & Farm, War Notes, General Interest, Humour and All Round.

Characteristics of the paper in 1918.

Page 1

Large advertisements in the main and mostly of local origin.

Page 2

A mixture of different sized advertisements, but nearly all are local and particularly concerned with sales, local government and public announcements. The amount of news fluctuates from none to almost half the page.

Page 3

News and a couple of larger advertisements.

Page 4

Some news in fluctuating amounts, but advertisements generally dominate, though some of them look very much like news items at first glance.

The paper in general gives a very good cover of district events throughout the year and in particular traces the lives and deaths of district servicemen and women. Local patriotic efforts are covered in considerable detail.

Numbering of issues in 1918

The year began with Volume XXXX Number 1 on 9 January 1918.

And continued to Volume XXXX Number 51 on 25 December 1918.

XXXXI, 1, 8 Jan. 1919,

Advertisements

Page 1

Walker & Sons Boots & Shoes, Market Square

S.M. Lane Saddler & Ironmonger

C.J. Pearce Local Agents for William Darby & Son Memorials

R. Urwin & Sons Drapers & Milliners

Glenister & Sams Burra Motor Garage, New Premises next to the Commercial Hotel, Kooringa, Agents for Delco-Light

Eyes & Crowle Ltd Motor & Electrical Engineers, Commercial St

R.D. Pascoe Hairdresser & Fancy Goods Dealer, ‘The Emporium’, Kooringa

Lord Bros. & Humphris Burra Hotel

Emilie Clark Commercial Hotel

N.J. Tiddy Draper & Clothier, Aberdeen

L.H. Foote Agent for William Dean & Son, Stock & Station Salesmen, Auctioneers, etc.

G. Lawn & Co. Butchers & Small Goods Dealers, Market Square

Max Morton The Kooringa Forge, Thames St

R.H. Crump Boring Contractor, Kooringa, Phone 58

Fred. M. Pearce (Late G. Bartholomaeus) Carpenter, Builder & Ironmonger, Aberdeen

Ernest F. Marston Printer

Page 2

Pedersons Boots & Shoes, Kooringa

W. Thomas & Co. Ltd Burra Burra Roller Mills

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd Auctioneers

Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd Auctioneers

C.J. Pearce & Son Furniture, Commercial St

Drew & Crewes Boots & Shoes – New Department

Boz Pearce Grocer & Fruiterer

Page 3

Sara & Co. General Merchants, Aberdeen

Charles Moore & Co. Victoria Square, Adelaide, complete range of samples etc. at the Skating Rink, Kooringa till 10 Jan.

Edwin J. Harris General Store, Market Square

Page 4

Nurse M.A.L. Woollacott Maternity Home

Mr Laubmann Laubmann & Pank, Opticians, visits Burra

P.E. Wilson Agent for F.A. Cleveland & Sons, Monumental Masons

E.A. Mummery Dentist at Pearce’s Building every Friday

W.E. Hodge Land & Estate & General Agent

Bert Burgess (Late 11th Light Horse, AIF), Car Hire, Phone 12

Luke Day Grocer, Fruiterer & General Dealer

John Pearce Carpenter, Builder & Contractor, New Workshop & Timber Storeroom, Ironmongery, Bricks, lime, Cement etc. Corner Bridge & Thames St, Kooringa

XXXXI, 1, 8 Jan. 1919, page 2

Advt. Farrell’s Flat & Hanson District Roll of Honour Unveiling Ceremony, 16 January at Farrell’s Flat Institute.

Advt. To Let. Offices in Pearce’s Building, previously occupied by the Electoral Department.

Advt. C.A. Lott, Carpenter & Builder, has moved to opposite the Bank of Australasia.

Advt. Miss Vera Pascoe will take pupils for painting and drawing.

Hares are plentiful at present and A. & O. Pearce shot 16 last Friday afternoon – or perhaps shot 23, according to the next sentence.

Pte Fred Wheatley was expected to arrive home last night with W. Dow.

Ptes Les McGowan & H. Brown arrived in Adelaide on 6 Jan.

Pte Gordon Torr is recovering from influenza, having been taken to hospital in a ‘Burra ambulance’.

Signaller F.S. Storr, youngest son of Mr & Mrs F. Storr of Booborowie, has been awarded the MM.

Colin Bruce has been awarded the MM.

Albert Bruce is in England after being a POW for 21⁄2 years: he arrived on 9 December.

Jack Hogan has been invalided home and arrived in Burra unexpectedly on 6 January and so was not welcomed.

Cpl Hilary Fuss is returning to Australia.

Pte Frank West has been repatriated to England.

Cpl Percy Herbert, an original Anzac, is expected in Melbourne on 20 January.

Sapper E.K. Blunt, who has had pneumonia, is too return to Australia.

Miss Edith R. Bubb writes to thank those who provide Christmas cheer for the girls of ‘Hampton Court’ and Rev. & Miss Bridgwood and helpers for the entertainment and supper on Boxing Night. [Other donors and donations are also listed.]

Burra Cheer-up Society

On 26 December the Ladies’ band etc. welcomed back Tpr J. Nourse, on 2 months furlough after 4 years in Egypt.

On 27 December the Ladies’ band etc. welcomed back J. Hatherly.

On 31 December the Ladies’ band (at half strength due to the holidays) etc. welcomed back WO J.H. Murison (on furlough) & Pte T. Harrop [Harrap] (returned after serious illness).

On 2 January the Ladies’ band etc. welcomed Fred Williams.

Pte Bishop returned to Hanson. (The Ladies’ band regrets not being able to welcome him there.)

Welcome Social on 6 Jan. for WO Murison, Tpr J. Nourse & Pte Harrop [Harrap], though the last was too ill to attend.

XXXXI, 1, 8 Jan. 1919, page 3

Burra Town Council

African Boxthorn declared a noxious weed.

Cr Dare moved a public pound be provided in the municipality. Carried.

Cr McBride moved the solicitor report on a pound. Carried.

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will be interviewed re their yards being used as a pound.

Rated declared for 1919: General 1/3

Health 6d

Lighting 4d

Park Lands 2d

Decking of the Church St footbridge is to be repaired and the bridge painted and tarred.

RSL. The RSL restrooms will be opened on 1 February after being repaired and painted by Comrade Jones.

Burra Boy Scouts report on the five-day camp at World’s End Gorge from 28 December to 1 January. Thanks were extended to I.J. Warnes for his lorry and trailer as transport.

[Details occupy c. 1⁄2 column.]

Cricket. At the scratch match on Saturday L. Neagle’s team 112 defeated E. Hirschausen’s team 83.

XXXXI, 1, 8 Jan. 1919, page 4

Redruth Court

William Wilks, farmer of Mt Bryan, sued Jehu Lomman, farmer of Mt Bryan, for illegal possession of a scoop. Wilks bought the scoop in 1916 from Robert Scott and it was missed in June or July 1918. M-C Giles found it in November 1918.

Giles gave evidence of finding the scoop on Lomman’s property in November 1918. Lomman claimed to have bought it in Adelaide in March or April, but could not remember the man’s name, didn’t think he got a receipt. Wilks identified the scoop.

Wilks gave evidence that the scoop belonged to his son, William, who is on active service. He swore to modifications made to it that identified it. Lomman claimed he had made the modifications and produced a piece of iron he said was left over from the job.

Robert Scott identified the scoop as one sold to Wilks on 28 April 1916.

F.F. W. Richards, stationmaster at Mt Bryan, denied the scoop had arrived by train from Adelaide as maintained by Lomman.

William Rule of Aberdeen, blacksmith, said he made the bottom plates for Lomman on 15 November 1918.

Arthur Rush, blacksmith, said he had worked on two bows similar to those shows for Albert Lomman, but could not swear these were the ones.

Lomman gave evidence of having bought the scraper in Adelaide and having had it sent up by rail. He recounted its use. He now claimed he had obtained a receipt.

His daughter gave evidence of having seen a receipt with J.S. and a date on it, but though she put it on file she had not looked for it.

Two sons, Clarence and Alfred, gave supporting evidence.

William Cornfoot, who had worked for Wilks, gave evidence that Wilks’s scraper was a foot shorter.

John Hedley Lomman & Charles Lomman also gave supporting evidence.

The SM said he disbelieved all the defendant had said and the corroborative evidence as well and fined him £20 with £3-0-0 costs or three months in default.

[The whole report extends for 21⁄2 columns.]

XXXXI, 2, 15 Jan. 1919, page 2

Obituary. Thomas Rosewall died 11 January at his residence in Paxton Terrace aged 84. Born at St Ann, Cornwall [Perhaps St Ann’s Chapel?] 19 July 1834 and arrived at Port Adelaide 4 July 1847. He came to Burra and worked in the Burra Creek at one of the ‘jiggers’ and then at the Princess Royal Mine and later at the Carculta [Karkulto/Karkulta] Mine at Black Springs, where most of his family was born. He was a long-time member of the Aberdeen Lodge MUIOOF. Mrs Rosewall died in 1889. He is survived by four sons and two daughters: John, Josiah & Thomas of Kooringa & Henry of Boulder, WA, Mrs T. Sampson of Boulder & Miss D. Rosewall of Kooringa. There are several grandchildren. [Thomas Rosewall died 11 January 1919 Kooringa.]

Obituary. Mrs Eliza Talbot died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs A. Patterson, at Kooringa aged 95. She was born at Froxfield, Wiltshire in 1824 and migrated with her husband, Thomas, and two children in 1854. She lived at Booborowie until old age forced her to come to Kooringa. Mr Talbot died several years ago. Four children survive: Mr David Talbot of Hallett, Mrs J. Blight of Hallett, Mrs M. Morrison and Mrs A. Patterson. [Born Eliza Barnett: died 11 January 1919 Kooringa.]

Obituary. J.O. Tiddy of Maitland died suddenly on Saturday. He was brother to Mr N.J. Tiddy of Burra. [James Oxenberry Tiddy born 22 January Cornwall, England: died 11 January Maitland.]

Fire on John Davis’s property at Spalding destroyed 1,000 acres of grass and 8 acres of wheat last Friday.

J.M. McBride will be 88 next Saturday.

The Boy Scout Concert Party appeared on Wednesday evening at the Institute before a crowded and appreciative audience. £23 was raised and divided between the local troop and the Scout’s Endowment Fund.

Burra Boy Scout’s Camp is reported in 1⁄2 column.

XXXXI, 2, 15 Jan. 1919, page 3

Burra Hospital Board.

Charge-nurse Cranston has left, having received a military call.

The mortuary roof needs mending and the interior painting.

The Board agreed to accept soldiers at 7/- a day, all included.

The Chief-Secretary wants plans and specifications of the proposed electric light scheme before any expenditure is incurred.

Mr Warnes moved the agreement with the Local Board of Health to treat infectious cases for 30/- a week be annulled. In 1916 the cost for special nurses for infectious cases was £39-15-0, in 1917 £28 and in 1918 £87-10-0. Receipts were £14-14-8, which resulted in a loss of £141-9-8 for nursing alone and with other costs this would rise to between £200 & £250.

Mr Radford thought the Government should pay as the loss is caused by poor people and is mostly due to the shortage of nurses [which in turn had much to do with nurses being called up for military duty].

Mr McLaren moved that legal opinion be obtained as to whether they could charge patients able to pay full fees and charge the Local Board of Health for poor patients.

Mr Warnes thought they could not in conscience charge £3-3-0 a week to stay in ‘that oven which is called the isolation ward’.

Eventually it was decided to seek legal advice and defer action till then.

Miss Kate Williams is to be appointed charge-nurse.

Probationers were being paid 5/- a week in the first year and 2/6 more each subsequent year. Mr Warnes said these were starvation wages and moved that the rates at other hospitals be obtained. Carried.

Tpr Charles Bartholomaeus & Tpr Tom Fuller are in Colombo on their way home. They, along with Pte G. Evans & Pte J.H. Knevitt are returning to Australia on the Leicestershire which departed Cairo on 23 December and is expected in Melbourne 22 January.

Pte Arthur Lihou, former POW, arrived in London on 17 December 1918.

Pte Bob Ford Pte Lisle [sic] Fuss & Pte Herbert Horner, former POWs, have also reached England.

Burra Institute AGM.

The balance sheet was signed by Mr Milner, but Mr McLaren, the second auditor, refused to do so because:

The librarian declined to give some information, specifically the names and addresses of G.E. Dane’s choral and orchestral classes and the number of books taken out by them. Also the number of meetings and average attendance of the same and the names of those attending.

He was not satisfied that the method of paying in such members’ subscriptions and paying them out again to claim the Government subsidy would meet the Institute Association’s Commissioner of Audit.

When questioned, Mr McLaren said he had no other faults to find in the statement.

The President said Mr McLaren had exceeded his duty and should have signed and then asked for an explanation of these other matters.

Mr McLaren then signed with an endorsement protesting the procedures noted above.

[Apparently 98 subscriptions at 12/- were paid in and immediately the same amount was paid out to G.E. Dane.]

Mr Dane explained that he had run classes for many years, then the Government decided to subsidise classes run by Institutes, so his classes were brought under the Institute, then the Government decided not to subsidise classes and subsequently Mr Dane had suggested making members of classes members of the Institute.

Mr Winnall had acquiesced and the committee adopted the idea.

Mr Drew said that he and Mr McLaren (then President) and Mr Winnall had drawn up the scheme and he thought it ill-became anyone to challenge a scheme he had helped to set up.

[The discussion as reported then becomes too confusing for me to follow.]

Elected were President M. Pederson

Vice President J. Drew

Treasurer C.D. Wilkinson

Hon. Sec. E.J. Harris

Cricket. Kooringa 175 drew with Aberdeen 3 for 39.

Burra Cheer-up Society

On 7 January the Ladies’ band and a multitude of others welcomed home Pte Fred Wheatley & Tpr Billy Dow, Pte Brown and Pte L. McGowan. The first two were away over four years and the latter two just a little less.

On 9 January the Ladies’ band etc. greeted the return of Pte W. Sellars.

The Band is getting a smart uniform. (A crème dress.)

The Society will help the committee headed by Miss Hawkes to furnish the RSL Room.

XXXXI, 2, 15 Jan. 1919, page 4

Burra Institute Annual Report: 12⁄3 columns of details.

Rev. Bloyd left the committee due to his transfer to Clare. He had joined in 1917 on the departure of Mr Harcus to Broken Hill and became Vice President in 1918 to June of that year. Mr Horner also left during the year. £21-16-9 worth of free hall use was granted for patriotic purposes.

There are 4,728 books in the library and a new up-to-date catalogue has been started.

Membership for 1917: Double 22 1918 Double 20

Single 202 Single 240

260

Financial position: December 31 1917 £205-15-9 December 31 1918 £14-6-2

Commercial classes continued for three quarters, but had to be discontinued due to falling attendance.

Orchestral and Choral Classes have been active, but restricted due to the demands of patriotic work.

Improvements: electric lighting has been installed at a cost of £270-6-11, a move made necessary by the high cost of carbide. Parson and Robertson installed a Delco lighting plant, which has worked very well. An engine-house at the back of the building cost £16-7-0.

Steps at the side gate were altered and a rail fence erected from the ramp to the gate and a path made to the escape door.

A new piano was purchased for £130.

From January to July carbide cost £28-18-0.

From August to December kerosene, oil etc cost £5-1-2. The cost of kerosene works out at 6d per night.

This expenditure has prevented the enlargement of the hall and the erection of a verandah at the main entrance, until funds are available.

Welcome to Anzacs.

In Market Square last Friday afternoon a welcome home was given to five more of our original Anzacs and a visiting one: Sgt J. Hatherly, WO J. Murison, Sgt W. Sellars, Sgt W. Dow, Sgt F. Wheatley, & Sgt Collins and also to Ptes J. Hogan, T. Harrap, H. Brown, & Les McGowan.

The group marched with the Ladies’ band from the Cheer-up Room to Market Square at 4 p.m. After the soldiers were welcomed a collection was taken up for the Ladies’ band uniform.

XXXXI, 3, 22 Jan. 1919, page 2

Advt. Tenders are called for the lease for a term of five years of the property known as Abberton Park, comprising 3,553 acres freehold and a stone homestead of 11 rooms plus laundry, sheds etc.

Obituary. Mrs Edwards, mother of Mrs L.H. Foote died last Saturday/Sunday night in Adelaide.

[Born Anna Emilie Mathilde Schubert 12 April 1856 Blumberg (Birdwood): died Anna Emelie Matilda Edwards 11 January 1919 Hindmarsh.]

Marriage. Ivy Rogers, daughter of Mrs Rogers of Leighton and Albert Oscar Allen, son of Mr A. Allen of Aberdeen, were married at St Mary’s on 11 January.

The [Old] Church of England Rectory has been sold to Mr W.B. James of Baldina. A new rectory will be erected on the grounds of St Mary’s. [Actually erected on the northern corner of Paxton Tce and Bridge Tce.]

Burra Town Council.

Bagot, Shakes & Lewis decline to lease any part of their property for a public pound.

The overseer reported on tar-dressing practices in Adelaide.

W. Bass resigns as town scavenger and the position is to be advertised.

XXXXI, 3, 22 Jan. 1919, page 3

Capt.-Surgeon Charles F. Drew has been awarded the MC.

Sgt Harold Hatherly returns to Australia soon.

Cpl Percy Herbert arrived in Melbourne on 21 January in the Port Hacking, but expects to be quarantined.

Pte Alf Isaac left England 23 December and is expected in Melbourne 3 February in the Bakara.

Hartley Harris is expected to reach Melbourne in the Burma on 31 January.

Arthur Garrard, former POW, was repatriated to England, arriving 7 January after 1 year 9 months.

Railway Accident. F. Lang fell from the up train on Friday soon after it left Hanson. He was brought to Burra Hospital unconscious and with bruises and abrasions. He has since recovered consciousness and is improving. It is thought he mistook the door to the toilet.

Burra Cheer-up Society.

There was a welcome home social on 15 January for Ptes F. Wheatley, T. Harrap, L. McGowan & Tpr W. Dow. Pte Humphris, brother of C. Humphris, arrived later.

On 17 January the Ladies’ band welcomed Pte Hilary Fuss and Sgt Lewis, a returned 3rd Light Horseman who is visiting Burra.

‘Demos’ writes re the Soldiers’ Memorial. The Hanson District Council has decided not to support a central memorial, but will the small number from there produce anything really worthy?

[The writer is all in favour of swallowing a little local pride in order to produce something really worthy of ‘the boys’.]

‘Democrat’ writes a letter on direct and indirect taxation.

Burra Rifle Club. Best results: J.A. Riggs 95 and J.E. Pearce 92.

XXXXI, 4, 29 Jan. 1919, page 2

Advt. On account of the recent fire Elder, Smith & Co.’s sales are postponed till 7 February and will then be located in Bagot, Shakes & Lewis’s Yards.

Advt. The Boys Recreation Hall is to be used as the Burra Boy Scouts Troop-room.

The opening ceremony will be performed on 1 February 1919 by E.W. Crewes, Mayor.

Then a Bazaar will be opened by Mrs I.J. Warnes at 3 p.m. Promenade Concert in the evening.

Burra Seaside Trip. This year to Semaphore on 22 February. Adults 6/3 & Children (<14) 2/9.

Bruce Wade, son of W.P. Wade was accidentally shot in the arm when loading rifles into a cart after a rabbit poisoning and shooting party at Winnininnie last week. He is recovering under Dr Ashton.

Miss Doreen Herbert was farewelled as kindergarten teacher at Kooringa Methodist Sunday School on the eve of her marriage last Sunday.

The Schoolchildren’s Fete at Copperhouse recently yielded £32-11-2 for the Sporting and Athletics Club funds.

XXXXI, 4, 29 Jan. 1919, page 3

Disastrous Fire.

The biggest fire in the history of the district broke out on Friday 24 January. It covered over 30,000 acres in an area 12 miles by about 4 miles. The day was a ‘brick-fielder’ on which there was a strong hot wind raising dust. Clouds of smoke were seen in Burra about 10 a.m., followed by calls for help. Soon choking smoke enveloped the town and the fire was coming down the Copperhouse Hills and had entered Aberdeen. The sale at Elder, Smith’s Stockyards was interrupted when the fire entered the yards. In places the flames advanced at 30 m.p.h. The fire leapt the 100 yard gap of the railway quarry. It ran along Firewood Creek and was finally stopped when the wind dropped towards evening. Murkaby Dam, 40 miles away, was covered with cinders. Amazingly there was little loss of stock.

At night from hilltops it looked wonderful, if tragic, with haystacks, fences and stumps alight like an illuminated city.

The fire started at Mr J. O’Dea’s property at Booborowie and he attributes it to phosphorus from poisoned rabbits that dogs took under a haystack to eat. The phosphorus being left in the entrails that were left. Little damage occurred there, but the fire spread quickly into J. Barker’s ‘Corolinga’ and thence to A.D. McDonald’s and to E.N. Finch’s (late John Stagg’s). From McDonald’s it also crossed the road to R.J. Fairchild’s and into ‘Wildotta’ paddock, where it was split by the lagoon.

The south arm took ‘Blink Bonnie’ (rented by Henry Collins & Co.), W.H. Field’s, Mrs C. Sandland’s ‘Koonoowarra’ and thence across the road to Messrs Thomas and Gare’s & Josiah Thomas’s, cleaning up D. Bailey’s small holding. Part of this fire then ran through Copperhouse; down through Mr Austin’s paddock to Aberdeen, engulfing the showgrounds, greatly damaged Short’s and Robertson’s and went through Drew & Crewe’s woodyard, Elder, Smith’s saleyards and at Ford’s paddock went on to Firewood Creek, where it finally stopped.

The north arm travelled to M. Reilly’s, thence to J.G. Oates’s across the stock route and into E.N. Finch’s ‘Pencarrow’, across the railway line and up the hill. It continued through E.N. Finch’s ‘Wandillah’. From ‘Coralinga’ it spread to ‘Wildotta’ across the stock road and into the forest and thence to ‘Mackerode’, where it stopped.

‘Coralinga’

There were some 3,000 sheep there. With superhuman effort the homestead was saved with the very doormat being burnt. 3,000 acres of grass were lost with just 300 acres in one corner being saved. The sheep were saved in a neighbour’s paddock – Mr Symons receiving notice to remove them before dawn.

A.D. McDonald lost 500 acres of grass and almost all his fences, but sheds and the homestead were saved.

E.N. Finch lost 2,000 acres of grass and 150 tons of hay along with the chaff house, chaff-cutting plant, sheds, etc. The implements on ‘Wandillah’ were saved, but the losses on the two properties are not less than £4,000.

Messrs Thomas & Gare lost all grass: c. 900 acres, and 150 tons of lucerne hay. The residence and sheds were miraculously saved.

R. Reed jnr lost c. 200 acres of grass – the rest of his country had been previously burnt.

W. McBride lost about 400 acres of feed and c. 25 sheep.

R.J. Fairchild lost 30 tons of hay and 500 acres of grass.

J.G. Oates. All that survives on his property is the scorched and blackened house that was somehow saved. This year he was on halves with Mr Tohl who lost c. 400 acres of feed and fencing. There was just time to save the stock. Miss Marjorie Field galloped to Mrs Oates’s assistance and released the horses. Mrs Oates and her niece, Miss Crittendon, had a lucky escape. The large forest reserve nearby was swept from end to end. Damage at Oates’s is estimated at £4,000 – little of it covered by insurance.

W. Field. They rushed from here to assist when the fire was on A.D. McDonald’s property, but the blaze came swiftly on. The Misses Therese and Marjorie Field quickly saddled horses and mustered all their stock on the fallow and gave Mr Duell on ‘Koonoowarra’ the alarm. By then the fire was on their property. W. Field galloped back, but Stan Field and Mr E. Carter had to run to ‘Monavea’. They tried to save a load of hay, but it burnt and even the woodheap was burnt. Mr Field’s haystack was a record size and was destroyed. The Misses Field several times had to beat out flames that caught their hair or clothes and W. Field fell over a burning wagon, cutting his face and fracturing his jaw. His losses are less than others as his wheat was all at Burra Station and his implements and large sheds were saved. The fire scorched the house, burning one verandah post.

Mat Reilly. All that was saved was the house, a binder, a buggy and a wheelbarrow. His pigs were roasted in their styes and nearly all Mrs Reilly’s poultry were burnt too, along with 400 bags of wheat. He is uninsured.

A.G. Gebhardt was in Adelaide and the women had hard work to save the house. With the aid of help from Mt Bryan and elsewhere the house and sheds were saved, though c. 2,500 acres of feed and all fencing was lost. The stock was saved.

‘Koonoowarra’ Here the woolshed with two years’ seed wheat, a winnower, wool tables, etc. was destroyed along with six sheep. Also lost were a calf, sheep yards, three large loads of firewood and two large haystacks valued at £300 each. The stock had been mustered and run to fallow land, which left no time to save equipment, except for some harness from the harness room. The cottage of the overseer, Mr Duell, was saved. Here even the timber lining of the well was burnt to water level. Fortunately a recent fire had burnt around the homestead allowing it and the large implement shed to be saved. Poultry was largely killed by smoke without even being singed. Damage is at least £3,000.

In fact on all holdings on the main route of the fire the fences are largely gone.

Copperhouse.

Feed was abundant here, especially in the gullies. The north arm of the fire swept the paddocks in front of Copperhouse, separated from it by only the road. With almost all the men away fighting the fire, another arm came over the Flagstaff Hills and in 10 minutes from the hill had reached Copperhouse – about three miles. Residents were almost smothered in the smoke. They managed to save all the livestock except the poultry. The shifting wind meant that the town had three visitations. Mr J. Nickles lost a binder and all his grass, fencing, poultry and a chaff-cutter, but miraculously a haystack survived.

W. Kellaway lost all grass and hay.

R. Nourse lost 20-30 tons of hay, all feed and fences.

Bob Fuss lost all his sheds, outhouses and a beautiful garden, together with a spring dray, six tons of hay, tools, tool house, poultry, poultry yards and a 2,000 gallon galvanised-iron tank. Mrs Fuss and her neighbours removed the furniture onto the road and soon the back of the house was alight, but was extinguished with hard work. He estimates his loss at £70.

Mr Lomman lost a haystack, feed, fencing and a fruit garden.

Messrs Diplock, A.E. Wise, Fisher, R. Edwards, Mrs Nieman, W. Lomman, George Parker and Mrs McDonald lost their feed, fencing and poultry.

James Reed and H. Sandland used their cars several times to bring women and children into Aberdeen. Mr John Nickles, nearly 90 and Mrs Nickles were brought in.

The fire was stopped by Messrs Stockman & Nickles’ fallow paddock, which saved Spring Bank.

Aberdeen.

Firebreaks around the Show Grounds saved most buildings, but the Tote House was razed.

In Aberdeen Mrs Austin’s piggery was lost along with her grass and haystack.

Mr W. Short had a struggle to save his house and lost sheds, garden, builder’s plant, timber, etc. and a new dray, though an old one survived. His loss is estimated at between £300 & £400.

T.F. Robertson lost a stack of hay.

Drew & Crewes lost a wood pile.

Elder, Smith & Co. lost part of their saleyards.

In Aberdeen Mrs D. Bailey, alone in her little home with three children tried to escape in a horse and cart, but was trapped. She barely got back to the house. The horse took the cart to a bare patch in the paddock and survived. Three large pigs were roasted to death along with every fowl.

Pte A.A. Stewart & Pte Jack Kellaway are returning on the Orontes due in Pt Adelaide 31 Jan.

Pte Hartley Harris is due in Burra within a week.

Lieut. V.A. Riggs left for home on 18 January.

Sister Mosey, who has been awarded the Royal Red Cross Medal, left England for Australia on 17 January.

Cricket. Kooringa Cricket Club met on 22 January and elected:

Patron John Tennant

President J.E.H. Winnall

Secretary A. Evans

Captain Les. Neagle

Vice Captain Dr Williams

Burra Cheer-up Society

The Ladies’ band etc. met Pte Evans at the station on 24 January – he has been invalided home.

The Ladies’ band etc. met Sgt Bert Swift & Tpr Tom Fuller at the station on 25 January.

Socks continue to be needed, but the demands of welcoming soldiers home at the station and socials for them forces the suspension of the Monday work evenings.

Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, 27 January.

Doreen Herbert, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs George Herbert & Cpl L.R. Fergusson, son of Mr & Mrs R. Fergusson of Dulwich.

‘W.J.D.’ writes from France describing the scenes in Pont Remy on 11 November 1918.

[William Jenkin Davey]

XXXXI, 5, 5 Feb. 1919, page 2

Notice. The Burra Seaside Trip has been postponed due to the influenza epidemic [raging in Adelaide at the time].

Advt. Burra Institute 11 February, J.C. Williamson will present the World Famous Musical Comedy: The Bing Boys are Here.

Advt. The Burra Racing Club Meeting is on 8 February 1919.

Special Trains from Adelaide and Peterborough.

Advt. Cheer-up Ladies’ band Grand Concert, Burra Institute, 19 February.

Notice. West Burra Coppermining Co. Half-Yearly Meeting, Burra Institute, 7 February, 8 p.m.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School picnic at Sod Hut on 27 January on land lent by Mrs C. Sandland. Mr I.J. Warnes lent his motor lorry and trailer with a driver. The day went very well.

Good rain fell to the east last Sunday with the heavier falls generally further east. Examples:

Wildildie 10, Old Koomooloo 35, Braemar, 74, Sturt Vale 54, Canegrass 113, Quondong 112, Oakbank 103.

XXXXI, 5, 5 Feb. 1919, page 3

Pte Darcy Lowe is returning by the Kanowna.

Staff Nurse L.V. McWaters left Colombo on 15 January on the Karmala, which is due in Melbourne on 11 February.

Cpl Arthur Winders is expected in March on the Kanowna.

Driver N.H. Phillips is returning on the Berrima, which left the UK on 2 January and is expected in Melbourne on 11 February.

Trooper W. Bell, very ill near Damascus, wrote on 22 October of the fighting from the Sea of Galilee north, but a second letter on 10 November from Tripoli [c. 60 miles north of Beirut] says he was quite well again.

Tpr George Morgan is returning on the Berrima arriving in Melbourne on 11 February.

Ted Morgan is recovering from malaria in Egypt.

Pte P. Byles & Lieut. Cyril McBride are proceeding into Germany.

Pte M. Pens is returning in the Karmala, due in Melbourne on 11 February.

Dr Steele is coming home shortly.

Burra Rifle Club. Best scores: E.W. North 101 and J.E. Pearce 98.

Burra Cheer-up Society

The Ladies’ band etc. welcomed Cpl Percy Herbert at the station on 29 January.

On 30 January the Band etc. welcomed Sgt Jim Hatherly on his way through to Mt Bryan. He had been welcomed two years ago on an earlier return.

Sufficient furniture for the RSL Room has now been given.

Burra Town Council.

The Commissioner of Public Works advises the 4” main to and from the reservoir will be replaced by 8”. It is not yet intended to enlarge the reservoir. Pipes over the Bon Accord Bridge are to be 2” wrought iron.

The RSL was given permission to take electric wires across the road to their premises.

Electric street lights have been fixed at the National Bank Corner and in the Rotunda as arranged with Messrs Lord Bros. and Humphris.

On Friday morning the Mayor ordered the fire reel to assist at fire at the Drew & Crewes store and believed that but for the reel both the wood stacks and the store would have gone: the posts on the northern approaches to the Bon Accord Bridge had been burnt.

Cr Dare said there should be a fire brigade.

The Town Clerk said he was the secretary and about the only one left of the brigade. He would endeavour to get some men together.

Local board of Health.

The Central Board had sent 10 doses of influenza vaccine. The Mayor had asked for 100.

Cr Radford said that in the event of an influenza outbreak they should be prepared.

Two tents have been sent to the hospital and in an outbreak the Town Hall would have to be used.

Cricket. On 27 January Terowie 298 drew with Burra 7 for 136.

Women’s Christian Temperance Union continues to meet at Jubilee Hall. At the meeting on 4 December there were 15 present and 12 attended on the 8 January.

Scout Hall.

On Saturday 1 February the Boys Recreation Hall was opened by the Mayor, Mr Crewes. The day was extremely hot. The Cheer-up Ladies’ band attended. Scoutmaster Rigney described how when the troop was formed some three years ago they had met at the old White Hart Hotel, but this unfortunately burnt down. They had then accepted Mr E.C. Sedgman’s offer of a room at the Waterworks Department for the next two years and now through the generosity particularly of Messrs James Reed & I.J. Warnes they had their own room.

Mr Crewes in opening the building said it had cost £395. They had £200 of that and hoped before the day was ended to have raised the other £195.

After the opening a bazaar had been organised with stalls on either side of the room. Mrs I.J. Warnes declared this open and together with the promenade concert in the evening £46 was raised.

XXXXI, 5, 5 Feb. 1919, page 4

The Great District Fire Coronial Enquiry.

I.J. Warnes JP acted as coroner at the enquiry held at the Booborowie Hotel last Saturday.

The coroner was anxious to establish the cause of the fire, which started on Mr J. O’Dea’s farm. If it could be shown that rabbit poison started the fire as alleged then the Government should be approached to have its manufacture prohibited.

John Charles O’Dea, farmer of H. of Ayers.

He described the morning’s activities of 24 January. He described his discovery of the fire in his haystack and the efforts made to extinguish and then confine it. He believed the fire started about 9.30 and that dogs had brought dead rabbits to the stack and that his stallion had trodden on the entrails causing the fire. He had not used rabbit poison himself, but it had been laid on Mr Barker’s land. He had lost 12-15 tons of hay, 1⁄2 ton of super, 5 acres of grass and a few posts. He was not insured. He had no problems with his neighbours.

On the night of the fire he told Mr Symons to take Mr Barker’s sheep out of his [O’Dea’s] paddock as it was the only feed he had and they would have skinned it out.

Cross-examined he said if he had concentrated on stopping the fire spreading to ‘Coralinga’ he might have been successful, but at the cost of his own house etc. Later he admitted he had not tried to stop the fire from spreading before trying to save the stack.

Harold James O’Dea gave generally corroborating evidence, but did not know how the fire started. He had no chance to beat out the fire: it was already too strong.

Thomas Symons. The first thing done was to save the sheep. He couldn’t have stopped the fire if he had gone straight to it. He had no theory on the fire’s origin. He had no problem with the O’Deas and never knew of poisoned rabbits causing fires, but had known S.A.P. to burst into flames when open. He was sure a horse treading on entrails would not cause a fire.

Others gave inconclusive evidence.

John Williams of Hanson had laid rabbit poison. He said 2 lb of S.A.P. was mixed with 1 gallon of water and sufficient pollard to the consistency of bread dough. Friction could cause a fire in an empty S.A.P. tin when it was quite dry, but he could think of no conditions which would make the mixed poison ignite. He gave further details of his activities.

John Barker said S.A.P. had been used for 15 years and it had never caused a fire and he considered it absolutely safe. Poisoned rabbits usually died in their burrows.

The coroner then said he thought they should adjourn to get the professional opinion of Dr Hargreaves, the Government Analyst, but he would be guided by the jury.

The enquiry was then adjourned to 11 February at Redruth.

XXXXI, 6, 12 Feb. 1919, page 2

Obituary. Mr Harry Preece, late of Burra, died at South Camberwell, Victoria on 5 February. He was the youngest son of the late Mr & Mrs B. Preece of Aberdeen. He worked in the post office after leaving school until ten years ago when he went to Victoria and set up a tailoring business. His wife is Fanny, third daughter of the late W. & Mrs Bentley of Redruth and there are three sons and a daughter. [Born Henry William Preece 15 June 1875 Aberdeen.]

Redruth Court, 4 February.

B.M. Fahey was fined £2 + 15/- costs for having non-exempted persons on the premises of the Kingston Arms Hotel at Mt Bryan on 17 January.

A. Bosence, Albert Mudge & Stephen King were each fined £2 + 15/- costs for obtaining liquor out of hours.

Driver Fred Gebhardt is returning on the Ulysses expected in Fremantle 28 February.

Pte J. Villis is returning on the City of York expected in Fremantle c. 18 February.

XXXXI, 6, 12 Feb. 1919, page 3

John & William Pearce tomorrow celebrate the 70th anniversary of their arrival in Australia in 1849. John was then aged 8 and William 2. They are the last surviving members of the James Pearce (Sawyer) family.

Influenza.

The Mayor sought the advice of the Central Board of Health on the holding of the Burra Races and it was suggested cancelling them if influenza was feared, but this advice came too late. Mr E. Thamm attended the races and in the evening was taken ill with pains in the head and vomiting. Dr Ashton diagnosed serious gastric influenza. The patient’s temperature was 103°F. A short time later one of the boys had similar symptoms. The cases were reported to the Central Board of Health. On Monday evening as the Thamm children had gone to school it was decided to close the town’s schools (Burra, St Joseph’s and Copperhouse). Two of the Thamm’s little girls fell ill Monday evening and yesterday three more of the family: leaving only Mrs Thamm unaffected.

The performance of The Bing Boys was cancelled on the Mayor’s order. The schools were ordered disinfected and the Institute hall was ordered disinfected on account of its possible use as an isolation hospital.

At Mt Bryan Mr A.G. Gebhardt of Mackerode seems to have caught the disease: he was at the Burra sales on Friday.

Local Board of Health.

The Chairman reported his actions [as above] to a special meeting on Tuesday at midday and his actions were endorsed. Nurse Langley was sent to Thamm’s to assist Mrs Thamm and the Thamm house is to be isolated. There is only one room for 14 cases at the hospital and the Central Board was wired for advice.

The Local Board was disgusted with the reply from Adelaide, which came too late to stop the races and offered no practical advice.

The Masonic Hall will be disinfected during the day too.

‘A Woman Subscriber’ writes suggesting that the use of the Institute as a hospital will cause a great deal of trouble in the fumigation of the library books.

Tprs C. Bartholomaeus & T. Fuller were welcomed at a social at Jubilee Hall, Redruth on 4 February. [Personal interest: those providing songs for the occasion included R. Fuss.]

The Salvation Army Thanksgiving Service was held last Saturday & Sunday.

Red Cross has resumed work making garments. Returning sick soldiers still need clothing etc.

Burra Races, Saturday 8 February.

Hot weather and fear of influenza reduced attendance, but the course was in good condition, having escaped the bushfire. The Tote House had been rebuilt after being partially burnt and Tote takings of £1,280 were up from £1,097 in 1918.

The main race was the Burra Handicap over 11⁄4 miles with 1st prize of £35, 2nd £3 and 3rd £2. It was won by Mr A.E. Priess’s Miss Restful ridden by H. Redden.

XXXXI, 7, 19 Feb. 1919, page 2

Advt. The Cheer-up Ladies’ band Grand Concert planned for Wednesday 19 February has been postponed indefinitely. [Due to the influenza outbreak.]

Weather. Tuesday to Saturday was very hot. On Saturday evening 68 points of rain fell, but Sunday remained hot and steamy and a further 53 points fell in the evening. Monday began foggy before 76 points fell, since when it has been cool and pleasant. Falls were heavier to the NE and E. There were washaways on the railway line between Terowie and Peterborough. Falls at Baldina & Wandillah of 1.47”, but at Poonunda 3.50, Sturt Vale 4”, Old Koomooloo 3”, Mongolata 2.59” and at Mt Mary 6”.

Obituary. Mrs Charles Winders of Baldina died suddenly last Saturday aged 59. She was born 27 July 1859. Her son, Bombardier A.T. Winders MM & bar is due to arrive home this week. He is returning to Australia as a cot case and has tuberculosis. There is one daughter, Mrs A.W. Baynes of Booborowie and five sons: Frank, Roy, Arthur, Wilfred & Stanley.

[Born Mary Jane Fisher 27 July 1859 Riverton: died 15 February 1919 near Burra.]

Obituary. Mr E.E. Thamm died on Monday 17 February [at Aberdeen] of influenza, being the first who was afflicted in Burra and the first to succumb. The remainder of the family, Mrs Thamm & six children, are progressing favourably and so is Mr Albert Gebhardt. [Emil Ernst Thamm born 5 August 1867 Germany.]

H. Austin is letting the business carried on for 49 years by R. Austin & Son, Aberdeen, including carts, shop, utensils, engine & plant for smallgoods, piggery, slaughter yards with water laid on and c. 50 acres.

XXXXI, 7, 19 Feb. 1919, pages 2-3

Influenza.

There has been an outbreak at the Girls’ Reformatory, but fortunately the cases of all the four girls and one officer affected have been mild. The picture show on Saturday was ordered cancelled and schools have been closed for a week, but reopened on Monday as there were no fresh signs of the disease. The Central Board of Health sent to Burra the full equipment for a 20-bed hospital, which was due to arrive Monday evening.

Dr Ramsay Smith of the Central Board of Health said in an outbreak the local hospital should not be used. Military authorities would not allow the Drill Hall to be used. He would inspect the Skating Rink as a possibility. Virulent cases could spring up inexplicably among mild ones and pneumonia might develop immediately or not for 6-7 days. The school could be kept open with a 15-30 minute inspection daily by the Medical Officer.

XXXXI, 7, 19 Feb. 1919, page 3

Clement Bland writes supporting a weir on the creek as a fitting memorial for the fallen soldiers.

Burra Town Council

Cr Sampson moved that a pipe be laid in the Pig & Whistle Ford. Carried.

The installation of two electric streetlights by Glenister & Sams was reported.

The Mayor asked permission to retire from the Hospital Board following what he regarded as its inappropriate behaviour re the matron’s dismissal. The Council held the view that they needed a representative on the Board regardless of his personal feelings in the matter and declined his request.

Burra Burra Hospital Board of Guardians.

The new Board met for the first time.

Mr A.J. McBride was nominated Chairman by Mr Warnes and 2nd Mr Winnall.

Mr Winnall was nominated by Mr Radford, but declined.

Mr McLaren was nominated by Mr Radford, but declined.

Mr Crewes thought Mr Radford had in mind a resident Chairman, which Mr McBride was not. Though Mr Crewes had no personal feelings in the matter, he felt a resident Chairman was preferable.

Mr Winnall did not believe in changing horses mid-stream.

Mr McBride was elected.

(Other members were Messrs Bartholomaeus, Warnes, Dane, Crewes, McLaren, Radford, Winnall, McWaters, Dr Williams and the new members: Major L.A. Lewis & Mr Ruthven.)[[

[Mr Lane seems to have resigned.]

[The last meeting of the old Board had gone into committee to discuss certain matters, which were of course not able then to be reported in the paper. It now becomes clear that the complaints from nurses had resulted in that meeting in committee asking the Matron to resign.]

The two probationers concerned had asked to be allowed to resign and this request was granted.

Mr Winnall was against the drastic action proposed by the committee and especially in the present condition of the town [a reference to influenza]. No steps had been taken to fill vacancies generated by the decision.

Mr McWaters held that the carrying out of the decision was in Mr Winnall’s hands.

Winnall [who apparently had taken no action to implement the decision] held that the committee should also have taken action to fill the vacancy created. He was solidly against the decision to dismiss the Matron after three years of faithful service without the breath of a complaint. He was against the adoption of the minutes, which would see them implemented. He was glad that Nurse Cranston had come and gone after complaining about the Matron and her management of the hospital.

Mr Crewes & Mr McWaters held that the new members should not vote, not having heard the evidence.

Mr Winnall was determined not to have the institution’s future controlled by the word of two probationers. He said it amounted to two probationers saying that if the Matron were not dismissed they would leave: it was laughable if it had not proved tragical. [sic]

Mr Crewes thought that the probationers had proved their case.

Mr Winnall would use his last breath to see the injustice undone. Boiled down to its essentials Nurse Birdseye’s greatest complaint was a shortage of utensils.

The Matron replied that as breakages were often not reported, she did not always know of the shortages.

The other serious complaint was that the Matron, one night, refused to come and help her move a patient and the patient had to wait two hours till Nurse Hermann came on duty. Nurse Birdseye’s version of events was uncorroborated.

[Winnall then goes on a flight of fancy constructing a scenario he believed more likely to be what happened, but which is equally uncorroborated.]

After further statements by Winnall he moved that the minutes be not adopted. 2nd Warnes.

Mr McWaters considered this all a schoolboy-like action – to consider the matter carefully for two days and arrive at a decision and then come again and have all that had been done thrown to one side and not recognised. He had come ready to support the carrying out of the decision and intended to do so.

When the motion was put Ruthven, McLaren, Warnes, Winnall & Lewis were for it and Bartholomaeus, Radford, McWaters, Dane & Crewes were opposed.

Carried on the casting vote of the chair.

Mr Crewes moved that the Matron be discharged.

He was astounded that a member of the minority had planned to overthrow the decision of the majority. Why hold an enquiry at all? The business had been settled and at a subsequent meeting a decision reached was being cast out without any new evidence being brought.

Messrs Winnall & Crewes then went over the alleged incident of the 23rd when the Matron was held to have refused to aid a patient.

Mr Winnall had taken offence at the way the nurses’ letters were worded. Mr Crewes thought they were incorrectly worded through ignorance and some of their complaints were supported by charge-nurse Cranston, whom he regarded as a fine woman. He felt their actions in now not carrying out a decision of the Board would make them a laughing stock of the community.

Dr Williams was asked whether the nurse should have been able to move the patient without help and he agreed she should have been able. Mr Dane 2nd Mr Crewes.

On being put the motion was lost – the split in votes being as before.

The Matron is to be advised that the request for her resignation was withdrawn.

The Secretary of the ATNA wrote cancelling the hospital’s registration as a school for training nurses due to low patient numbers. Enquiries are to be made re the status of nurses admitted as probationers before the cancellation.

Inspector General of Hospitals is to be advised that Burra Hospital had not reduced its fees as alleged by Dr Ashton, to compete with his new private hospital.

D. Jones tender was accepted to paint the morgue.

It was advisable for all hospital staff to be inoculated for influenza.

Burra Cheer-up Society.

The Ladies’ band etc. met the train on Friday evening to welcome home Cpl Hartley Harris, who is back on furlough after four years service. He has fortunately never been wounded. Also arriving was Cpl Arthur Stewart on furlough after more than four years service.

Burra Institute Committee, 10 February.

The hall is to be scrubbed and sprayed [re influenza outbreak].

The committee is to report next meeting on the disposal of the gas plant etc.

Cricket. Last Saturday at the Showgrounds Burra 3 for 99 defeated Manoora 96.

XXXXI, 7, 19 Feb. 1919, pages 4

Burra District Fire-Adjourned Inquest.

On 11 February the inquest resumed with I.J. Warnes JP as coroner.

Patrick Carmody, farmer of Leighton, gave evidence that fires on his property in November 1918 he believed to be the result of S.A.P. poison use. He had experimented and found that cloth through which S.A.P. liquid had been strained would spontaneously ignite and so would paper dipped in it. A drop splashed on his trouser leg also ignited. He had never seen poison pellets burn, but thought a rabbit’s entrails might catch fire. His experiments diluted the S.A.P. in 4 pints of water, where the instructions were for 12 pints.

Evidence was then taken from W.T. Rowe, Assistant Govt. Analyst. He had tried experiments in 1911 to get S.A.P. to cause a fire. He thought it was practically impossible for S.A.P. to cause a fire. He thought it quite safe if properly mixed, but it might be concentrated in a cloth used as a strainer, which might then ignite. The S.A.P. should not be strained before use.

Thomas Crompton, general manager for Gollen & Co., who are the agents for S.A.P., also gave evidence of its safety.

William Henry McWaters, Inspector for the Burra District Council gave evidence generally supporting S.A.P. being safe, though he though the empty tins might cause a fire.

The coroner summed up and the jury found no evidence to show how the fire started, but recommended the Government be asked to limit the use of S.A.P. to certain months of the year.

Copperhouse was disturbed the other night by an apparent tin kettling in the adjacent suburb of Westbury, but its cause is mysterious, as no wedding is known to have taken place for some months.

XXXXI, 8, 26 Feb. 1919, page 2

Advt. On 7 March Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will auction for Mrs S. Burns, who is leaving Burra, her residence on the corner of Stock and Chapel Streets: blocks 6A & portion of 6, with a six-roomed stone house plus 2 detached rooms, cellar, shade house and 2 galvanised iron tanks.

The Liberal Union branch meeting on 14 February was the first for some time. Of prime concern is the possibility of the F.S.A. & Liberal Union splitting the anti-Labor vote. The best solution might be to agree on not competing against each other and dividing electorates up between them.

XXXXI, 8, 26 Feb. 1919, page 3

Obituary. Mr J. Casey of the SAR died at the Burra Hospital on 24 February from lung trouble aged 30, leaving a wife and one child. [Francis Patrick Casey died 24 February 1919 aged 30 at Burra.]

Mr & Mrs Norman Pearce were farewelled at Mr John Pearce’s home on Friday. They intend living in Adelaide.

Ptes John Carpenter & James Gleeson were welcomed home at Jubilee Hall on 20 February. Pte Carpenter is not strong as a result of wounds, but Pte Gleeson is recovering well from his.

Bowling Club. A meeting is called for next Thursday evening for the purpose of forming a bowling club. Two sites are being considered.

Sailors & Soldiers Fathers’ Assoc.

A meeting to form a Burra branch was held on 20 February. Mr Crewes presided and was elected president. F. Harris was elected secretary.

Influenza. Mr Crewes has become a victim and has been isolated in hospital and a victim from Booborowie has also been admitted. Mr Gebhardt has left the hospital. So far the outbreak has not had very serious effects compared with earlier ones. In 1891 from 3 October to 6 November there were 6 influenza related deaths and in 1914 and outbreak of pneumonia caused several deaths.

Returning Soldiers. The following are known to be on their way home.

Lieut. V. Riggs Sister E. Mosey Staff-Nurse A.R. Woods

Pte Lowe Pte A.T. Winders Pte C. Bennetts

Pte W.H. Sharp Pte R.S. Schuyler Pte F. Gebhardt

Pte N. Hammer Pte Cliff Hunt Pte Lloyd Pearce

Tpr B.C. Sandland Tpr W.H. Stevenson

Pte Murray Pens arrived in Burra on 20 February.

Hartley Harris has gone to North Adelaide Military Hospital.

Obituary. Sgt Len. Griffiths has died suddenly. [Leonard Griffiths born 28 July 1897 Hampton: died 12 February 1919 London England, residence Burra.]

Rose Pearce writes passing on the thanks from the men of HMS Chester for parcels received from the ladies of Burra and a second letter thanking past donors to Minda Home and calling for further help.

‘Justice’ writes expressing amazement at Mr Winnall’s actions on the Hospital Board.

[Two other letters on the subject were not published as the editor said he doubted the signatures.]

Burra Cheer-up Society

The Ladies’ band etc. greeted the return of Ptes G. Morgan, N. Phillips & White on Tuesday 18 February. On Wednesday 19 February a large crowd and the Ladies’ band etc. greeted Ptes A. Isaac, J. Carpenter, J. Edwards & Gleeson. (Pte M. Pens missed the train and only arrived the following morning.) On Thursday 20 February the Ladies’ band etc. greeted Sister L. McWaters.

The Grand Concert by the band and a social that was planned for Monday night were both postponed on account of the influenza outbreak.

Obituary. Mr J. Dusting died at Burra Hospital on Thursday 20 February. He was lately employed by S.M. Lane. [John Matthews Dusting died 21 February 1919 Kooringa aged 63.]

XXXXI, 8, 26 Feb. 1919, page 4

Booborowie School – An article by ‘Anxious Parent’.

The South Booborowie School, which has operated in the Methodist Church, has been closed. Despite a grant on the estimates nothing was actually done and the church eventually refused to allow the situation to continue as their premises were deteriorating to an extend making them almost unfit for future use. All the Department could suggest was closing the school.

Burra Rifle Club. Best results Saturday: F. Wheatley 94, S. Cordon 88.

XXXXI, 9, 5 Mar. 1919, page 2

Advt. Opening of the RSL Rooms: Friday 14 March.

Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ band will attend. Procession from the Aberdeen P.O. at 1.30 p.m.

Obituary. Mary Jane Winders, wife of Charles Winders, died 15 February aged 59, at her residence at Baldina. [Born Mary Jane Fisher 27 July 1859 Riverton.]

Burra Town Council, 3 March.

The Town Clerk reported the death of Cr H.H. Thomas. Sympathy was extended to the family and the Mayor suggested a ten-minute adjournment and that Councillors should attend the funeral.

Staff-Nurse A.R. Morris arrived in Australia on 1 March in much improved health.

The RSL Rooms, on the upper floor of the Eastern Telephone Syndicate Building, have been renovated and are very comfortably furnished. There is a reading and lounge room, a billiard room, a spacious balcony, the building of which reflects credit on the forethought of J.H. Gallagher.

Sgt D. Thompson as secretary has an office and all is lit by electric light.

XXXXI, 9, 5 Mar. 1919, page 3

Obituary. Mr H.H. Thomas died at ‘The Pines’ Aberdeen. He had been ill for 12 months. He was a grazier, the only son of Mr & Mrs Josiah Thomas of ‘Three Trees’ and was aged 47. He had been a conscientious and generous supporter of Redruth Methodist Church, the Superintendent of the Sunday school and an earnest worker in the temperance movement. He gave generously to patriotic causes and was a member of the Show Society Committee and of the Hospital Board. His widow was Miss Alice Gare and there are five daughters and one son. [Henry Howard Thomas born 28 December 1871 Three Trees: died 2 March 1919 Aberdeen.]

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mrs H.R. Laycock giant asters

W. Carpenter a variety of flowers

E.J. Davey white asters

George Sampson dahlias

Mr North (Kooringa policeman) 4lb ironbark pumpkin

Sapper A.H. Storr is in hospital in England

Arthur Harris is due in Australia on 23 March.

Frank West writes from London, having been repatriated from Germany. After being made a POW he was sent to work in occupied France under allied shellfire at times and also at breaking up French factories. Also spent three months in hospital. In December 1917 he was sent to Germany and was in Berlin on 1 December 1917, and then went to Altdamm. He came to the UK after walking 10 miles to Stettin and taking a boat to Copenhagen and thence to Hull. Before leaving for Australia at about the end of January 1919 he will spend time with his cousin Herbert and has been to London where he has seen the King & Queen, Queen Alexandra, President Wilson & Lloyd George.

Pte Jack Highett writes from Belgium, but he is uncertain of where he will be after having Christmas there.

L-Cpl Henry Tralaggan writes from England about celebrating Christmas and having no regrets.

Pte W. Bowen is due home about 21 March.

Lieut. Cyril McBride is reported out of danger in a hospital in France.

Pte Newton Collins of the Imperial Flying Corps in Egypt was expected to leave Egypt for Australia about mid-February.

Obituary. Sgt Leonard Griffiths, who died suddenly in England, was the eldest son of Mr & Mrs L.J. Griffiths of Aberdeen and was born at Hampton 7 July 1897. He was educated at Burra School and then employed by P. Dower and afterwards by W.G. Hawkes on Winnininnie Station. He left Australia 12 July 1916, was wounded at the end of 1917 and never fully recovered, being put on light duties. [Leonard Griffiths born 28 July 1897 Hampton: died 12 February 1919 London England, residence Burra.]

The Soldiers’ Aid Soc. Continues to send socks etc. to boys overseas and in military hospitals at home.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band etc. welcomed L-Cpl D. Black on Tuesday 25 February and on 26 February Pte McLennan, whose parents now live here.

On 3 March the Ladies’ band etc. welcomed Pte J. Villis.

Marriage. At St Mary’s 1 March

Cpl L.R. Clarke, late 48th Battalion, youngest son of Mr & Mrs E.W. Clarke of Hyde Park married Amy E. Harris, daughter of Mr & Mrs E.J. Harris of ‘Ma’Adi’ Kooringa.

Burra Town Council.

A petition called for work to be done on High St & Wellington Road, Hampton, both of which were in a deplorable state.

Cr Sampson said as far as he understood it the gutters needed to be cleaned out.

The Town Clerk reported that construction of a town pound would cost over £100 as a separate set of yards would be needed for diseased cattle. Matter to be left in abeyance.

Local Board of Health.

The Skating Rink proprietors have consented to its use as a hospital in an emergency influenza outbreak, at £2 a week.

They are to be informed it will not now be required as the danger seems to have passed.

Cr McBride moved a new regulation that all meat sold in Burra must be killed in a slaughterhouse approved by the Local or Central Board of Health. Carried.

The next move would be to get the Central Board to apply Clause 100 of the Act to the District, making private slaughterhouses subject to inspection.

Cr McBride objected to the Board paying for nursing at Thamm’s, claiming the family should have been sent to the hospital.

Mr Crewes pointed out that was against the Central Board of Health’s advice.

There followed a long discussion, but in the end the accounts were passed.

Cricket. At Manoora on Saturday, Manoora 7 for 229 defeated Kooringa 121.

XXXXI, 9, 5 Mar. 1919, page 4

W.J. Davey contributes an article from France entitled ‘Der Tag’, on the day of peace, which turned out not to be ‘Der Tag’ spoken of by the Kaiser.

‘G.H.’ writes in defence of Nurse Cranston, who had been attacked by Mr Winnall of the Hospital Board. The minutes of the last meeting should be confirmed, but not adopted – for which precedence has been established.

Tennis.

22 February: Aberdeen 10-72 defeated Kooringa 6-64

1 March: Farrell’s Flat 11-80 defeated Aberdeen 5-62

XXXXI, 10, 12 Mar. 1919, page 2

Notice. Nominations by 22 March are called for a North Ward Councillor following the death of Cr H.H. Thomas.

Football. The Aberdeen Football Club held its first AGM for three years last week in the shop of C. & A. Fuss. Mr C. Fuss presided. Elected were

Patron C. Bartholomaeus

President J. Gallagher

Secretary R.G. Bernhardt

P.J. Broderick, a returned soldier, will open a boot store in Burra 21 March 1919.

Burra Bowling Club.

A meeting is called for Wednesday next to consider a possible club site. The site below the school that was recently planted by the school children was considered, but copper in the soil has killed most of the trees. A site near the swing bridge is considered possible for a bowling green, croquet lawn & tennis courts. Another site suggested is in Upper Thames St on a portion of the Council Depot. On Monday evening a deputation will put these proposals to the Council.

XXXXI, 10, 12 Mar. 1919, page 3

Staff-Nurse S. Hatherly & Surgeon-Major Steele are on their way to Australia.

Pte Phil Byles writes from Belgium.

Stanley Bishop has been promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and is expecting to be sent to France.

Lieut. Cyril McBride is in Wandsworth Military Hospital in England and his brother, Lin McBride, has suffered a relapse and is seriously ill in France with gas poisoning.

Cricket. At Aberdeen Oval last Saturday: Robertstown 2 for 165 defeated Burra 133.

Burra Rifle Club. Best results on Saturday: O.G. Walker 97 & E.W. North 96.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band etc. welcomed Pte Norman Hammer on Friday evening 7 March.

On Saturday evening 8 March they welcomed Tpr Bob Schuyler.

They were there again on Monday 10 march to welcome Lieut. Vern Riggs & Pte Jack Kellaway.

L-Cpl G.L. Collins has been awarded the DCM.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

W. Carpenter asters and other flowers

Mrs W. Stockman of Shafton asters

Mr E.C. Sedgman tomatoes

E.J. Harris dahlias

Miss Nellie Gray (Aberdeen) Doradilla grapes

XXXXI, 10, 12 Mar. 1919, page 4

Burra Bowling Club.

A meeting last Thursday decided to form a bowling club. Mr C.D. Wilkinson convened the meeting. He said the idea had been discussed earlier, but shelved because of the war. Mr A.W. Gebhardt had given them an option on a piece of land adjacent to the Council Depot [Thames St]. If the Council would grant a piece of their ground this would make an ideal site c. 150’ square. Mr Gebhardt said they would need at least 50 members at £3-3-0 a year to maintain a green. Six rinks, a well, a pump etc. would be needed and would require £500 for initial expenses. A committee was appointed to report on possible sites and get estimates etc.

Mr McLaren suggested Paxton Square.

Mr Chambers suggested opposite the school on the creek bank where there were already tennis courts.

Burra Racing Club held a meeting last Friday.

The last race meeting had shown a deficit of £42 and there was a bank overdraft of £176. Outstanding subscriptions should reduce the deficit to c. £21. Guarantors for the debt were sought and obtained. Mr Tennant, the President, said a racing club that couldn’t pay its way should be wiped out. Unless matters changed he would resign. Major Lewis thought it could be made to work. A small committee was appointed to work out a rescue plan.

XXXXI, 11, 19 Mar. 1919, page 2

Advt. William Toll & Sons announce the Booborowie Butter Factory is now open to receive cream.

Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd will hold an on farm clearing sale for Alex Forrest Jnr whose land they have sold. This is a preliminary notice for a sale early in April.

Birth. 2 March at Nurse Woollacott’s Nursing Home to Mr & Mrs C.J. Miller of Mt Bryan, a daughter, Doris Jean.

Birth. 4 March at Nurse Woollacott’s Nursing Home to Mr & Mrs M. Sommerville of ‘Sanquhar’ Hill River, a son, Stuart Campbell.

Obituary. Alfred William Theuff, fourth son of the late William & Mrs Charlotte Theuff of Kooringa, died at Broken Hill on 8 February aged 64. He was brother to Mrs T. Ford of Kooringa and was born at Florieton and came to Burra aged 14 with his parents. He married Miss Robins of Burra and went to Broken Hill as one of the earliest settlers there. He leaves a widow and adult family of six daughters, one son and eight grandchildren. His mother aged almost 90 survives.

[Alfred William Theeuff born 17 October 1856 Mt Charles SA.]

Burra Sporting & Athletic Club continues to receive and acknowledge donations and has in the last four weeks distributed 25 wallets with a £5 note in each to returned men.

Lieut. K.R. Crewes is on his way home, having departed England on 7 March.

Mr & Mrs Alex Forrest of ‘Shaftonville’ entertained a gathering on 12 March, which gave Miss Gladys Forrest a surprise kitchen evening. She is to marry on 19 March Pte J. Lockett, late of 10th Battalion AIF at Ironmine Methodist Church.

Burra Burra Hospital Board

Nurses Birdseye & Hermann had left the institution on 14 February. The Matron reported a patient had been taken from the isolation ward to a tent and had improved!

Tenders are to be called for renovations to the kitchen, which is in a bad state.

A letter of condolence is to be sent to the family of the late H.H. Thomas.

Messrs C. Bartholomaeus & G.E. Dane have forwarded their resignations to the Chief Secretary. Mr Dane sent a copy of his reasons to the Board, which related to the decisions taken at the last meeting.

The Repatriation Department wrote that Sister J.S. Wood, late Matron of the Burra Hospital, had returned from active service and was enquiring if she could be reinstated. The Chairman said that originally that had been the arrangement, but Sister Wood later wrote (in June 1916) that she was giving up nursing and so they had made the last appointment permanent, despite which Sister Mildred was willing to resign to allow Nurse Wood’s return. The situation as above will be communicated to the Department.

Under the circumstances of the hospital the secretary of the Australian Trained Nurses Assoc. (ANTA) thought that if a letter of explanation were sent the hospital might be reinstated for a time, but now a letter has been received from ANTA refusing such a concession while bed usage was so low. Because they had engaged nurses who would not now fulfil their requirements to get their certificates the Hospital Board felt there had been a breach of faith as ANTA had undertaken to allow the situation to go on till the end of the war. Another letter will be sent to ANTA.

Mr Warnes thought the agreement with the Local Board of Health to treat infectious patients for 30/- a week should be done away with. Each case cost the hospital £4-£5 a week and only 30/- could be claimed from the Board of Health. The debate then moved from the principle to the individual cases of the Thamms and Mr Crewes. Legal opinion from an Adelaide solicitor will be sought.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band etc. gathered at the station on 10 March to welcome L-Cpl C. Bennett [probably C. Bennetts], Driver F. Gebhardt & Pte Ridgway.

A Cheer-up social was held on 12 March to welcome: Sister L. McWaters, Lieut. V. Riggs, L-Cpl Bennett[s], Driver Gebhardt, Tpr R. Schuyler, Pte N. Hammer & Pte J. Villis. Also present were Gunner Broderick and Pte Warnes who are not Burra Boys.

XXXXI, 11, 19 Mar. 1919, page 3

Mr G.F. Jenkins MP addressed a Liberal Union meeting at Leighton on 12 March chaired by R.J. Fairchild, on ‘Current Politics’.

RSL Soldiers’ Rest Rooms.

The renovated first floor rooms of the Eastern Telephone Syndicate were opened on the 14 March by Mrs G.W. Hawkes as the RS & SIL Soldiers’ Rest Rooms. There are reading, lounge and billiard rooms. At 1.30 p.m. a procession left Aberdeen PO headed by the Cheer-up Ladies’ band. Sgt Ingwood VC rode at the head with a large Union Jack. The band wore their new smart uniforms for the first time. Previously they have worn white dresses, but not a uniform. Now they are in crème coats and skirts relieved with silver buttons and crème felt hats to match. Next to them came returned Light Horseman, then a squad of Infantry & Artillerymen, Boy Scouts, then wives & mothers of volunteers, followed by fathers and then children from the Burra State & High schools. They were followed by a series of motor cars carrying representatives of the patriotic societies.

Guests were Sgt Ingwood VC, Captain Bowers, J. Kay (Sec. of S & S Fathers’ Assoc.), A. Fearby (Gen. Sec. of RSL Adelaide), G.K. Jenkins MP, W.B. Page, W.G. Hawkes & Mrs Hawkes.

There was a concert in the Institute in the evening opened by the Ladies’ band.

The day’s activities raised £95, which Mr Hawkes immediately made up to £100. £72-0-6 was raised from the sale of the flag and other money since handed in brings the total to £111-3-11.

Mt Bryan Sports were held on 12 March in aid of the Catholic parish debt. Results are printed.

Burra Boy Scouts made a presentation to Mr E.C. Sedgman a few Saturdays ago in recognition of his help in providing them with a home for 21⁄2 years after the fire at the old White Hart Hotel.

Tennis.

At Aberdeen Saturday 8 March: Aberdeen 16-110 defeated Ironmine 4-69

At Aberdeen Saturday 15 March: Aberdeen 9-74 defeated Kooringa 6-63

Cricket. The South Booborowie Cricket Grounds were opened on Saturday 15 March by I.J. Warnes.

At Spalding on 15 March: Burra 7 for 175 defeated Spalding 143.

XXXXI, 11, 19 Mar. 1919, page 4

RSL Soldiers’ Rest Room opening.

The speeches of Sgt Ingwood VC, Mr Kay, Mr G.K. Jenkins MP, Mr A. Fearby (Gen. Sec. of RSL), W.G. Hawkes & Mr E.W. Crewes are reported.

XXXXI, 12, 26 Mar. 1919, page 2

Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. will hold a clearing sale for Mr Alex Forrest Jnr. Having sold his land they now offer the livestock and household effects and furniture on 7 April on the property 4 miles west of Burra on the Gum Creek Road.

Notice. Trench Comforts’ Tea-Room

It has been decided to close the Tea-Room on Friday next. The closure will be marked by a short musical program and a short address by the Mayor on the work of the League.

[Run by the League of Loyal Women.]

Advt. Koster Rarle, contractor, Aberdeen, will cart sand, stone & gravel and also has wood for sale.

Obituary. William Stephen P. Thomas died 23 March at Mt Bryan East aged 51, husband of Edith, 3rd son of Mr James Thomas. [Born William Steven Thomas 17 March 1866 Redruth: died William Stephen Pengelly Thomas 23 March 1919 Mt Bryan East.]

Marriage. !9 March at Ironmine Methodist Church.

Miss Marion Gladys M. Forrest & Mr John Lockett, late of 10th Battalion.

Ironmine Methodist Church held anniversary services on 16 March conducted by Rev. A.K. I’Anson & Mrs I’Anson with the tea-meeting on Monday. During the year the church was thoroughly renovated and the £25 debt on the church was paid off. The trustees begin the new year with £17 in credit.

Driver Les Earle& Pte Perce Earle have returned and were given a welcome at the Willalo Hall.

Captain Paull, formerly of the Burra Burra Mine and who resides with his daughter, Mrs Potter in Kadina, will turn 90 on 3 April.

Ptes Jack Ridgway & Leslie McGowan were welcomed home at a social at Jubilee Hall Redruth on 18 March.

Gunner F.W. Brown, son of George Brown of Hampton, is expected in Australia on 15 April.

Obituary. W.S.P. Thomas who died on Sunday 23 March had turned 51 on Tuesday. He was the 3rd son of Mr & Mrs James Thomas of Mt Bryan East. He was for many years employed in the smelting works at Pt Adelaide, Broken Hill and Pt Pirie, until ill health forced his retirement to his father’s estate about 10 years ago. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Church and leaves a widow, two sons and a daughter. [Born William Steven Thomas 17 March 1866 Redruth: died William Stephen Pengelly Thomas 23 March 1919 Mt Bryan East.]

XXXXI, 12, 26 Mar. 1919, page 3

Obituary. Sister Mary F. (Molly) Stafford died at Torrens Park on 20 March. She was well known in Burra, having lived with her aunt Miss MacGrath, who was on the staff of the Reformatory. She attended Burra School, after which she took up nursing. She was accorded full military honours – the first time for a nurse in SA. She enlisted about 4 years ago and served a considerable time at No. 1 General Hospital Egypt before going to France & England. She returned about 12 months ago and joined the staff at the Torrens Park Hospital. [Mary Florence Stafford died aged 27.]

Obituary. William Blight, pastoralist of Hallett, died at ‘Heathmont’ on 23 March. He was the 3rd son of the late Mr & Mrs James Blight of ‘Cartapoo’. In partnership with his brothers he once owned the ‘Bendigo’ run near Ketchowla and later moved to the old homestead near Hallett. He was aged 57 and unmarried.

N. Hiles Pearce reports a trapper has killed 99 foxes since 1 December on ‘The Gums’ and Salford & Jaensch’s properties. The trapper, named Wallent, says foxes remove 50% of rabbits caught in his traps.

Burra Bowling Club.

The Club obtained establishment costs from the Strathalbyn Club. The Town Council has offered to sell a frontage of 40’ to Thames St for £30. Mr Sampson has offered the adjacent block (Known as Carey’s) for £150. Mr Ruthven moved acceptance of the two offers, but Mr Crewes thought the number of members should first be ascertained. An advertisement for members is to be inserted in The Record. A pro tem committee was appointed comprising Messrs Gebhardt, Halliday, Ruthven, Crewes, Wilkinson, Rosman & Chambers. 100 £5 debentures will be issued and £250 was immediately promised. Mr Gebhardt is the chairman of the committee and Mr Chambers the secretary. Since the meeting promises for debentures have reached c. £400.

[The large supporters with 10 debentures each were: Messrs Gebhardt, Chambers, A.J. McBride & I.J. Warnes.]

Cricket. At Aberdeen Oval on Saturday: Burra 8 for 219 declared defeated South Booborowie 26.

Burra Town Council.

The Overseer reported on the Hampton Roads. Wellington Rd had not been formed and was very bumpy, but if gutters were cleared out and bumps attended to it would do. A watertable was needed on the South and East [sic] sides of High Street, but to make a proper road would cost £60 for about three users.

Cr Radford said Hampton produced about £4-10-0 in rates and about £3-10-0 was available for c. 60 chains of road, which would not pay for rubble for one of them. The road needed doing, but was on a hill and the first rain would wash away most of the work.

The matter was left in the hands of the North Ward Councillors.

The Postal Department said electric lamps could be placed on telephone poles for 3/- per annum.

The Bowling Club delegation waited on the Council.

They asked for 40’ adjoining the Depot in Kooringa, either purchasing it or on a 99-year lease.

An alternative site across the creek was mentioned. The Mayor said the creek site would be more central. After discussion the club was offered the 40’ requested at 15/- per foot. [£30]

Local Board of Health

One case of enteric fever was reported.

Mrs Thamm sought a reduction in the bill from the Local Board of Health (£30-17-2) for nursing expenses etc. associated with the influenza outbreak. There was a prolonged discussion, particularly from Mr McBride, but eventually the amount was reduced to £23 with the blankets to be taken over by the Board.

Miss Rose Pearce acknowledges donations to Minda Home.

Burra Rifle Club. Best results on Saturday: A.B. Riggs 102 & J.A. Riggs 96.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

E.J. Harris Dahlias

Mrs George Sampson Dahlias

W. Carpenter Dahlias

B.T. Moran Dahlias

T.P. Goodridge Banana-shaped sweet-melon

Nurse Woollacott Black grapes

T.H. Pearce & Sons (‘The Gums’) Walnuts

Ethel Langley writes contradicting Mr McBride’s assertion she is an uncertificated nurse: she holds the 3-year’s certificate of a county hospital in England.

Mr McBride contacted the paper and said he had not referred to Nurse Langley as unqualified and the report was in error.

The paper regrets the apparent misunderstanding of its reporter.

XXXXI, 12, 26 Mar. 1919, page 4

H.H. Thomas’s memorial service is reported in 11⁄2 columns.

XXXXI, 13, 2 Apr. 1919, page 2

Advertisement for the Hospital Board welcome for the return of Sisters Hatherly, Mosey, Wood & McWaters.

Advertisement for a welcome in Market Square for Sgts Hatherly & Swift and Corporals Blunt, Herbert, Stewart & Arthur Harris.

C. Bartholomaeus was elected North Ward Councillor, unopposed, to replace H.H. Thomas deceased.

Burra Hospital has received £200 from the estate of the late H.H. Thomas.

Burra Show Soc. Has re-elected I.J. Warnes as President. He has donated £100 to the society.

Burra Bowling Club. F.M. Pearce has been given the tender to remove all timber, doors, galvanised iron etc. from the Club’s land. Stone on the site is to be sold. Debentures to the value of £475 have been taken up.

Agents in Burra are currently seeking houses, which are in short supply.

Miss M. Fairchild was farewelled from Ironmine Methodist Church on 25 March and she has already been farewelled from the Sunday school.

XXXXI, 13, 2 Apr. 1919, page 2-3

Cricket. At Mt Bryan on Saturday the match was drawn: Mt Bryan 7 for 184 [declared?] & Burra 2 for 181.

XXXXI, 13, 2 Apr. 1919, page 3

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band etc. met the train and welcomed Staff-Nurse S. Hatherly, Cpl Arthur Harris & Pte Frank West on Saturday night.

Ptes D. Lowe & H. Lomman have also returned to Burra.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

E.J. Harris Dahlias

W. Carpenter Dahlias

Joe Pascoe Dahlias

Mrs Walter Pearce Dahlias

C.D. Wilkinson ‘Orleans’ roses

Charles Tiver Peaches

League of Loyal Women. The League’s tea-rooms in Burra closed on Friday after 6 months operation in the hall of Pearce’s Building. The mayor attended and gave a short address. The tea-rooms had been raising funds for Trench Comforts. That need had now ceased. £100 had been raised. One of the returned men is starting a tea-room in the premises owned by J. Allen and he hoped folk would support him. Rev. Hopton also spoke & Mrs W.G. Hawkes responded & there were also musical items.

Mr & Mrs McQuillan & family were farewelled from Farrell’s Flat on 27 March.

Tpr Ted Morgan expects to leave for Australia soon.

Pte Phil Byles writes from Belgium & says he may be home by August or September.

Pte R. Motheral writes from the UK.

Major H.J. Copley & Sgt Lloyd W. Pearce are in quarantine in SA until the 5th.

Cpl F. Hanley, Tpr B.C. Sandland, Tpr W.H. Stevenson & 2nd Mechanic P.N. Collins of the Royal Flying Corps are all due back in Australia 6 April.

Gunner S.M. Lane is due in Melbourne 19 April.

Pte Jack Highett writes from Belgium.

Pte Howie Morton, a former POW, writes to his brother, Mr M. Morton, that he had reached England on 30 December.

Burra Show Soc. AGM

The appreciation of the Society for the work of the late H.H. Thomas was recorded.

This year a major expense was the new chicken coops. Another was the increase in prize money of £40. On the whole the President thought they were in a sound position, though they had not made any progress financially. He felt the town was not supporting the Society and had been quite absent from the dog trials. The bad weather had cost c. £20 at the gate and not enough had been paid for the publican’s booth, which was worth at least £20. Elected were

Patron Hon. J. Lewis

President I.J. Warnes

Needed improvements included lavatories.

Mr Warnes then donated £100 to offset the cost of the fowl coops. He thought that a minimum price of £25 should be put on the publican’s booth. (He said £70-£80 was paid at Jamestown.)

Black Springs Red Cross Circle held a social in the Black Springs Hall on 29 March to mark the closing of the branch after nearly four years. It had opened on 8 September 1915 and in that time had raised £551-18-0. Details of its disbursements in money and goods are given.

Redruth Methodist Harvest thanksgiving was held on 23 March. Revs A.J. Finch & D.B. Bridgwood officiated.

XXXXI, 13, 2 Apr. 1919, page 4

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

On Monday 24 March there was a welcome home social for Sgt Bert Swift, Gunner Harold McCarthy & Bandsman Bob Jones.

Burra Show Society Annual Report.

The report began with thanks for the end of the war.

Agriculturally the season began well, faltered and ended satisfactorily. The year for pastoralists was again good with a big lambing and big wool clip. Wool prices and stock prices held up. Fires had been a major down side for the year for some producers.

The loss of H.H. Thomas as a hard worker for the society who had died this year was an untimely blow.

Membership this year was 208 – up from 178.

Improvements for the year.

The biggest was the erection of 150 permanent fowl coops. The show ring was moved to the north of the permanent ring, making it more central and giving an opportunity for events to be seen from traps and cars.

The sheep show was a dismal failure with only one competitor.

The dog trial was a great success.

The general show on 22 October was very successful despite being unpleasantly windy.

Financially the Society began the year £70in credit and ends it £30 in debt.

The Burra Brass band aided the show by its presence and thanks was also extended to the ladies who assisted, especially those of the Soldiers’ Aid Soc. For the luncheon and afternoon tea. Thanks also to the Boy Scouts and the committee.

Tennis. At Ironmine on 29 March: Ironmine 9-72 defeated Aberdeen 5-51.

XXXXI, 14, 9 Apr. 1919, page 2

Advt. Films at the Institute 10 April.

The Hunted Woman plus Singing Pictures, featuring Leslie Lester. (Film & Song)

Plus War Films and two Keystone Comedies.

Advt. April 12 see Captain Greenhalgh’s Circus and Wild West Show

Near the Black Bridge, Kooringa.

Advt. Scout Troop Room on 15 April:

Welcome Home Social for Pte Horton Jennison and a farewell to Patrol-Leader Ian Finch.

Rev. A.J. & Mrs Finch were farewelled at the Kooringa Methodist Lecture Hall last Monday after three years in the circuit.

Burra Rifle Club. Best scores on Saturday: P.A. Giles 91 & V.A. Riggs 88.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

W. Carpenter Dahlias

Mrs George Sampson Dahlias

I.J. Warnes ‘Bullock Bush’ in flower from out east. Very rarely seen in flower: Mr Warnes says he recalls seeing it only once before.

E.J. Harris Dahlias

Miss Rogers Dahlias

R.D. Pascoe Celery & Red Beet

Mrs W.H. Lomman Tomatoes

XXXXI, 14, 9 Apr. 1919, page 3

Due back in April are: Pte C.D. Hunt, Driver G.P.T. Turner, Pte F.C. Carey, Pte Courtney Pearce & Sapper Jack Roach.

Sgt Colin Bruce is in Tidworth Hospital in England with diphtheria.

Pte Albert Bruce writes from the UK that he disliked London and is on furlough in Scotland.

Burra Town Council.

Cr Bartholomaeus was welcomed as the replacement for the late H.H. Thomas.

There is c. £294 as a gift to the municipality to create work for returned soldiers who are unable to find employment. It must be new work that would otherwise not be done. Cr Radford said he thought it might be used for Hangman’s Bridge – sorry he meant Deadman’s Bridge, but it will be further considered.

The Burra Bowling Club has accepted the land offered to them at 15/- per foot.

H.A. Harrop [sic – presumably T.A. Harrap] applied for a licence for a pie-cart stand in Market Square. Cr Dane said Mr Halls used the place for that purpose – request allowed at the Council’s pleasure.

Chairman (Radford) thought the fire brigade needed to be put in order. Mr Sedgman will be asked to organise and run it as he has a perfect knowledge of the mains, plugs etc. The Hydraulic Engineer will be asked to have the telephone laid on to the Waterworks.

Local Board of Health

Four cases of enteric fever were reported.

Cricket. At Robertstown on Saturday the game was drawn: Robertstown 132, Burra 9 for 103.

Burra Cheer-up Soc. A welcome home was organised in Market Square last Wednesday for:

Sister E. Mosey RRC, Sister J. Sinclair Wood, Nurse S. Hatherly, Nurse L. McWaters, Sgt H. Swift, Sgt J. Hatherly, Sgt H. Hatherly, Cpl Hartley Harris, Cpl Percy Herbert, Lieut. V. Riggs, H. Riggs, Pte W. Bowen, F. West, R. Jones & – Ridgway.

The Ladies’ band attended and led the group in a march from the Cheer-up Room with Pte Will Bowen as standard bearer in front. He had only arrived home the previous day. The Burra School Band and scholars followed.

Mr Crewes made a welcoming speech and Mr Foote, on behalf of the Burra Sporting and Athletic Club presented each of the nurses with a wallet containing a £5 note. In the last month £150 had been paid out in this way and the presentations to the men will be made later. Afternoon tea followed at the Cheer-up Hall, provided by the League of Loyal Women.

Burra Hospital Board Welcome for Returned Nurses.

On Wednesday afternoon the Board welcomed Sisters Wood & Mosey and Nurses Hatherly and McWaters.

Sister Mosey had been a past Matron who left to extend her knowledge. After studying in Sydney she had been appointed examiner for the ATN Assoc. in Tasmania. She had served in France where she won the Royal Red Cross Medal and was in charge of the operating theatre of the No. 1 Australian Hospital, Harefield, England.

Sister Wood was the Matron at the outbreak of the war and at once offered herself and was sent to Egypt and transport service to Gallipoli. Nurses Hatherly and McWaters had started at Burra as probationers and gained their certificates here.

Mr Winnall gave the welcoming address, followed by Mr McLaren, Rev. Bridgwood, I.J. Warnes, Rev. H.H. Hopton & Mr Crewes. The speeches were interspersed with items of entertainment.

Burra Boy Scouts. The rally in Adelaide has been postponed on account of the influenza epidemic there and will probably take place in September. The troop will welcome Pte Houghton [sic – Horton] Jennison home on Thursday.

XXXXI, 14, 9 Apr. 1919, page 4

Burra Cheer-up Society

The Ladies’ band etc. welcomed Pte W. Bowen on the dark wet night of Tuesday 1 April.

Sir Henry Galway, Governor of SA joined the cheers at the band ring. He was on his way to Orroroo.

Sister Mosey’s photo has been received.

The Peace Exhibition 1920 is being organised in Adelaide by the SA Chamber of Manufactures to run from 26 March to 22 May.

XXXXI, 15, 16 Apr. 1919, page 2

Advt. Anzac Day Demonstration in Market Square, Friday 25 April. Burra Combined Bands.

Soldiers & Sailors’ Fathers’ Assoc. met at Burra Institute 10 April. E.W. Crewes, President, took the chair. E.J. Davey was appointed Secretary. An effort will be made to enrol all fathers of soldiers and sailors.

Tom McWaters, aged 11, badly cut his foot with an axe at World’s End on Saturday.

Peace Day. A meeting was held in the Institute last week to draw up plans for Peace Day. The Government will be approached to draw up a uniform service to be used throughout Australia.

Captain Greenhalgh’s Wild West Circus attracted a good crowd on Saturday night. Cpl Bert Burgess gave a magnificent display of riding.

April arrivals in Australia:

E.H. Morgan Surgeon-Major Steele Lieut. K.R. Crewes

S.M. Lane L-Cpl Burton Trp Bert Sandland

Pte H.H. Lilley MM Pte P.G. Hooper Pte F.A. Lines

XXXXI, 15, 16 Apr. 1919, page 3

Wheatlands [sic] School Children collected £10 in 1918 (18 of them) and this year 27 have collected £20 for the Children’s Patriotic Fund. [Should be Wheetelande’s School or Wheetelande School.]

Soldiers’ Aid Society effort has now moved from socks and garments to butter, eggs, cakes, jams, sauces, pickles etc. for use in military hospitals.

Obituary & Inquest. An inquest was held at Redruth Court House last Thursday into the death of a newborn child. J.E.H. Winnall was coroner. [Unnamed female child surname Jordan, born and died 9 April 1919: lived 14 hours.]

Last Wednesday acting on information from Mr & Mrs F. Highett of Kangaroo St M-C Giles took up the floor of the privy at the back of Mrs Jordan’s House and found a newborn child, submerged but for its face. It was washed and every aid given by Dr Williams and it was transferred to Nurse Young’s hospital, where it died about 5 p.m. from shock, exhaustion and spontaneous bleeding. Dr Williams had been called in to attend Annie Jordan, who in his opinion had recently given birth. On legal advice Annie Jordan (15) refused to answer other than formal questions. Other members of the family responded in a like manner. The inquest was adjourned till 3 May.

Burra Cheer-up Society.

The Ladies’ band etc. greeted Sgt Lloyd Pearce MM at the station on 8 April and on Thursday 10th they greeted Major H.J. Copley & Pte Horton Jennison and on 12 April Pte George Cowan.

Cricket. At Aberdeen on Saturday: Aberdeen 4 for 143 defeated Spalding 133.

Liberal Union Burra Branch AGM is reported in 11⁄2 columns.

Tennis. At Copperhouse on Saturday: Aberdeen 6-53 drew with Copperhouse 6-53.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mr Carpenter Dahlias

Mr Harris Dahlias

Miss Nita Pearce Dahlias

Mr R.D. Pascoe Dahlias

R. Chambers Roses

P. Milner Roses

Miss Ethel James Roses

Mr McLaren Grapes

Messrs Lord Bros & Humphris A 1 lb 11 oz Pomegranate (At the rear of the Burra Hotel)

XXXXI, 15, 16 Apr. 1919, page 4

John Paull, former Burra Mine captain celebrated his 90th birthday on 3 April. He was born at Copperhouse, Cornwall in 1829 and came to SA in the Calabar in 1853. He worked at the Kapunda Mine and then the Burra Mine before taking land at Mongolata, but this failed through the drought and he became a Home Missionary for the Methodist Church in the circuits of Hanson, Strathalbyn and Callington, having long been a local preacher, class leader, office bearer and Sunday school superintendent. Unable to make long journeys at last he settled at Wallaroo Mines in 1888 and continued there till he retired. He has been blind for the last ten years, but is otherwise in good health. Of his children the survivors are: Mrs James Wilson (Peterborough), Mrs J. Lomman (Unley), Miss C.L. Paull (Broken Hill) & Mrs F. Potter (Kadina). There are 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Burra Institute Concert. There was an entertainment last Tuesday in aid of the renovation of St Joseph’s School. The Burra Brass Band played outside. There was a good audience, but the reporter condemns the poor behaviour of some elements during the performance and during the musical items in particular.

XXXXI, 16, 23 Apr. 1919, page 2

Obituary. Joy Preece aged 19 died on 18 April in Adelaide from pneumonia. She was the daughter of Fanny & the late Harry Preece, late of Melbourne & Burra. [Inez Joy Preece born 29 January 1900 Aberdeen: died 18 April Adelaide, residence Melbourne Victoria.]

Kooringa Methodist Church welcomed Rev. G.K. & Mrs Haslam on Monday. Rev. Haslam succeeds Rev. A.J. Finch.

Marriage. On 17 April at the residence of the bride’s mother.

Miss Elizabeth Broad married Mr Felix H. Kutchenmeister. [sic: presumably Kuchenmeister]

Marriage. On 16 April at the residence of Mr Thomas Lomman of Copperhouse.

Miss Annie Hilda Burford married Pte Harold Francis Lomman.

Accident. While seeking to avoid collision with an oncoming car Mr Herbert Morgan turned his car over near the Mine Bridge last Thursday. He was accompanied by Mrs Montgomery and his children. All suffered abrasions and bruises, but the car was more seriously damaged, to the extent of about £40 worth.

A Welcome Social was held at Jubilee Hall on 14 April for Sgt Lloyd Pearce MM. Pte Horton Jennison, Pte John West & Pte Harold Lomman were also invited, but were unable to attend.

Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday the best scores were A.B. Riggs 97 & P.A. Giles 94.

Burra Hospital Board.

ATNA advises the hospital will be registered for training, but while the patients average fewer than20 it will require five years training instead of four.

Matron (Sister Mildred) tendered her resignation as Sister Wood has returned from war service.

The Board discussed paying Sister Mildred for a period of illness some two years ago, but deferred a final decision to the next meeting.

Messrs McWaters & Radford intimated [presumably by letter] that they had tendered their resignations to the Chief Secretary.

£200 was received from the estate of the late H.H. Thomas.

XXXXI, 16, 23 Apr. 1919, page 3

A Boy Scout Social was held on 15 April in the Scout Room to welcome home Pte Horton Jennison & farewell Patrol-leader Ian Finch.

Burra School Concert on Wednesday 16 April, which inaugurated the new piano, is reported in 3⁄4 column.

Pte R.A. Ford is due in Australia 29 April.

Pte Howard West writes from Egypt of time spent in Cairo.

Major A. Lott & Ptes Jack Stedman & Albert Bruce are on the way home and expected in Adelaide 4 May.

Courtney Pearce is now due in Adelaide 6 May.

Lieut. K.R. Crewes & Tpr Eddie Morgan are due in Burra Wednesday evening and they will be given a Burra Cheer-up Soc. Social on Thursday together with Mrs Cowen (nee Sister Madge Killicoat), Sister S. Hatherly, Major Copley, Ptes Lilley, F. Hanley, Cahill, Burton, L. Pearce & others.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mr Carpenter Dahlias

Mr Wicklein ‘The Bride’ Rose

A.C. Spencer Geraniums

Hallett Sports were held on Easter Monday and were a great success, raising c. £125 for the Institute and Recreation Ground Funds. Results are printed.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band etc. welcomed on Tuesday 15 April Farrier Cpl Fred Hanley of Burra and en route to Mt Bryan Ptes Lilley, Cahill & Burton. On 17 April the Ladies’ band etc. welcomed Mrs Cowen, formerly Sister Madge Killicoat.

Rev. Father Prendergast DD writes denying the larrikinism complained of recently at the concert in the Institute of 8 April.

The editor maintains there was considerable talking during some items, which was annoying, but that the reporter’s remarks may have been too sweeping.

XXXXI, 17, 30 Apr. 1919, page 2

Advt. Drew & Crewes advise that they have taken over the wood & chaff business lately carried on by E.J. Harris in Kooringa.

Advt. South Australian Alliance: Drive for a Prohibition Referendum.

Rev. F. Lade MA speaks at the Burra Institute 6 May.

Advt. Mt Bryan East Revellers, Grand Concert on Friday 16 May to raise money for Soldiers’ Medals. MOONLIGHT.

Notice. Public Meeting at Mt Bryan on Friday at the Institute to discuss the Memorial Hall Scheme.

Notice. C.P. Thamm advises he has secured the services of a smith and will carry on the business lately known as E.E. Thamm & Son, under the name C.P. Thamm.

Obituary. Mary Wall aged 5 died on Sunday 27 April [at Aberdeen] of congestion of the lungs and appendicitis. She was the daughter of Mr Les Wall & the late Mrs Wall. [Born 6 July 1914 Redruth.]

Ironmine Christian Endeavour Annual Social 15 April was most successful.

Mr P. Milner is leaving Burra for Adelaide. He has lived in the town for 13 years – 11 of them in the employment of Drew & Crewes and latterly as private secretary for A.J. & P. McBride. He has been secretary of the Men’s Branch of the Liberal Union and secretary and later president of the Music& Dramatic Society and of the Literary Society (both now defunct). He was a worker in patriotic causes and a member of the Institute Committee, the Cheer-up Soc., and the Rifle, Tennis and Football Clubs as well as a steward and Sunday school teacher with the Methodist Church.

Marriage. On 23 April at the residence of Mrs A. Affolter, the bride’s mother.

Miss Ethel may Affolter married Mr Horace Phillips of ‘Yarra Glen’ Booborowie.

Mr Duncan Blair (89) fell and broke his thigh at Aberdeen on Tuesday week last and has been removed to the Burra Hospital.

Mr Dick Harris, employed by Mr John Barker on Baldina Station, fell some 13’ into a tank when a ladder on a windmill snapped last Saturday. He broke his right leg.

Mrs A. Forrest & family were given a farewell social at the residence of Mr & Mrs Webster (‘Cadzow Glen’) on Saturday. Mr Forrest was ill and unable to attend. The family is leaving the district. Mr Forrest has been a member of the Burra Show Committee, Copperhouse School Committee and is an ex-councillor. They presented Mr Forrest with a Gladstone bag, Mrs Forrest with a travelling rug and Miss Forrest with a dressing case.

XXXXI, 17, 30 Apr. 1919, page 3

Burra Rifle Club. Best scores Saturday: P. Giles 94 & A.B. Riggs 92.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mr Milner Roses

Mrs C. Sams Roses

Mr O.G. Walker Roses

Master Nelson Hann Potatoes

L. Penrose Chrysanthemums

George Sampson A 39 lb Pie Melon

W.J. McBride Roses

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band etc. went to the station on 23 April to welcome Lieut. Bob Crewes MC & Tpr E.H. Morgan.

On 24 April a social was accorded Mrs Cowen (nee Sister Madge Killicoat), Major H.J. Copley, Lieut. Crewes MC, L-Cpls H. Fuss & Burton & Ptes Cahill, Lilley & Marion & visitors.

Lieut. D. Van Senden & Staff Sgt M. Wellington, Sister Hatherly & Sgt L. Pearce were unable to attend.

On 25 April the Ladies’ band etc. welcomed Pte W.A. Brown (the third of the Brown brothers to return). On 26th the Ladies’ band etc. welcomed home Driver Gordon Turner MM, Pte Cliff Hunt and Pte Duggan of Hallett.

Burra Town Council.

Cr Greenwood reported the need for a large number of fireplugs in East Ward.

The Hydraulic Engineer has declined to connect the Waterworks to the telephone system. The Commissioner will be written to.

Cr Radford said that the £240 to employ returned men might be put with a similar sum borrowed to do Deadman’s Bridge, but he was doubtful of the availability of men.

Cr McBride suggested a swing bridge at the Pig & Whistle.

Mr Crewes wanted to fence and plant creek reserves or to put a bridge at Gully’s Wharf.

Cr Radford’s motion that the Mayor and Town Clerk investigate the Deadman’s Bridge question was passed.

The hose at Lane Garden has been cut open for 8” and the sprinkler stolen. Lads were also destroying the Rotunda Green. Mr Crewes said gardens generally were being destroyed.

Local Board of Health.

There was one case of influenza on 23 April.

RSL. A Button Day on 25 April was held in aid of the Memorial Hall & Club.

Kooringa sales raised £22-13-0. Aberdeen sales are not yet available.

F. Harris collected £4-8-9 and afternoon tea raised £4-10-9 for a total of £31-12-0.

XXXXI, 17, 30 Apr. 1919, page 4

Anzac Day.

A Commemoration service was held in Market Square. As it was Easter attendance was down, but the Ladies’ band and the Burra Brass Band combined and speeches were given by Mr Crewes, Revs D.B. Bridgwood & G.K. Haslam and by G.F. Jenkins MP, which are reported in just < 1 column.

XXXXI, 18, 7 May 1919, page 2

Notice. Willalo Honour Roll is to be unveiled on 11 May.

Obituary. Ellen Mary Sandland, wife of Thomas Sandland of ‘Koo-owie’ died on 3 May in Adelaide. [Her birth seems to have been registered without a first name, surname Barret 8 February 1858 Lyndoch Valley. She married Thomas Sandland as Ellen Mary Barritt 29 December 1881 at Adelaide. Her death is register as at Burnside, residence Burra.]

Obituary. Andrew Bishop of Hanson died on 30 April at the residence of his brother-in-law, Mr H. Weston, Kooringa, of heart failure. Three sons have been on active service: Lieut. Stan Bishop, Sgt Hedley Bishop MM & Pte Clarrie Bishop.

Obituary. Mr J. Nickles died on 2 May at his residence in Copperhouse aged about 98. He was born near Truro or St Ives in Cornwall and arrived in SA with his wife c. 63 years ago. His wife was Mary Ann Harvey, sister of Mrs James Howeth of Yongala. He worked at the Burra Mine till it closed and then was a builder for a time – at first on the house of John Reed at Wandillah. Later he went to Paratoo, well sinking and then took to land and carting at Copperhouse. His first wife died and he remarried in 1880, a widow Mrs Nourse. Two children of the second marriage survive: Mr J. Nickles of Copperhouse and Mrs W.T. Lomman along with four grandchildren. He was a staunch supporter of the Methodist Church. For long he was a trustee and Sunday school superintendent of the Westbury Church. [John Nickles. A family history of the related Nourse Family by Irene V. Steen gives the birth year as 1826 and therefore an age at death of 93. Registration of death says died 2 May 1919 at Copperhouse aged 97.]

Leighton Rifle Club AGM was held on Thursday after a recess of about two years. Elected were

Chairman S. Cordon

Secretary Tim Hogan

Treasurer James Earle

Driver H. Ford is due in Adelaide 13 May.

Lieut. Cyril McBride is convalescent in Ireland.

Pte Arthur Lihou is due in SA in c. 2 weeks.

Pte G.F. Jeffery left the UK for home on 2 April.

Major Copley reminisces on the big German push of 1918 at Armiens and of the heroic actions of Cpl A.T. Winders MM & Bar. [1⁄2 column]

XXXXI, 18, 7 May 1919, page 3

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

Welcome home social on Tuesday 29 April for Ptes Gordon Turner MM, Frank West & W. Brown.

On 1 May the Ladies’ band etc. welcomed Pte Bob Ford & Pte F. Lines at the station.

Gunner S.M. Lane returned on Friday by the morning train and so missed out on a welcome.

Obituary & Inquest.

The coroner’s inquest into the death of the baby found in the privy pit at Mrs Jordan’s of Kangaroo St was resumed on Saturday before J.E.H. Winnall JP. [Unnamed female child surname Jordan, born and died 9 April 1919: lived 14 hours.]

Eileen Mary Jordan, aged 14 slept in Annie’s bedroom and gave evidence of some blood on a mat, but no direct evidence re a birth.

Hilda May Jordan, a waitress at the Commercial Hotel also noticed blood, but likewise gave no direct evidence of a birth.

Mary Jordan, the mother of Annie Jordan gave evidence that she knew nothing of how the clothes or rug came to be stained. She new nothing of the birth till the doctor asked Annie about it. She claimed to have no clear recollection of events, being at the time ‘very hysterical and excitable’.

Finally Annie Jordan was committed for trial on a charge of manslaughter. Bail was allowed.

Cricket. At South Booborowie last Saturday. The paper announces a draw with Burra 90 and South Booborowie 5 for 178. How this is a draw is a mystery to me, as it was also to [South] Booborowie Cricket Club as a letter to the paper in the next issue demonstrated. [Though the one-day game had not been invented at the time, it was usual for clubs to agree that the game would be decided on the first innings if two innings were not completed. It was usual to play out finals.]

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Alf Wise of Willalo Potatoes (4 for 6 lb 2 oz)

Mrs W.H. Lomman of Copperhouse Butter Bean 21⁄2’ long and 4” through.

Football. Burra Football Assoc. met on 1 May and elected:

President H. Lord

Treasurer John McLaren

Secretary [Not clear, but J. Allen seems to be implied.]

A program of matches for the year was drawn up.

XXXXI, 18, 7 May 1919, page 4

Mt Bryan Red Cross Sewing Circle Annual Report occupies about 1 column.

XXXXI, 19, 14 May 1919, page 2

Advt. A Steam Merry-go-Round will run all this week at Kooringa.

A Victory Ball meeting was held on Friday afternoon last at the RSL Club Rooms, but on account of very wet weather it was not largely attended. The Victory Ball will be held on Friday 6 June.

Weather: there were good rains on Tuesday & Friday that delivered 129 points locally. To the east good falls also ranged from 60 points at Redcliffe to 141 at Boolcunda.

Mr Jack Bishop, who has been with the Bank of Australasia for two years at Kooringa, has left his employment and Miss Trengrove of Adelaide office succeeds him.

Mr J. Cain, telegraphist at Kooringa, has gone to Orroroo and Mr Maurice Fuss of Adelaide succeeds him.

The Prohibition Meetings at Ironmine on 5 May and Hanson on the 7th were well attended.

Obituary. Miss Isabel Henderson, 2nd daughter of Mr & Mrs James Henderson of Kooringa, died on 13 May aged 19, after a long illness. [Born Isabel Mary Henderson 19 April 1900 Kooringa: died Isabelle Mary Henderson 13 May 1919 Kooringa.]

Peace Celebrations. A meeting on Thursday evening decided there will be a United Service conducted by the town’s ministers on Sunday and on Monday a procession from Aberdeen followed by an entertainment for the children at Victoria Park and there is to be no special appeal for funds that day with costs to be defrayed by luncheon and souvenir sales.

Driver Reg. Friend & Tpr Douglas Keynes are due back in Australia c. 17 May.

Driver T.J. Brown is expected in Australia c. 7 June.

XXXXI, 19, 14 May 1919, page 2-3

Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hall v. a Soldiers’ Monument. Last Thursday a meeting was held to elect two representatives to attend a further district meeting to resolve the question. About 20 attended and E.W. Crewes took the chair. The Mayor said he had for some years advocated a memorial for fallen soldiers. At the last meeting held it had been unanimously decided to erect a memorial of some kind in Market Square and that was generally accepted till a few weeks ago and he had received many promises of support. Recently the RSL had sent invitations to the District Councils to send delegates to consider erecting a memorial hall in Burra. The Town Council had not been invited and even after discussing the omission with the secretary of the RSL no invitation had been received. The Mayor was given to understand that the proposed hall would cost c. £7,000. The RSL had accommodation that, though not good enough, would serve for the time being and he did not like to see division on the matter. He had called this meeting to appoint delegates to meet others from the district to reach a final decision. It would be thought to be folly to erect a building costing £7,000 that would need a caretaker otherwise the upkeep would be heavy.

W.D. Thompson, secretary of the RSL explained that the calling of the meeting short circuited extending an invitation to the Town Council. The returned men felt they had a right to put forward a proposal if they so chose. Their proposal was to erect a memorial hall for c. £6,500, not a hall for entertainment or meetings. Each district would have a bay in the hall for war trophies and memorial tablets and perhaps some guns in the central space. The League was trying to win, but not to force the people’s hands. Two plans were being considered.

A large hall with shop front and arcade with residential quarters and overhead offices with the rents to pay for the upkeep.

A hall with bays and lawns in front at a smaller cost.

Cr Radford was sympathetic to the League, but felt it had erred in not inviting town delegates. He thought the hall very ambitious and in 40-50 years the returned men would not be here. Adelaide had only raised c. £6,500 for a hall.

The Mayor said delegates had already resolved on erecting a Market Square memorial.

Cr Radford thought they had agreed to erect something in Burra.

Mr Sara said if the Mayor is correct then no further delegates are needed.

The mayor said the previous meeting had directed delegates to hold local meetings and he was to hold one in Burra. This meeting should appoint two delegates and instruct them to vote one way or the other.

Mr Thompson favoured the memorial hall, which would be more like a museum, not a meeting hall and he said he already had one promise of £1,000. He moved the meeting support a hall. 2nd Mr Lott. Mr McLaren moved a further public meeting be called.

The Mayor could see no reason for a second meeting – this one had been sufficiently advertised.

Mr Winnall thought it beyond reason to ask the district to support a £6,500 museum of no utility, which would cost a lot to maintain.

Mr Thompson said the League would support anything decided by the district. He could not say it would do so for this meeting alone.

Cr Radford thought the meeting could not instruct the delegates how to vote.

Mr Ruthven said there was no use appointing them if the meeting couldn’t instruct them.

In response to a question the Mayor said the monument was expected to cost c. £1,500.

The Mayor & Mr Winnall were elected delegates.

Mr Thompson moved the meeting adjourn to a date fixed to ensure a full public meeting.

Mr Winnall said if Mr Thompson’s motion was lost the question would be settled in favour of a monument as that is the position of the Mayor and himself.

The resolution was put and lost.

XXXXI, 19, 14 May 1919, page 3

Redruth Court, 6 May.

John Harris charged that R. Bell had assaulted him. There had been an argument over an altercation between James Clement Bell, son of Robert Bell, and Harris and Bell was accused of trying to pull Harris off a cart and of verbally abusing him. Bell was fined £1 plus costs to a total of £4-2-0.

C. & A. Fuss sued J.G. Dow for payment for work done and materials supplied. Judgement for C. & A. Fuss for the full amount of £9-14-0 plus costs.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band etc. assembled at the station on a wet and stormy Tuesday evening 6 April [sic] to welcome home Surgeon Major D. Steele. [Since he is earlier said to have only reached Australia on 13 April, and then to have gone on to Brisbane, this date should probably be 6 May.]

Pte J. Roach returned on 9 May by the midday train and so was not accorded a welcome.

F.H. Collins, secretary of the Booborowie Cricket Club writes proclaiming their victory over Kooringa, rather than a draw as reported last issue. The editor admits the paper’s error.

[The team was actually ‘Burra’ not ‘Kooringa’.]

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. continues its effort, which is now directed mainly at helping military hospitals in Australia. Total funds raised to date: £1,519-17-8.

Influenza

There has now been a serious outbreak in Burra. On Tuesday the Mayor called a special meeting of the Local Board of Health. It was decided to close the schools and use the Burra school as an isolation hospital. Dr Williams is one of the sufferers.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Anniversary was held last Sunday & Monday. Rev. G. Keysall Haslam preached.

Marriage. At Hanson Methodist Church on 29 April.

Miss Stella James married Mr Gordon Dew.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mr Moxham, gardener for Mr Warnes of Wahroonga, Leighton, brought in a 30 lb Marrow and a Butter Bean weighing 15 lb.

Football. At Hallett on Saturday Hallett 39 apparently defeated Kooringa 5, though elsewhere in the text it says that Kooringa kicked ‘only 4 behinds against Hallett’s 4 goals 15 bhds’.

The road back was so bad they had to dismount from the motor lorry 5 miles the other side of Mt Bryan. The players walked to Mt Bryan and sent for a relief vehicle. Some walked right through.

At Aberdeen on Saturday both teams played one man short (17) and Aberdeen 10.25 (85) defeated Mt Bryan 0.5 (5)

XXXXI, 19, 14 May 1919, page 4

The Prohibition Address given by Rev. F. Lade at Redruth on 5 May is reported in 1 column.

Burra Rifle Club. Best results on Saturday: S. Cordon 89 & Capt. Riggs 87.

Burra Town Council, 28 April.

Burra Football Assoc was granted use of the football ground for £2-2-0 for the season.

Children have been wasting water at public gardens by turning on hoses. Arrangements are to be made to leave hoses at adjacent houses.

There are problems arising from the quality of carbide in the streetlamps.

XXXXI, 20, 21 May 1919, page 2

Notice. Due to the outbreak of influenza in the town an isolation hospital has been established in the Boy Scouts’ Room. An appeal is made to equip it. Articles to be left with Matron at the Isolation Hospital.

Lieut. Cyril McBride has sent home a British and a German steel war helmet, which we display in our window.

Obituary. Mrs P.R.L. Medwell aged 26 died at the Isolation Hospital of double pneumonia last Sunday. She leaves a husband and 3 children, the youngest only three weeks old. Mr Medwell, an employee of the SAR, is seriously ill in the Isolation Hospital. [Born Blanche Mann 27 February 1890 New Thebarton: died 18 May 1919 Aberdeen. The young child was James Henry Medwell born 2 May 1919 Aberdeen: died 12 August 1919 Kilkenny.]

Cpl J.T. Quinn is expected in Australia on 25 May.

Memorial to Fallen Soldiers.

A meeting at Mt Bryan on 9 May was chaired by I.J. Warnes, Chairman of the Mt Bryan District Council.

Mr Warnes said the first meeting at Leighton had called on the Mayor of Burra to convene a meeting of delegates to consist of two from each DC and two from the Town Council. They had all heard a lot of what Burra had done and it had always taken credit, not the district. It had taken the money and decided what to do with it. The suggested meeting was held on 18 December, but it was not a meeting of delegates. Instead the whole Town Council was there and other residents beside. Though the residents left, the Town Council and members of the Burra DC stayed. All that was decided was that:

A suitable monument is to be erected in Burra by Burra & District.

The Corporation of Burra and each DC is to appoint two delegates to form an executive committee.

The Burra town meeting last week had voted for a monument in Market Square.

The RSL had asked for a meeting of delegates to hear their scheme at a meeting in their rooms. The scheme was put by Mr Thompson. They could please themselves if they wanted to join Burra (Voices of: ‘We don’t.’) or do something for their own district. (Voices: ‘We will.’) As far as Mt Bryan was concerned there was a proposal to add two rooms in front of the District Hall. (A library and a billiard room.) It was suggested the £240 to provide work for returned soldiers be so used.

Mr W.D. Thompson then put forward the RSL scheme for a museum hall as outlined in last week’s Record.

Mr Beaglehole thought any local trophies could go in the rooms on the Mt Bryan Hall and not to Burra.

Mr Quinn would do something at Mt Bryan first and then support Burra afterwards.

There was an awkwardly worded motion, the effect of which was to put Mt Bryan first.

Mr Warnes called on the meeting to think carefully – they couldn’t go to Burra without giving and if they tied themselves hard and fast to Mt Bryan they would be solely on their own.

The motion was then altered to put Mt Bryan first and then if they liked the Burra scheme, they would help them afterwards.

The motion was carried 9 to 1. [This figure seems surprisingly low, given that the report also says about 50 people attended, but subsequent proceedings suggest that some 40 abstentions might have occurred. The proceedings are not very clear, as the next paragraph says the motion was then withdrawn to enable a new one to be put.]

Mr Beaglehole then moved that Mt Bryan supported a local scheme and this time there were 30 for, 1 against and 21 abstentions.

Mr A. Pledge moved the memorial take the form of two rooms on the front of the hall. 2nd Mr Beaglehole.

Mr Warnes assured them the DC would not object if they could raise the money. Carried.

A committee was appointed and the building is to be called the Mt Bryan Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial

XXXXI, 20, 21 May 1919, page 3

Influenza.

Local Board of Health, Monday, ordinary meeting.

Dr Lyndon attended in place of Dr Williams, who had influenza.

The secretary E.J. Davey reported that the telephone had been connected to the Isolation Hospital (The Boy Scout Room).

Mr Crewes said he had spoken to Dr Ramsay Smith when the outbreak began. He had expected to receive instructions by telephone, but got none. He had received a wire asking for a report and had replied by wire, but still got no response. The Board had then met and on Dr Williams’s advice had decided to close the schools and use the Burra School as an Isolation Hospital. Mr Hitchcox refused to close the school unless instructed by the Minister of Education. Mr Crewes then wired Dr R. Smith who asked if the Medical Officer wanted the schools closed. Dr Williams was by then ill, but Dr Steele had arrived home and after consulting with Dr Williams it was decided not to close the schools. Dr Smith then wired asking who had authorised the Town Clerk to ask the Mayor of Peterborough to send Central Board of Health equipment to Burra. Dr Smith was sending equipment for beds without blankets or sheets, which patients should supply.

Dr Williams reported the first case of pneumonic influenza on Sunday 11 May. He was taken ill the following day, but Dr Steele had arrived. Dr Steele selected the Scout Hall as the best Isolation Hospital.

Dr Smith sent a Matron to take charge and a VAD to assist and an orderly.

Cr McBride was somewhat annoyed at not being involved, but no one seems to have known that he arrived in town on the Tuesday and the Board had also believed Cr Bartholomaeus to be away, when he was actually available. He wondered why the Burra Hospital was not being used, but isolation problems there were explained.

The medical Officer said 10 cases, 3 serious, had been reported.

Dr Steele said serious cases should go to hospital and mild ones be treated at home.

There was some considerable discussion about where patients could and/or should have been treated.

Cr McBride was clearly annoyed at not having been involved and that there was little in the way of written records of what had been done.

[It should also be remembered that he was Chairman of the Burra Hospital Board.]

Dr Smith had stopped the movement of equipment from Peterborough. The Town Clerk thought Dr Smith, or Ramsay Smith as he called himself, had behaved unfairly.

The Town Clerk is to write for the loan of the Peterborough equipment – there have so far been no cases since the initial outbreak.

The Minister of Education had written to say the Department was anxious to assist, but would not do so under compulsion.

Burra Hospital reported three cases of influenza there.

Messrs Dring & Medwell, relatives of the late Mrs Medwell formed a deputation complaining that:

The home where Mrs Medwell had been had not been fumigated, though there were three small children in it.

Neither had it been isolated.

Mrs Medwell had been sent to a cold, barn-like place without a ceiling.

Mr Medwell was in the same place still.

The Isolation Hospital ‘was a den and highly discreditable to an important town and to remove a woman in Mrs Medwell’s condition to such a place seemed to him inhuman.’

The sanitary conditions in the neighbourhood of where his son lived were abominable and should have been supervised.

The ambulance was popularly known as ‘The Freezer’ and Mrs Medwell was moved without stockings or a blanket.

Dr Lyndon said heaters had been put in and professional nursing was the patient’s only hope.

Mr Dring suggested a bagging ceiling might at least prevent condensation from dripping from the roof onto patients.

Cr Dane moved all infected houses be fumigated at once and all possible be done re the ceiling.

Despite the risks Dr Lyndon said he favoured using the Burra Hospital, but pointed out he was only Dr Steele’s locum until next Friday.

Cr Bartholomaeus and Cr McBride moved to get part of the hospital set aside as the Isolation Hospital if the Hospital Board was willing.

Dr Lyndon thought if they were prepared to risk spreading the infection it was worth the risk.

Cr McBride was sure the Board would be. Passed unanimously.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

On 13 May the Ladies’ band etc. was at the station to welcome Sgt Major C. Wiltshire, whose parents recently moved to Burra.

On 14 May the Ladies’ band etc. met the train to welcome home Courtney Pearce, Albert Bruce and Alan Bertram.

Ptes Carpenter & Fuss returned during the week, but evidently preferred no welcome should take place. [The Fuss was probably Lyall.]

Burra Hospital Board, meeting on Tuesday.

Dr Steele advised he would resume practice on 1 June.

The Board agreed to pay Matron £23-18-6, which had not been paid during her illness.

The Chief Secretary asked for suggestions to fill the five vacancies caused by resignations.

Mr Crewes said he had been given to understand a member of the Board had been going around trying to persuade people to allow themselves to be nominated, which was improper until the Board received the letter.

Mr Winnall took offence ‘if it refers to me’.

After a little fencing Mr Crewes said it was Mr Winnall.

The latter said it was common practice to sound out potential members and he had done so before the letter from the Chief Secretary had been written and had not tried to persuade anyone.

Mr Crewes then withdrew his remark in connection with the letter, since Mr Winnall assured the meeting he did not know about it, but not his remarks about interviewing residents.

Sister Carter, late of Wallaroo Hospital was appointed Matron and Miss Cain of Adelaide was appointed Charge-Nurse.

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Kooringa 3.13 (31) defeated Mt Bryan 0.1 (3).

At Hallett on Saturday: Aberdeen defeated Hallett easily. [No scores are given.]

Booborowie Public Meeting on 10 May formed a Vigilance Committee to further the interests of the town and district. It was decided to erect a public hall and subscriptions and promises of £120 were obtained.

Women’s Christian Temperance Union continues to meet monthly in Jubilee Hall.

XXXXI, 20, 21 May 1919, page 4

Soldiers & Sailors’ Fathers’ Assoc. held a social last Friday in the Institute. A fair number attended. The Cheer-up Ladies’ band played. The organisation aims to keep the Government up to the mark in fulfilling all the promises made to the troops and they were fighting to see that victims of shell-shock were not relegated to lunatic asylums.

Burra & District Horticulture.

R.D. Pascoe supplies a long list of rose varieties suitable for local growers.

XXXXI, 21, 28 May 1919, page 2

Advt. W.D. Robbie, late AIF, Coach & House Painter & Signwriter, Chapel St, Kooringa.

The Midland Licensing Court last week renewed all the licenses for Burra’s hotels except that for the Court House Hotel, which was granted subject to the provision that new premises be erected before September next.

Miss Edith Cave was given a farewell from the Cheer-up Hall on Tuesday afternoon 20 May. She is soon to leave Burra to live in Adelaide. She will be greatly missed as Secretary of the Burra Women’s Branch of the Liberal Union, Secretary of the Red Cross Soc., an earnest worker for St Mary’s church (with her sister fanny), and has for many years arranged the Burra Hospital Christmas Party for staff and patients. She was presented with a handbag containing a significant sum of money.

Obituary. Mrs W.H. Miels of Aberdeen died on 23 May from pneumonia aged 21. She was the youngest daughter of the late Mr George Sara by his second marriage. She was a member of the Redruth Methodist Church and had been a member of the Choir and a Sunday school teacher.

[Born Eleane Adelaide Annie Albany Sara 20 March 1898 Redruth.]

Obituary. Mr P.R.L. Medwell died on 21 May from influenza at the Isolation Hospital. He was the son of W.H. Medwell, architect of Hindmarsh and worked for the SAR as a porter. His wife died at the same place on 11 May. They leave three children, the eldest aged 4 and the youngest one month. Mr Medwell’s brother-in-law, Alderman W.H.H. Dring was in Burra for the funeral when he was summoned home as his young daughter was very ill. He arrived home at 5 a.m. by goods train and the little girl died at 9 a.m. His wife and another daughter are ill and the house quarantined.

[Philip Roy Leonard Medwell born 19 October 1890 Hindmarsh. Mr Dring’s daughter was Shirley Edith Medwell Dring born 21 August 1910 and died 23 May 1919.]

Surgeon Major Charles F. Drew left the UK for Australia 13 May.

Lieut. R. Cock left Egypt for Australia 15 May.

Pte H.A.S. Smith, late of Caroona Station, is visiting Mr Crewes.

Pte J.R. Gray arrived in Adelaide 20 May.

Pte L.L. Craig is due in Melbourne 30 May.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band etc. attended the station four nights last week to welcome home returning soldiers.

On Tuesday 20 May they met Sgt Colin Bruce. [The rest of the report was held over.]

Burra Town Council.

The Hydraulic Engineer has refused to allow Mr Sedgman to take charge of the Fire Brigade, as it would interfere with his other duties.

Police have been enquiring into the removal of trespass notices from the town gardens, but without success.

An electric streetlight is to be placed at the corner of Young and Morehead Streets, connected with Mr Reed’s. Arrangements will be the same as in Kooringa.

Cr Radford though a Fire Brigade should be organised. The Hydraulic Engineer is to be asked to allow Mr Sedgman to instruct in the position and fixing of hydrants, fire plugs etc. Some gentlemen are to be interviewed about organising a brigade.

XXXXI, 21, 28 May 1919, page 3

Stockowners’ Assoc. AGM was held on 16 May. The branch had not met for 12 months, there being no need to meet said President I.J. Warnes. He had attended all but one of the Council meetings in Adelaide. He was re-elected President with Mr Radford as Vice-President.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

R.D. Pascoe Roses

Mrs Charles Fuss Tree Dahlias & ‘Maman Cochet’ Rose

Mrs R. Fuss (Copperhouse) Chrysanthemums

Influenza in Burra

Sister Leonard answers criticisms of the Isolation Hospital.

When she was interviewed the Isolation Hospital was without patients.

We found the hospital comparatively comfortable. The walls are grey rather than white; otherwise it looked very like any hospital ward. A canvas ceiling has been put in place; otherwise it was like it was when the patients were taken in. The hall was cut off by a partition. Beds were of a good type (better than those at the Exhibition Isolation Hospital in Adelaide). Blankets were new and adequate. The building was airy, which is good for pneumonia patients. The ceiling had never dripped on patients. As for the transfer of Mrs Medwell: Nurse Miriam Pearce had been sent with the ambulance. Mrs Medwell was wrapped in four blankets and a rug and placed on a mattress in the ambulance with hot water bottles at her feet. The alternative story was gossip started in Aberdeen for unknown reasons and there are independent witnesses to the truth. The staff at the Isolation Hospital are Matron Leonard, Nurse Miriam Pearce, Nurse Birdseye and Miss Robin VAD, an orderly and a cook. There are stoves for heat and several armchairs and deck chairs. Matron and the nurses are accommodated in tents. Once the hospital is properly organised Matron Leonard will probably be recalled.

M.A. Radford writes objecting to some of the phrases used by F.H. Collins in his correction of the cricket report of a ‘draw’ recently. He finds some phrases rather strange and had one not know the writer to be a ‘sport’ they may have taken offence. He in turn corrects Collins’s use of ‘Kooringa’ instead of Burra as the team name.

N. Hiles Pearse writes re the Mt Bryan meeting about the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial. He was struck by the undercurrent of selfishness permeating the meeting. He protests (as a brother of a fallen soldier) at the callous and unfriendly tone towards the Mayor and citizens of Burra. That there were broadminded and unbiased people present is shown by the 21 abstentions. It is time to cease eternal wranglings and bickerings and get down to commonsense. If Mr Warnes has announced all connection with Burra and their Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial ‘he will, to be consistent (and consistency is most essential to one basking in the rays of the public lime-light) withdraw from the various positions which he holds in connection with the town; for, if the Burra dead are unworthy of consideration, the living, many of whom are flesh and blood with the boys who have “gone West”, must, in his opinion, be ignoble and beneath contempt. This is of course merely a surmise. Mr Warnes jeers at Mr Crewes for “what Burra has done”. The writer may, of course, be of lower mental calibre than Mr Warnes, for he (the writer) feels proud to be associated with a man of Mr Crewes’ ability and organising acumen, and with a town like Burra . . . All honour to Mr Crewes and the Burra people, their record is probably unsurpassed in the Commonwealth.’

Burra and district must in a case like this be synonymous. Anyone with horse sense will admit that the big central memorial should be at Burra. If the outside districts each desire their own memorial well and good, let them have them, but surely they will be public spirited enough to support a central one too. [The writer then calls on all to forego petty differences and meanness and take a broader outlook.] One cannot but pay tribute to the Mayor, the wonderful girls of the Cheer-up Society, the Burra Athletic & Sporting Club and all the other organisations, district and otherwise, for their true patriotism. We can only succeed in taking a wider, more charitable view of things ‘by eliminating the hydra-headed demon of selfishness; and not by shouting gaily from the housetops about scattering largess disinterestedly, while all the time our little “axe to grind” is very obviously protruding from our pocket.’

L.H. Foote writes to correct the accusations made about the transfer of Mrs Medwell to the Isolation Hospital. He repeats the information supplied by the Matron, but he endorses the view of the place as cold. He said he called the ambulance ‘a wind shoot’ and the Isolation Hospital ‘The Freezer’. He continues to say that taking someone from a warm home to a cold store was inhuman and senseless, when the house was neither quarantined nor fumigated. Conditions have since been improved, but at the time of the Medwell case were shameful.

Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday:

Aberdeen 2.7 3.8 5.11 6.12 (48)

Kooringa 0.2 2.5 3.5 5.8 (38)

XXXXI, 21, 28 May 1919, page 4

Obituary. A memorial service was held for William Stephen Pengelly Thomas on 18 May. He was born in Aberdeen 51 years ago. His father was a pioneer of the district. Will attended Stanton’s Grammar School and was one of five brothers, three of whom survive him, as does his father at 82. As a boy he worked with his father at Banbury and was converted in the old church under Rev. C. Tresise. [Is this a reference to the original Mt Bryan East Church or the old Mt Bryan Church?] Soon afterwards he went to the far north and into Queensland, before finally getting work at the Broken Hill Smelters, where he contracted lead poisoning. He married Miss Howe at the Bible Christian Manse there. He also worked for the same smelting company at Port Adelaide and Port Pirie – in total for 181⁄2 years. More recently he returned to the family at Mt Bryan East, but in a very poor state of physical and mental health. In his final months he found solace in God. He leaves a wife, two sons and a daughter. [Born William Steven Thomas 17 March 1866 Redruth: died William Stephen Pengelly Thomas 23 March 1919 Mt Bryan East.]

Empire Day was celebrated at Burra School on 23 May. Speakers included Rev. G.K. Haslam, M.A. Radford, J.E.H. Winnall, and J. McLaren (Chairman of the School Committee), after which a half-day holiday was granted.

XXXXI, 22, 4 June 1919, page 2

Advt. There will be a display of the Titan 10 x 20 New International Kero Tractor, working in Burra 27 June.

Advt. Welcome Home Social to Booborowie returned Soldiers in the Woolshed, Wednesday 11 June.

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will sell a residence of six rooms with the usual outbuildings, part section 2067, Hundred of Kooringa & contents in the Estate of the Late J.D. Cave.

Advt. Grand Victory Ball, Burra Institute, 6 June. Dancing 8 till 2.

Advt. Leighton Quadrille Class. First dance of the season at Leighton Hall 17 June.

Notice. Anti-Prohibition Meeting, Burra Institute 9 June. Mr Black will explain the other side of the question. Convened by request of the Burra Committee of the Licensed Victuallers Assoc.

Obituary. [Death notice] On 18 May at Burra Isolation Hospital, Blanch Medwell, wife of P.R. (Len) Medwell and youngest daughter of J. & G. Mann of Kilkenny Nth aged 29, also on 21 May at Burra Isolation Hospital Philip Roy Leonard Medwell, husband of the above aged 28, son of W.H. Medwell and stepson of Clara Medwell of Hindmarsh. [See XXXXI, 20, 21 May 1919, page 2 for the obituary of Mrs P.R.L. Medwell and XXXXI, 21, 28 May 1919, page 2 for the obituary of Mr W.H. Medwell.]

Dr Williams was farewelled from Burra by a group of gentlemen on Friday afternoon. He had acted as locum tenens for Dr Steele while that gentleman was absent at the front. Dr Williams has taken up military duties. He was presented with a wallet of notes.

‘The Titan’ will now be demonstrated on 27 June, not the 20th.

A Memorial Service for Mr & Mrs Medwell & Mrs Miels was held at Redruth Methodist Church on 1 June. Mr Medwell had been a local preacher, though really a member of the Church of Christ. Mrs Medwell had for seven years been secretary of the Young Women’s Christian Union of the Congregational Church, Kilkenny. Mrs Miels had been a Redruth Sunday School teacher. All three had died in the influenza outbreak.

Mr E. Wilks, Inspector under the Local Board of Health is seriously ill.

Obituary. John Turner died last Sunday [1 June] at his residence in Railway Terrace Aberdeen from dropsy. [See correction next issue.] He was born at Linkinhorne, Cornwall in June 1849 and came to Australia in 1871. On coming to Burra he worked for the late Mr R. Ward of Kooringa and later went farming at Douglas before managing Shafton Estate for the late Thomas Cockrum. He then went into partnership with Mr John Sleeman at ‘Blink Bonnie’ for twenty years. Of late he has been employed by Messrs Drew & Crewes and has been widely held in high esteem. He was a member of the Redruth Methodist Church and MUIOOF. He married Miss Pearce of Ironmine who survives. There are two surviving sons and two daughters: Tpr Jack Turner in Egypt, Dick Turner on the E-W Railway, Miss Rita Turner & Miss Gladys Turner. Another son Pte H. Turner is missing in action, presumed dead in Germany. [Died 16 Apr. 1917 as POW.]

Miss Sarah Geake last Monday handed in her 323rd pair of socks to the Cheer-up Soc. Her two sisters’ quotas must also be huge.

Willalo Honour Roll was unveiled on 11 May by Mrs Earle.

XXXXI, 22, 4 June 1919, page 3

A Welcome Home Social was given at Mongolata on Saturday last for Ptes Jack Villis, Ted Morgan & George Morgan.

Expected home within a week: Lieut. Stanley Bishop, Ptes Stan Lihou, Charles Tiver & Troopers Jack Seeley & Dave Eig. Pte Jack Highett is also en route.

Lieut. Ian Macindoe, well known in Burra, passed through Adelaide last week on his way to Victoria, but expects to return to SA soon.

Pte Howard West writes from Cairo, where he is engaged in the War Records Section copying medical diagrams and graphs etc.

W.G. Hawkes writes expressing his concern at attempts by some to weaken efforts for a central expression of their obligation to honour fallen soldiers. ‘Any pride and importance it [Burra] possesses is well known to be due to, and shared by, its rich and prosperous surroundings. The setting up of rivalries or jealousies is deplorable in any case, but on such a solemn undertaking as I write, is most reprehensible.’

He goes on to say that the memorial he feels should be, as said by another high official, a district shrine ‘with a sense of detachment which would arrest and focus the attention of the vastness of the national sacrifices’. No utilitarian buildings could have such an appeal and war museums preserving the horrors and the material ingenuities of war would not perpetuate the nobler memories ‘or the spiritual ideals which have justified the war and its sacrifices’.

He goes on to support a monument, but wonders if a quieter, but nearby spot, might not be more suitable than Market Square. As a postscript he says since writing he has read Mr N. Hiles Pearse’s excellent contribution and agrees with that gentleman’s tribute to the patriotism of Burra war workers led by the worthy Mayor.

Burra Town Council.

A building application by J.A. Riggs was approved.

The Commissioner of Public Works does not approve a telephone for the Waterworks.

A letter of complaint will be sent concerning the Post Office cutting out the night delivery.

Local Board of Health.

Mr Bartholomaeus asked for the letter from the Town Clerk requesting a portion of the hospital be used as an isolation block for influenza cases to be read.

The letter asked for terms and conditions and Cr McBride said it went beyond the terms of the authorising motion and wished to know why.

The Mayor considered the words of the motion ‘steps be taken’ gave sufficient latitude.

Cr Dane supported the Mayor.

The Burra Hospital Board has decided that it would be inadvisable to grant the request.

One case of influenza has been reported.

The Isolation Hospital is without patients, so the cook and orderly have been discharged, but the two nurses have been retained for two or three weeks. The Matron & VAD are employed by the Central Board. Matron and Nurse Pearce are currently nursing at private homes. The place has been made quite comfortable. The last patient was discharged 22 May.

Mr McBride moved that the Central Board be so advised and that only one case of influenza had since been reported. Carried.

The Mayor said no arrangements had been made about rent. Possibly the Scouts would take over the improvements. Cr Sampson would accept a substitute in lieu of the iron.

A letter of sympathy was sent to the Inspector in his illness.

Football. Saturday at Victoria Park.

Kooringa 4.8 7.11 9.16 10.19 (79)

Hallett 0.2 1.2 2.2 2.2 (14)

At Mt Bryan on Saturday:

Aberdeen 6.6 9.7 15.12 21.18 (144)

Mt Bryan 0.0 3.1 3.1 6.3 (21)

XXXXI, 22, 4 June 1919, page 3-4

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

On Wednesday at the station the Ladies’ band etc. welcomed Major A. Lott, Cpl Quinn MM, Pte Arthur Lihou & Pte M. Tonkin.

On Thursday they again assembled to welcome Ptes Jack Gray & Howie Morton of Aberdeen.

Dr Steele has sent a letter of appreciation for the work of the Ladies’ band.

On 21 May the Ladies’ band etc. assembled to welcome Cpl Jack Stedman.

22 May was wet and cold, but the Ladies’ band and the usual patriotic crowd welcomed Pte Scroop & Sgt Evans, whose families have moved to Burra since the war began.

On 23 May the Ladies’ band etc. welcomed Cpl Harvey of Booborowie.

A social on 20 may welcomed Cpl Hartley Harris, L-Cpl D. Black, Driver S.M. Lane, Tpr B. Sandland, Pte J. Roach, Pte Courtney Pearce, Pte L. Fuss and Pte W.D. Robbie (a visitor) [More accurately a newcomer to the town – see advt. 28 May.]. Later Sgt Colin Bruce, Pte Albert Bruce and Cpl Arthur Harris joined them.

XXXXI, 22, 4 June 1919, page 4

Leighton Agricultural Bureau. I.J. Warnes read a paper on Co-operative Shearing at Booborowie. [Reported in c. 11⁄2 columns.]

Leighton Hall AGM.

Liabilities are at present £250 to the State Bank, less £27-11-0 cash in hand.

This is the same as last year, but during the year we had repairs of £39-18-4 and £134-8-3 has been paid to the Ladies’ Guild. Now that money will not be required for patriotic purposes in the way it was during the war, our liabilities should be reduced and more attention can be given to classes and amusements. Elected were

President I.J. Warnes

Secretary E. Cock

Treasurer A.D. McDonald

XXXXI, 23, 11 June 1919, page 2

Advt. Coming to Burra Institute 17 & 18 June The Great McEwen

Scotland’s Marvellous Magician, Hypnotist and Mind-Reader. 2/6, 2/- & 1/-.

Advt. The Diggers Quadrille Party, Supper Dance & Euchre Tournament, 13 June, in aid of the Burra Sporting & athletic Club. J. Carpenter, Hon. Sec.

Birth. 1 June to Mr & Mrs P. Flint nee Nurse Eva Pearce, a daughter. [Barbara Jeanie]

Birth. 2 May to Mr & Mrs Lisle Pearce of Kooringa, a daughter. [Nancy]

Obituary. John Turner, husband of N.H. Turner and father of Jack & Harry (abroad), Dick, Gladys and Rita died at Railway Terrace Aberdeen on 1 June aged 70.

Correction: last week we reported his death was due to asthma and dropsy, but it was heart disease.

Obituary. Mrs J. Perryman, late of Pt Pirie and Peterborough and sister of Mrs T. Parks Sen. and of John & George Herbert of Kooringa and C. Herbert of Sydney, died as a result of her clothes catching alight last Friday evening. She died of burns some five hours later. [Born Margaret Ramsey Newman 17 November 1850 Adelaide: died 7 June 1919 Peterborough.]

Mr E. Wilks, who has been very ill, is now recovering.

Mr Ernest Crewes, eldest son of the Mayor, is very seriously ill in the Burra Hospital.

XXXXI, 23, 11 June 1919, page 3

YMCA Button Day, 30 May. Button sales amounted to £21-4-6. Appeals were also sent out for funds, but the amount raised is not yet to hand.

Obituary. Rev. J. Burns, brother-in-law of Mrs S. Burns of Kooringa and who was born in Burra, died at his residence in Mildura on Sunday aged 68. [Despite the above, registration seems to indicate he was John Abraham Burns (registered as Burn) born 18 June1851 Thebarton.]

Obituary. Mrs Fred Sellars of Redruth died on Monday aged 87. She arrived in Australia with her parents on the Inconstant in 1847 aged 15 and came to Burra in 1859. She is survived by a husband, 4 sons and 3 daughters: Messrs Albert, William & Ernest Sellars of Burra, Henry of Brisbane, Mesdames D. Jones of Aberdeen, Symons of Oodnadatta & Archer of Pt Augusta. There are 36 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. [Born Johanna Flannigan: died 8 June at Redruth aged 82.]

A Welcome Home was arranged for Troopers Ted Morgan & George Morgan and Pte Jack Villis on Wednesday 4 June at the home of W.H. McWaters of World’s End. There were 125 invited guests.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band etc. played at the station on 2 June for the return of Pte L. Craig of Hallett.

On 3 June they were at a social for WO J. Gray, SM C. Wiltshire & Ptes A. Lihou, M. Tonkin, G. Jeffery & C. Hunt.

Surgeon Major Steele was too busy to attend due to sickness in the town.

The Ladies’ band etc. again met the train on Saturday last to welcome home Ptes Stan Lihou & Lance Tiver.

Victory Ball. Nearly 200 attended the Victory Ball in the Burra Institute last Friday in aid of the Burra RSL. It was a brilliant success. Setaro’s band from Adelaide provided the music. S.M. Lane was MC. Gowns are described and the returned men present are listed.

Returning servicemen due in June:

Air Mechanic F.W. Pohlner Sgt Jack Field Sapper A.H. Storr

Pte C.J. Goodridge Tpr Noel Beaven Major T. Kenyon

Driver A.M. Hopcraft Capt. F. J. Treloar Capt. M. Stevenson

Lieut. R. Cock Tpr Reuben McBride V. Priess

W.H. Lines H. Brown A. Brandt

R.S. Edwards Lieut. Dave Killicoat Pte Jack Highett

Sgt Len Griffiths. Friends write from England telling of his last days and death.

Leighton Welcome Home for:

Cpl Gilbert Collins DCM Pte H. Collins Pte G. Jeffery

Pte J. Hogan Pte W.H. Turner Pte J. Dempsey of Farrell’s Flat

They were welcomed and presented with the Welcome Home Committee’s gold medals.

XXXXI, 24, 18 June 1919, page 2

Weather. After a dry spell rain finally came on Saturday night with 86 points in Kooringa, rising to 1.21” by Tuesday morning.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mrs C. Fuss Pentstemon & New York Holly

I.J. Warnes Native vegetation from Sturt Vale (86 miles to the NE)

Burra Hospital Board.

Advice from solicitors was that patients able to pay may be charged for treatment for infectious diseases and only the poor are subject to the agreement to be treated for 30/- a week, payable by the Local Board of Health.

Mr Lewis moved negotiations be held with the Local Board of Health to recover from them all extraordinary costs involved with infectious cases and failing some agreement they give notice of the cancellation of the agreement. Carried.

XXXXI, 24, 18 June 1919, page 3

Anti-Prohibition Campaign.

Mr Black addressed a meeting of about 50, including two ladies, at the Institute on Monday evening last week. Mr Black’s speech outlining the failure of prohibition in NZ, the problems of prohibition in only part of the country and the hypocrisy of many prohibitionists, concluded with a motion moved by J. Allen and 2nd by Mr Tobiason opposing the referendum, which was carried strongly.

Football. At Mt Bryan on 14 June:

Kooringa 5.5 6.6 11.18 12.20 (92)

Mt Bryan 0.0 1.3 1.3 2.4 (16)

At Aberdeen: Aberdeen 7.15 (57) defeated Hallett 3.7 (25)

Capt. Tom Quinn MM has been welcomed home at functions at Mt Bryan and Mt Bryan East.

Obituary. Ernest W. Crewes Jun., eldest son of the Mayor, E.W. Crewes Sen. Died at the Burra Hospital after a short illness on 14 June aged 36. He resided at Hallett and was brought into Burra on 13 June seriously ill. He was operated on for appendicitis. He was born at Kooringa 4 May 1883 and educated at Burra School and Prince Alfred’s College. He joined Drew & Crewes, but contracted asthma and had to take six months off, which he spent with Mr & Mrs Dearlove at Ketchowla. When Drew & Crewes was floated he took charge of the Mt Bryan branch, but health forced him to look for an outdoor life and he took up part of the Booborowie Estate. On 20 March 1918 he married Miss Violet Holiday, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs R.J. Holiday of Hindmarsh. He is survived by a wife, sisters, parents and his only brother, Lieut. K.R. Crewes. [Ernest William Crewes born 4 May 1883 Kooringa: died 14 June 1919 Kooringa, residence Willalo.]

Albert Gebhardt writes on the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial. He suggests each church erect a tablet or suitable memorial and the main sum collected be invested to provide a scholarship tenable for three years to be competed for by a Burra & District boy. £2,000 would yield £100 annually for a year’s education at a college.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band etc. met the train on Thursday to welcome Tpr Dave Eig & Tpr Sealey, [Seeley] though the latter preferred to escape the ceremony. Trooper Eig tried to enlist seven times before being accepted.

On Thursday [sic – though this clearly reads as a separate day from the preceding] they greeted Pte J. Hoare, who though born in Burra and who lived a considerable time here, did not enlist from here.

On Saturday they assembled to welcome Sgt Jack Field.

Next Friday the Ladies’ band will go to Adelaide to take part in Violet Day there and the Military Commandant, Brigadier-General Antill, will invest the girls with service stripes for the work done. Burra’s Violet Day will be 4 July.

Pte Stuart Cameron and Pte Reg. Friend have quietly returned to town.

Soldiers nearing home:

Pte W. Hunt is due about 28 June.

Pte Andrew Bartholomaeus left the UK for Australia 27 May.

Cpl Cliff Turner is due Sunday 22 June.

Driver R.S. Honan is due in Melbourne 1 July.

XXXXI, 24, 18 June 1919, page 4

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band etc. greeted Cpl W. Stevenson & Driver T. Brown (4th of the Brown brothers to return) on 9 June.

A Welcome Home was held at the Booborowie Woolshed on 11 June for J. Hogan, E. Dollard, J. Kelly, Percy Hooper, Bert Harvey, John Aldridge, A.V. Wilkinson, C. Beaven, George Jeffery & M. Dowd. Apologies from M. Hogan, E. Harvey & B. Dowd.

The gathering was the largest for a long time at Booborowie.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. calls for a good attendance next meeting to decide whether they will cater for the Burra Show this year.

‘Constant’ writes drawing attention to the absence of the President, Secretary and most of the Committee of the Leighton Hall at the recent welcome home social for six soldiers.

‘Esperanto’ writes pouring scorn on the idea of a monument in Market Square and rather vaguely talking of ‘a living monument to Internationalism’ and complaining too of the attitude of the press. [The last point puzzled the Editor and certainly a free flow of letters seems to have been published as well as lengthy reports on all meetings.]

Burra Show Soc. Rev. D.B. Bridgwood wrote asking that the publican’s booth not be sold for the show. The committee is bound by a general meeting motion and cannot stop it. A general meeting is to be held 27 June to discuss the booth.

The show will be on Wednesday 4 October.

The Sheep show & Dog Trial will be on 9 & 10 September/

The President said he had promises of support for the Sheep show for over 10 exhibitors.

XXXXI, 25, 25 June 1919, page 2

Advt. Grand Dance & Games arranged by the Mt Bryan Dandies at Mt Bryan Hall on 3 July in aid of the Mt Bryan Soldiers’ Memorial Scheme.

The Minister of Agriculture has released a report from the Director of Chemistry about fires from the use of rabbit poison. Details of experiments run for about 1⁄3 column, but conclude that fires from this cause are not possible except with considerable difficulty from the undiluted poison.

M-C P. Giles, for some time at Redruth, has been moved to Mt Gambier & M-C French comes from Tailem Bend to replace him from 1 July. M-C Cashion of Adelaide is in temporary control at Redruth.

A memorial service for John Turner was held last Sunday at Redruth Methodist Church.

A Welcome Social was held on 19 June at Jubilee Hall for Pte Lance Tiver, Gunner W. Brown & Driver P.G. Scroop.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band etc. greeted Pte A.S. Storr on 19 June. His relatives moved to Booborowie after the war began.

A Welcome Social was held at Mt Bryan East on 21 June for Air mechanic F.W. Pohlner, when he was presented with a gold welcome home medal.

XXXXI, 25, 25 June 1919, page 3

Burra Rifle Club, AGM.

Capt. Riggs welcomed home members from war service. 19 members had enlisted, 18 saw long continuous service and two paid the supreme sacrifice.

In the year there were 28 paid up members – the largest group for three years, but the club lost through the removal of Capt. Lord, N.W.R. Pearce, P. Milner, P. A. Giles and by the death of H.E. Riggs. Prizes and prize winners are then listed.

Finance. The club has a credit of £17-1-01⁄2, but taking into account prize money out and capitation grant coming in reality it is £25-9-0 in credit. Elected were

Captain J.A. Riggs

Secretary J.E. Pearce

Treasurer R.D. Pascoe

Servicemen due to return soon:

Ptes Arnold Tiver & Clem Tiver due in Adelaide 6 July.

Pte W.R. Blott due in Adelaide today.

L-Cpl Alan J. Gebhardt due in Adelaide 6 July

Ernest W. Brandt, Hon. Sec. of the NEFA writes explaining why a Peterborough football team failed to arrive in Burra on 7 June. Mr J. Allen, Hon. Sec. of the Burra Football Assoc. corresponded with Mr C.P. Hall on the matter, but C.P. Hall is not a secretary of any of Peterborough’s five teams, so the fault seems to him to lie evenly on both sides.

John McLaren writes urging a supper room for the Burra Institute as a suitable war memorial – with an ornate front with the names of the soldiers of the district thereon in tablets or similar and any surplus funds invested for a scholarship.

‘Esperanto’ writes excusing the editor of the Burra Record from his general condemnation of the press – he also thinks A. Gebhardt’s proposal [re scholarships] ‘could be broad enough to include, at least, the fallen soldier’s daughter or sister.’

Joanne Young writes promoting the cause of proportional representation.

‘Faithful’ writes expressing disgust that Mr Turner, a returned man who resigned from Council to enlist, is now being opposed for election to the Middle Ward of Hanson Council.

Burra Cheer-up Soc. An article on the Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ band as reported in the Register.

Violet Day. The Naval Band was prevented by influenza from playing and the Military Band had duty at Outer Harbour, so the Ladies’ band carried most of the musical portion of the ceremonies and did it very well. In the afternoon its members were invested with war service stripes by the Military Commandant at the Cheer-up Hut. There were present about 1,000 interstate troops en route for home from the transport Devanha. The President [of what? Mr Crewes?] introduced the Band and recounted its service, especially in greeting returning soldiers at the station. Brigadier-General Antrill made the presentation.

The badge comprises a representation in blue on a white ground of a pair of wings and a stripe for each year of service. Mr G.E. Dane of the Burra Cheer-up Soc. responded for the Band.

Those receiving stripes for three years’ service were:

Misses Trix Pearce, Ethel James, Thelma Harris, Dorothy Harris, Edith Harris, Lily Riggs, Delcie McWaters, Myrtle Isaac, Gladys Lawn, Pearl Pressick, Doreen Pressick, Hazel Pressick, Nell Pearce, Hilda Hunt, Jessie Hunt, Annie Pearce, Olive Hopgood & Mrs L.R. Clarke.

Stripes for two years’ service went to:

Miss Dorothy Pederson.

Stripes for one year’s service went to:

Misses Isabel Bevan, Marjorie Riggs, Melva Burns, Vera Pascoe, Hilda Kellock & Mrs R. McNeill.

Kooringa Police Court, 21 June.

A man giving his name as Robert Williams of Kooringa, but actually Robert Ross, was charged with stealing one gabardine coat, value 30/-, scarf valued at 5/- and an alarm clock valued at 5/-.

Sentenced to three months.

XXXXI, 25, 25 June 1919, page 4

A Welcome Home Social was held at World’s End on 18 June for Sgt Colin Bruce and Pte Albert Bruce and was attended by about 100. It was at the residence of their parents, Mr & Mrs R.H. Bruce. Mr Thomas McWaters took the chair. A collection gave £6 to each.

A Welcome Home Social was held at Farrell’s Flat on 14 June for Cpl G. Collins DCM, Pte H. Collins and Pte Pratt.

Burra District Council: nominations for election to council – all returned unopposed.

Robert Martin McBride

Thomas McWaters

Charles Back Warnes

Frank Treloar (Auditor)

Kooringa Court.

Thomas John O’Connor (19), labourer of Mt Bryan was charged with breaking and entering Drew & Crewes at Mt Bryan and carrying away a suit of clothes (£2-10-0), a Gladstone bag (£3) and an overcoat (£4-10-0). The items were found in the accused’s room and he pleaded guilty. He was remanded for sentence at Adelaide. [Details occupy c. 1 column.]

XXXXI, 26, 2 July 1919, page 2

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will sell on Wednesday 9 July the household furniture etc. of Opie’s Hotel, Aberdeen.

Violet Sunday was celebrated at Kooringa Methodist Church last Sunday in memory of fallen soldiers.

Burra Show Soc. met on Friday when a motion to do away with the publican’s booth was defeated 20 votes to 7.

PEACE SIGNED. On Monday news was received that the peace negotiations had actually been signed. News spread and a crowd gathered at 3.30 in Market Square. The Ladies’ band arrived and a lorry was drawn up near the shop verandahs as a speaking platform. The speakers were: the Mayor, Rev. H. Hopton, Rev. G.K. Haslam, Capt. Hammat (Salvation Army) & J.E.H. Winnall.

Mr Paul Roach was farewelled at a social in Jubilee Hall on 26 June, as he was leaving Burra for Adelaide. He has had a long association with the church as secretary of the Sunday school and various trusts. He was presented with a wallet of notes. Mrs Roach, his mother, was farewelled at the residence of Mrs E.F. Marston at Kooringa on Friday evening.

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:

Aberdeen 3.20 (38) defeated Kooringa (17).

XXXXI, 26, 2 July 1919, page 3

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band etc. met the train last Friday and welcomed Lieut. Bob Cock & Seaman ‘Wibby’ Vivian. Lieut. Cock has been away almost five years.

On Saturday the Ladies’ band and a crowd gathered to meet five returning men, but were pleased when seven turned up: Tpr-Dvr A. Hopcraft, & Troopers W. Lines, C. Rabbich, S. Priess, C. Turner, A. Brandt & W. Brown. (The last being the 5th Brown brother to return.)

On Monday evening the Ladies’ band and others greeted the return of: Tpr W.R. Edwards (of Copperhouse), & Ptes S. Jones, J. Highett & W. Hunt. (The last named arrived, but silently vanished.)

‘Amicus’ writes calling for a calm and reverent approach to a war memorial as befits the subject. The writer is not against halls, but feels that in addition some memorial devoted just to those who fell is also called for, one spot where each year we can place our wreaths and remember the sacrifice.

‘A Returned Soldier’ writes expressing disgust at Mr McLaren’s suggestion that a place to feast is a suitable memorial for the sacrifices made. The remarks of ‘Esperanto’ he dismisses as an insult to a man’s intelligence and says most returned men support the Mayor’s idea of a monument in Market Square.

E.W. Crewes writes concerning the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial. He stresses that right from the start he had been supporting a memorial/statue to perpetuate and honour the memory of the fallen. A letter asking the District Councils to appoint delegates for a meeting resulted in only the Burra and Booborowie delegates attending. The Burra DC agreed to join in. Booborowie has decided to erect a hall, but said we could expect some help from the people there. Mt Bryan said they had also decided to erect a hall and so cannot join in. I am given to understand that Hanson and Apoinga are prepared to do what they can to help. I can hardly believe that any district would like to see a statue erected in Market Square and have the names of boys who fell belonging to that district omitted from the memorial. The idea is to have a panel for each district. I cannot conceive of a statue being erected unless it contained all the names. A time has come for a start to be made and I appeal for donations and respectfully request the acknowledgement of the same in the Record. Peace Day on or about 4 August will be a day for a special appeal for the memorial.

J. Allen writes explaining how he came to contact Mr Hall, thinking he had some standing in Peterborough football circles.

Burra Boy Scouts will not have a general meeting on Thursday, but patrol leaders and corporals will meet at the troop room to hang pictures etc.

[This appears to be the first published intimation that the use of the room as an Isolation Hospital is over.]

Burra Rifle Club. For the first time in five years on Saturday there was a match with Leighton Rifle Club and Burra 727 defeated Leighton 719.

XXXXI, 26, 2 July 1919, page 4

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band had a miserable start to Adelaide Violet Day on 20 June. The day in Burra was cold and wet and the train ran 11⁄2 hours late, not reaching Adelaide till 11.30 a.m., but there the weather was perfect. The band had, unexpectedly and unrehearsed, to play at the Anzac Arch at noon, as the Naval Band was unable to do so due to influenza among them. Then came a luncheon at the Cheer-up Hut. At 1.45 p.m. Major Cooke-Russell led the band up King William St and back to Bowman’s Arcade, where a number was played while the public threw money onto a flag some soldiers were carrying. On turning from King William St towards the Cheer-up Hut they were greeted by hundreds of interstate soldiers who were passing through Adelaide. The girls then crowded into the Hut along with hundreds of soldiers, to be presented with service stripes by Brigadier-General Antrill. Afternoon tea followed, after which there was another parade, this time combined with the Military Band – mounted police being needed to clear a way through the traffic.

Tpr Horace Hill writes from Beersheba about a trip to Cairo and back by car and train as well as of other activities in Palestine.

XXXXI, 27, 9 July 1919, page 2

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures: Over the Top, plus the second chapter of The Fighting Trail and Charlie Chaplin in Charlie’s Picnic.

Advt. Burra Cheer-up Soc. has decided to issue gold medals to all who enlisted locally and went to the front and therefore calls for details of every soldier who enlisted in the Burra District.

Advt. Soldiers’ Aid Soc. Social has been postponed to 10 July at Jubilee Hall.

Advt. Gordon the Great, Ventriloquist, Conjuror & Shadowgraphy & supporting acts.

Burra Institute 17 July.

Birth. 30 June at Mrs Gray’s Nursing Home Redruth to Mr & Mrs John Byles of Morgan, twin sons.

[Albert John Mervin & Colin George Murray]

The Titan Tractor demonstration is reported in something < 1⁄4 column.

Rev. F.H. Durnford is due back in Australia in September and has been appointed to Moonta.

Pte M. O’Brien, brother of Miss M. O’Brien of Aberdeen is due to reach Australia 14 July.

Pte H.C. Webster, son of H. Webster of Shafton is due in Australia 26 July.

Burra Bowling Club. The green is making progress. An Adelaide expert has it pegged out and has taken levels.

‘A Citizen’ writes complaining that the Mt Bryan correspondent omitted Mt Bryan East performers in reporting the social to welcome home Cpl T. Quinn.

W.D. Thompson writes to contradict ‘Returned Soldier’. The RSL members favour a Memorial Hall Scheme as outlined by the branch and not a statue – a position supported unanimously at their last general meeting.

‘Esperanto’ writes, but what he or she would favour as a memorial is unclear.

Mt Bryan Fancy Dress Ball in aid of the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall was held on 3 July and was very successful. Gross receipts were over £100.

XXXXI, 27, 9 July 1919, page 3

Cricket. Kooringa Cricket Club.

Best bowling average for last season was R. Halliday with 6, but it came from only four overs and the best was really Les Neagle averaging 12 from 90 overs.

In batting Jack Killicoat averaged 59, but from only 3 innings and 1 not out. Les Neagle was next best averaging 29 from 9 innings and 1 not out.

Burra Boy Scouts appear to be back in the Troop Room and resuming normal activities.

Peace Thanksgiving Service was held last Sunday in the Institute. The hall was packed for the united service with many returned men in uniform occupying the reserved seats at the front. The cold, wet, boisterous weather caused a move to the hall from the planned meeting in Market Square. E.W. Crewes, Mayor, presided. On the platform were Rev. H.H. Hopton (Anglican), Rev. D.B. Bridgwood & Rev. G.K. Haslam (Methodist), Capt. Hammitt (Salvation Army) and the Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ band conducted by G.E. Dane. Thanksgiving services were also held in the local churches.

Violet Day was celebrated in Burra on Friday 4 July in perfect weather. A large number of wreaths and emblems were hung on the Rotunda. A memorial service was held at 3 p.m. when a large crowd had gathered at the Rotunda. A returned soldiers’ procession was headed by Lieutenants R. Cock & V. A. Riggs with the Cheer-up Ladies’ band. The mayor’s address is reported. A bunch of violets was auctioned on the bugler system and raised nearly £200. Total proceeds of the day to date are about £250.

Football. At Hallett on Saturday:

Hallett 1.1 2.8 3.10 4.13 (37)

Kooringa 1.1 1.2 2.4 3.7 (25)

XXXXI, 27, 9 July 1919, page 4

Burra Red Cross, AGM, 1 July.

Attendance has fallen off since the Armistice and members should know there is still much to do.

Mr Mandeville visited in August and addressed us on the work of the Red Cross in Egypt.

On 6 September Red Cross Button Day raised £594-3-3 of which £500 was sent to the parent society and a further £110 has been sent through the year.

We farewelled Mrs Thomas Sandland to Adelaide and unfortunately she has since died.

Our Assistant Secretary, Miss Edith Cave, also left the town.

We have cut meetings from weekly to the third Friday in each month.

Elected were

President Mrs E.W. Crewes

Vice-Presidents Mesdames J.C. Sandland, John Pearce, John Tennant [And added as a correction in the next issue, Mrs John McLaren]

Hon. Sec. &

Treasurer Mrs C.J. Pearce

In addition to money, goods to the value of £200-£300 have also been sent to Adelaide.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band etc. assembled at the station on 1 July to welcome Sgt R. McBride, L-Cpl A. Gebhardt, Tpr J. Feigert & Ptes C. Tiver & Cullen.

On 2 July they again met there to greet Capt. F. Treloar MC & Pte H. Cullen

On 3 July they welcomed Pte C. Goodridge.

Adelaide Criminal Sittings

Annie Jordan was charged with the murder of an infant child at Kooringa on 9 April. She pleaded not guilty. The Crown Prosecutor presented no evidence beyond what depositions were taken at the inquest.

The Judge then said he did not believe there to be a prima facie case because:

There was no evidence as to how the deceased got into the pit.

There was no proof that the death was not from natural causes.

The Crown Prosecutor said he was prepared to enter a nolle prosequi.

When Mr Shierlaw proceeded to deal with one aspect of the evidence His Honour ordered the instant release of the prisoner.

He said he hoped the legislature would at once take steps to prevent capital charges against unfortunate girls in the position of the accused.

Burra Sporting & Athletic Club.

At the end of Violet 20 recently returned soldiers adjourned to the RSL Rooms for the presentation of the usual £5 note. Mr James Gallagher, President, made the presentations to:

Lieutenants K.R. Crewes, R. Cock & V.A. Riggs, Sergeants Colin Bruce, Reuben McBride & Jack Field, Privates R.S. Edwards, J.R. Gray, E.C. Tiver, T. Anderson, S.W. Lihou, A.J. Gebhardt, J. Seeley, F. West, S. Preiss, D. Eig, A. Hopcraft, G. Brown, C. Turner, H. Cullen.

XXXXI, 28, 16 July 1919, page 2

Advts. Peace Day in Burra, Saturday 19 July

Grand Procession of Unequalled Pageantry leaves Sara’s Corner at 10.30 a.m. and proceeds to Victoria Park via Kooringa.

Auction Sale of a framed copy of the Peace declaration.

Luncheon, Afternoon Teas, Sideshows & Stalls.

7 p.m. a Monster Bonfire.

Two Prizes for the best Effigy of the Kaiser to be burnt at the fire.

Advt. Peace Day at Leighton, Saturday 19 July.

Children’s Sports & Afternoon Tea. Dance in Leighton Hall.

Advt. Burra Institute, 31 July, Antonia Dolores, The World’s Greatest Concert Artiste in a program of musical gems.

A Memorial Service for E.W. Crewes Jun. was held on Sunday evening 6 July at Kooringa Methodist Church.

XXXXI, 28, 16 July 1919, page 3

Soldiers on their way home:

Pte Harry Dearlove & Pte Archie Dearlove.

Driver H.T. Parker, brother to Mrs A. Phillips of Mt Bryan.

Obituary. The young son of Mr & Mrs A.R. West of Stirling West died at the residence of Mr & Mrs C. Lowe in Redruth on Sunday, of pneumonia. He was an only son and great grandson of the late W. West of the Burra Burra Mine. (Mrs West was Amy Butler.)

Sid Cordon is leaving the district for Spalding. He will be especially missed in the Leighton area and at the Burra Rifle Club.

Troopers George & E.H. Morgan have been welcomed home at Oakbank Station.

Burra Town Council

A letter from C. Grow offering to accept £100 for 156 feet of land in connection with the Black Bridge: the present road to become his property. Not accepted.

[This doesn’t sound right. Logically it should refer to Deadman’s Bridge on Ayers St.]

Burra Bowling Club applied for 60’ of land on the east side of the green – the idea being to plant trees there. They were granted a 21-year lease at a peppercorn rent, from the southern boundary of the Council Depot block to the bridge.

The Town Clerk was granted 10/- a week for doing the work of the Inspector during the latter’s illness.

Cr McBride called for the Town Clerk’s duties to be defined, as he thought it was a full-time job, but it appeared he was there only two days.

Mr Grow is to be interviewed and asked for the option for one month at £50 of the land offered by him.

Local Board of Health.

The Town Clerk reported the Isolation Hospital had been dismantled.

The Burra Hospital Matron had taken charge of the blankets etc. and local storekeepers had taken some stuff back. Some £30 worth of material had been stored at the depot. A statement of the whole cost of the operation is to be prepared for next meeting.

The acting inspector is to be paid £2 a month.

Cr McBride objected to the nurses attached to the Isolation Hospital working in private homes. This nursing should have been at the Isolation Hospital, whose costs, borne by the Board, were ongoing while the patients contributed nothing and had the nurses at home.

Mr Crewes said the nurses’ fees would be recovered for the Board.

Cr McBride said there was no occasion for them to be idle: there was enough work in Adelaide.

Mr Crewes: the Isolation Hospital was closed as soon as the Medical Officer thought it safe.

Peace Day Meeting, Burra last Wednesday.

All motions carried at the previous meetings were rescinded and new motions carried:

For a monster procession – Mr George Hann in charge.

For an appeal for the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial

To sell by auction a copy of the King’s Proclamation of Peace, written and embellished by Mr Hann.

All three bands and all the patriotic societies and Boy Scouts and Lodges to join in and W.D. Thompson will try to have all the returned men in uniform.

To be held at Victoria Park.

Sports program for the children, for which £20 is allotted.

Hoop-la, Paddy’s Market & other stalls.

Pictures at the Institute at night and a bonfire on the school hill with a prize for the best effigy of the Kaiser.

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Kooringa 10.15 (75) defeated Mt Bryan 0.3 (3)

Burra Hospital Board.

New appointees to the Board: Messrs Wheare, Chambers, Martin, Humphrys & Sampson.

Dr Steele applied for an increase of salary from £75 to £120, as he was now the only medical officer now at the hospital, though he would always welcome sharing duties. Proposed and carried.

There were presently over 20 patients in the hospital.

The Board will try to get the rules changed to allow two doctors to be engaged and are anxious to put the past problems with Dr Ashton behind them.

Obituary. Charles Vivian Ewins, eldest son of Mr & Mrs W.J.C. Ewins of ‘Kilburn’ Kooringa had died from pneumonia at Crystal Brook on Monday 14 July aged 20. He was born at Kooringa 21 January 1899. After leaving school he had been employed at the local post office and then with Dalgety’s & Co. until his death. When Dalgety’s closed their Burra office he transferred to Pt Pirie and then to Crystal Brook, where he was acting-manager. He was well known in musical circles as a pianist and vocalist.

‘Returned Soldier’ writes concerning D.W. Thompson’s claim that returned men favour a memorial hall. There were only a dozen members at the meeting and he may speak for those, but the writer claims to speak for the majority, who favour the monument.

I.J. Warnes writes to advise that at the recent meeting at Mt Bryan he said he held 14 or 15 public appointments – the more correct number would be 28 or 30.

‘Another Returned Soldier’ writes seeking the number of returned men voting at the meeting referred to by W.D. Thompson and believing it is up to the public how to honour the gallant dead.

‘The Mt Bryan Correspondent’ writes apologising for the accidental omission of the Mt Bryan East performers from his report.

XXXXI, 28, 16 July 1919, page 4

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. 4th AGM

This coming year there will be no general appeal for funds, but rather energies will be devoted to care of the sick and wounded in hospitals – a need which will be long term.

Meetings in the past year had from 20 to 50 attending with an average c. 25.

At the last AGM Mesdames Thamm & Hilditch presented a crocheted quilt, which brought in c. £50 at auction on the bugler system.

In September the luncheon at the Sheep Dog Trials raised £43-8-6, which we gave to Red Cross.

At the Show we provided luncheon and afternoon tea and, together with the sale of a bullock donated to us by Mr I.J. Warnes, we raised £140-12-5.

The next fundraiser was the Jubilee Hall Bazaar in December, which raised £52-10-3.

Sheep farmers have donated wool: T. Pearce & Sons £11-13-9, G. Gallagher £3-19-10, James Reed £22-19-11 and some money is still to come in on two of these accounts.

The major disbursement was 100 Christmas boxes, £5 to the Salvation army, £25 to French Red Cross, £20 to Australia Day, £20 to Red Cross Produce Depot, a table for the RSL Room, 2 beds to Soldiers’ Hostel, £36-16-0 to Red Cross, £100 to YMCA (just after last year’s balance sheet) & £25 this year.

The Boy Scouts have helped us on many occasions.

Elected were

President Mrs E. Bertram

Vice-Presidents Mrs C. Fuss & Mrs C. Bartholomaeus

Secretary Miss Clara Bartholomaeus

Treasurer Mrs A. Wallis

Auditor Mr C. Fuss

Burra Rifle Club. First match for the new season 5 July.

H.L. Riggs 98 V.A. Riggs 98 J.A. Riggs 96

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The largest Cheer-up Social yet was given on 4 July for all those not yet attending one. There were 30 guests and several others who had previously been welcomed:

Surgeon-Major D.M. Steele MC & Bar Captain F. Treloar MC

Lieutenant R. Cock Sergeant R.M. McBride

Sergeant J. Field Sergeant C. Turner

Corporal J. Stedman Lance-Corporal A. Gebhardt

Driver A. Hopcraft Private C. Tiver

Private J. Hoare Private [H.C.] Cullen

Private [H.R.] Cullen Private S. Lihou

Private W. Nankivell Private S. Preiss

Private H. Noble Trooper R.S. Edwards

Trooper J. Fiegert Trooper D. Eig

Trooper J. Seeley

And visitors:

Lieutenant Trimmer MC Lieutenant Langsford

Pte G. Kidman MM Private A. Harvey MM

Private T. Kidman Private Cilento

Private G. Davis Private Lucas (1)

Private Lucas (2)

Apologies from Pte [W.] Brown

Lieutenant D. Killicoat arrived in Burra unheralded on 7 July.

XXXXI, 28, 16 July 1919, Supplement

Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Meeting, Mt Bryan 4 July, attended by c. 60-70 people and chaired by I.J. Warnes. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

The Chairman said since the last meeting the committee had met twice. Plans had been prepared and were at this meeting. There were to schemes to be put to the meeting. The committee recommends the one with two rooms in front of the present hall, separated by a passage. To the left is a large room to hold two billiard tables. On the right is a reading room and alongside it the memorial room to hold records and souvenirs of the fallen soldiers and for that alone.

The question tonight is whether this is the right thing or not.

Mr Warnes had no exact costing, but estimated it at not less than £1,000 to £1,200, plus furnishing costs of c. £200-£300. He thought that sum within the means of the community.

One possibility was to issue debentures as the Burra show Committee did for its refreshment room.

Another scheme is that one man has agreed to put up £100 if six others will match him.

Mr A. Jeffries thought the plans too ambitious and a 29’ passage to the hall unacceptable.

Mr Beaglehole said the plan allowed for incorporation of a cloak room. The hall measured 9’6” x 7’6”.

Mr Pledge didn’t see a problem – consider the entrance to the Adelaide Town Hall – upstairs and around corners.

Chair to Mr Gregurke – Do you think as Mr Jefferies it should be curtailed? – It is 32” x 33’6”.

The one thing to be sure of is to make it large enough and not to change it in a short time. When we built the hall we built a small place and within two years pulled it down and put up a proper place.

[This would seem to be a reference to Leighton Hall, rather than to the Mt Bryan Institute.]

[The discussion is hard to follow in the report as printed and the two plans seem to be being discussed without the second one being reported and without it being clear which one is being talked about at any given time.]

Eventually the committee’s report was adopted.

Mrs Hatherly had some concern about the voting and abstentions, but the Chair had nothing but contempt for abstentions.

There was a proposal before the committee that anyone who donated £100 be entitled to put a tablet in the hall to the memory of a fallen soldier. Whether the donor’s name should also appear seems not to have been settled.

Mr Jefferies moved the method of raising the money be left to the committee. Carried.

Mr Warnes then entered into an explanation of what had taken place in the lead-up to this meeting and made a response to the various writers to the Record, particularly the letters of Mr Pearse and Mr Hawkes.

There was a meeting at Market Square at which the Mayor invited the Chairmen of the District Councils to decide what scheme for a memorial would suit Burra and District. When the meeting was held delegates decided they would go back to their districts and hold public meetings. At the first public meeting I called only some 8 or 9 attended on a very wet night. The meeting was adjourned. At the next meeting a larger crowd attended and I put my case before the meeting: ‘I did not come here to drive something down their throats; I did not come here to say “You are not to support the Burra,” and I think you will bear me out.’

He then said the voting figures in the Record – 30 for and 1 against & 21 abstaining – were very misleading.

‘Those who did not vote were people who had lost their sons, and did not take part in the meeting.’

The Record reports my warning ‘Before you put this motion, which is a bit hard, think a bit. You can’t go to the Burra without giving, and if you tie yourselves hard and fast to Mount Bryan you are wholly and solely on your own.’

But we are not hard and fast against Burra: Mr Jefferies said ‘We’ll put Mt Bryan first and then if Burra put up a scheme and we like it we can help them afterwards.’

Mr Pearse accused me of having influenced the vote, ‘but no man will move one of the best districts of people who know how to think for themselves.’

[After some nicely flattering comments about the local area and its people Mr Warnes goes on to say only 8-10 did not vote, rather than the 21 in the Record.]

He then turns to Mr Pearse’s suggestion he retire from public positions in Burra now he ‘has renounced the Burra’.

Mr Collins interjected: ‘It is the positions he would like.’

Mr Warnes agreed that was what Mr Hawkes and Mr Pearse wanted – ‘a clear run’.

[He then goes on about the Hospital Board and some of its woes, before running through other positions they may challenge him for if they wish.]

He is President of the Burra Show soc.

President of the Stock Owners’ Assoc.

He says he is on 14 or 15 committees [amended later in a letter to the Record to 28 -30.] and of them six or seven are in town. He was only paid for one position: managing Mr Tawke’s sheep shearing company.

He then takes offence at Mr Pearse’s comments that Mr Warnes finds the Burra Dead unworthy of consideration and therefore the living must be beneath contempt. He stands by his patriotic efforts during the war. He has never waited to be asked to subscribe to the various funds or the War Loan. Mr Warnes then rehearses his credentials as a Burra boy and goes on to consider the supposed selfishness of Mt Bryan wanting its own memorial and says he thinks centralisation is one of the evils of the day.

If we are to be public spirited enough to support Burra then surely Burra should be public spirited enough to support Mt Bryan. I say I have £100 for Mt Bryan, £100 for Burra and £100 for Booborowie and now I expect Mr Pearse and Mr Hawkes to match that.

Burra has done great things in the war effort, helped by people from the districts, but so have other places. If you go to Clare you find the same societies doing the same work, but they don’t get on the chimney tops and advertise it. Burra today has used Violet Day to gather subscriptions from the districts for gold medals for the boys who went from Burra. The districts have already done that without going to Burra for help.

‘Mr Pearse says we are selfish, but I say the Burra is selfish, and has been right through the chapter.’

During the whole time Mr Crewes has been Mayor, the whole of the war, the District Council has never had an invitation to attend any public function in the Burra. It is the same at Booborowie. Before Mr Crewes came in there was always an invitation. ‘They have taught us to run alone and now they don’t like it.’

They have not called a meeting at Hanson or Apoinga because Mr Hawkes is Chairman and he does not want them to go on their own.

[Mr Warnes then goes on to defend his position on the Mt Bryan District Council and he also itemises how he has helped young men returning from the war to get established by selling them land at low cost.]

As for the Burra including the district in acknowledgements, he mentions the Ambulances, which, when handed over, were given the appearance of having all come from Burra, when the people of Burra gave one and two gentlemen gave one and the money was collected from the district.

He reads out a report of Peace Day at Leighton, from when the decision was made to have a separate Peace Day was made. He still believes what he said then.

Mr Rigby then spoke in support of Mr Warnes.

He considered Mr Pearse had taken the opportunity to settle old scores.

He said, ‘long before I came here I had heard of Mr Warnes, and his character, and it is useless for me to try to extol him in your minds. I appreciate much a liberal-minded man who tries to live up to the reputation of manhood and makes his word his bond, but I do not wish to enlarge upon that.’

He was opposed to giving any help to Burra until the Mt Bryan project was completed.

He agreed that centralisation was the curse of the times.

Mr Warnes ended by saying: ‘The first thing is that the Burra Record should give us a big donation, because the people will want hundreds of papers.’

XXXXI, 29, 23 July 1919, page 2

Advt. Burra Institute 31 July, World Famous French Soprano, Mademoiselle Antonia Dolores.

6/-, 4/- & 2/-.

Notice. RSL AGM & Dinner on 2 August.

Obituary. W.R. Wilson aged 88 died on Saturday. [William Read Wilson born 10 May 1831 St Albans England: died 19 July 1919 Kooringa. See XXXXI, 30, 30 July 1919, page 3.]

Strike Problems mean there will be no afternoon train from Adelaide on Saturdays and no afternoon train to Adelaide on Mondays & Fridays. There will be no morning train from Adelaide on Tuesdays & Saturday s. [Probably a coal strike in the eastern states?]

Marriage. On 12 July at ‘Maythorn’, Hanson.

Miss Minetta P.M. Humphrys, only daughter of Mr & Mrs E. Thorn Humphrys married

Wilfred F. Ford, late SM of the Camel Transport Corps.

Marriage. 14 July at the residence of A. Woodman, Queen Street.

Wilfred Graham Woodman, eldest son of A. Woodman married

Elsie Evelyn Moxham, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Moxham of Leighton.

The Late C.A. Gare, son of Mrs M.A. & the late Edward Gare of Aberdeen had his framed photo unveiled at Semaphore Congregational Church, where he had been a deacon.

Women’s Branch of the Liberal Union elected:

President Mrs J. Hatherly

Secretary Miss M.M. Sandland

Vice-Presidents Mesdames J.C. Sandland, I.J. Warnes & C.H. Bartholomaeus.

[Personal interest: Mrs C. Fuss was on the committee.]

XXXXI, 29, 23 July 1919, page 3

Peace Day in Burra, last Saturday 19 July.

The Procession

Soon after 10.30 it departed Sara’s Corner. Trooper Harry Brown led as flag-bearer followed by the Ladies’ band, then the returned men four abreast with Major T. Kenyon in command and led by Lieuts. R.A. Cock, K.C. Sandland & V.A. Riggs. Then came the Oddfellows Lodges in regalia and miniature Red Cross Nurses. A lorry then carried the young ladies of the Soldiers’ Aid Soc. They included Miss T. Bentley representing Peace with palm branches, Miss C. Bartholomaeus as Britannia and Miss Clarice Reed as Justice. Other ladies and gentlemen represented the allies. Reggie Pearce’s miniature buggy and girls with decorated umbrellas were next. Then came the Foresters in regalia and the Boy Scouts. J. Allen as John Bull led the Burra Band. Scholars of Copperhouse School followed – the boys dressed as sailors and the girls as nurses or in white. James Reed’s decorated car led the Burra School Fife & Drum Band. Then came children from Hanson, Gum Creek, World’s End, Copperhouse, Leighton & Burra Schools carrying small flags. The march went from Sara’s Corner to the Hospital and then turned and went direct to Victoria Park where each child was given a large bun and at noon they were given a luncheon bag and hot tea.

At 1 p.m. the children marched past to deposit offerings for the memorial fund, during which time the Ladies’ band played and the children were given a Peace Medal. Sports followed at 2 p.m.

The Appeal was launched with speeches from Mr Hawkes and Mr Crewes, who said he believed £2,000 could be raised that day. Mr Chambers then auctioned on the bugler system the King’s Proclamation of Peace inscribed by Mr George Hann. There were pre-arranged promissory cards numbered in hundreds that took over the hour to read. The highest bid of £115 came from W.I. Short. Other substantial bids were: John Tennant & Family £110, T.H. Pearse & Sons £105, W.G. Hawkes & J.M. McBride each £100, Thomas Sandland £52-10-0 & J.H. Gallagher £50. The total bids numbered about 500 and raised £1,140.

The sports results are then printed in just under 1 column.

Football: Kooringa 4.9 (33) defeated Aberdeen 3.7 (25)

The Soldiers’ Aid Soc. & Red Cross Ladies provided luncheon and afternoon tea.

A huge bonfire that could be seen for miles was lit at 7 p.m. and fireworks were let off.

Takings for all the day are estimated at £1,400.

Thomas B. Ashton writes that following recent comments of the Hospital Board members that he could return to the hospital ‘if he likes to apply and comply with the rules’ he wrote congratulating Dr Steele on getting his salary increased from £75 to £120. He then goes over the grounds given for his dismissal in 1917 and specifically goes over the cancer case where he arranged for an operation and then failed to carry it out because, as he said, the patient had suddenly grown worse and the operation was inappropriate. The real reason for his dismissal he says was the disinclination of the Board to strengthen the staff when medical officers thought it essential.

XXXXI, 29, 23 July 1919, page 4

Burra Show Soc. meeting.

An agreement has been reached with the racing club to erect a publican’s booth at the rear of the grandstand.

The Soldiers’ Aid Soc. will provide only a light luncheon at the Dog Trials.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

Pte R. Blott was welcomed by the Ladies’ band etc. at the station on 8 July.

On 9 July the Ladies’ band etc. welcomed Major T. Kenyon at the station.

On 11 July the Ladies’ band etc welcomed home Captain M. Stevenson & Sgt T. Josephs of Mt Bryan and Seaman Bradshaw of HMAS Australia, who was a visitor.

A letter cited from the Saturday’s Evening Journal calls on the Burra Ladies’ band not to close down with peace, but to carry on.

XXXXI, 30, 30 July 1919, page 2

The Golden Wedding of John Dawson & Mary Pearce, presently living in Ashfield, Sydney, is announced.

Signaller W.J. Davey is en route to Australia and due in Melbourne c. 14 August.

Marriage. At St Mary’s on 19 July.

Trooper Dave Eig married Gwen Griffiths, youngest daughter of Mr Charles Griffiths of Aberdeen.

En Route to Australia are:

L-Cpl Harold Pearce, Driver Joe Heinrich, Trooper Gar. Burns, P.R. Allen and Frank Sangster.

Delcie McWaters broke her wrist on Tuesday morning when her father’s car backfired while she was starting it.

Liberal Union, Men’s Branch.

At a recent district meeting in Peterborough Mr Jenkins was re-elected District President and Mr Foote elected District Secretary.

Mr Radford has been elected Branch President and Mr McLaren Vice-President.

J.M. McDonald has been nominated for General President.

Booborowie Hall.

A meeting on 26 July was strongly in favour of the district hall being a Soldiers’ Memorial Hall.

XXXXI, 30, 30 July 1919, page 3

News of those on active service:

Troopers Ben Hill and Horace Hill are on their way to Australia.

Horace Hill and Staff-Nurse Dorothy Roach met in Palestine at Jerusalem.

Burra Town Council

Charles Grow wrote offering the necessary land for road alterations at Deadman’s Bridge for £60.

Cr Radford urged acceptance as if a house were built there the chance of alteration would be gone. The work could be done with the Commonwealth gift of £240 and borrowing if needed.

Carried unanimously.

The Deputy Post Master General said mail services had been cut from 4 to three trips to the station because no tenders had been received for four services.

J. Allen has offered to take charge of the fire brigade to the time of the first meeting.

Several streetlamps have been vandalised.

Local Board of Health

The Manager of the Bank of Australasia agreed it was not right that the residential bath water ran into the gutter in the street. He suggested a drain across Commercial St to the creek. Council agreed, but only at the Bank’s cost.

The Isolation Hospital costs were £156-12-6. There were goods on hand that cost £69-19-2 and wages, rent provisions etc. cost £83-5-10.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

L-Cpl R. Lloyd MM was welcomed by the Ladies’ band etc. at the railway station on 23 July.

The context then suggests that it was on the 25 July that they welcomed Cpl A. Tiver, Pte Bob Bartholomaeus and Pte Spackman, but Cpl A. Tiver’s & Pte Spackman’s presence is reported at the social on 22 July, so this group may have arrived on the 18 July.

A welcome home social on Tuesday 22 July was held for:

Major T. Kenyon Capt. M. Stevenson Cpl A. Tiver

Tpr Northcote (a visitor) Pte Spackman Pte F. Carey

Pte R. Blott Pte L. Tiver Pte Evans

Pte C. Griffiths Pte N. Tiver

The last two were welcomed at the station that night by the Ladies’ band etc.

Burra Rifle Club. Best scores on Saturday: C.W. Pearce 100 & O.G. Walker 96.

Rose Pearce writes acknowledging responses to the Minda Home furnishing appeal and perambulator appeal.

Burra League of Loyal Women AGM 27 June.

Collections for the year were £232-1-4.

A decision on the continuation of the League was deferred to next September. Elected were

President Mrs W.G. Hawkes

Miss D.L. Hawkes resigned as Secretary & Treasurer.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Master Rex Walker (9) A 2-lb radish

Mrs Winnall A fine pansy.

Welcome Home Social at Leighton Hall, 15 July.

Gold welcome home medals were given to:

Pte White Pte Burford Pte C. Goodridge

Pte S. Lihou

Sgt Bruce MM & Pte Pearce were visitors.

Lieut. R. Cock apologised for his absence.

Obituary. William Read [Reed] Wilson died on Saturday 19 July aged 88. He was born at St Albans in Hertfordshire on 10 May 1831 and educated at the Blue Coat School. On 1 November 1848 he enlisted in the 49th Foot Regiment aged 171⁄2 and served 6 years & 83 days, seeing service in the Crimean War at Alma, Sebastopol and Inkerman and was wounded the day before the Charge of the Light Brigade. In 1863 he married and migrated to Australia in the Duchess of Northumberland, arriving in 1864. He got a Government job in Adelaide before coming to Burra in 1874, where he has lived ever since except for brief stays at Pt Wakefield and Whit Hut. His funeral on Sunday 20 July was accorded full military honours and almost every returned soldier attended. A gun carriage was improvised with a guard accompanying, then the mourning coach and further soldiers in a slow march. The Ladies’ band attended and three volleys were fired over the coffin and ‘Last Post’ sounded. He is survived by a widow, a son and three daughters: A. Wilson of Perth WA, Misses A. & M. Wilson and Mrs F.H. Pledge of Kooringa. There are three granddaughters.

XXXXI, 30, 30 July 1919, page 4

Peace Day, Mt Bryan, Saturday 19 July.

Celebrations began with a public luncheon in the Hall. A meeting at 1 p.m. was chaired by I.J. Warnes where patriotic songs were sung, heard a fine address from the chairman and Commonwealth Peace Medals were presented to the children. The Mt Bryan War Loan Honour Flag was flown for the first time publicly. [This is described as white with a red border with the Union Flag in the top left quarter and on the right side six deep blue bars for subscribing six times the quota for the seventh war loan.]

There was then a procession to the oval and sports for the children and a football match in which Hallett 6.8 (44) defeated Mt Bryan 3.5 (23). A bonfire was lit at 7 p.m. and Emperor William was burnt in effigy and fireworks were let off. In the evening there was a welcome home social for Pte Ben Mattschross [sic. – Mattschoss]. Supper and dancing followed.

Peace Day, Booborowie, Saturday 19 July.

South Booborowie, North Booborowie and Willalo united in a celebration at Booborowie Woolshed. A procession left the post office at 10.30 a.m. and on arrival there was an address by the chairman Mr Simmens and various other addresses to the children. Lunch was served, followed by sports and the distribution of the Peace Medals. A sumptuous tea followed that.

Peace Day, Hallett, Saturday 19 July.

Over £150 was collected for the Memorial Hall. There was a procession from the Institute. There was local indignation that Mt Bryan had insisted ‘our boys’ go there to play an association football match, but they had the satisfaction of beating Mt Bryan 2 to 1. The procession left at 1.30 for the Recreation Ground where the National Anthem was followed by some stirring speeches from J.T.E. Richards, Chairman of the DC and others. The children were given their Peace Medals and sports were played. A social and concert was held in the evening and the hall was packed. Supper concluded the evening.

Peace Day, Hanson, Monday 21 July.

A ceremony was held on Monday to distribute 30 Peace Medals to the children. Mr James Rogers, Chairman of Hanson DC in a few words introduced Mr Frank Treloar, who gave an earnest address and he was followed by Lieut. Blunt, an old scholar recently returned from France. Mr Blunt Sen. Also addressed them and a splendid tea and sports followed.

Women’s Christian Temperance Union continues to meet at Jubilee Hall, but attendance seems to be low with only 9 at the July meeting.

Burra Institute Committee.

The Finance Committee reports the valuation of the hall: building £3,000, piano £100, lighting plant £200, other contents £1,330, total £4,630. The insurance company is to be asked for a cheaper premium as a result of electric lighting replacing gas. Dr Steele joins the committee. Diggers Quadrille Party charged 17/6 for broken electric globes.

XXXXI, 31, 6 Aug. 1919, page 2

Advt. Mrs T.A. Gregg, late of the Bon Accord Hotel, has taken over the Booborowie Hotel.

Advt. Entertainment at Burra Institute 21 August.

The pupils of Misses E. & N. Milligan and the Boy Scouts.

Proceeds to the Burra Soldiers’ Memorial and Boy Scouts.

Advt. Small shop to let at Aberdeen near the station. S.M. Lane, Kooringa.

Pte Guy Tiddy is due in Melbourne 14 August.

Pte P. Byles is about to return to Australia.

Cpl A.D. McLaren is due in Fremantle 16 August.

Accident. Two motor cycles collided at the intersection of Morehead St and Best Place. Mr Limb of Eyes & Crowle, Adelaide broke a small bone in his leg and Mr R. Bourman was shaken and bruised.

Redruth Methodist Church and Sunday School on 29 July welcomed the return of the soldiers: Cpl Arnold Tiver, Pte Clem Tiver, Driver Bob Bartholomaeus, Bombardier Andrew Bartholomaeus & Pte Cyril Griffiths.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features.

Mrs C. Fuss 8 varieties of marigold.

Major Kenyon has been transferred to Adelaide and leaves in about three weeks.

XXXXI, 31, 6 Aug. 1919, page 3

Thomas Walsh, a man of weak intellect, sparked a search when he went missing between Glenora & Murkaby Stations last week. He turned up unharmed.

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:

Kooringa 2.1 5.7 9.14 11.20 (86)

Hallett 3.0 4.0 4.0 6.0 (36)

Aberdeen 10.24 (84) defeated Mt Bryan 1.1 (7) – details next week.

Peace Day, Farrell’s Flat, 19 July.

At 2.30 there was a procession from the Institute to the sports ground. A football match saw Single Men 5.4 defeat Married Men 4.7. Children’s sports followed. Peace Medals were distributed and tea followed at the Institute. A dance at 8 p.m. concluded the celebrations.

Obituary. H.P. Berg, late proprietor of the Hanson Hotel [Farrell’s Flat] has died. He was born at Arendal in Norway in 1879 and went to sea at an early age. He was later master of the tugs Ajex, The Fox and Whelps. In the Boer War he joined the Scottish Horse and then migrated to SA where he worked on the tug Wato before joining the Government Deepening Department for nine years. He then took over the Hanson Hotel from J.J. Bartlett. He was president of the local coursing club. He died from bronchitis and pneumonia. [Hans Petter Berg died 11 July 1919 at Farrell’s Flat aged 41.]

RSL. A special meeting has decided to withdraw the RSL’s own Memorial Hall Scheme and to support the monument.

RSL, AGM.

About 50 members attended the first AGM on Saturday. K.C. Sandland Senior Vice-President took the chair. The state executive was represented by three members.

Dr Steele was elected President and Vice-Presidents were S.M. Lane & Messrs Swift and C. Jones.

Mr Fearby outlined plans for the election of a state executive and said the League had grown from 2,747 members in 1 January 1918 to c. 13,000 on 30 June 1919, or 92% of all returned soldiers.

The Burra Branch had 140 members and in the past year income had been £525-8-6 and expenses £393. There was £221 in hand, but, said Mr Broderick, a problem loomed. Much of the income in the first year came from donations and this would not continue. Subscriptions were only £40 and £100 had been spent in salaries. Business methods would need to be employed.

Mr Sandland said this attack was unwarranted and no money had been squandered.

Mr Lane said he didn’t think Mr Broderick’s remarks were intended as an attack, but merely raised the question whether it was possible to continue with subscriptions only.

Mr Carter said Mr Broderick obviously thought they could not afford a paid secretary

Mr Broderick said he was not criticising the secretary or the executive, but they must try to arrange finances so ordinary expenditure was met from ordinary revenue.

Miss Dorothy Hawkes was presented with a certificate of appreciation for work done for the branch.

The Secretary’s report reveals expenses for the year of £90 for salaries and £11-10-0 for expenses. Cash donations were £65 and furniture donations worth £168. £27 for repairs was paid by the building’s owners, representing the first year’s rent.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

On 23 July the Ladies’ band etc. welcomed Pte H. West and Pte [W.J.] Quinn.

On 24 July the Ladies’ band etc. welcomed Bombardier Andrew Bartholomaeus, who was among the youngest to enlist.

A Letter complains that the report of the social for Driver Robert Honan on 23 July omitted to mention Sgt Hillary Talbot MM, who was also there. [Walter Hillary Talbot]

XXXXI, 31, 6 Aug. 1919, page 4

Hallett welcomes returned soldiers.

The following have all been accorded socials over a period of some months: Pte Jack Lewis, Pte Arthur K. Statton, Oliver Faggotter, Pte Dominic Duggan, Air Mechanic Fred Pohlner, Pte Lance Craig, Pte Finlay & Pte Noel Tiver. All received a welcome home gold medal.

Mt Bryan has recently welcomed home Pte Mat Griffen.

Baldina has welcomed Pte W. Spackman.

XXXXI, 32, 13 Aug. 1919, page 2

Advt. Tom Harrap opens tea & luncheon rooms next to the Savings Bank in Kooringa.

Notice. Joseph Flower will not be responsible for debts contracted by his wife or anyone else without his written authority from 6 August 1919.

Notice of intent to have the ‘Burra Burra Sports Association’ incorporated.

The trustees of the Association are then listed as:

John Robert Barker of Baldina Station

James Henry Gallagher of Aberdeen

Ludwig Wilhelm Gebhardt of Mokota, Mt Bryan

Albert George Gottlieb Gebhardt of Mackerode, near Burra

Thomas Sandland of Koo-owie, near Burra

John Tennant of Princess Royal, near Burra

John Lewis MLC of Adelaide.

Copperhouse welcomed the return of Trooper James Nourse, Pte Harold Lomman & Driver Norman Ford on 6 August.

Arbor Day was held at Burra School last Friday. 30 trees were added to those planted last year.

The Aurora Australis played for about 15 minutes on Monday about 7 p.m. There was a more striking display about 10 years ago.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mrs W. Stockman, Shafton Sweet peas

Obituary. Mrs Catherine McNamara of Hanson died 9 August at the residence of her daughter Mrs P.H. Brennan of Adelaide. She was born in Co. Kilkenny in Ireland in 1832 as Miss Stanley and arrived in Australia in 1854. She married James McNamara in 1858 at Gumeracha and later they moved to Manoora before coming to Hanson. Her husband died 18 years ago and she has lived with her daughter for the last five years. Six sons and two daughters survive: Messrs John (Burra), Laurence (Pt Pirie), Michael (Adelaide), James (Broken Hill) & Thomas (Hanson) & Mesdames P.R. Brennan (Adelaide) & E.H. Schapel (Huddleston). There are 26 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. [Born Catherine Stanley and died aged 87.]

Due in Melbourne 15 August are: Pte R.W. Motherall, Pte Roy Lloyd, Harry Dearlove & Archie Dearlove.

Pte A.D. Roy Voumard is due in Australia 22 August.

Driver Harold L. Pearse arrived in Burra Sunday 10 August.

Cr Radford has been made a JP.

Golden Wedding. The 50th anniversary of the wedding of Mr & Mrs J.D. Jordan of Ashfield, Sydney was celebrated on 29 July. Mrs Jordan is the 2nd daughter of the late William Pearce, tailor of Burra and married Mr Jordan in Kooringa in 1869, where he carried on a watchmaking & jewellery business. Seven sons and three daughters were born in Burra. The family later went to Broken Hill where Messrs Jack & Clarrie and Miss A. died. The eldest son was the late W. Edgar Jordan of Burra. Misses Gert. & Ruby live with their parents, Arthur in Gawler, Ernest in Broken Hill, Albert in Adelaide and Reginald in Perth.

Signaller Storr & Pte Hasel Fuss are due at Outer Harbour 15 August.

Pte Roy Henderson is due in Melbourne 24 August.

Trooper Gar. Burns is due at Adelaide 16 August.

Gunner F.L. Phillips left England for Australia 25 July.

Ambrose Edwards of Mt Bryan was 72 on 26 July. He was born at Woodville, but grew up at Murray Bridge. He came to Mt Bryan as an adult and in 1880 married his cousin Miss M.A. Ind. He at one time carried stores from Burra to outlying stations and when the railway progressed he took up farming. There are three sons and six daughters: Herbert (Booborowie), Horace & Hedley (Mt Bryan), Mesdames G. Goodridge (Mt Bryan), L.J. Price (Renmark), W.J. Noble (Auburn), F.B. Price (Erskine), C.J. Miller & Miss Edwards (Mt Bryan).

Football. At Mt Bryan 2 August: Aberdeen 11.18 (84) defeated Mt Bryan 1.2 (8).

At Mt Bryan last Saturday Kooringa 9.17 (71) defeated Mt Bryan 4.6 (30).

The Aberdeen/Hallett match was called off due to the present train arrangements.

XXXXI, 32, 13 Aug. 1919, page 3

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

Last Thursday the Ladies’ band etc. were at the station to welcome the O’Brien brothers of Aberdeen.

[We have not been able to further identify these brothers.]

On Friday the Ladies’ band etc. turned out for Pte Harry Webster.

On Monday it was the turn of Will Davey & Trooper Jack Turner to be welcomed.

Buttons will be sold on 22 August to aid the appeal for a Memorial Hall for ‘State Boys’ who enlisted.

[That is wards of the State, 286 of whom enlisted and of whom 44 paid the supreme sacrifice. Three won the MM and 1 a DCM and was twice mentioned in despatches.]

A photo has been received of L-Cpl Alan Bertram.

Burra Rifle Club. Best results on Saturday: Bert Sugars 91 and O.G. Walker 89.

Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial.

The Peace Day Committee meeting revealed that the day had raised £1,690 with expenses of £112 for a nett balance of £1,577 towards the cost of the memorial in Market Square.

The mayor said several districts had decided to erect their own memorials and so could not, as districts, join in schemes for a central one, but now as the greater part of the sum had been raised Mr Crewes thought they should again be asked to join an executive to call for designs and prices. It was everyone’s desire to include the name of every boy who had fallen and who had enlisted from Burra or the district.

A meeting of delegates from the various DCs will be called. Burra Town will be represented by the Mayor and Mr Winnall, with Mr G.E. Dane as a non-voting delegate ex officio. [Ex officio for what office is not stated, but he was the Hon. Sec. of the Burra & District Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Fund.] In 1915 the Town Council formed itself into a Memorial Committee and collected c. £35. The Council will be approached to merge the two committees.

Pte W. Spackman was welcomed to Black Springs on 6 August.

RSL 1st Annual Dinner was held on 2 August at the Burra Hotel. The speeches etc. are reported in c. 11⁄2 columns.

Redruth Local Court, 5 August.

John Charles O’Dea of Booborowie was fined 40/- + £3 costs for assaulting Felix Jeremiah Kilderry and further fined 40/- + £2-2-0 costs for assaulting Mary Margaret Kilderry.

Hallett Welcome Social for Pte Noel Tiver, Lance Craig & Peter Finlay (former POW for two years). Each was presented with a gold medal.

Mt Bryan Welcome Social for Pte Noel Tiver was held on 2 August. Major Hosking gave an interesting talk on the work of the army. A gold welcome home medal was presented.

XXXXI, 33, 20 Aug. 1919, page 2

Advt. Dr Ashton calls tenders for the purchase of the property known as ‘Heathmount’, formerly the residence of Mr T. Sandland.

Notice. There will be an Extraordinary Meeting of the West Burra Copper Mining Co. at the Burra Institute 5 August to consider the Directors’ proposal to wind up the company voluntarily.

Obituary. Julia Turner aged 59, wife of William Turner died 12 August at Black Springs.

[Born Julia Oram 23 December 1859 Dry Hill District of Burra.]

Marriage. On 2 July.

Caroline Elizabeth Work, eldest daughter of Mr T. Work of ‘Palace Creek’, Booborowie married

William J. Pryde, eldest son of the late William Pryde.

Recent Burra Visitors have included:

Lieut. Ian Macendoe [i.e. Macindoe]

Lieut. ‘Paddy’ Lackman [R.H. Lackman.]

Sgt Hogg

Gunner Frank Sangster

Pte Arthur Ockenden

Obituary. H.R. (Bert) Tolhurst, formerly of the National Bank in Burra, died at Lower Mitcham. After leaving Burra he married Miss Olive Collins of ‘Lucernedale’, Mt Bryan about four years ago. He served with the 11th Field Ambulance, but was invalided home and never regained his health.

[Herbert Roy Tolhurst born 14 October 1891 Hindmarsh: died 12 August Toorak.]

Mr & Mrs James Isaac have left Burra after 15 years for the city. The Kooringa Methodist Church gave the family a farewell. Miss Ada Isaac will remain in Kooringa.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mrs W. Stockman ‘Trumpet’ lily

Miss Bubb Purple & white violets

Gilbert Gillet Marguerite daisies

Burra Town Council

In future mail will be sorted into private boxes at night in Kooringa, but a second delivery in the town is not considered justified.

G.E. Dane of the Local Repatriation Committee advises that only two returned soldiers require work and one of those is not yet medically fit.

W. Martin jun. & E. Hopkins wrote confessing to the destruction of a cedar tree in Kingston St. The Mayor suggested consideration be postponed to a full meeting of Council.

A water-table to be made against footpaths abutting the premises of Farmers’ Union.

Local Board of Health

The Hospital Board acknowledge receipt of blankets etc.

To be advised their use is allowed, but they remain the property of the Board of Health.

The hospital advises six months notice of the termination of its agreement about the treatment of infectious cases.

Frank Lade writes attacking errors or lies in the speech of Mr A. Black (reported on 18 June) against prohibition.

‘XYZ’ writes about hoodlum behaviour at Copperhouse – painting rot on garden fences and signs on gates.

[The implication is that the offenders are young girls.]

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. is making arrangements for luncheon at the Sheep Dog Trials.

[Numbers attending seem to have fallen somewhat with 17 & 15 at recent meetings.]

XXXXI, 33, 20 Aug. 1919, page 3

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

On Tuesday evening the Ladies’ band etc. welcomed Troopers Roy Allen, Bert James, Harry Seeley & Will Hopkins.

Lieut. Ian Macindoe also arrived on the train and was welcomed.

On Wednesday [13 August?] the Ladies’ band etc. again attended to welcome Pte Din Kelly and Driver Joe Heinrich.

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:

Kooringa 0.5 0.11 0.11 3.13 (31)

Aberdeen 1.1 1.2 3.2 3.3 (21)

Burra Boy Scouts held a dinner in the Scout Room on 14 August to celebrate the 4th anniversary of Scouts in Burra.

XXXXI, 34, 27 Aug. 1919, page 2

Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will sell, 5 September 1919 part allotments 378 & 381 and a small piece adjoining in Quarry and Blyth Streets with comfortable dwelling of six rooms. In the estate of the late R.J.J. Ockenden.

Advt. SA Farmers’ Co-op Union Ltd. The Burra Store opening has been postponed to Wednesday 3 September.

Advt. Captain Greenhalgh’s All-Star Circus and Wild West Show. Kooringa 30 August.

Advt. Bon Accord Hotel is under new management: G.R. Robens, proprietor.

Advt. Burra Brass Band – Sacred Open Air Concert, 3.30 p.m. at Aberdeen, 31 August.

Marriage. At Ironmine Methodist Church, Thursday 21 August.

Miss Gladys Webster married Mr Lawrence L. Williamson.

Kooringa Tennis Club. Met on 19 August and elected:

Patron Mr George Sampson

President Dr D. McDonald Steele

Captain Rev. G.K. Haslam

Vice-Captain Miss D. Crewes

Secretary Mr W.N. Langsford

Treasurer Mr F. Streicher

Currently there is one earth court near the old Bible Christian Church where the Kooringa Methodist Church formerly had two and the Kooringa Club one court. The property passed into George Sampson’s hands and he turned it into a poultry farm for a while. Dispensing with the poultry and hearing the tennis club was to be reformed he placed the property at their disposal at a fair rental. He has now agreed to put down two asphalt courts at his own cost, giving the club three courts, well fenced and in a central location.

The Hon. J. Lewis MLC is expected to return to Adelaide on Friday after a six-month tour round the world. They met Staff-Nurse Dorothy Roach, Mr Lewis’s sister, in England.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

M. Pederson A fine 6 lb 1 oz cabbage.

Pte [R.W.] Motherall arrived home last Tuesday. He is the last of the Hanson boys to return.

Sgt Les Kellaway is due in Australia 5 September.

Horace Hill is due in Adelaide today.

Weather. Some rain has fallen this week: about 58 points.

Accident. Fred Sugars was shaken on Tuesday in front of Elder, Smith’s when his buggy and pair of horses ran into Maurice Collins’s car, which was turning to stop at Elders.

XXXXI, 34, 27 Aug. 1919, page 3

Marriage. Last Tuesday at St Mary’s.

Cpl Bert Burgess, late 11th Light Horse, 3rd son of Mr & Mrs W. Burgess of Mile End married

Grace Gregg, daughter of Mrs & the late T.A. Gregg, late of Aberdeen.

Trooper Will Burgess was best man.

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday, 1st Semi-Final.

Aberdeen 2.7 5.15 7.20 8.24 (72)

Hallett 1.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 (18)

Peace Loan. There is 1⁄3 column on the call to raise £25 million for the welfare of the fighting man in peace. 8 years at 51⁄4%. Burra’s quota is £36,000 and the deadline is 23 September.

Obituary. Mr A. Dixon of Koonoona died aged 39 on Friday last, 22 August from pneumonia. He was a keen lover of sheep dogs and a fearless horseman. He was rejected as a volunteer for the war. He was first married to a daughter of Mr & Mrs James Holmes of Ironmine who died leaving three children: Myrtle, Murray & Lon. He subsequently married a daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Bishop of Hanson who with an infant son survives. [Arthur Dixon born 12 March 1880 Hanson: died 22 August 1919 Koonoona.]

Kooringa Cricket Club met at the Institute on 20 August. Elected were

Patron John Tennant

President J.E.H. Winnall

Captain L. Neagle

Vice-Captain Dr D.M. Steele

Secretary A.J. Evans

The club is calling for the Council to pay half the cost of a new cement pitch at Victoria Park.

The Student & Scout Concert at the Institute last Thursday night is reviewed in 3⁄4 column.

It raised about £36 dor the Scouts and Soldiers’ Memorial.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

On 18 August the Ladies’ band etc. welcomed Bombardier Dunning and Pte Scroop.

On Tuesday 19 August they greeted L-Cpl Roy Lloyd & Ptes Guy Tiddy, A. Sara & Archie Dearlove and Captain Colin Taplin, late of Burra.

On Wednesday 20 August L-Cpl Hasel Fuss was greeted.

On Friday 22 August Pte Bert Griffiths was welcomed home.

On Monday 22 August the Ladies’ band etc. welcomed Sgt A. McLaren, Tpr B. Hill, Tpr G. Burns & Tpr J. Bailey.

Button Day, announced for last Friday was postponed to next Friday.

Cpl R. Hopcraft is due in Melbourne c. 7 September.

XXXXI, 34, 27 Aug. 1919, page 4

Marriage. At ‘Palace Creek’, Booborowie.

Miss Carrie E. Work, eldest daughter of Mr T. Work married

William J. Pryde, eldest son of Mr W. Pryde of Ironmine.

Burra Hospital Board, 12 August.

The required notice terminating the agreement with the Local Board of Health concerning infectious cases referred by them is to be sent to them.

Average number of patients per week in July was 22.

XXXXI, 35, 3 Sep. 1919, page 2

Advt. Captain Greenhalgh’s Circus will be at Booborowie on Friday 5 September.

Advt. Grand Concert in Mt Bryan Hall 11 September. Pupils of Misses E. & N. Milligan.

In aid of Mt Bryan Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial

Advt. Mt Bryan Sheep Dog Trials, 11 & 12 September.

Advt. Burra Show Soc.

Sheep Show & Fair, 9 September.

Sheep Dog Trials, 9 & 10 September.

General Show, Wednesday 22 October.

Advt. Morgan’s Bakery will reopen 5 September.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mrs George Sampson Sweet peas

Mrs Castles, Gum Creek Station Double stocks

Master Bruce Ruthven Wall flowers

Accident. Captain Hammatt of the Salvation Army in Burra & visiting Commandant F. Melksham of the Financial Department Melbourne were hurled onto the road near Koonoona on Friday when the front wheel of their motor-cycle and sidecar came off. The Captain was cut and shaken, but Commandant Melksham was more seriously hurt and is in Burra Hospital. He was stationed in Burra some 20 years ago.

Obituary. Mrs William Reynolds aged 87 died at her residence in Thames St last Thursday, 28 August. She was born 10 January 1832 at Truro in England and arrived in SA with her late husband in June 1859 on the John Jordan. They lived 16 years at Callington, coming to Burra in 1875. Mr Reynolds died about two years ago. There were five daughters and one son: Mesdames T. Kellaway (Kooringa), C.B. Thomas (Adelaide), H. James & the Misses Elizabeth & Eva (Kooringa) & Mr W. Reynolds of Auburn. There are 26 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. [Born Caroline Collins.]

Sgt W.C.F. Rule is due in Australia 7 September.

Miss Lois Jones of Burra High School staff is going to Gladstone. She was a local girl.

Mr Chester Sandland’s car was stolen for a joy ride on Saturday night and seriously damaged, running into a post and tree near the Kooringa Hotel.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. meeting on 28 August took the form of a short entertainment. 45 attended and Mr A. Bertram (late AIF) sang several songs.

Burra Rifle Club. Best scores on Saturday 16 August: H.L. Riggs 96 & O.G. Walker 91.

XXXXI, 35, 3 Sep. 1919, page 3

The Prime Minister in Burra (Mr Hughes)

On 28 August the Prime Minister, Mr Hughes, passed through Burra on the train as he was returning from England. Mr Crewes arranged for the train to stop for 10 minutes so the Prime Minister could be greeted and thanked for his work for the Commonwealth. Returned soldiers lined up, led by Majors Kenyon & Steele and Mr Broderick and Mr Dixon Thompson carried the PM to a lorry outside the gates. The Mayor welcomed the PM and Sir Joseph Cook. Dr Steele spoke for the RSL. The Mayor presented the PM with a framed photo of the Ladies’ band. [The Band was present and played for the occasion.] Mr Hughes responded, especially expressing his gratitude to Australia’s servicemen. Sir Joseph Cook also spoke about the care for Australian War Graves overseas. Mr Hughes asked that the children be given a half-holiday.

[Cook had been PM 1913-14 and Acting PM during Hughes’s long absences overseas.]

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday: 2nd Semi-Final.

Kooringa 0.3 1.17 2.19 6.23 (41)

Mt Bryan 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.3 (9)

Burra & District Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Fund.

The committee met on Thursday evening. Representatives came from the districts except for I.J. Warnes (Mt Bryan) & W.S. Murray (Booborowie) who were unable to consult their respective Councils in time.

It was resolved:

The memorial will take the form of a monument in Market Square, subject to Burra Town Council approval.

The structure will be marble or granite or both, surmounted by a life-sized bronze statue of an Australian Infantryman.

Space will be allotted for the names of fallen soldiers from each of the following districts if so desired: Corporation of Burra, DCs of Burra, Hanson, Mt Bryan, Hallett, Apoinga, & Booborowie. The classification of names will be left to a sub-committee

Applications will be called for competitive designs for a cost not to exceed £2,000 with a prize of £10-10-0 for the approved design. Designs are to be in to the Hon. Sec, Mr Dane by 10 Nov. 1919.

The Burra Corporation’s approval will be sought for a suitable site.

The Editor of The Record will be approached to stimulate contributions by a weekly appeal in the paper’s columns.

Burra Boy Scouts annual social was held on 27 August and concluded with a supper and dance and is reviewed in over 3⁄4 column.

Burra Boy Scouts Annual Report

The Scouts took charge of the cool drinks at the Burra Show for the Sporting & athletic Club and for the RSL and collected 6,585 pennies for Australia Day and took part in all patriotic processions. They were inspected by Brigadier-General Forsythe on Violet Day 1918, Colonel Price Weir on Australia Day 1919 and formed guards of honour for Lieut.-Col Butler & Lieut. Colly on their visits to the town and also for Col. McKay at the last Annual Show. Their annual concerts had been successful. They had made presentations in appreciation of their help to Mr I.J. Warnes & Mr E.C. Sedgman. The annual Christmas camps have been a highlight of the year. The troop has been well represented at the last two rallies in Adelaide. A banquet on the 14 August celebrated their 4th anniversary.

The Wolf Cubs at present number 18.

The Scouts welcomed home from the war Horton Jennison who practically founded the local troop and they were glad to see he had formed a troop at Mt Barker.

The troop bade farewell to Ina Finch who went to Adelaide.

Last September 28 the foundation stone of the new building was laid by Mr E.W. Crewes. This building comprises two large rooms, one 45’ x 20’ for Scouts and one 20’ x 20’ for the Wolf Pack. Mrs Warnes opened the building last February.

Five of the sixteen founding members were present on this occasion and at present there were 20 Scouts and 18 Wolf Cubs.

Willalo Welcome Home Social on 15 August greeted Sgt H. Barbary, Sgt D.I. Kelly, Tpr Roy Earle & Gunner T.D. Phillips.

Mt Bryan East Welcome Home Social on 23 August greeted Pte M. Griffen & Pte J. Jones.

XXXXI, 36, 10 Sep. 1919, page 2

Obituary. Mrs Martin Pederson Jun. (nee Olive M. Wise) died 7 September at Burra Hospital from pneumonia aged 34. She was the fifth daughter of Mr & Mrs John Wise of Prospect, late of Hallett and Kooringa. She married Mr Pederson 11 years ago and leaves a family of seven children, the youngest a week old. [Born Olive Muriel Wise 12 March 1885 Kooringa.]

SA Farmers’ Union Store in Market Square was opened on 3 September. Three directors were present: Messrs Miller, Ferguson & J.M. McDonald. Mr Miller made a short speech and declared the store open at noon. Shareholders were given a sumptuous lunch at the Institute. (For 300.)

Burra Homing Club.

2 August from Riverton, 381⁄4 miles won by R.L. Moore’s blue ch hen at 897 yds/min

10 August from Orroroo, 743⁄4 miles won by A.H. Broad’s blue ch cock at 1,754 yds/min

30 August from Carrieton, 971⁄2 miles won by A.H. Broad’s blue ch cock at 1,560 yds/min

30 August from Riverton, 381⁄4 miles won by R.L. Moore’s blue ch hen at 748 yds/min

Weather. On Saturday morning 6 September there was driving hail, sleet and snow and just before midnight the wind dropped and heavy snow fell. It was several inches deep when morning came. Snow continued to fall and snowmen and snow-fights followed. Views from the hills, especially towards Mt Bryan were magnificent. The fall stopped just before midday. Rain on Sunday afternoon removed the snow, though some remained in sheltered spots on Monday. Rainfall to Tuesday was 1.22” and extended well to the east.

Snow at Mt Bryan. On Sunday 7 September thick snow blanketed the district – heavier by far than the 1917 fall.

A World’s End Welcome Home Social greeted Sapper W.J. Quinn, Driver W. Hempel and Pte R. Trager [Traeger] at Mr & Mrs Phillips’s home. Over 100 guests attended with Mr W.H. McWaters in the chair. A ball and supper followed.

XXXXI, 36, 10 Sep. 1919, page 3

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:

Kooringa 1.0 3.2 3.2 6.5 (41)

Aberdeen 2.2 2.4 2.5 2.5 (17)

Burra Sheep Show & Fair, 9 September.

The aim of breeders in recent years has been for better quality without interfering with the size of the sheep or the robustness of their constitution and their success was on show with exhibits from Koonoona, Koo-owie, North Bungaree, Canowie, Neath Vale, Terowie and Old Koomooloo.

Burra Town Council. Following approaches from the Peace Day Committee the Council resolved:

To hand over the £30 it had in hand from 1915 as a Memorial Committee and to allow the Peace Day Committee to handle the matter.

To inspect the proposed site on 20 September at 10.30.

In response to the Burra Football Association’s concerns about the state of Victoria Park it was decided to inspect it on 20 September at 10 a.m. when the Cricket Club’s concerns will also be considered.

There was debate over a new assessment with Cr McBride desiring an outside evaluator, but finally the old assessment was adopted.

Letters from W. March and E. Hopkins will be referred to the Council solicitor for advice on prosecution. [Concerning the destruction of trees.]

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

R.D. Pascoe 14 lb cauliflower

A. Pohlner 40 lb cauliflower

Miss Trevilyan Violets & pink & purple hyacinths

Mrs H. Earle Linarias & mignonette

Mrs F. H. Collins Pink Stocks

Mrs Alfred Lawn Pansies & geraniums

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band etc. welcomed Pte R. Henderson on Wednesday last and on Friday Lieut. Ross Harris and Cpl ‘Ranji’ Shortridge.

Most of our boys are now home and one of the last functions of the society will be to distribute gold medals to them all. These are being designed by Stevenson Bros. of Adelaide.

XXXXI, 36, 10 Sep. 1919, page 4

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

On 28 August the Ladies’ band played for the brief visit of the Prime Minister.

On 29 August the Ladies’ band etc. welcomed Driver H. Hill & Pte R. Voumard.

On 1 September the Ladies’ band etc. welcomed home Gunner Wiltshire.

XXXXI, 37, 17 Sep. 1919, page 2

Advt. Burra Institute 18 September, ‘Come Inside’ Company: Drama, Comedy & Vaudeville.

Includes the drama The Miser’s Doom

And the comedy The Slavey’s Sacrifice

Advt. Burra Institute 19 September, Daisy Harcourt & the Comedy Costume Company.

Mr M. Norman of the National Bank has been moved to Eudunda. Mr Fletcher comes here from Eudunda.

The Peace Loan closes on 23 September and there is much activity to see targets are met.

Obituary. Mrs Horace C. Collins of Pulpara Station & ‘Wyandra’ Yongala Estate died on Tuesday. She was the youngest daughter of Mrs & the late Mr Josiah Thomas of Adelaide and married Mr H.C. Collins six years ago. She was renowned as a singer and artist and died aged 27 from pneumonia on a visit to Collinsville. [Born Ida Elizabeth Thomas 4 May 1892 Adelaide: died 9 September 1919 Collinsville, residence Terowie.]

The Season. A further 71 points fell this week and prospects for a good season have been much improved.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Chin Young 51⁄2 lb cauliflower

Mrs McLaren 91⁄2 lb cabbage

Bob Fuss (Aberdeen) A freak mushroom, looking like one from above, but 18 from below.

Influenza has returned and has been raging in Burra & District for several weeks. The hospital has averaged 27 patients for each day in August.

XXXXI, 37, 17 Sep. 1919, page 3

Burra Town Council

The matter of prosecuting the tree vandals is still unresolved.

Burra District Council seeks co-operation in destroying Cape Tulips.

Plans and specifications for a 20’ bridge on the cemetery road [Ayers St] are to be obtained with prices for both concrete and stone.

Local Board of Health

31 cases of mild influenza have been reported within the Corporation.

Mr Robert Laidlaw was much missed at the Sheep Dog Trials, as he has moved from the district in the last six months. An outline of his efforts and the dogs he entered from 1905-1917 is given in about 1⁄3 column.

Burra Hospital Board has called for fresh tenders for the installation of electric light.

The Soldiers’ Aid Soc. took over £18 at the Sheep Dog Trials and with a £2 donation from Mr George Gallagher they hope to hand over £20 to the RSL Rooms. £20 has been donated to the Army Nurses Fund.

Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday in the Premiership Match:

Kooringa 2.0 5.3 6.4 6.8 (44)

Aberdeen 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.7 (7)

Burra Cheer-up Society.

Last Tuesday the Ladies’ band etc. welcomed Sgt Leslie Kellaway.

On Tuesday they welcomed Cpl J.H. Beerworth, whose mother lives in Kooringa.

On Thursday the usual crowd was reduced by influenza and only 10 of the band turned up to greet Cpl Reg. Hopcraft, Sgt W.C.F. Rule and their English brides.

Mt Bryan Sheep Dog Trials, 11 & 12 September.

Puppy Stakes: 1st to Thomas White of Melbourne

Open Class: 1st to Thomas White

Maiden Stakes: 1st to Arthur Collins of ‘Lucernedale’

XXXXI, 37, 17 Sep. 1919, page 3

Burra Show Society Prize List for 1919 Show.

XXXXI, 37, 17 Sep. 1919, Supplement

Burra Sheep Dog Trials, 9 & 10 September.

Novice won by F. Collins’s ‘King’.

Maiden Stakes won by K. McDonald’s ‘Britt’.

Puppy Stakes: withdrawn.

Open Finals won by Mr White’s ‘Glossy’.

Burra Sheep show and Fair

A further report adds to last week’s article and reports the speeches at the luncheon.

A Booborowie Welcome Home Social was held on 10 September in a [‘the’?] woolshed for eight soldiers who are not named in this report.

XXXXI, 38, 24 Sep. 1919, page 2

Advt. Forester’s Lodge, Court Unity Diamond Jubilee, 1859-1919.

Picnic on Eight-Hour Day 8 October at World’s End Gorge.

Redruth Methodist Sunday School held a welcome home social at Jubilee Hall 18 September for Cpl Reg. Hopcraft & Farrier W. Rule and their brides and for Driver A.M. Hopcraft & Bombardier A. Dunning.

Pte Lin McBride is due in Adelaide 19 October.

Obituary. Mr G.W. Roberts aged 65 died at the Burra Hospital on 18 September. He was born in England and saw service in the Zulu War. He was single and had no relatives in Australia and lived with Mr & Mrs H. Motherall at Thistlebeds and Hanson for the last 30 years. The cause of death was heart failure. [George Roberts died 17 September 1919 Kooringa, residence Hanson.]

J. Heath, who was in charge of the Kooringa Post Office for 12 months, has been transferred to Kadina. He will be succeeded by Mr Bebee from Jamestown.

Mt Bryan Welcome Home Social on 17 September for Cpl C.C. Bell, Pte L.R. Bell, Pte F. Richards & Pte B. Davis.

Copperhouse Welcome Home Social 17 September for Pte Roy Voumard – the last of the local boys to return.

Marriage. On 13 September at Westbury Methodist Church.

Miss Nellie Nourse married Mr Edward Fisher, both of Copperhouse.

XXXXI, 38, 24 Sep. 1919, page 3

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mrs H. Earle (Booborowie) Linarias

Mrs Archie Boulton Antirrhinums

Miss Betty Walker Pansies

Burra Rifle Club. Best results Saturday: A.L. Kellock 77 & J.E. Pearce 76.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

Despite the influenza epidemic the remnants of the Ladies’ band and others greeted Driver George Elliott at the station on Friday.

A social is planned for 1 October and on 3 October Burra Cheer-up Soc. will run the refreshment stall at the Salvation Army Fair.

Red Cross Annual meeting was on 19 September.

‘Hanson’ writes that on 18 September he was surprised to see a man ‘or overgrown boy’ pass through a fence enclosing a road on both sides of which there was a standing crop of wheat. There was a mob of sheep nearby, but the person did not put up the fence or do anything to protect the crop. He knows there should have been a gate there, but had thought neither man nor boy would be so mean as to destroy a man’s crop, especially when the man was a returned soldier.

[See two subsequent letters: XXXXI, 40, 8 Oct. 1919, page 3 & XXXXI, 41, 15 Oct. 1919, page 3.]

XXXXI, 39, 1 Oct. 1919, page 2

Notice. Peace Loan. Burra Quota £36,000, Amount Raised £17,040, Still Required £18,960.

If not raised by 7 October compulsion will be used.

Advt. Copperhouse Bazaar, Saturday 11 October in aid of Burra Sporting and Athletic Club.

Advt. Salvation Army Self-Denial Victory Fair & Button Day, 3 October.

Advt. Tenders called for the Mt Bryan Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial – supply of stone.

Wanted. A smart boy or youth for Aerated Water Factory. H.E. Pearce, Aberdeen.

Obituary. Henry Tralaggan, husband of Mary Tralaggan aged 78 died 23 September at Redruth.

[Born 13 August 1841 Reedbeds SA: death registered as at Aberdeen.]

Obituary. Audrey Amelia Reynolds, daughter of W.H. & E.A. Reynolds, aged 6 months died at Burra Hospital 29 September from pneumonia [residence Booborowie]. [Born 13 March 1919 Kooringa.]

RSL will hold a social evening in the Burra Institute early in November. The frivolities Concert Party of Peterborough offered to give a concert in aid of the club in November and this was gratefully accepted. The Soldiers’ Aid Soc. will provide the annual dinner for the Returned Soldiers’ Assoc.

Alan Evans, teller at the Bank of Australasia, has been transferred to Pt Pirie. He is replaced by Mr L. Hogg, recently returned from active service. He held the position before volunteering.

Pte Phil. Byles is due in Adelaide 2 October.

Obituary. Mrs Glover, wife of a Booborowie farmer, died on 28 September. She leaves a family of three children. [Born Sabina Hams 12 October 1878 Yongala.]

Football. On Saturday the Burra Association 10.18 (78) defeated Peterborough Returned Soldiers 4.1 (25).

XXXXI, 39, 1 Oct. 1919, page 3

Mr & Mrs I.J. Warnes & family intend to make a trip to America in January.

Fred Wheatley has decided to join his brother in New Zealand.

Burra Cinderella Quadrille Club will hold a masked ball next Monday to end the season.

Burra & District Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial.

Ten applications for particulars have been received in response to the advertisement for a design. The Mayor reported the Council had inspected the site, but the absence of the Overseer (with influenza) meant the exact site could not be determined. The east boundary to be in line with the present fence. The south boundary to be taken back 12-14’. The other fence to form a sort of ‘bull-nose’ in a line with the corner of Lord’s Hotel building. The town Clerk is to draw a plan.

A proposal to have the memorial at the northern end of the enclosure would mean moving the Rotunda to bring it into line. Also it is proposed to flank the memorial with captured German guns, which had been promised. There was also a proposal to enlarge the Rotunda with a verandah.

Obituary of H. Tralaggan.

Mr Henry Tralaggan died 23 September at his home in Redruth. He had been born at the Reedbeds SA 13 August 1841. His father, Frederick Tralaggan, took up land at Mintaro and later in 1869 at Mt Bryan with varying success. For 16 years he was a member of the Mt Bryan DC and was Chairman for several years. He was also a member of the School Board of Advice and an ardent Methodist. He was the founder of the Razorback Chapel, which was dismantled in 1884, after which he attended the Mt Bryan Church, holding every office over the years. He retired to Redruth about ten years ago and became a teacher at the Redruth Methodist Sunday School. He married Miss Mary Montgomery, daughter of Mr & Mrs Sampson Montgomery, in August 1863. There are two sons and three daughters: Fred (Mt Bryan East), Isaac (Mt Bryan), Mrs James Bass (Hallett), Mrs Joseph Causby (Gawler) & Mrs Elliott Bell (Hallett). There are 17 grandchildren.

The Peace Loan has been extended to 7 October. An extra £5 million is needed. Compulsion will be enforced if the quotas are not raised.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mrs Charles Parks Ranunculi

Mrs Walter Pearce Ranunculi

Mrs E.N. Finch Ranunculi

Mrs G.L.K. Roberts Pansies

Miss F. Duldig Geraniums

Mr Moxham at ‘Wahroonga’ Oranges

R. Fuss Pink freesias

Mrs W.J. Parker Lilac

XXXXI, 39, 1 Oct. 1919, page 4

H.P. Shakes, Hon. Sec. of the Repatriation Committee writes with suggestions for a fallen soldiers’ memorial.

A Prohibition Meeting was held in the Institute last Tuesday evening. Rev. G.K. Haslam took the chair and the address was by Rev. F. Lade MA. He contradicted the distorted ‘facts’ presented by Mr Black, the recent anti-prohibition speaker. [The report extends for c. 3⁄4 column.]

XXXXI, 40, 8 Oct. 1919, page 2

Advt. St Joseph’s Church Bazaar 16 & 17 October, with Grand Dance Friday Night.

Advt. Charabanc Trip to Clare Show. Streicher Bros. 6/6 return.

Mr F. Wheatley leaves Burra on Friday to live in New Zealand. He is the last representative of an old Burra Family. Mr Wheatley Sen. Worked for Philip Lane for 40 years and Fred has been in the shop for 27 years and has served overseas for the last four years. For a considerable time he was bandmaster of the local band, here also following his father’s footsteps. At one time when Mr Wheatley Sen. Was bandmaster six of his sons were in the band.

Mr Reed, teller at the Kooringa National Bank, has been transferred and will be replaced by a son of John McLaren.

Mr I.J. Warnes’s trip will take the family to Japan, USA and on to UK & Europe.

Kooringa Methodist Church Anniversary last Sunday and Monday. Rev. G. Jenkin preached.

Obituary. Mrs Louisa J. James died on Friday 3 October aged 61. She was the daughter of the late William Pearce and a sister of Mr Charles Pearce. She was born in Kooringa in 1858. She married Mr Sampson James in 1884, but he died in 1888. There were three children. A son died in infancy and the Misses Lily & Ethel. She was a staunch member of the Kooringa Methodist Church.

[Born Louisa Jane Pearce 23 April 1858 Kooringa.]

Salvation Army Self Denial Bazaar, in the Barracks last Friday. Mr Crewes introduced Mrs Hawkes to open the Bazaar. Mr & Mrs Hawkes donated £50 each. J.M. McBride donated £100. Takings for the day amounted to £31.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mr Spencer Geraniums

Mrs Glenister Geraniums

Mrs Sampson Geraniums & freesias

Mrs Roberts Double stocks

Mast Jack Drew Double Stocks

Mrs R.H. Bruce Pansies & ivy geraniums

XXXXI, 40, 8 Oct. 1919, page 3

‘True Blue’ writes calling on Hallett Football Club to play a return match at Farrell’s Flat.

Thomas McNamara writes in reply to ‘Hanson’ of 24 September 1919 page 3, concerning the bad behaviour of a returned soldier at Hanson and explaining why behaviour that disadvantaged him was not entirely undeserved. [He says that the returned soldier in question last harvest when carting materials for his fence passed his own crop and deliberately drove through a crop of wheat just coming out in head, for nearly a quarter of a mile that the writer had in shares with T. James (also a returned soldier). This thoroughly destroyed a strip of crop and he has also for the last three months been passing through a road the writer was renting from the DC and leaving it open. With such behaviour he cannot expect better from others.

Tennis. Saturday 4 October: Copperhouse 6-51 defeated Hanson 5-44.

Marriage. At Mt Bryan on 1 October, Cpl Lawrie Bell married Miss Dunning.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Society helped at the Salvation Army Bazaar.

Medals will be presented to all returned soldiers and nurses who enlisted from Burra & the District on 29 October.

Marriage. At Eudunda Methodist Church 2 October.

Miss Gladys M. Severin, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs A.P. Severin married

Lieut. Harry S. Blunt, eldest son of Mr & Mrs E.S. Blunt of Hanson.

Football. At Victoria Park, Saturday.

Kooringa 2.0 4.1 5.2 8.5 (53)

Farrell’s Flat 0.7 0.9 3.12 3.12 (30)

Burra Sporting & Athletic Club

Last Saturday evening the club held a meeting to present wallets to returned men who had not so far received them. Mr J. Gallagher, President, presented the wallets at first, but called on Messrs Clark, Weymouth and Marston to complete the job. Altogether 21 presentations were made. 40 had been provided for, but the others were unable to attend. Mr Clark said that though unable to hold a sports day this year they hoped for a big gathering in 1920.

Cricket. At Aberdeen on Saturday there was a draw: Booborowie 4 for 133 declared & Kooringa 5 for 93.

XXXXI, 40, 8 Oct. 1919, page 4

‘Lucernedale’ Mt Bryan. An article on the sheep breeding achievements at ‘Lucernedale’ by Messrs Arthur & Horace Collins. [Reprinted from the Register & c. 11⁄4 columns.]

XXXXI, 41, 15 Oct. 1919, page 2

Salvation Army. Colonel & Mrs Harris, in charge of South Australia, visited Mt Bryan & Burra last week.

Foresters Lodge, Court Unity celebrated its Diamond Jubilee (1859-1919) on Wednesday with a picnic at World’s End Gorge. 120 attended. Mister Robertson’s lorry, Mr Warnes’s lorry and trailers and Streicher Bros Charabanc conveyed the picnickers. A sports program was organised for younger members. The membership is 260 adults and 70 juniors. Departure for home was at 5 p.m. and Burra was reached at c. 7 p.m.

Driver George Elliott was welcomed by Redruth Methodist Church at Jubilee Hall on Tuesday 7 October.

XXXXI, 41, 15 Oct. 1919, page 3

Harold Escott, who was acquitted in May 1915 of murdering his father at Black Springs, has been charged at Tenterfield NSW with cattle theft. He gave evidence that he enlisted in 1915 and saw service at Gallipoli and in France. He was badly wounded in arms, legs and stomach, underwent seven operations and was shell-shocked, being discharged in April 1918. He became an auctioneer at Tenterfield. He had bought 30 cattle at £6 each, but owing to financial problems couldn’t pay for them. Unable to decide what to do he told Heffernan to take some of Mr Munsie’s cattle and he would fix it up with the latter, but he failed to raise the money when arrested. Dr R.B. North attested to Escott’s shell-shock and that he had a useless arm, which he thought, should be amputated. A 12-month sentence was suspended under the First Offender’s Act, provided restitution of £330-12-6 was made.

Liberal Union. A combined meeting of the men’s & women’s branches was held last Friday with President M. Radford in the chair. A concerted drive is to be made for membership.

Matters of recent concern to the organisation are reported in c. 3⁄4 column.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

Pte Phil. Byles was welcomed by the Ladies’ band etc., ‘which no doubt will shortly disband’.

Kooringa Methodist Church gave a farewell on Monday afternoon to Mrs S. Burns, Miss Melva Burns & Mr Charles Burns. The family had long been a strong supporter of the church. The family is moving to Adelaide. [Details in 2⁄3 column.]

Cricket. At Mt Bryan on Wednesday 8 October, Kooringa 207 defeated Mt Bryan 69.

Influenza. Without giving much by way of details the epidemic is mentioned in various places as continuing to affect sporting fixtures, schools etc. For example Hallett School had been closed when 75% of students had been affected. Deaths do not seem to have been reported and in Burra it was said to be a milder form of the disease, though widespread.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mrs F. Harris Phebeana

Mrs H. Earle Cabbages, sweet peas & linaria

Mrs G.L.K. Roberts (Springbank) Pansies & stocks

Mrs W.H. Edwards (Ironmine) Lilac

Mrs James Reed (‘Wandillah’) Roses

Mrs A. Walker Violas

Miss Rogers Pelargonium

Master Frank Ewins Pelargonium

Miss Geake Pelargonium

Mrs Walter Pearce Sweet peas

Burra Town Council.

Mr Winnall advises that prosecution of the tree destroyers was likely, but not certain to succeed.

It was resolved that the matter would be settled on payment of £2-2-0 each and an apology in the Burra Record.

Three men were making progress on the road for the new bridge on cemetery road. [Ayers St]

Information was obtained that reinforced concrete would be much more expensive [than stone]. It is proposed to build in stone with iron girders. Cr Radford favoured timber girders.

[The decision is unclear – to be built according to specifications, but the price of iron girders is to be obtained.]

Local Board of Health

G.C. Kuchenmeister is granted a licence for a slaughterhouse [at the end of Ayers St].

The Board is in debt to the bank for £113.

‘Hanson’ writes again in reply to Thomas McNamara of the previous week.

He thinks the culprit of the original damage to quarter-mile of crop should be willing to pay for it. He estimates 9 or 10 chains at about a bushel of wheat at a prevailing price of c. 4/-. As for McNamara’s complaint that a returned soldier has been passing through his rented road and leaving it open: if McNamara had placed there a 12ft swung gate as required by the DC instead of two barbed wires to get through then he considers that the offender and his wife would be less inclined to leave the way open.

XXXXI, 42, 22 Oct. 1919, page 2

The Apology demanded by Council from W. March & E.C. Hopkins for the destruction of a cedar tree is printed.

Obituary. Leonard Henry Smelt aged 61 died 17 October at Mt Bryan. He was the husband of Susan Smelt.

He was born at Findon in1858, the son of Charles Smelt, who was a schoolmaster in the old school on Limestone Hill, Kooringa. He spent his early years in Burra and then worked for James Brown of Mintaro before marrying Miss S. Hardeman of Mintaro who survives him. The couple went to Mannanarie where Mr Smelt managed a property for Mr Brown for 20 years. About 12 years ago he moved to a farm at Mt Bryan. He was a trustee of Mt Bryan Church. There were six children and five survive: Messrs H.F. (Gladstone), J.A. (Mt Bryan), & Mesdames G.S. Nourse (Booborowie), Stanley Wardle & Parker Wardle (Mt Bryan). There are 15 grandchildren.

[Born 23 May 1858 Woodville.]

Obituary. Mrs P. Callahan died on 15 October at Burra Hospital aged 66. Mrs Callahan is survived by her husband and son, Mr W. Callahan of Kooringa and a daughter, Mrs S. Swindon (Pt Adelaide).

[Born Sarah Baker 26 Jan 1865 Prospect Village. At marriage registration the surname is Callaghan.]

Obituary. Robert J. Phillips aged 72 collapsed and died on his property at Florieton on 20 October. He was known to have a weak heart. [Residence World’s End. See also obituary XXXXI, 44, 5 Nov. 1919, page 2.]

Sgt H.C. Bald is due in Australia 6 November.

Miss K.C. Bradshaw of the National Bank has been transferred to Adelaide and will be succeeded by Mr Harry Lord of Adelaide.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Miss Wilson Sweet peas

E.J. Harris Sweet Peas

Mrs John Riggs Lilac

Mrs Harry Mann (Baldina) Pelargonium

Miss Sleep Pelargonium

L.L. Wicklein Roses

Mrs F.H. Pledge Roses

Mrs E.J. Lines Roses

Miss Rosewall White stock

Mr J. Drew Cyclamen

Mrs A. Boulton Nasturtiums

Mrs E.N. Finch Kangaroo tails

Mrs W.H. Lomman Kangaroo tails

XXXXI, 42, 22 Oct. 1919, page 3

Accident. William bass and his 10-year-old son were thrown from a milk cart when the horse bolted in Paxton Terrace on Monday. The cart overturned at Lott’s corner. The lad was severely shaken and cut while Mr Bass was unconscious. He is in the Burra Hospital with a fractured skull and is in a critical condition.

Burra Rifle Club. New barrels are now obtainable, which will improve the results. The best results on Saturday were: O.G. Walker 98, A.P. Harris86 & Capt. Riggs 86.

H.H. Hopton writes on Navy Day in Burra. Few attended the meeting last Thursday and business was postponed to 23 October. Mr Hopton stresses the hardships endured by both naval and merchant seamen and urges support for Navy Day.

St Joseph’s Church Bazaar last Thursday & Friday in the Institute was most successful and ended with a well-attended dance.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band etc. welcomed Pte S. Ockenden at the railway station last Friday.

Copperhouse Bazaar, Saturday 11 October in aid of the Burra Sporting & athletic Club, the School children’s Fund and the Copperhouse Tennis Club. The results were £35 nett, of which £20 went to the Sporting & Athletic Club, £10 to the Tennis Club (who organised the bazaar) and £5 to the Children’s Fund.

Rose Pearce writes to thank local collectors and donors for aid given to Missions to Seamen & Minda Home.

Burra Town Council.

The Town Clerk is to write to the Local Government Department for permission to employ non-returned soldiers stone masons on the new bridge – returned soldiers being unavailable.

The Farmers’ Union is allowed to erect 9 posts as tie-up posts at their shop.

Council to buy another fire hydrant and enquire the cost of 500 feet of hose.

Advice that the Mayor & Councillors Greenwood, Dane & Radford and the auditor F. Treloar would retire in December.

Cr McBride sought permission to retire at the same time due to pressure of work. Granted.

Tennis. On Saturday Copperhouse 9-58 defeated Ironmine 8-56.

XXXXI, 42, 22 Oct. 1919, page 4

Redruth Court, 15 October.

Eric Blott was charged with using insulting language in Morehead St on 5 October. He pleaded not guilty. Similar charges against William March and Edwin Hopkins were subsequently withdrawn. The extensive report runs to 11⁄3 columns over a relatively trivial matter, which resulted in the bench finding insufficient evidence to convict, though there was evidence of unseemly behaviour.

XXXXI, 43, 29 Oct. 1919, page 2

Advt. Navy Day, Burra 7 November.

Commander L.S. Bracegirdle DSO, DNO, RN will deliver an address.

Ladies Cheer-up Band, Stalls etc. Grand Concert in the Evening.

Mr Harry Lyons, Australia’s Greatest Ventriloquist

The film England’s Might.

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, Monday 4 November.

Pictures & Vaudeville Program with Fred Williams, King of Comedians.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band lost a member this week when Miss Melva Burns moved to Adelaide with her family.

XXXXI, 43, 29 Oct. 1919, page 3

Charles Burns was given a kitbag by employees of Drew & Crewes Ltd. when he left the firm for Adelaide. Miss Nell Pearce also left the company and was presented with a set of carvers and a sweet dish.

Obituary. William Hopcraft aged 62 of Aberdeen died on 27 October. He was a ganger on the SAR and was found dead alongside his tricycle at the 4-mile crossing north of Burra. He suffered from heart disease. He leaves a grown up family of four sons and a daughter. [Born 4 December 1857 New Glenelg.]

Obituary. William Bass, who was last week seriously injured in a road accident, died on 22 October at Burra Hospital. He was born in Wales on 24 October 1878. The family migrated to Victoria when he was a young lad. From there he went to WA and then Broken Hill. In 1906 he married Elsie Lihou, 3rd daughter of the late Henry Lihou of Kooringa and they came to Burra in 1909. He worked for a time in the ballast quarry and later for the Town Council. He started a milk round about three years ago. He is survived by a widow with five children aged from 12 years to six months.

[William Herbert Victor Bass.]

The Burra Show, Wednesday 22 October.

Ideal weather drew a large crowd. A special train ran from Terowie. The grounds were in perfect condition. Sideshows were numerous. Takings for lunch and afternoon tea by the Soldiers’ Aid Soc. were £118 and the profit will go to Red Cross. Gate takings were £97 – low because by an act of omission no charge was made for vehicles. £37 was taken at the picture show and a dance followed where Mr Broderick was the MC and over £8 was taken.

Agricultural produce was excellent, dairy produce was down in quantity, but of good quality. Poultry had as usual a large showing. Horse entries were very good. Dogs were rather poor and cattle and sheep numbers were low, but of first class quality. Agricultural implement display was one of the largest ever seen in SA. Vegetables and flowers were both of a high standard. Cookery was well patronised. Arts & Industries required much more room than was available and competition in the school class was keen.

Tennis. At Ironmine on Saturday: Ironmine 9-74 defeated Hanson 7-62.

Kooringa 9-72 defeated Aberdeen 8-73

Accidents.

Charles Preiss crushed his leg between his wagon and the railing of Diprose’s Bridge on Friday, breaking his leg and fearfully lacerating the limb.

Frank Pizzo, aged 18 and employed on Koo-owie, was kicked in the head by a horse at Robertstown on Sunday night. Dr Ashton operated to remove a splinter of bone from his brain. His condition remains unconscious and serious.

XXXXI, 43, 29 Oct. 1919, page 4

Show Results.

[Of personal interest:

Vegetables

Chin Young came first in: 3 lettuces, 6 swedes, 6 carrots, green onions, celery & peas. He was second in beans, onions & leeks.

Flowers:

Cut flowers collection A. Fuss 2nd

6 Antirrhinums Chin Young 2nd

3 Antirrhinums Chin Young 2nd

6 Aquilegia C. Fuss 2nd

3 Carnations C. Fuss

3 Nasturtiums R. Fuss 1st

3 Poppies A. Fuss 1st

C. Fuss 2nd

3 Pelargoniums Zonale A. Fuss 1st

R. Fuss 2nd

Pelargonium Regal R. Fuss 1st

Hampton Court Girls 2nd

6 Rose Buds C. Fuss 1st

R. Fuss 2nd

Verbenas C. Fuss 1st

R. Fuss 2nd

3 Pelargoniums in pot A. Fuss 1st

R. Fuss 2nd

1 Pelargonium in pot R. Fuss 1st

1 Asparagus Fern in pot C. Fuss 1st

3 ferns in pot A. Fuss 1st

1 Pot Plant for Table R. Fuss 1st

Note: A. Fuss = August, C. Fuss = Charles & R. Fuss = Bob (Lawrence Robert)]

XXXXI, 44, 5 Nov. 1919, page 2

Tenders are called for a store and manager’s residence at Booborowie for Drew & Crewes.

Obituary. Sarah Callahan, nee Baker aged 56 died 15 October at Kooringa. She was the wife of Patrick Callahan and mother of Annie & Will. [Born Sarah Baker 26 Jan 1865 Prospect Village. At marriage registration the surname is Callaghan.]

Trooper W.H. Bell writes from furlough in Glasgow.

Burra Racing Club is preparing for an improved next meeting with stakes increased to £350, including £100 for the handicap.

XXXXI, 44, 5 Nov. 1919, page 3

Obituary. Robert Phillips of World’s End Creek aged 72 died suddenly on 20 October while attending his sheep at Florieton. He was born in Hampshire 11 March 1847 and migrated to Australia with his parents and two sisters. His mother died six months later when he was aged 9. The family lived at Gawler Hills and then Tothill’s Creek where one sister drowned and the other married Mr James Sherwell and now lives in Victoria. He and his father were carters for the Burra Mine and later to Blinman and The Barrier. In 1876 he tool land at Baldina, which he worked for several years before moving to World’s End Creek. Several years ago he acquired land in the Hundreds of Schomburgk [now Maude] & Stuart where he carried on grazing. In 1880 he married Miss A.P. Hempel of Robertstown who survives with a family of six sons and three daughters: Alfred (Mt Bryan), Lindley & John H. (Schomburgk), Norman H., E.T., & C.F. (World’s End Creek). [Which would appear to total seven sons.] And Misses Mary, A.J. & E.E. & H.C. Phillips of World’s End Creek. [Which would appear to total four daughters.]

Accident. On Saturday Dr Steele was driving back from Farrell’s Flat in a Ford car driven by Roy Bourman when the back of the car caught fire. They tried to put the fire out with dirt, but everything combustible was burnt. The car is owned by Mr A.L. Walker.

Frank Pizzo has recovered consciousness, but remains in a serious condition.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Miss N. Pearce Sweet peas, aquilegias, forget-me-nots & cornflowers

Mrs A. Boulton Tea roses & geraniums

Mrs Clem Pearce Roses

Mrs W. Stockman Double poppies & aquilegias

Mrs Os. Walker Poppies

Mr William Pearce Geum

Mr Pederson 171⁄2 lb cabbage

Percy Pryor Strawberries

Mrs George Sampson Roses

Mr Herbert Cox Roses

Mrs W. Stockman Snake lily

Mrs A.E. Spencer Roses

Burra Town Council

Permission to employ others than soldiers on projects using Commonwealth Gift Money is not allowed under any circumstances. The project will thus be delayed by the unavailability of masons.

Hawke & Co. offer girders at £57.

The Fire Brigade reports only 300 feet of hose not 500 and modifications to the cart are needed. Hose is presently unavailable in Adelaide.

The assessment shows an increase of £500 on 1918.

The mayor announced he would not seek re-election for 1920.

Cr Radford moved a vote of appreciation for the Mayor’s service over the past six years. Cr Dane 2nd.

Carried unanimously.

Cr Dane and Cr Greenwood indicated they would not seek another term, while Cr Radford had not yet decided.

W.E. Truscott of Koomooloo writes urging the Show Society to provide some seats around the ring at the Show.

‘A Parent Who is a Lover of Good Works’ writes in appreciation of the Ladies’ band and suggests they deserve a medal.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The banquet and presentation to returned men was held last Wednesday in the Institute, sponsored by the Burra Cheer-up Society for the returned men of the town and district. The Society, which will soon disband, decided to present each soldier, sailor and nurse who enlisted from Burra & District with a gold medal and to do so at a banquet for the returned men and nurses, their wives, parents, or next of kin and all returned men living in or visiting the district along with the officers of other patriotic societies and the Chairmen of the various District Councils. Over 700 invitations went out and nearly 400 attended. The hall was artistically decorated and all was a great success. More than one sitting was required and guests waited outside under the trees on seating which was supplied. The medal presentation began at 8 p.m.

The Cheer-up Ladies’ band provided the music and Mr Crewes said they would not disband till the last boy came home. Over 200 medals were distributed.

[Details of speeches etc. in 13⁄4 columns.]

XXXXI, 44, 5 Nov. 1919, page 4

Cricket. On Saturday Kooringa 3 for 142 defeated Thomas & Co. Mill 135.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. The nett proceeds from Show Day luncheon etc. will be c. £100, which will go to the Red Cross Produce Depot.

Tennis. 25 October: Copperhouse 11-78 defeated Mt Bryan 6-69.

Miss Advienne Ray’s Concert Co. appeared in Burra on 20 & 21 October and gave one of the best concerts in Burra for some time.

XXXXI, 45, 12 Nov. 1919, page 2

Advt. Harry Kaigh Eustice FZS, FIL, Famous African Explorer & Big Game Hunter

Will lecture and show over 14,000 feet of film of unknown Africa.

Burra Institute Friday 14 November.

Cpl E. Hilmer late 40th Battalion AIF will open a tailoring establishment next to the Commercial Hotel Kooringa on 24 November.

Obituary. The youngest son of Mr & Mrs Max Morton aged 14 months died when he drowned in a tank in the back yard on Wednesday morning. [Clarence Howard Morton born 20 September 1917 Redruth: died 5 November 1919 Aberdeen.]

Obituary. Mrs C.S. Ware of Rundle St Adelaide died on Saturday of pneumonia. She was sister to Mr Charles Parks and was born in Burra in 1861, the third daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Thomas Parks. There are three sons and three daughters and also three brothers: Thomas & Charles Parks (Kooringa) & George (Pt Pirie) and three sisters: Mrs C. Dyer, Mrs H. Goldsworthy & Mrs A. Bennets (Adelaide). The late Mrs R. Pascoe of Kooringa was also a sister.

[Born Catherine Jane Parks 3 April 1861 Kooringa: died 8 November 1919 Adelaide.]

XXXXI, 45, 12 Nov. 1919, page 3

Farrell’s Flat Horse Show was held on Thursday 30 November [sic: obviously an error for 30 October.] It is reported in 1⁄2 column.

Burra Racing Club held its annual meeting on Friday. The course had been improved at a cost of £81. Elected were

Patron: Hon. John Lewis

President J.H. Gallagher

Vice-President A. Scott Martin

31 January 1920 has been applied for as a date for the next race meeting, with the main race to carry prize money of £100.

Mt Bryan Sports in aid of the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hall on 8 November seem to have raised c. £100.

Burra Rifle Club, Best scores on Saturday: A.P. Harris 91 & C.W. Pearce 86.

The Mayoralty. A deputation has asked Mr S.M. Lane to stand for Mayor and he has agreed to do so.

Cricket. At Terowie on Saturday Terowie 6 for 204 defeated Kooringa 127.

Navy Day in Burra was held on 7 November.

The Navy was represented by Captain C.J. Clare CMG, RAN accompanied by Major B. Connor and Mr J. Lawrence of the Pt Adelaide Seamen’s Mission. A demonstration was held at 3 p.m. in Market Square. The addresses were to have been from a platform at the decorated rotunda, but the extreme heat drove them to a trolly drawn up in the shade of the shop verandahs. The Cheer-up Ladies’ band provided music. Some had asked why a further patriotic effort now, after the war was over. Captain Clare said the Navy had made the transport of the men in khaki easy and at the cost of hundreds of lives kept the seas clear. The merchant service had lost 2,500 ships and 15,000 sailors. Figures for the Navy had yet to be published. Mr Crewes thanked J.M. McBride for attending. He had rung him and asked him to do what he could to help the noble cause. A model of The Rose of Lee was auctioned under the bugler system and was obtained by Mr McBride whose bid was £200 of the £236 raised.

A 21⁄2 ft-long model of Captain H. Butler’s aeroplane was then auctioned and went to N.H. Pearse with a bid of £16. Afternoon tea was presented, buttons sold and a concert held in the evening. In all £332-0-3 was raised.

Tennis. On Saturday: Aberdeen 5-38 defeated Farrell’s Flat 3-32.

XXXXI, 45, 12 Nov. 1919, page 4

Burra Boy Scouts left on 27 September to attend the 3rd annual rally in Adelaide. 32 scouts attended and were billeted with city scouts. Various visits were arranged on Tuesday. They went to the Register building to see the printing of a newspaper and to the Post Office tower for a view of the city and were shown over Charles Moore’s. [Department store in Victoria Square, now a court building.] On Wednesday the scouts generally went to Brighton, but Burra scouts had an invitation to the Missions to Seamen at Pt Adelaide where they inspected the docks and the SAFU wool stores and saw the dumping and pressing of wool. After a sumptuous lunch at the Mission they crossed the river by ferry to the Naval Station and then went by train to Outer harbour where they inspected two of the large vessels moored there: the Fredrickshrue & Ulysses.

On Thursday there was a trip on the tug Conqueror and on Friday a trip to Belair. On Saturday there was the march through the city followed by the inspection by the Governor at Adelaide Oval and a church parade on Sunday at St Peter’s Cathedral ended the program. The boys returned to Burra on Monday.

Isabel Grant of Auburn writes campaigning against the taxes and duties on babies’ food.

Rose Pearce writes as Hon. Sec. Missions to Seamen, thanking all who made Navy Day a success.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

On 28 October the Ladies’ band etc. welcomed home Air-mechanic Charlie Ockenden & Pte Lindsay McBride.

XXXXI, 46, 19 Nov. 1919, page 2

Advt. The Lord Bishop of Adelaide will conduct services:

Monday 24 November at: Mt Bryan 3 p.m.

Booborowie 8 p.m.

Tuesday 25 November at: Black Springs 3 p.m.

St Mary’s 8 p.m.

Accident. Thomas Prior, working for F.H. Collins of Booborowie, broke his thigh when thrown from a horse on Friday and was not found for 12 hours. [See XXXXI, 50, 17 Dec. 1919, page 3.]

Obituary. Miss Elizabeth Peak, eldest daughter of the late James Peak of Crossroads and Mrs Peak of Kooringa, died suddenly on 15 November of heart disease. She is survived by her mother and four brothers: John (Hanson), James & Will (Crossroads & Thomas (Kooringa). [Aged 60.]

Obituary. Mrs James Phillips age 88 died at her residence in Kooringa on 13 November. A family of six survives: John & William (Victoria), Joseph (Pt Adelaide), Miss M. (Wodonga, Victoria), Miss N. (Kooringa) & Mrs James Boneham (WA). [Born Ellen Mackerell. Registration gives 12 November for death.]

Earth Tremors. Two severe tremors were felt at Leighton about 8 a.m. on Monday.

Weather. There has been useful rain locally and extending to the east. Amounts varied widely from 33 points at Quondong to 2.13” at Faraway Hill.

Copperhouse School & Sunday School held a combined picnic at the Gorge on Wednesday 12 November. Mr I.J. Warnes lent his lorries. Unfortunately it was unseasonably wet. For all that the children enjoyed themselves.

The Salvation Army Self Denial Appeal raised some £473.

Tennis. On Saturday 1 November: Copperhouse 7-56 defeated Hanson 2-38.

Saturday: Aberdeen 10-72 defeated Copperhouse 3-50.

XXXXI, 46, 19 Nov. 1919, page 3

Burra Town Council

The Repatriation Department is still unable to find a returned soldier for work on the bridge.

It was resolved that the Town Clerk make the best arrangement possible and if outside labour is required to pay for it from the general fund.

Local Board of Health

Nurse Woollacott’s licence for a maternity hospital was renewed.

G.C. Kuchenmeister was granted a licence to slaughter great cattle.

Leighton Strawberry Fete last Saturday in aid of Hall Funds raised about £40. [Reported in 3⁄4 column.] [Sum raised corrected to £80, see XXXXI, 49, 10 Dec. 1919, page 2.]

Burra Show Society.

A special meeting was called by President I.J. Warnes. After ten shows Mr Treloar tendered his resignation as secretary and it was reluctantly accepted. He was voted a £10 bonus.

Financially things were not good. Despite a donation of £100 from the President, which had practically paid off the overdraft, it looked like the show would sustain a loss of c. £9 The gate takings were unsatisfactory and the alterations to the toilets that were required should have been half paid for by the Racing Club, but it said it had no funds.

The President was disgusted at the gate takings (where the failure to charge vehicles lost considerable income) and at the failure of farmers to become members or to take only the cheapest form of membership.

He would like the general and sheep shows to be combined. Having them separate reduced crowds at the sheep show and added costs for preparation. Printing costs seemed excessive.

He was also concerned that some committees were not working well and work devolved upon too few of the members.

Mr Somerville, a leading horse exhibitor suggested a combined show at the end of September.

Mr Warnes was thanked for his work and granted leave of absence for his overseas trip.

Cpl Arthur Winders is said to be doing very well at Bedford Park Military Hospital.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

There was a social to welcome Cpl Norrell James & Vernon Nicholls last Monday. Pte Charles Ockenden also attended.

XXXXI, 46, 19 Nov. 1919, page 4

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band etc. greeted Capt. Newton King & Cpl Norrell James on 5 November at the station. Cpl James was accompanied by his English bride. Capt. King was one of the first 23 boys to enlist.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. continues to meet to raise funds etc. for Military Hospitals.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mrs Walter Pearce Poppies & delphiniums

Black Springs school children Geraniums

Mrs S. Craig (Willalo) Cactus blooms

Mrs Williams (Paxton Square) Cactus blooms

Miss Dodd Red carnations

XXXXI, 47, 26 Nov. 1919, page 2

Advt. St Mary’s Conversazione at Burra Institute, Friday 5 December.

Advt. Burra Sporting & Athletic Club

New Year’s Day Sports at the Race Course.

Advt. Strawberry Fete in Jubilee Hall 26 November in aid of the Royal Institution for the Blind.

Advt. Red Cross Strawberry Fete in Black Springs Hall, Saturday 6 December.

Advt. Leighton Hall Strawberry Fete, 6 December in aid of Ironmine Sunday School Memorial Room.

Miss Doris Rooney of Kooringa post office was given a farewell on Tuesday before her transfer to Adelaide. She is replaced by Miss Hitchcox from Adelaide.

Mr I.J. Warnes left on Monday for Sydney to board the SS Nikko Maru en route to Japan. The family preceded him to Sydney. They will then go on to America, England and Europe.

Mr Frank Pizzo is making a splendid recovery from his recent severe injury.

Mr T. Pryor is doing as well as can be expected.

[He was Thomas Prior when his broken thigh was reported XXXXI, 46, 19 Nov. 1919, page 2 and see obituary XXXXI, 50, 17 Dec. 1919, page 3.]

Burra Rifle Club. Best results on Saturday: Capt. J.A. Riggs 97, A.P. Harris 94 & M.A. Radford 94.

XXXXI, 47, 26 Nov. 1919, page 3

Hanson welcomed home Lieut. Stanley Bishop MM & Driver Robert Motherall.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

£240 is to be divided among the local returned men who have lost a limb or returned seriously wounded. [See The Mayor’s Report for 1919, XXXXI, 48, 3 Dec. 1919, Supplement, where it is revealed that 12 men each received £20.]

Mr & Mrs I.J. Warnes, who were about to go on a world trip, were accorded a farewell social last Wednesday at Leighton Hall. It took the form of a banquet and in just over 2 columns there are reports of speeches by Messrs Winnall, McLaren, W. Cock, J.Q. Hogan, J. Gallagher, J. Drew, L. Foote, S.M. Lane, Ruthven, E.W. Crewes, Wade & Cr Radford.

Mr Warnes’s reply gives something of his life story and more of his philosophy.

He said he had wanted to go in 1914, but the war had prevented him. Now he either had to give up work, or take a long break. He had lost energy and drive. Up to then whatever he undertook ‘he always made it his business to be boss.’ The first money he earned was 37/6 from his father for shooting kangaroos. His father paid him no wages till he was 21 and then £1 plus clothes and food and an occasional holiday. He recalled going to into Burra and returning without spending virtually anything because there was nothing he saw that he wanted. Even now he would pay anything for what he wanted, but would not buy any article, however cheap, if he did not have a use for it. As a youth he had an ambition to have £1,000 and be married by 30. He was left something and married at 28. He said he would be happy when he shore 20,000 sheep or got 4,000 bales of wool. Today he shore 40,000 sheep. He had succeeded in improving wool yield. He was fighting the battle of his life [to be re-energised and given purpose]. When he went to Adelaide first he was green, but he believed he had done some good as a representative of the pastoralists. He had seen the Board of the Pastoralists’ Association change to young energetic men and their financial position improve vastly to a credit they called ‘Warnes’ money’. There were times when he needed money – last year he had an overdraft of £20,000, but he had the confidence and trust of those with whom he dealt. With the exception of a few minor accounts he now owed no one anything. He was also quick to cut his losses if a venture failed. He made friends and foes, but bore no malice. He gave hard knocks, but believed a man was better regarded is he said straight out what was on his mind. He had once ridden a bicycle 100 miles to play cricket against Burra, made a duck and enjoyed it. He had enjoyed his life work since. There was still much to be done. He hoped to see the battlefields of France and hoped to be home for next shearing in 8 or 9 months.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mrs Walter Pearce Antirrhinums

Mrs Williams (Paxton Square) Geraniums

Mrs Frank Harris Statice

Mrs A. Boulton Red Cactus

Mr Jack Allen Jun. Lettuce

Tennis. On Saturday: Kooringa 10-81 defeated Aberdeen 7-69.

E.W. Crewes writes setting up a fund to help the widow, Mrs Bass, who has five children under 13 years of age.

‘Sufferer’ writes calling for the situation at the Burra Hospital to be remedied so that both the doctors can send patients there and treat them.

Caterpillar Traction.

There is a report on A.J. & P.A. McBride’s 45 H.P. Caterpillar and four 5-ton wagons, which have been placed in use on their Yardea Station, under the supervision of F.C. Custance.

They left fully loaded from Torrensville at 6 a.m. 3 November loaded with 16 tons. They made 25 miles a day to Pt Augusta. Horrocks Pass was negotiated in top gear and the speed of 21⁄2 m.p.h. was unvarying. The cost was 41⁄3d per ton mile or about 1⁄3 normal cartage costs. After Pt Augusta they travelled via Yorky’s Crossing and soft sand and clay were no obstacles.

Women’s Christian Temperance Union continues to meet in Jubilee Hall.

XXXXI, 48, 3 Dec. 1919, page 2

Advt. Music at Burra Institute 10 December: The Institute Classes & Adelaide’s Best Talent.

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures on Saturday: The Sentimental Bloke.

Advt. Burra Brass Band at the Rotunda, Sunday 7 December 8.30 p.m.

Bass Relief Fund Concert.

Advt. Aberdeen Smithy. W.C.F. Rule, (Late AIF) & P. Rule have taken over their father’s business (W. Rule).

Returning on the Nestor and due very shortly are: Sgt Augie Wahlert & Pte Gordon J. Torr, (who was on the staff of Kooringa Bank of Australasia) and Staff-Nurse Dorothy Roach.

Obituary. Albert O. Allen died at Burra Hospital on 29 November aged 28 of complications following appendicitis. He was the seventh son of Mr & Mrs A. Allen Sen. of Aberdeen and was born in Aberdeen in 1891. He was one of Aberdeen’s best footballers. About 12 months ago he married Ivy Rogers, the only daughter of Mrs E. Rogers of Leighton. He worked at the Government Quarry in Aberdeen. [Albert Oscar Allen born 16 September 1890 Redruth.]

Earth Tremors have shaken Booborowie in the last week – at least six minor shakes each day.

A.J. McBride writes offering to explain the hospital situation to ‘Sufferer’ if that person will sign his name.

XXXXI, 48, 3 Dec. 1919, Supplement

Mayor’s Report 1919.

The year thankfully saw the signing of the Peace on 19 July, which was duly celebrated in Burra and District.

Agriculture this year is looking quite good with a reasonable yield and good prices. Pastoralists continue to do well.

The seaside trip was abandoned at the last minute on account of the influenza outbreak.

Anzac day was commemorated on 25 April.

The League of Loyal Women closed their tea rooms in February, having realised over £100 for Trench Comforts. The League continues other activities.

Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ band has been active at all patriotic efforts and greeted hundreds of soldiers as they returned home.

Violet Day on 4 July was held in excellent weather to honour the fallen with a service at 3 p.m.

About £300 was raised.

Burra Red Cross Soc. from June 1915 to June 1919 has raised £2,043-5-4 and still meets to give aid to various hospitals.

Red Triangle Day in May raised c. £56 for the YMCA.

Boy Scouts have continued to be active in patriotic work. On 1 February the Boys’ Hall was opened by the Mayor and the Bazaar was opened by Mrs I.J. Warnes – proceeds were £46.

Navy Day was held for the third time in Burra on 5 November and about £350 was raised.

Burra Sporting & Athletic Club has continued to present a wallet with £5 to every local returned boy.

Burra Show on 22 October saw another record attendance and many felt it was the best ever.

Burra Cheer-up Society has been particularly active in welcoming returning soldiers both at the station and with socials and last month organised a banquet for them all at the Institute when a gold medal was presented to each as a small token for services rendered.

Last Monday it was decided to present £20 cash to each of 12 returned men who had lost a limb or been grievously wounded.

The Soldiers’ Aid Soc. has taken a very active part in all patriotic efforts and directs its attention especially to the needs of sick and wounded men.

Peace day on 19 July was celebrated in Burra with a grand procession and demonstration at Victoria Park where sports were held for the children and an appeal was made for funds for the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial. The children filed past to make their donations and to receive a Peace Medal. The total amount raised that day was c. £1,800.

A Peace Thanksgiving Service that was held on 6 July at the Institute was packed, many people standing.

The general account began the year in credit £17-17-7 and ends in debit £55-0-6. Though some accounts are yet to be paid to affect the ward balances, all their accounts are in credit.

Parklands account has spent money on trees etc. and went from £7-19-10 in credit to £39-18-7 in credit for the year.

The cemetery has had necessary repairs done and is in good order. Its account began in credit £122-16-8 and ends in credit £144-7-10.

The Main Road Grant of £340, which is insufficient to adequately maintain them to a good standard, is presently in credit £82, but this will vanish by the end of the year.

Tar-paving has been improved during the year and the expenses are justified by the results.

Local Board of Health.

The outbreak of influenza early in the year saw added expense and the setting up of the Boy Scout’s Hall as a hospital. The disease was soon stamped out, though several deaths resulted from it. This resulted in a debit balance of £128-4-2 after starting the year £7-2-4 in credit. An increase in the health rate may be necessary.

The lighting account began in debit £31-12-6 and ends in debit £33-6-4. More money is needed to maintain even the present poor level of lighting. Arrangements to get electric light from various private providers are proving very satisfactory.

All in all the year has been one of progress with the erection of new houses and other buildings and the renovation of others. The replacement of Dead Man’s Bridge is in hand. The provision of £240 from the Commonwealth has enabled this work (on condition it be done by returned soldiers).

XXXXI, 48, 3 Dec. 1919, page 3

Redruth Methodist Church Welcome Home Social 27 November for Trooper Vernon Nicholls & Trooper Cliff Turner & Cpl N. James & his wife.

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. 70 members went out for a picnic at the Gorge on 11 November. Mr I.J. Warnes lent his lorry and trailer for the occasion. The morning was cool and threatening, but the afternoon proved ideal. At 11 a.m. along the road the National Anthem was sung and two minutes silence observed.

The Annual Ratepayers’ Meeting was held last Monday at the Institute. Mr F. Treloar took the chair and about 35 attended. The Mayor regretted the small turnout. The mayor said that he had promised to do his best to carry out his duties and any failure was not for want of trying. He had been asked to stand again to see the erection of the Soldiers’ Memorial, but had declined to do so. He read his report.

Cr Radford said it was to the Town Clerk’s credit that of £1,000 due in rates only about £8 was outstanding. Generally the financial position was healthy. The health account deficit was the main problem. He referred to hoodlum activity, which all should try to stop. The new public telephone in Aberdeen was an example. People jammed it with buttons etc.

Cr Dane said he had done his best without being anything extraordinary. Much of the surplus in West Ward was due to lack of tar and labour for approved works. The old time feud between North and other Wards seems to have died out and he hoped it would not be revived.

Red Cross met on 21 November and decided that since the need for its work is now over it will go into recess. The members will continue to pay their contributions of 2/6 a year and be ready for action if needed. Funds in hand are thought to be adequate for all needs and the society will continue its handicraft classes and the rest & recreation rooms. Material on hand will be made up and by the year’s end there should be enough clothing on hand for needs. The last meeting is planned for 19 December, unless the society is called on again.

The Bass Relief Fund stands at £19-1-0.

Bombardier Melrose & Sgt H. Bald were given a welcome home to Hallett on Monday 17 November.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Miss Preece Campanula

Mrs Frank Harris A Scarlet lily

Miss F. Motley California poppies

Mrs McLaren Statice

Mr T. P. Goodridge (Gum Ck) 20 lb mangel-wurzel

Soldiers’ Aid Soc. held a strawberry fete for the Royal Institution for the Blind last Wednesday in Jubilee Hall and the Institution will benefit by £50.

XXXXI, 48, 3 Dec. 1919, page 4

Visiting Day at Burra School is reported in 11⁄2 columns.

At the end of 1919 there were 151 boys and 132 girls on the roll with an average attendance of 227 for the year. The Children’s Patriotic Fund was closed last June and final returns showed Burra School contributed £491-16-4 and purchased £115 of War Certificates.

Mr Hitchcox, head teacher, gives a report.

Mr Biddle, head of the High school also reported.

1919 was a poor year for numbers there with only 17 as against 42 at the start on 1918 and at present there were only 11. Of the 42 in January 1918, 26 were starting their first year and of these 7 removed from the district, 12 left at the end of the year and 7 are at school. Of those who left most had just reached 14. They have missed a golden opportunity to obtain a sound education. As a consequence Miss Jones was transferred to Gladstone High where they can maintain an attendance of c. 40. Influenza had also affected attendance this year.

Last year the exams saw several successes: Alma Wicklein, Grace Lloyd & Gordon Forrest gained their Junior Commercial Certificate. Johanna Francis passed in five subjects, but failed in one compulsory one and subsequently passed the short course teachers’ exam. Ian Finch & Cliff Bartholomaeus passed the Junior Public Certificate.

The High School is in a very precarious position and it is not likely to continue unless numbers rise.

XXXXI, 49, 10 Dec. 1919, page 2

Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, 15 December, The lure of the Bush.

Bombardier Andrew R. Bartholomaeus has been mentioned in despatches.

Capt. Harry Butler has taken Miss Doris McBride & Mr Robert McBride up in his aeroplane. Miss McBride is probably the first Burra girl to take such a trip.

Trooper W.H. Bell is due in Adelaide 12 December.

Burra Bowling Green is coming on and will be ready for play about the middle of next January.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

T.P. Goodridge Onions

E.W. North Onions

Mr O.G. Walker The biggest onions.

Major T. Kenyon left Burra on Tuesday for Mt barker where he takes up duties as Area Officer for the Australian Commonwealth Citizen Forces. Before the war he held a similar position in Burra.

Leighton Hall Strawberry Fete raised £80 not £40 as previously reported.

Burra Brass Band Concert at the rotunda in aid of the Bass Relief Fund raised £11-0-6 by collection.

E.J. Davey writes expressing concern that a new Act, The Hospitals Contribution Act, which empowers the Inspector General of Hospitals to order Councils to raise such a rate as he deems necessary to maintain a hospital – without provision for consultation with either Council or ratepayer.

XXXXI, 49, 10 Dec. 1919, page 2-3

Thomas Ashton writes re the hospital situation, where he claims discriminatory treatment in that the other doctor continues to treat private patients at the hospital and charge for it while it was for that that he was banned from it.

XXXXI, 49, 10 Dec. 1919, page 3

RSL Social. The RSL put on a social at the Institute for members of local patriotic societies on Thursday evening in appreciation of the work done to support enlisted men. It was a lovely cool evening, the hall had been lavishly decorated and the seating was equal to the large attendance. Dr Steele announced there would be no speeches [other than his of course] – not even one from Mr Crewes. Mr Crewes has laryngitis and he professionally forbade him to speak. A series of vocal and instrumental items was provided. Tea and coffee and supper followed. Mr Crewes did manage in the end to move the vote of thanks. Dancing to midnight followed.

Ironmine Strawberry Fete last Saturday was a great success. It was to provide funds towards a Memorial Room at Ironmine and it raised over £82, which with other contributions brings the fund to about £152.

Cricket. At Aberdeen on Saturday: Kooringa 1 for 145 defeated Mt Bryan 69.

St Mary’s Conversazione on Friday was an alternative to a bazaar, which falls heavily on the ladies. There was a good spread and an array of useful articles. Strawberries and cream were served. It was to aid church funds.

Tennis. On Saturday 6 December: Aberdeen 13-95 defeated Copperhouse 5-75.

XXXXI, 49, 10 Dec. 1919, page 4

Annual Ratepayers’ Meeting (Continued from last issue.)

Cr McBride said he had not had an entirely pleasant time. He considered a new and higher assessment was needed, but had been overruled and much of the increase of £500 seems to have been on his properties:

Pearce’s Store rose from £46 to £56

Hunt’s rose from £26 to £30

Broderick’s rose from £30 to £35,

While R.D. Pascoe with about the same frontage was unchanged.

Drew & Crewes, despite improvements, only rose from £195 to £200, while Elder’s and Ewins were unaltered. Mr Winnall’s garage rose from £25 to £35. His outside blocks went from £10 to £20 and the slaughterhouse property from £17 to £25.

The mayor elect and Councillors then occupied the platform.

Mr Lane regretted the lack of interest in the Council elections. At 11 a.m. on nomination day there had been no candidates for West Ward. He would do all he could to help the town as Mayor.

Cr Radford thanked the ratepayers for his re-election.

He commented on Cr McBride’s wish for a higher assessment and pointed out that when his assessments rose he had twice appealed against them – this year being the only person to do so. No one who knew the Town Clerk would accuse him of dealing unfairly. He thought electric light the only way out of the lighting problem.

Mr Kellaway thought the workers deserved a shilling a day more.

Mr Ewins said he was ignorant of municipal affairs, but would do his best in his new position.

There was then considerable interchange between Mr Winnall and the Councillors elect and Councillors on the increase in his rates.

All were in favour of tar-paving and keeping up and extending gardens.

Mr Davey defended the assessment and said other assessments had been raised. Farmers’ Union had gone from £50 to £200. He could have raised Mr McBride’s vacant land by 5%, but had only increased it 31⁄2%. There was no appeal except by Mr McBride who perplexingly now said his were not high enough.

All were in favour of tenders for leasing park lands.

XXXXI, 49, 10 Dec. 1919, Supplement.

There was a six column-wide supplement, single-sided, with a 51⁄2 column report on Senator Newland & Hon R. W. Foster in Burra for the Federal Election campaign on Tuesday last week at the Institute.

XXXXI, 50, 17 Dec. 1919, page 2

Advt. Burra Race Meeting, Saturday 7 February 1920.

Obituary. Elijah Thorne Humphrys [of Hanson], husband of May Humphrys died 13 December aged 54 at the residence of Mr W.B. Woollacott [Aberdeen]. [Born 14 October 1865 Stony Gap.]

Mr L. Bayfield, in charge of the Savings Bank for three years, has been transferred to Adelaide and will be succeeded by Mr Maundrill.

Mr R.T. Hitchcox of Burra State School goes to Peterborough, to be succeeded by Mr R. F. Bromley from Murray Bridge. He will be much missed by the Kooringa Methodist Church where he was a Sunday school teacher and local preacher.

Burra & District Horticulture. Present features:

Mrs George Sampson Gladioli, hollyhocks & delphiniums

Burra Brass Band collected £4-4-7 for the Bass Relief Fund at its Sunday Concert at Aberdeen.

Earth Tremors have continued at Leighton, but none has been felt in Burra.

Burra Town Council

The new council met on Monday, the Mayor Mr S.M. Lane presiding.

The overseer and roadmen were granted 1/- a day extra.

The Town Clerk asked for £20 a year more, but it was decided to combine the jobs of Town Clerk & Inspector and offer it to Mr E.J. Davey at £180. His old salary was £100. Mr Wilks, the present inspector was reluctantly given one month’s notice.

XXXXI, 50, 17 Dec. 1919, page 2-3

Institute Choral Classes gave a concert on Wednesday. It aimed to re-establish the musical prestige enjoyed by Burra before the war and the program was of a very high standard and the concert was a great success.

XXXXI, 50, 17 Dec. 1919, page 3

Local Board of Health.

Dr Steele has recommended getting Typhoid Serum and making it available to the public. The doctor is to be allowed to charge his patients a fee for administering the serum and the public is to be advised via advertisement. On bottle of 10cc is to be obtained as a trial.

A.J. McBride writes concerning Dr Ashton’s recent letter about the hospital. He wonders if there is great dissatisfaction. From the number of patients treated over recent months it would seem the management is satisfactory. The average number of patients for some time is quite 30 and before the war it was only 20. It is not true that patients can only be admitted by the Board – they can be admitted by any Qualified Medical Practitioner and have been for years. It is intended to give Dr Ashton the same rights as Dr Steele in admitting patients, so as to give his patients the benefit of hospital treatment. Mc Bride says he told Dr Steele he had no doubt an application from Dr Ashton to become a medical officer on equal terms with Dr Steele would be accepted, but Dr Ashton for reasons best known to himself would not give consent to Dr Steele’s contemplated action in asking for two medical officers. Dr Steele has apparently not made any official request pending Dr Ashton’s consent.

Obituary. Mr Thomas Prior, who recently broke his thigh whilst out riding some four weeks ago, died on 13 December from tetanus aged 40. He was the second son of Mr W.H. Prior of World’s End. He married Miss Cooper of Adelaide who survives with a young son and daughter. Mr W.H. Prior’s third son, Gunner Andrew Prior was k.i.a. in France in 1917. [Thomas Henry Prior born 17 March 1880 Baldina.]

Obituary. Mr E. Thorne Humphrys aged 54 of ‘Maythorn’ Hanson died on 13 December at the residence of his niece Mrs W. Woollacott of tetanus. He was the youngest son of the late Mr & Mrs Jesse Humphrys and a staunch supporter of the Methodist Church. Mrs Humphrys lost a son, Pte Clarence M. Humphrys in the war when he died of wounds. Another son, Clem, and a daughter, Mrs W.H. Ford, survive. [Elijah Thorne Humphrys born 14 October 1865 Stony Gap.]

Bass Relief Fund has reached £55-15-1.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band etc. met and welcomed Pte Terence O’Brien on Saturday. He is the third O’Brien brother to return. It is thought only six or seven more boys are to come.

Burra Rifle Club. Best scores Saturday: F. Riggs 93, J.E. Pearce 87 & A.L. Kellock 87.

Marriage. At Kooringa Methodist Church 10 December.

Miss Lily Alma (Delcie) McWaters, youngest daughter of Mr Thomas & the late Mrs McWaters of Kooringa married

Sydney Melvin Watson, son of Mr & Mrs Watson of Morgan.

XXXXI, 50, 17 Dec. 1919, page 4

Annual Meeting of Ratepayers (Continued)

Medical Officer’s Report

The Corporation is to be congratulated with passing through a year characterised by a severe influenza epidemic with such a low mortality. It was most severe in May when a number of cases of pneumonic type were reported. Many towns were finding isolation hospitals required and it looked like Burra would need one. The Scout Hall was converted for use. Luckily the increase in cases did not occur and the epidemic abated. The hospital was closed after a fortnight had elapsed since the last case was discharged. Later the epidemic returned, but this time, although almost every household was affected the form was milder and there were few pneumonic cases. The Burra Hospital was adequate by using the private wards and one general ward as the influenza hospital and the spread to general wards was controlled with great care. There have been a few cases of diphtheria and measles, but not in epidemic form.

XXXXI, 51, 24 Dec. 1919, page 2

Advt. Boys Scouts Concert Party, Burra Institute 7 January 1920.

I.J. Warnes writes from Townsville, en route to China & Japan.

Mrs Ambrose Harris turns 86 on Christmas Day. She was born at Camborne, Cornwall in 1833 and married in April 1851. A month later they left for SA on the Sultana. They lived in Bowden and Adelaide until coming to Burra in 1856. Mr Harris was a stone-dresser and builder and he died in 1901, three weeks after his golden wedding. Five of twelve children survive: Mrs J.A. Watt (Adelaide), Mrs R.H. Steele (Rose Park), Mrs Charles Parks & Mrs J.E. Greenwood (Kooringa) and Mr J.B. Harris (Kalgoorlie).

Kooringa Methodist Church held a Christmas Carol festival on Sunday afternoon.

Bass Relief Fund has reached £59-7-1.

Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Strawberry Fete was held in the Lecture Hall 16 December. Proceeds of £32-14-7 go to the Sunday school funds.

Burra Boy Scouts. 36 scouts are going to camp this year on Friday next.

XXXXI, 51, 24 Dec. 1919, page 3

Burra Town Council, first meeting of the new Council.

The new Mayor, S.M. Lane and Crs Radford, Kellaway, Broderick & Ewins were welcomed on their election.

Outside employees gained an extra 1/- a day.

The offices of the Town Clerk and Inspector will be combined at £180 p.a.

The Inspector, Mr Wilks was called in and given one month’s notice – a step only taken because of financial necessity.

Glenister & Sama advise the cost of installing two electric lights in Aberdeen would be £29. Consideration was postponed.

Cricket. On Saturday: Kooringa 91 defeated Aberdeen Quarry 79.

Burra State School Annual Concert was held in the Institute on Thursday evening and is reported in 3⁄4 column. The gross takings of £20 would be matched by the Education Department and £40 would pay off the piano and allow other purchases of educational benefit. Mr Hitchcox, who is moving to Peterborough, was presented with a Gladstone bag.

Copperhouse School broke up on 19 December. Elsie Kellaway got a silver medal for not missing a day in the year. Allan Lomman & Isabel Kellaway passed the Qualifying Certificate this year. Allan Lomman is only 11. Miss McCarthy, who has been in charge for three years, now goes to Happy Valley and Miss Jane Crongey comes in her place from Prospect Hill.

Driver Clyde Penglase has been welcomed back at Hallett.

Dr Ashton writes in reply to Mr McBride. He wonders by what magic a doctor has been able to treat and charge private patients at the hospital after the Board of Enquiry had found it illegal. He says he has not fallen in with Dr Steele’s proposal because he abhors anything savouring of cabal or intrigue. He assures the chairman that dissatisfaction certainly exists. He finds it strange they are now happy to have 30 patients when previously they complained it was full at 20. [And he also goes over old ground again.

W.G. Hawkes writes urging some tangible public recognition of the services of Mr Crewes through the long war years.

E.W. Crewes writes acknowledging £3-3-0 from J.M. McBride towards Christmas cheer for the poor.

‘Ratepayer’ writes expressing dismay at the manner in which the Council dealt with an old servant, in dismissing Mr Wilks. What knowledge does Mr Davey have in the important job of inspecting the milk supply and slaughtered cattle? The decision seems hurried and ill-considered.

Burra Cheer-up Soc.

The Ladies’ band etc. attended on Friday last to welcome home Pte Gordon Torr.

XXXXI, 51, 24 Dec. 1919, page 4

Burra Red Cross held its final meeting on Friday 12 December before going into recess and Mrs John Tennant gave a most enjoyable afternoon tea.

Christmas Tree at Leighton.

The annual Christmas tree at Leighton was held on Monday 15 December for the school children and the school report was read to parents. [Details in 3⁄4 column.]

Characteristics of the paper in 1919.

Page 1

Large advertisements in the main and mostly of local origin.

Page 2

A mixture of different sized advertisements, but nearly all are local and particularly concerned with sales, local government and public announcements. The amount of news fluctuates from none to almost half the page.

Page 3

News and a couple of larger advertisements.

Page 4

Some news in fluctuating amounts, but advertisements generally dominate, though some of them look very much like news items at first glance.

The paper in general gives a very good cover of district events throughout the year and in particular traces the lives and deaths of district servicemen and women. Local patriotic efforts are covered in considerable detail.

Numbering of issues in 1919

The year began with Volume XXXXI Number 1 on 8 January 1919.

And continued to Volume XXXXI Number 51 on 24 December 1919.